Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime Trek to Everest Base Camp with Lonnie Bedwell as we attempt to make history!

Lonnie’s EBC Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions 

You will get a detailed clothing and gear list but given that neither the trek nor the mountain Kala patthar are technical, it is mostly about the right clothing to stay warm, dry and comfy. There are gear shops in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar to pick-up last-minute items, but it is better to bring them from your home country.

We will do a gear check with you in Kathmandu. 

The Sightless Summits EBC Trek will be fully supported with porters and pack animals. You’ll only carry a small backpack that weighs between 15-20 pounds with snacks, camera, extra clothing layers, etc. 

Yes, you’ll leave a locked bag in our hotel in Kathmandu with travel clothing and anything you don’t need on the trek.  

April is a perfect month to trek to Everest Base Camp. The days are generally sunny and beautiful. Clouds seem to roll in every evening to tuck us in at our teahouses but are gone by morning time. You can expect daytime temps to be in the 50’s or 60’s. Nights, especially the higher we go, can drop below freezing. Wind, unusual weather and elevation can reduce the temperatures. 

We’ll stay in a five-star hotel in Kathmandu near the famous Thamel shopping district. While trekking, we’ll stay in traditional Nepali teahouses. These are hand-picked based on their cleanliness, facilities, and comfort. Guest rooms have good mattresses, clean sheets, locking doors, and western style bathrooms including flush toilets and hot showers. The teahouses feature private sleeping arrangements with two four people in a room. For the two nights at Everest Base Camp, we’ll sleep in tents. 

In Kathmandu and in many of the teahouses we can accommodate solo travelers who don’t want to share a room. There is an additional fee for single accommodations. 

The primary focus of this trek is to get the Sightless Summits group, and Lonnie Bedwell to the top of Everest. Thus, at least on the ascent to base camp, we’ll stay focused on accomplishing that goal. On the descent, we can coordinate a variety of side trips to see some amazing peaks, passes and valleys in the Himalayan mountains. If you or your group is interested, reach out to us and we’ll see what we’ll do our best to make it happen. 

A Mountain Professionals guide or representative will be waiting for you at the airport on the scheduled arrival date. You need to make sure to send us your flight info. If you arrive before the scheduled arrival date, we can pick you up and arrange accommodations and make suggestions for transportation, restaurants, and sightseeing. 

No problem. Let us know when you’re arriving in KTM and we’ll help you as best we can. 

Tipping is always a personal choice but is greatly appreciated by your guides and porters. 

All of the meals served at teahouses are a combination of the local and regional fares along with some Western-style meals. There are vegetarian options available at the teahouses. If you are vegan, you will need to bring some supplemental food along to accommodate your needs.

During a trek, if someone becomes ill or feels that they do not wish to go any farther, the guides decide whether the person requires an escort to descend (with local staff or an assistant guide) or if he or she can stay put until the group returns. 

The Sightless Summits trek is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence and we are limiting the number of trekkers who can join us.

It is recommended to purchase trip cancellation, travel insurance and medical evacuation policies. Once we have received your application and have confirmed your spot on a trip, we will send you information about the various types of insurance and insurance companies we recommend.  

Everest Base Camp is 17,500’ish above sea level. We will trek towards it slowly and our bodies generally acclimatize well, so that by the time we arrive we feel prepared. In addition, our guides carry medical kits including various medications for altitude illness. If you have a previous history of altitude illness, then discuss this with your physician and let us know. Otherwise, there is no need to take preventative medication before or during your trek.

You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. The most common occurrence of altitude sickness is headaches which are easily handled with Excedrin or similar medications. Also, please bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches. 

Being fit and healthy significantly improves your acclimatization and enjoyment of any outdoor activity, particularly one that reaches almost an altitude of almost 18,000’! You should be comfortable walking up to 6 hours with a light pack.

Trek Information

Trekking to Everest’s Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most people. This trek will be even more significant as we support Lonnie Bedwell’s attempt to make history by being the first blind man to summit Everest and its neighbor Lhotse, the fourth tallest mountain in the world.

Because of our relationship with the Blinded Veterans Association, all payments for joining the trek are tax-deductible to both individuals and companies.

This is a one-time trip and we’re accepting a limited number of trekkers to join us to Base Camp. Reach out to a member of the Sightless Summits team if you are interested; see the Contact Us section at the bottom of the page.

