2017 Trek
Join us for a once in a lifetime experience beginning on Monday, September 25, 2017 for our second Everest to End Duchenne event where we will together trek through the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal, to Mount Everest Base Camp. Through the Hope for Gus Foundation – a non-profit that raises funds for research to cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy – participants will travel to Nepal to trek for the boys with Duchenne who cannot do it themselves due to this degenerative disease. Together we can help find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the #1 genetic and terminal childhood illness in the world.
The trip will include several days in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, and a 120 km (approximately 74 miles) trek from the village of Lukla to Everest Base Camp. Over the course of 17 days, you’ll visit Buddhist mountain monasteries, and observe pristine views of the Himalayas and Sherpa culture. This is an excellent opportunity to travel to an exciting and picturesque part of the world while we trek together for a cure to end Duchenne.
Although it is a demanding journey and not meant for the faint of heart, you do not need to be extremely fit to complete the trek. Trust us- if we can do it, you can too! The journey will take you through many types of terrain, including forests, rivers, valleys, and ridges. It will also take you to extreme heights where acclimatization is necessary. You will achieve a maximum elevation of 5540 meters (18,000 feet).
Everest to End Duchenne 2017 allows you to push yourself in a symbolic struggle that represents what boys who live with Duchenne face every day, as their muscles lose function. More importantly though, every person who signs up for our trek brings more attention and awareness to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Participants are required to raise a minimum of $1,000 and are also responsible for individual travel expenses. All funds raised with this trek will go directly to fund medical research. Every step brings us closer to an effective treatment for Gus, and all the other boys around the world who live with Duchenne.
To learn more about the 2017 Everest to End Duchenne trek, please email info@hopeforgus.org.
Itinerary
Our trip to Nepal begins on Monday, September 25, 2017. The adventure starts in the vibrant city of Katmandu, spending a few days in the eclectic and cultural “trekking tourist” neighborhood called Thamel, and then an exhilarating domestic flight to Lukla. This Sherpa village sits at the base of Everest and is where the trek begins! Below is a brief itinerary of the 17-day journey we will take together.
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, taxi to hotel
Day 2: Free day
Day 3: Domestic flight to Lukla – Trek to Phakding or Monjo (approx. 2835m) 5 hours
Day 4: Monjo – Namche Bazaar (3500m) 5-6 hours
Days 5/6: Namche Bazaar (3500m)
Day 7: Trek Namche Bazaar – Dole (4, 110m.) 5-6 hours
Day 8: Trek Dole – Machhermo (4410m) 4-5 hours
Day 9: Trek Machhermo – Gokyo (4750m) 5-6 hours
Day 10: Rest and exploration day at Gokyo Valley
Day 11: Trek /climb Gokyo – Gokyo RI (5340m) – Thaknak (4650m) 6-7 hours
Day 12: Trek Thaknak – Cho-la Pass (5, 367m.) – Lobuche (4,950m.) 6-7 hours
Day 13: Trek Gorak Shep (5170m.) – Everest Base Camp (5364m) 7-8 hours
Day 14: Climb Kalapatthar (5545m.) Trek to Pheriche (4250m.) 7-8 hours
Day 15: Pheriche – Tyangboche (3850m) 5-6 hours
DAY 16: Trek Tyangboche – Namche Bazaar (3440m.) 5-6 hours
DAY 17: Trek Namche Bazaar – Lukla (2886m.) 6-7 hours
DAY 18: Lukla – Kathmandu
DAY 18/19: Kathmandu, free/spare day
Interested in learning more about our trip? Contact us at info@hopeforgus.org.
