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Press release
Everest Base Camp Trek for Deafblind Children 2007
5th Oct 2007
Team Members: Andy Georgiou; Nick Modha; Emma Rumble; Takashi Yoneta;
Kamal Shah; Andrew Marsden; Mayur Patel; Alison Russ; Az Thaya-Paran;
Sam Malde; Gary Merle; Ritesh Shah; Nicola Bailey
Contact: Sunil Shah
Donate: www.justgiving.com/sunilshah
On 5th October 2007, I have organised an expedition for 14 trekkers to go to Everest Base Camp. This trek was only an idea 15 months ago, and over this period I have put in a lot of effort to organise it, recruit the rest of the group to join me for this 18 days trek into Nepal and most importantly train and get into shape for it.
Many of you may be aware of the work I have done in the past to help raise awareness and funds for a small international charity called Sense International which works exclusively to meet the needs of people who are both deaf and blind in developing countries. One of my objectives at the outset when I started organising this trek was to target to raise £80,000 of funds as a group to support the very important work which I believe Sense International does. It was also my objective that the cost of this trek should be fully borne by the trekkers. Please support me raise funds towards this target (see below on how to)
Can you imagine a world if you could not see or hear simultaneously? How would you communicate?
Some facts about Deafblindness:
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There are an estimated 2.5 million deafblind people in the world today
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More than 3 out of 4 of the world’s disabled population live in a developing country
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Unlike the UK or USA, in most developing countries there are very few, if any, services for deafblind people or their families
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Fewer than 0.1% of deafblind people in developing countries are receiving the appropriate services
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In developing countries the mortality rate for children with disabilities is around 80%. For deafblind children this figure is likely to be higher
Deafblind people in developing countries are among the most isolated of all disabled people in the world. Almost all of them are denied their basic human right, receiving no support at all and often rejected by their own communities. Sense International exists to do something about this. Their aim is to ensure that all deafblind people, wherever they are, have access to advice, opportunities and support that will enable them to exercise their right to be full and active members of society. For further information please go to www.senseinternational.org.uk.
And a tremendous amount can be done to help. Home visits by local workers, funded and trained by Sense International, allow the deafblind children to develop their communication, mobility and daily living skills. Sense International also set up special education units for the deafblind children and vocation training for young adults, offering advice and support for their parents and carers. They help to create networks for deafblind adults to share their experiences and provide peer support so that integration back into the society is possible.
Here is an indication of how little funding is required to make a difference
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£25 could help teach East African parents how to communicate with their deafblind children
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£50 could help teach living skills to deafblind children and adults in rural communities in India
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£100 could provide vocational training for deafblind young adults in Latin America
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£1,000 could help pay for specialist training for the teachers of deafblind children in Romania
How to sponsor me:
Please send me a cheque made payable to Sense International; to the address below together with a signed gift aid form, if you are a UK tax payer (as Sense International can recover an additional 28% on your contribution from the government); or
Alternatively, you can sponsor me on-line by visiting www.justgiving.com/sunilshah
How many days is the trek?
The overall duration for this expedition is 18 days in total (we will be trekking for 13 days). It will require 12 working days and 3 weekends off your schedule. The dates are 5th – 23rd October 2007.
It is 6 months away so there is enough time to plan the time off and get into shape. It will be a great trek with lots of fun and laughs. Although it will be tough, I believe it will be well within your fitness zone if you follow the training programme which I can supply you.
In addition, I also attach the details of a practice trek which I am also organising in the Alps. It is 4 days from Thursday 28th June to Sunday 1st July. The trek is lovely and starts at a height of 1,000 metres and finishes at 700m. The highest point is around 2,500m and on average we will be above the 2,000m mark. This is the highest we will get in Europe. It is a very picturesque trek and you walk through Switzerland, France and Italy in the 3 days. The approximate cost of this trek will be about £900. Could I interest you in this one?
Information Pack – Table of Contents:
Objectives
of the trek
Tell
me about Sense International
Tell me about Nepal
What
is our planned itinerary?
What
are my flight details?
Who is the trek organiser?
How much will it cost?
Who will pay for the trek?
How do I train for this trek?
What sort of equipment will
I require?
How do I go about raising
the money?
What
happens next?
Objectives of the trek
Trek Everest Base Camp 2007 is an eighteen day ultimate adventure trek that will take you to the base of the highest place on earth and arguably the most famous trekking route in the world. Following in the footsteps of the great explorers, this once in a lifetime experience will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet and give you the chance to experience the fascinating lives and culture of the Sherpa people firsthand, in the shadows of the world’s highest mountains.
The ascent is steady and well-paced to ensure you acclimatise fully and allow you to take in some of the majestic views on your way, including sunrise on the snow capped peaks above the Kumbu Glaciar, one of the unforgettable sights from the summit of Kala Pattar and voted one of the seven places to see before you die by Sunday Times Travel Section on 20th August 2006.
