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.
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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.
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“It is not the mountain we conquer,
but ourselves”.
— Sir Edmund Hillary
What’s Not Include
Why Choose Us?
2) UK LEADERS OR MEDICS ON EVERY 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 daily briefings and
warm ups
Leaders have great experience running our challenges
Equipped with Satellite Phones
Full medical kits provided by Nomad Travel Health Clinic
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
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
1) 100% ATOL BONDED - DON’T RISK ANYTHING ELSE! We are 100% ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) bonded - ATOL number 6296
Offers full financial protection by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) for clients who have booked
package trips, including flights
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.
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“It is not the mountain we conquer,
but ourselves”.
— Sir Edmund Hillary
What’s Not Include
Why Choose Us?
7) OUR CLIENTS AND REPUTATION
Members of the Institute of Fundraising - a code of practice that all reputable companies
organising charitable events should adhere to.
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.
6) TRAINING WEEKENDS
Training weekends in Snowdonia , Brecon Beacons and the Peak 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!
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.
9) COMFORT
Private airport transfers to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotels either side of climb
Stay in comfortable teahouses along the trek
Accommodation in twin-shared basis
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Visiting Everest Base Camp should be at the top of every
trekkers list. This circular trekking route builds upon the
classic Everest Base Camp trek by returning via the much
quieter and more adventurous Gokyo Valley.
All of the highlights of the classic Everest Trek are included,
but with the additional challenge of crossing the Cho La pass
and the chance to trek the stunning Gokyo Valley past the
beautiful glacial lakes taking in views of the Himalayan giants.
DAY 1 DEPARTURE
We will meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the
airport and check in together before boarding our flight to
Nepal.
DAY 2 ARRIVE KATHMANDU
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 MONJO 2,850m
We leave our hotel early and transfer to the airport for our
exhilarating flight to Lukla. Clear skies permitting, views of the
Himalayan giants like Ama Dablam, Everest, and Nuptse will
take our breath away and give us a taste of what is to come.
On arrival in the famous town of Lukla we start our
acclimatisation walk to Monjo 2850m.
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
Sagamartha 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.
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DAY 5 ACCLIMATISATION DAY 3,600m
Today we rise early to climb to the ridge above Namche for a
stunning dawn and sunrise over the panorama of the Khumbu
peaks. We then trek along the beautiful river valley and return
for a more leisurely afternoon in Namche. We remain at
Namche Bazaar for a second night to allow for further
acclimatization.
DAY 6 DEBOCHE 3,820m
From Namche, the trail follows the contours of the valley,
high above the Dudh Koshi. From here we will see incredible
views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Passing by
several villages and numerous tea shops, we descend steeply
to a bridge over the river at Phunki Tenga. The village is an
ideal stop-over for lunch. Here we can rest before making the
steep climb to Tengboche, famous for its legendary
monastery, the largest in the Khumbu. From here, it's a short
trek through rhodendron-shaded trails to reach Deboche.
DAY 7 DINGBOCHE 4,343m
The trail winds through rhododendron forest, crosses the
Imja Khola river and has fine vantage points of Ama Dablam. It
then climbs gradually past beautifully carved mani stones to
reach the village of Pangboche where we continue along the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas, turning east into
the Imja Valley. A path lined with stone walls leads us through
fields to our accommodation in Dingboche village.
DAY 8 ACCLIMATISATION DAY 4,410m
We go high during the day and sleep low at Dingboche in the
evening. Some great hikes include exploring upper Dingboche,
which has a more traditional feel than the lower part of town,
taken up with the trekking lodges. We can also head up onto
the ridgeline to a peak called Dolma Ri, topped with prayer
flags and said to be the home of eagles. For a smaller
excursion there is the chance to visit an old Buddhist
hermitage called Nangar Dzong. However, if you are tired,
just take it easy and rest – listen to your body!
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. This is a
cold place but has an awesome view of Nuptse particularly
when under starlight or lit by a full moon.
