Challenge Brochure

Action Challenge has been leading inspirational team adventures across the globe for individuals, private groups, charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world’s most exhilarating locations, often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life. About Action Challenge

Since 1999 Action Challenge has been operating unique group challenge events the world over. Our head office in London is staffed by a highly experienced, passionate team focused on developing and delivering inspirational adventures. We operate a host of varied itineraries across all seven continents, from rainforest to desert, mountain to jungle, snow to sea. Our adventures are fantastic group experiences, which can be enjoyed by anyone who is looking for a new challenge. We are proud of the lengths we go to, to bring you memories you will not find elsewhere! The majority of our head office have done one of our challenges, and love nothing more than talking about their experience! So please contact the Action Challenge team directly to ask any questions or discuss your challenge, by contacting us on the details below.

www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695 2 1) 100% ATOL BONDED - DON’T RISK ANYTHING ELSE! Why We are 100% Choose ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Us? Licence) bonded - ATOL number 6296  Offers full financial protection by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) for clients who have booked package trips, including flights

“It is not the mountain we conquer, What’s Not Include2) UK LEADERS OR MEDICS ON butEVERY ourselves”. CHALLENGE  Qualified UK Leaders - we employ great characters, with deep experience, who have a real passion for what they do - offer guidance, support and provide — Sir Edmunddaily briefings Hillary and warm ups  Leaders have great experience running our challenges  Equipped with Satellite Phones  Full medical kits provided by Nomad Travel Health Clinic

3) EXPERIENCED LOCAL TEAM  Local team of guides and crew - extremely experienced with working with Action Challenge groups. Incredibly supportive and great fun!  They know every route like the back of their hands!  They ensure that everything runs like clockwork, from setting up camp, to cooking meals

4) 100% TRANSPARENT ON PRICE  All-inclusive packages with flights or land only and connecting private transfers - we have built up a portfolio of reputable airlines and local ground operators  Best value prices without compromising on quality, comfort, or safety  All known flight taxes at time of booking included in package price  All National Park fees included

5) RESPONSIBLE TOURISM  We work very closely with our local team to ensure fair pay & treatment of all crew.  We’re members of IMEC (The International Mountain Explorer’s Connection), which promotes sustainable tourism  Partners with KGSF (Kilimanjaro Guide Scholarship Fund), providing guides with educational scholarships and better career prospects.

www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695 3 6) BRIEFINGS AND TRAINING WEEKENDS Why Challenge briefingsChoose in central London Us? - find out about life on the challenge and what to Expect, meet the team and ask us any burning questions you may have!  Training weekends in Snowdonia , Brecon Beacons and the District, plus join us on our special Snowdon Night Summit  Training Walks in London, North and South Downs  Test out your kit and your fitness! You might also meet someone going on your challenge!

“It is not the mountain we conquer, What’s Not Include7) OUR CLIENTS AND REPUTATIONbut ourselves”.  Members of the Institute of Fundraising - a code of practice that all reputable companies organising charitable events should adhere to. — Sir Edmund Hillary  15 years experience organising challenge events worldwide, taking over 15,000 individuals on challenges across the globe, with over £50 million raised for over 300 UK charities.  Working with and organising challenges for the UK’s leading charities and major UK companies including Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, DHL, Knight Frank, Harrods, British Gas, Citi Group, Phones 4 U, BlackRock and many more.

8) DISCOUNTS ON KIT, VACCINATIONS & INSURANCE  Save money by hiring your kit from our partner Kit Hire Company Outdoor Hire  Receive up to 15% discount on kit and equipment purchases at leading outdoor retailers.  Discounts on Vaccinations and Insurance.

9) COMFORT  Private airport transfers to your hotel.  Accommodation: Hotels either side of climb  Stay in ’’luxury’ teahouses along the trek  Accommodation in twin-shared basis

10) FOOD & DRINK  3 fresh and well-cooked meals every day - lots of surprise home comforts and great menus!  Celebration dinner at end of trek!  Minimum of 3 litres of purified / clean water a day.  We can cater for all dietary requirements.

www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695 4 Experience one of the world’s classic and most breathtaking treks, staying in the highest standard lodges in the Everest Region. These lodges offer you a comfortable stay in the very best that the Khumbu Region has to offer. This trek visits both Ama Dablam and while passing through Sherpa communities, allowing you to see and experience the Sherpa way of life. At the higher-altitude teahouses, our team will bring extra bedding and comforts, to help ensure that you get a great night's rest.

DAY 1 DEPARTURE We will meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport and check in together before boarding our flight to .