Thirteen days of trekking will take you up to 5,545m for fantastic views of the highest mountain on earth, before making your way back to Kathmandu for a day of relaxing and celebrations prior to heading home after completing this spectacular feat.
We hope to recruit 20 participants raising at least £80,000 for our work with deafblind people in India, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe and East Africa.
Tell me about Sense International
Sense International is the only international charity in the UK that works exclusively with deafblind people in developing countries.
Deafblindness
Deafblindness is a combination of vision and hearing impairments. Because 95% of what we learn about the world comes through sight and hearing, deafblind people face enormous challenges. However, with expert support and education it is perfectly possible for a deafblind person to learn to communicate, to gain employment and to lead a quality life. Unfortunately however, in most countries in the world that expert support does not exist. There is little awareness about deafblindness and few, if any, services. Too often no-one knows how many deafblind people there are, where they are or what happens to them.
History of Sense International
Sense International was established in 1994 as the international arm of Sense UK, the world’s largest organisation for deafblind people, in response to the huge demand for services that we were receiving from overseas countries. Sense UK was established in 1955 as a support group for parents of children with congenital rubella syndrome and over the past fifty years has grown to be one of the largest charities supporting people who are deafblind.
In 1999, Sense International became an independent charity in recognition of the different approaches required to working internationally. We currently work in East Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, India and Latin America.
What does Sense International do?
Sense International’s aim is to ensure that all deafblind people have access to advice, opportunities and support that will enable them to exercise their right to be full and active members of society. We do this by working in partnership with governments, voluntary organisations and their communities to support the establishment and development of overall programmes that will sustain the services and activities required by deafblind people.
Sense International believes all people have rights, are entitled to dignity and respect and should be valued. We actively promote:
- The right to a good quality of life and services to meet individual needs;
- Opportunities which promote learning, self-determination, choice and fulfilment;
- Equal access to services, equal opportunities for employment and involvement;
- Empowerment, e.g. through access to information and participation in decision making;
Tell me about Nepal
Nepal is situated in Southern Asia, between China and India. Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, it is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best hiking trails on earth. It is a poor country, but rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures.
Capital City: Kathmandu
Area: 140,800
sq km
54,363
sq miles
Population: 26,469,600
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +5.75
Languages: Nepali (official), more than a hundred languages are registered as mother tongues in Nepal.
Religion: 90% Hindu, 5% Buddhist, 3% Muslim, 2% other
Currency: Nepali Rupee (Rs)
What is our planned itinerary?
All accommodation on Trek Everest Base Camp 2007 will be in good quality hotels when in Kathmandu and basic but comfortable teahouses and summit lodges while on the trek which are wonderfully friendly and most often will have fantastic views from a terrace, porch or bedroom window, although they will be simple with basic facilities.
Dates: 5th – 23rd October 2007
Day 1: Depart on an overnight flight from Heathrow to Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu 1330m
We arrive at the airport and are met by our local team who will transfer
us to our hotel on the outskirts of Kathmandu called the Hatibaan
Resort. Here we have a briefing from our head guide and the team
that will be taking us on the challenge. In the evening we will
have the chance to relax with a welcome meal before our departure
on the challenge of a lifetime.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla & trek to Monjo
2850m
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) which
is
below us on the Dudh Kosi River.
Approx. trekking: 15km – 7/8hrs
Day 4: Trek to Namche
3449m
For our first full trekking day we cross the mighty Dudh Kosi and
continue through forested valleys to enter the Saga Martha National
Park, where we find rock walls and huge boulders ornately carved
with Buddhist prayers. We arrive for the night at the famous village
of Namche Bazaar.
Approx. trekking: 6km – 5/6hrs
Day 5: Acclimatisation day in Namche
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 acclimatisation.
Day 6: Trek to Khumjung
Our views today are dominated by the beautiful Ama Dablam (6812m).
This is an essential trekking day when we climb one of the nearby
ridges for more spectacular mountain views. Watching the sun set
on Mt Everest from here, about 1 hours walk away, is an unbelievable
experience. The return to Khumjung beneath a star studded sky and
the snowy silhouettes of the high mountains are unforgettable moments.
Approx. trekking: 9.5km – 5/7hrs
Day 7: Trek to Tengboche 3867m
This morning’s trek includes views of the Tengboche Monastery
and the summit of Everest peering majestically above the Lhotse -
Nuptse wall. We descend through the Edmund Hillary forest to Phunki
Thanga on the banks of the Dudh Khosi. From here we climb to camp
at Tengboche with outstanding views of a vast mountain panorama including
Everest (8848m), Nuptse (7879m) and Lhotse (8501m). This monastery
is the most active in the area and we will be able to experience
firsthand the tranquility and beauty of this special place.
Approx. trekking: 12km – 6/8hrs
Day 8: Dingboche 4343m
In the morning we visit the monastery and have time to enjoy the
360 degree mountain panorama before descending to Devouche. The
trail winds through rhododendron forest, crosses the Imja Khola
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 to the confluence of the Khumbu and Imja Kholas,
turning east into the Imja Valley. A stone walled path leads through
fields to the houses of Dingboche.