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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 Khumbu Glacier, 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 & DZONG LA 5,550m For those that are in good shape it is a slow steady climb to
Kala Pattar, a tough trek but a real achievement that is
rewarded with spectacular views of the Khumbu Glacier be-
low and the highest mountain in the world. We then descend
to Dzong La to complete a long but unforgettable day. Where
a trek to Kala Pattar is not possible we descend directly to
Dzong La.
DAY 12 CHO LA PASS & GOKYO 5,370m
Today our trail goes up high to the Cho La at 5370m. It will
take us about 3-4 hours, where we are rewarded with
sensational views! We start out from Dzong La by climbing up
to a plateau and crossing a mountain stream. It’s a fun, but
steep and rocky ascent. Once up at the glaciated pass, we trek
across the snow and ice to the summit and take in the views.
From the pass we descend into Dragnak where our trail heads
out through the big Nzogomba Glacier with creaking glacial
lakes below us and stunning landscape all around. We make
our way across the glacier and trek past the second lake into
the Gokyo Valley – so different from where we have come
from. This is a green valley dotted with gorgeous, turquoise
glacial lakes. We now have a beautiful walk into Gokyo, a sea-
sonal grazing village built beside the third and largest lake and
with our first views up to Cho Oyo (8201m).
DAY 13 REST DAY
After a few very big days we take a full day to rest today
before our final pass on this challenge tomorrow.
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DAY 14 LUNGDEN
Back on the trails again, we have another stunning but long
day, so it’s good to get out early. Our trail heads out around
the side of the lake, then follows switch-backs up a ridge until
we reach an often frozen stream. Here we begin the steep
ascent to the Renjo La, finally reaching the famous pass after
skirting a dramatic rock face before the top. The morning's
climb will take us about 4 hours and we stop to enjoy our pic-
nic lunch and yet more memorable views. After the pass we
have a steep descent for an hour or so to a lake where the
terrain levels out for a bit in yak kharkas. We pass the twin
Renjo Lakes and then we have a last steep descent into the
Thame Valley. We stay the night in the small hamlet of Lung-
den, again with spectacular views and located in one of the
lesser visited areas of the Khumbu region, allowing us to ex-perience the traditional life of Sherpa families.
DAY 15 THAME
Today our trail follows the Bhote Koshi river for about 3-4
hours down into Thame. Our walk will feel like a step back in
time as we pass by many old, walled Sherpa villages, seasonal
settlements of the Thame and Thamo villagers. We will proba-
bly also share the trail with Tibetan yak caravans, Khampas,
trading en route to and from Namche and Tibet with the vil-
lagers. Thame is a beautiful old village with snaking rock walls,
yak paddocks and the gorgeous, traditional slate-roofed
Sherpa houses. Thame Gompa, perched up to the north of the
village, is one of the oldest in the Khumbu, so it’s well worth
while to take the afternoon to climb to the Gompa and wan-
der around this old, walled village.
DAY 16 NAMCHE BAZAAR
Today we head back down the trail into familiar Namche,
perhaps seeing some of our Tibetan friends from the trail at
the local market. On our way down we have the option for a
side-trip to Lawudo Gompa (3,790m). Nestled in the
mountainside above Thamo and Mende villages, this Gompa
was built at the site where Guru Rimpoche meditated in a
small cave en route to Tibet. It’s a beautiful and serene place,
with Khumbila, the sacred Sherpa peak from which the
Khumbu region takes its name, soaring overhead and the
Gompa prayer flags framing the perfect Himalayan foreground.
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DAY 17 DESCEND TO LUKLA
Today, we complete the last leg of our challenge together
back down to the town of Lukla.
DAY 18 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 19 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.
DAY 20 ARRIVE LONDON
Arrive back in the UK.
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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
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WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Fully supported 20 day group challenge
UK qualified medic
Full support team, including local guides
International flights and air travel taxes
Action Challenge trek leader
3* accommodation before & after the trek
Accommodation in comfortable, simple teahouses during trek
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 3* hotels
15 nights in tea houses
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.