Everest Base Camp 'In his Father's footsteps'
with Joe Bonington
20 Days - Kathmandu to Kathmandu
Trek Outline::
Following in the footsteps of celebrated mountaineer, Sir Chris Bonington, this outstanding trek to Everest Base Camp is one of the world’s great adventures.
Travelling with his son, Joe Bonington, we are immersed in the beauty of the Khumbu Valley - and its people, the legendary Sherpas. Along the way, we enjoy countless tales of the region with a unique and fascinating insight into the history and achievements of one of the world’s great mountaineering families.
Ever since Hillary and Tenzing first climbed Everest, people have been fascinated by the awesome majesty of this most famous of mountains. Is it just its sheer size? Its hidden dangers? Mountains in all cultures have spiritual and mystical ties and Everest continues to retain its mysticism, while displaying an undercurrent of danger. It ‘allows’ people to climb upon it but may change its mind at any time…
We travel to the foot of Everest (known locally as Chomolungma, Mother Goddess of the world), passing beautiful Sherpa villages and ascending through high Yak grazing pastures until we are surrounded by high walls and peaks of ice, snow and rock that characterise the Solu Khumbu region. We trek onto the Khumbu Glacier and up to the celebrated Base Camp (5330m), the windswept home to those attempting to scale Everest’s icy ridges. The best views are from the other side of the valley and we climb our own peak, Kala Patar (5545m), for stunning views of Everest, The Icefall, Lhotse and Nuptse and the entire length of the Khumbu Glacier and its surrounding peaks.
Throughout the trek, Joe will explain the expedition process, logistics, team dynamics and dangers – peppered with unique anecdotes from his father’s many expeditions.
Joe Bonington - Trek Leader::
Joe Bonington is an experienced trekker and outdoor leader. He has led and been involved in expeditions to Kilimanjaro, Kokoda Trail, and the first ascent of Danga II (6200m) Nepal. In April 2009 he joined his father on a historic journey to Everest Base Camp, re-establishing links with many old friends in the Khumbu region. Closer to home he has also led trips to the extreme outback of the Cockburn Ranges in the Kimberleys. Joe blends his life experiences with his background in Strength and Conditioning and Wilderness Rescue. He has appeared as an outdoors and fitness expert programs such as Today Tonight, Business Breakfast and as the Wilderness Safety Officer and Trek Leader for Channel 9’s CAMP DARE series. He is also Wilderness Rescue and First Aid trained.
Brief Itinerary::
Day 1 - Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner tonight with Joe and other trek participants.
Day 2 - Day at leisure to enjoy sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley. Evening presentation by Joe about his father's Everest Expeditions.
Day 3 - Fly to Lukla and commence trekking towards Phakding.
Day 4 - Continue up the Dudh Kosi valley towards Namche Bazaar.
Day 5-6 - Important acclimatization days in Namche, with short walks to the Sherpa village of Khunde.
Day 7 - Trek to Deboche via the famous Thyangboche Buddhist Monastery. Receive a personal blessing from the Head Lama.
Days 8-11 - Ascend through the Sherpa villages of Dingboche, Pheriche and Lobuche, to our highest camp of the trek at Gorak Shep.
Day 12 - Trek into Everest Base Camp and visit the small Climbers Memorial there.
Day 13 - Ascend Kala Patar, the highest point of the trek (5545m).
Days 14-15 - Trek to Thyanboche and Khumjung.
Day 16 - Visit the home of the legendary Sherpa, Pertemba at Monjo, whom Joe has known since childhood.
Day 17 - To Lukla where we farewell our Sherpas and Crew.
Days 18-19 - Return to Kathmandu with time for further exploration, shopping and sightseeing. Farewell banquet at Dawarikas - one of the most amzing hotels in Asia!
Day 20 - Transfer to airport for onward flights.
Detailed trek itinerary available. Click here to download the brochure for this outstanding trek.
Or we can send a copy by mail if you prefer.
Dates and Prices::
2009 dates: 03 November
2010 dates: 02 March, 13 April, 14 September, 26 October
Price: $AUD3795 per person
Price includes: Services of Joe Bonington as Trek Leader. Arrival and departure transfers; hotel, camping and tea house accommodation (share twin); trekking crew; trek pack including kit bag (yours to keep), sleeping bag and liner, sleeping mat and fibre-filled jacket, park entrance fees, signed copy by Sir Chris Bonington of his famous book ‘Everest The Hard Way’, 44 meals - (see brochure for details). Single supplement available in Kathmandu only - $AUD200.
Not Included: Visa fees, travel Insurance (compulsory on all trips), airfares, additional meals, drinks, optional tours, spending of a personal nature, laundry, tips for sherpas and trekking crew.
Enquiries and Bookings: Contact Active Travel to enquire about this trip or to book your place on our Everest Base Camp trek.