Approx. trekking: 17km – 9/10hrs
Day 9: Acclimatisation day, Dingboche 4343m
This village is at the head of two valleys and is overshadowed by
Pokalde (5745m). For our acclimatisation walk today we head up
the Chukung Valley where there are fantastic views of the towering
south face of Lhotse, Island Peak and numerous other mountains.
Day 10: Lobuche 4930m
We head up the Chola Khola valley towards the village of Dughla where
we descend to follow the valley to Lobuche. This startlingly remote
place has a magnificent view of Nuptse, particularly when lit by
a full moon.
Approx. trekking: 13km – 8/9hrs
Day 11: Kala Pattar 5545m
Today has a real expedition feel to it and sees us leaving Lobuche
at dawn, after a hearty Nepalese breakfast and warming hot drink
to set us up for the day. The sun soon reaches the summits of the
Himalayan peaks and slowly lights up the valley floor. We traverse
the Khumbu Glacier, climbing towards Gorak Shep. The name means ‘Graveyard
of Crows’ and is the site for a couple of very basic lodges
set amongst breathtaking mountain scenery. It is a slow, steady
climb to the summit of Kala Pattar but a real achievement that
is rewarded with spectacular views of the Khumbu Glacier below
and the mighty Everest towering above. We return to Gorak Shep
to complete a long but unforgettable day.
Approx. trekking: 10km – 8/10hrs
Day 12: Pheriche
Today is the big day – Everest base camp. Our route will take
us over the rough terrain of the Khumbu Glacier on a challenging
day at altitude. The walking will be tough, both mentally and physically
but hugely rewarding with views that are out of this world. You will
feel the immense satisfaction of reaching your goal and being part
of this unique group.
Approx. trekking: 12km – 8/10hrs
Day 13: Descend to Deboche, feeling elated and cheered by the fantastic achievement of the group.
Approx. trekking: 15km – 9/10hrs
Day 14: Descend to Namche – Approx. trekking: 12km – 8/10hrs
Day 15: Descend to Lukla – Approx. trekking: 20.5km – 9/11hrs
Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu
After such a fantastic achievement, this day gives us time to relax
and explore the beauty of this ancient city. We will be staying
in town at the 5* Yak & Yeti Hotel (http://www.yakandyeti.com/). There
is plenty to see and do here including the UNESCO world Heritage
Site of Durbar Square, the complex of palaces, temples, shrines,
statues and courtyards that lies at the religious and social heart
of Kathmandu’s old city. Or try to catch a glimpse of the
living Hindu goddess or Kumari in the famous temple where she must
live hidden away until she reaches puberty. Finally, we will celebrate
our accomplishment with a gala dinner and a chance to revel in
our adventure.
This day is built in as extra time to allow for any possible delays
due to weather or
flights from Lukla.
Day 18: Fly to UK and arrive at Heathrow.
Itinerary subject to change
Attached is a picture of the trek route to help you visualise our trek (courtesy Roger De Groen)
What are my flight details?
Your flight details will be confirmed once you have registered for the challenge.
Who is the Trek Organiser?
The Sense International Trek Everest Base Camp 2007 has been created
and organised by Action Challenge ATOL 6926 and their booking terms
and conditions apply. Sense International is acting as agent of Action
Challenge.
For further information please visit their website: www.actionchallenge.com
How much will it cost?
The cost of the trek is approximately £1,800.
This price includes international flights, all transfers, overnight accommodation, all meals and water during the trek, travel insurance, support vehicles, 1 local guide, 1 Action Challenge guide and support staff.
The price excludes alcohol, guide tips, local airport taxes and visa costs.
Who will pay for the trek?
It is expected that each participant will cover their own cost of travel. In order to register your interest and so that we can reserve a flight for you, please complete the attached registration form and return it with your cheque made payable to Sense International for £850. The balance will have to be settled 3 months prior to the trek.
How do I train for this trek?
Depending on your level of fitness the Trek Everest Base Camp 2007 may be quite challenging and it is important that you do the right kind of training.
You will be sent a full training plan as an additional document.
What sort of equipment will I require?
You will be sent a full equipment list as an additional document.
How do I go about raising the money?
Raising £5,000 may seem daunting at first, but when you take a good look at the opportunities available you will be surprised at how easy it really is. Think about your own networks including your family, friends, colleagues and clients. Using these and the wider community money will start flooding in. There are also easy to use facilities that allow you to raise money via the web (which will allow you to outreach to a much wider geographic group of sponsors)
You will be provided with a comprehensive fundraising pack and assistance in putting in place your personal fund raising campaign.
What happens next?
Complete and return the attached application form with your cheque for £1,800 and you will receive a whole series of correspondence including:
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A fundraising and information pack
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Full training guide
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A kit list of recommended clothing
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Details on recommended travel insurance and inoculations