Price:
$6,500 plus a donation of any size.

Payment Terms:
· Minimum payment to secure a spot on the team is $1,000.
· Full balance is due by January 3, 2023.

Payment Method:
· For Credit or Debit Card: Donate Now

For Checks:
Write and mail a check to the
Blinded Veterans Association:
PO Box 90770, Washington, DC 20090.

Please note on the check “SS EBC Trek”.

· All payments are made to the Blinded Veterans Association and are tax-deductible. The payee will be given a donation receipt.
· Credit Card payments incur a convenience fee that varies based on the card and the amount charged but can be as high as 3%.

Cancellation:
Because payments are made to a charitable organization (Blinded Veterans Association) all payments are non-refundable. Trekkers can cancel up through January 2023. However, money already paid to the BVA is non-refundable. If cancellation is necessary, the Sightless Summits team will work hard to find a replacement trekker whose payments can help return some portion of the canceling trekker's money.

• Kathmandu airport transfers.

• Three nights in a 5-star hotel in Kathmandu near the famed Thamel shopping district. Two nights before and one night after the trek.

• Nepalese Government Park fees.

• All trek organizational requirements.

• All trekking permits.

• Fixed-wing air transport within Nepal.

• Accommodation in highest quality lodges/tea houses on trek. Tents in Base Camp.

• All group equipment for the trek.

• All trek staff, including porter support (trekkers only carry a daypack).

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner outside of Kathmandu. Trekkers order off menu in teahouses. Special dietary needs should be communicated by trekker in advance for EBC camp.

Note:
All hotels and teahouses are double occupancy unless otherwise arranged. 

• Air travel to and from Nepal.

• Hotels (other than the three included nights.)

• Meals in Kathmandu (other than the welcome dinner.)

• Purchases in Kathmandu and along the trek - including bottled water, sodas, etc. (we'll provide boiled/treated water to fill Nalgene bottles at teahouses in the morning and at night.)

• Personal expenses such as laundry, battery charging and showers at tea houses.

• Entry visas for Nepal.

• Helicopters to/from KTM to Lukla, etc. Flying to Lukla is weather dependent and sometimes, although rarely, results in one or more delay days. In the unlikely event that a fixed wing aircraft is unable to fly, it may be required to fly via helicopter. This would result in an additional cost to each traveler.

• Personal clothing and equipment including sleeping gear for teahouses and Base Camp.

• Personal travel/trip cancellation insurance.

• Any rescue costs or costs of an early departure from the expedition.

Optional:
Gratuities to guides, Sherpa staff, porters, monasteries, etc. 

Trekking:
The trek to Everest Base Camp does not require a high level of fitness. However, trekkers should be prepared to walk 4-6 hours per day on hilly trails carrying a light pack (10-15 pounds). Trekkers are supported by porters who carry the majority of your gear each day. You will only carry those things you need for each day’s hike (warmth layers, sunblock, snacks, trekking poles, camera, etc.)

Altitude:
Our trek begins at approximately 10,000’ above sea level and over the course of the next few weeks we hike towards Everest Base Camp at 17,500’. As we ascend the air becomes thinner and we can feel the effects of altitude. Our trek incorporates a number of methods to help climbers and trekkers adjust, including rest days, a slow hiking pace, frequent rest stops, etc. The Nepalese staff is patient and supportive and we can all walk at a comfortable pace. Most altitude symptoms are limited to a mild headache which is relieved by rest, food, water, and medications like Excedrin.

A detailed clothing and gear list will be sent to you once you’ve confirmed your position on the team. Included will be our suggestions on what bags to bring and how to pack.

Summary:
A small, locked duffel or suitcase with travel clothes remains in the Kathmandu hotel. Each trekker carries a small backpack (20-40 liters) with only those items needed during the day, including warmth layers, water, and snacks. A larger duffel is picked up each morning by porters and delivered to that evening’s teahouse.

Electricity for charging portable devices is available in most teahouses, often for a small fee. Nepal’s electricity is 220-240 Volts at 50HZ and uses the two round or three round prongs plug type (plug type C/Euro or D). Most cell phones and other electronic devices are capable of handling Nepal’s power natively with only a plug adapter.

Individual portable solar panels are handy and typically sufficient for most trekkers.

Cell phone service is available in Kathmandu and in some locations along the trek. A Wi-Fi service is available in most places along the trek and in base camp. 