DAY 2 ARRIVE KATHMANDU - MANTHALI On arrival in Kathmandu, we are met at the airport and trans- ferred to our hotel on the outskirts of Manthali where our local flight departs form the following day. At our hotel we have a briefing from our crew., and in the evening we have a welcome meal and relax before the challenge of a lifetime. DAY 3 PHAKDING 2,656m An early transfer to the airport for our exhilarating flight to . Clear skies give views of the Himalayan giants like Ama Dablam, Everest, and . This is a real highlight of any Everest Trek and is something you’ll never forget! On arrival in Lukla we head to Phakding 2,656m which is below us. A winding trail, with both ups and down, gives a wonderful intro- duction to Himalayan Trekking.

DAY 4 NAMCHE BAZAAR 3,449m For our first full trekking day we cross the mighty Dudh Kosi river and continue through forested valleys to enter the Saga- martha National Park. We cross the iconic twin suspension bridges passing high above the raging Dudh Kosi river before beginning one of the biggest ascents of the trip, to Namche Bazar. Half way through this ascent trail, there is the chance for our first view of Everest in the far distance. We arrive for the night at the famous village of Namche Bazaar. www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695 5 DAY 5 TASHINGA 3,449m Today we rise early to climb to the ridge above Namche for a stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu peaks, in the far distance Everest should be visable. We con- tinue to Khunde, where you can see the famous hospital built by Sir Edmund Hillary, a vital part of health care in the region. Continuing from there we will visit the Hillary High School in Khumjung. Trekking through this area of Namche, Khunde and Khumjung gives us real insight into Sherpa life in these incredi- ble himalayan villages. From Khumjung we descend to the main trail and continue to Tashinga, where we will spend the night.

DAY 6 PANGBOCHE 3,875m This morning we trek past the Tengboche Monastery with Ev- erest summit views peering above the Nuptse wall. We de- scend through the Edmund Hillary forest to the banks of the Dudh Khosi. From here we climb to Tengboche whose Bud- dhist Monastery is the most active in the Khumbu Valley and we may be fortunate enough to witness a religious ceremony. Once again we are reminded that this valley is not only a pris- tine wilderness, but that it is also home to the very welcoming , and with that comes the chance to witness cul- ture and way of life. Bhuddism is an important part of that and is clearly seen in Tengboche. In the Afternoon we continue to Pangboche further up the valley the trail winds through rhodo- dendron forest, crosses the Imja Khola and allows us fine views of Ama Dablam. The path then climbs gradually past beautifully carved mani stones to reach the village of Pangbo- che where we should arrive late afternoon.

DAY 7 AMA DABLAM BASE CAMP 4,576m Ama Dablam is known as the Matterhorn of the Himalayas, and is without doubt the most beautiful mountain in the entire Himalaya, some would say even surpassing Everest in terms of awe and wonder. Today we ascend up to the base of this in- credible peak. First we cross the Imja Khola river early and then start on our ascent of the valley and trail to Ama Dab- lam. This is an incredible trek as we leave almost all trekkers behind and visit far less travelled trails. We reach Ama Dablam Basecamp where we have our lunch, taking in the incredible views and celebrate reaching our goal before heading back down the trail and back to Pangboche.

www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695 6 DAY 8 DINGBOCHE 4,343m We continue up the valley, with amazing mountain views, especially of Ama Dablam. A path leads through fields to our accommodation in Dingboche village. Today takes us up into the upper Khumbu valley and as we ascend we notice changes in the terrain and surroundings. There is less vegetation and the environment seems harsher as we ascend into the High Himalaya. The views of the high peaks, now surrounding us, are incredible.

DAY 9 LOBUCHE 4,910m We head up the Chola Khola valley towards the village of Dughla and descend to follow the valley to Lobuche. At one point shortly before Lobuche we pass the site of many prayer flags and memorial stones in honour of those that lost their lives on Everest. It is a beautiful but humbling place. Lobuche is a cold place but has an awesome view of Nuptse particularly when under starlight or lit by a full moon. We will spend the late afternoon and evening in the lodges common room, which is warmed by a stove burning dried yak dung.

DAY 10 EVEREST BASE CAMP 5,332m Today has a real expedition feel to it and sees us leaving Lobuche at dawn. The sun soon reaches the summits of the Himalayan peaks and slowly lights up the valley bottom. We traverse the , climbing towards Gorak Shep, whose name means ‘Graveyard of Crows’, the site for a couple of very basic lodges set amongst breathtaking mountain scenery. We continue at a slow but steady pace on our bid to reach Base Camp along the Khumbu Glacier, on a long and tiring day at altitude. After a little time to take photos and relax, we make our way back down to Gorak Shep where we stay the night.

DAY 11 KALA PATTAR 5,550m Today, for those who are in good shape, it is a slow and steady climb to the summit of . This is a tough trek but an achievement that is rewarded with spectacular views of the mighty Everest and the Khumbu Glacier below. We will leave very early for our ascent up Kalla Pattar, giving us the chance to see the sunrise from the top. Later in the morning we descend to Periche to complete a long but unforgettable day. If a trek to Kala Patthar is not possible due to inclement weather, we descend directly to Periche. www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695

7 DAY 12 DESCEND TO NAMCHE BAZAAR After breakfast this morning, we descend back down from Periche to the colourful village of Namche. Today our legs will be weary, but the views and the feeling of accomplishment will keep our energy levels high. We descend to Pengboche and Tengboche, once again returning and passing through the Sherpa Villages. Arriving in Namche Bazar feels a little like returning to the the bustle of modern life. This is the largest village in the Khumbu Valley, and as such has a market, shops and many restaurants, catering for both locals and trekkers.