During the trek, we stay and eat at local teahouses and order from their menu’s. Given how remote the Khumbu Valley is you may be surprised by the quality and variety of the offered meals. In Base Camp, we eat in the Mountain Professional’s dining tent alongside our Everest climbers. Food allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.

These dates are subject to change based on weather.

April 4:
Arrive in Kathmandu (KTM).

April 5:
Gear Check and Pack.

April 6 – 19:
Fly to Lukla, trek to Everest Base Camp and return to Kathmandu.

April 20:
Depart Kathmandu for home.

Notes:
· Flight to Lukla and some dates are approximate and can change based on a variety of factors, including weather, flights to Lukla, etc.
· Trekkers can arrive to Kathmandu before April 4th and leave after April 20. We will do our best to help you secure hotel reservations, etc.
· Touring throughout Kathmandu can occur on April 5th or after the trek based on the trekker and the schedule.
· When booking airfare to and from Kathmandu, we recommend you make the return flight date adjustable in the unlikely event we are delayed returning from the Khumbu valley.

Captured Moments of the Everest Base Camp Trek

Detailed Schedule

These dates are subject to change based on weather
B: breakfast L: lunch D: dinner 

Day 1 (April 4, 2023)

Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport. You will enter the Check In/Visa area. Please have your passport, extra passport photo, paperwork (which you fill in on the plane or in the lobby) and $40 cash dollars to obtain your 30-day Visa. Nepal also has an online visa process to facilitate this process. You will then go downstairs to baggage claim. Once you have your bags, walk outside and look for the sign with either your name or Mountain Professionals. Our staff will meet you outside and transport you to our hotel in the Thamel region of Kathmandu. You do not need to tip anyone during this process. You are amongst our Nepali office staff upon pickup. Welcome Dinner that evening.

Day 2

Rest and relax in Kathmandu, take a walk to the many sights in the area. Guided tour of Kathmandu which will allow you to buy gifts and visit the Monkey Temple and other locations. We will also perform a gear and clothing check.

Day 3

Fixed wing flight from Kathmandu Airport to the village of Lukla at 9,350 feet. Flying to Lukla is weather dependent and sometimes, although rarely, results in one or more delay days. In the unlikely event that a fixed wing aircraft is unable to fly, it may be required to fly via helicopter - which will result in an additional cost to each traveler. You will travel dressed and ready for trekking and continue on to Phakding at 8,700 feet. (L, D).

Day 4

Today we hike to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar and visit the capital city of the Sherpa people. You can spend your evening exploring the many attractions in Namche or relax at 11,300 feet. (B,L,D).

Day 5

Today we take a rest day and acclimatize in Namche Bazaar. We can visit the Sherpa Museum or take a breathtaking day hike. It is possible to take in views of Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam on a short day hike. (B,L,D).

Day 6

We will hike along the Dodh Kosi River and eventually make our way uphill through high Rhododendrons to the famous Tengboche Monastery. We then continue downhill for just 20 minutes to sleep in Deboche. (B,L,D).

Day 7

Today we hike to Dingboche at 14,000 feet and with super views of Ama Dablam. (B,L,D).

Day 8

We will take a rest and acclimatization day here to ensure good health and visit with the local Sherpas. (B,L,D).

Day 9

We walk along the Buddhist Mani Stones and climb memorials to the small village of Lobuche,16,000 feet. (B,L,D).

Day 10

If weather permits we trek to the top of Kala Pattar for stunning views of Everest, tonight we sleep in Gorak Shep, 17,000 feet. (B,L,D).

Day 11

We make our way along the moraines of the Khumbu Valley and reach our goal of Everest Base Camp, 17,500 feet. Sleep in Everest Base Camp. (B,L,D).

Day 12

Sleep in Everest Base Camp. (B,L,D).

Day 13

Hike out to Periche at 13,900 feet. Sleep in Pheriche. (B,L,D).

Day 14

Hike to Namche Bazaar. (B,L,D).

Day 15

Hike to Lukla and spend our last evening visiting our new Sherpa friends. (B,L,D).

Day 16

Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, Return transport to the hotel. Last evening in Kathmandu. (B,L).

Day 17

Transport provided to the Airport for your International flight. (B) Return Home Flight on April 20, 2023.

Contact Us

email us at michaelaaronneal@gmail.com or send us a message from the form below

© Copyright 2024 Sightless Summits - All Rights Reserved