DAY 13 DESCEND TO LUKLA Today, we complete the last leg of our challenge together back down to the town of Lukla. It’s a long day but we benefit from warmer temperatures and oxygen rich air! It’s also inter- esting to once again travel past the sights we saw all those days ago at the beginning of our trek. This is the last day of crossing those high suspension bridges! After 8-9 hours of trekking we will eventually pass through the very recognisable archway that marks the entrance into the village of Lukla. We spend the night once again in a very comfortable lodge and have the chance to say goodbye to our local team that have assisted us throughout our incredible challenge.

DAY 14 RETURN TO KATHMANDU This morning, we take a local flight back to Manthali, and transfer back to Kathmandu. Here we enjoy a decent shower and sit down for our last meal together; a celebration of our great achievement and a toast to our new found friends!

DAY 15 DEPARTURE DAY This morning, we will have the opportunity to take in the ancient Durbar Square, a UNESCO world heritage site, crammed full of brightly-coloured stalls laden with Buddhist and Tibetan souvenirs and surrounded by palaces and temples. We can also visit Swayambhu, a large Stupa with stunning views of the city, plenty of monkeys and a great place to eat Momos (a delicious local specialty!). Those who want to take it easy can spend the afternoon wandering around backpacker haven Thamel, or kick back with a book in the beautiful “Garden of Dreams.” This evening we transfer to the airport for our return flight. www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695

8 STEP ONE: Registering for your challenge

First pay a REGISTRATION DEPOSIT. This secures your place, and is non-refundable if you cancel. You will be able to pay this upon completion of your registration form.

STEP TWO: Choosing your funding option

Once you have registered, there are 3 FUNDING OPTIONS for the balance of the trip cost:  Self Funded: You pay the registration deposit, then the full final balance  Charity Minimum Sponsorship: You pay the registration deposit, and fundraise double the final balance  Charity Mixed Funding: A bit of both. You pay 50% of the trip cost (including the registration deposit), and fundraise to cover the other 50%

STEP THREE: Paying your final balance

If you choose the self-funded or mixed-funded, you will have a final balance payment due. You can either:  Pay in full no later than 10 weeks before departure date; Or  Set up a standing order to pay instalments, full balance due no later than 10 weeks before departure

Please note: for all options on our 'flights included' packages, you will also be invoiced for any airline fuel surcharges 12 weeks before departure. See the Fuel Surcharges page on www.himalayaschallenge.com for more information.

For a full price list of all of our trips, please visit www.himalayaschallenge.com

www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695 9 WHAT’S INCLUDED?  Fully supported 16 day group challenge  UK qualified medic  Full support team, including local guides  International flights and air travel taxes  Action Challenge trek leader  Hotels before & after the trek  7 nights Luxury Teahouse accommodation  4 nights Standard Teahouse accommodation with extra bedding  All meals with the group; including breakfast, lunch and dinner  National Park entrance fees  Day in Kathmandu ended with a celebratory dinner  Pre-event support  Discounted UK training weekends  Fitness and training guide  Discounts from UK retailers - Cotswold Outdoor, Trek Hire & more  Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health

FOOD Breakfasts each morning will be at our accommodation/campsite. Lunches will be en route and evening meals will be at our night’s accommodation or in a mess tent at the campsite. Variety in the menu may be limited, but we attempt to offer a mix of typical Nepalese dishes with an international influence. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements in advance.

ACCOMMODATION  2 nights in comfortable hotels  7 nights in ‘luxury’ lodges  4 nights in standard teahouse with extra provisions

All accommodation is on a twin-share, single-sex basis and we will pair you with someone of a similar age, where possible. If you wish to share a room with someone you are travelling with, please specify this on your registration form.

If you decide that you would like to have your own room on the challenge, we can accommodate this in the majority of places.

BESPOKE TRIPS If you are a charity, business, school or private group with a minimum of 10 people and fancy your own bespoke trip, please get in touch with our team.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS If you are planning on travelling to Nepal before the challenge or wish to organise your own flights, we do offer a land-only option, with a significant discount off the trip price. You will be required to meet your group at the hotel on day two of the itinerary.

ITINERARY CHANGES Please note: This trek passes through wilderness areas, and access may be limited as the result of natural occurrences such as flooding or erosion. As such, this itinerary is subject to change and alternative routes & destinations may be offered.

www.himalayaschallenge.com [email protected] 020 7609 6695 10