Bamboo - Everest Base Camp Fundraising Trek

I joined GVN in 2012 for their Everest Base Camp trek to support VSN in Nepal who are helping disabled, orphaned, and disadvantaged kids. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but my volunteer coordinators, Fiona & Eliza, have made the paperwork and planning very smooth. I had gotten a program planning guide and a look at the day-to-day itinerary. I was also given a report on my fundraising efforts every Monday so I knew exactly how much more I needed to meet my goal. New to backpacking? No problem! They give you a list of the items you need to get and some of the old timers will give you pointers on your group Facebook page. It was very nice to know the people you were trekking with beforehand through Facebook. It was also a place to share ideas and inspirational quotes. I posted a quote by Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, were the first to ever summit Mt. Everest in 1953 on this very day---May 29. Sir Edmund Hillary said, "It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." This trek is as much as helping others and also stepping out of your comfort zone---where the magic happens. You will meet extraordinary group of people who have real goodness in their hearts. You will be led by guides who are expert in what they do and who will make you laugh and sing Resham Firiri (a Nepalese folksong). You will eat a lot of potatoes, you will see a lot of yaks, you will see a lot of children along the way that will warm your heart and keep you going and remind you why you're doing this to begin with.

You will get sick from the altitude (but they will take good care of you). You will smell because showers will become a thing of the past especially once you're up in the higher towns like Gorakshep. You will have your breath taken away not only by the steep trails but also by the majestic mountains that will soar all around you. The Nepalese flying flags will reflect how you feel inside. Free like the wind. And make sure you wake up for the climb to Kala Pattar. DO NOT miss this climb. For there you will witness the most beautiful sunrise.... The sun rising over Mt. Everest and the roof of the world.

If you want to be happy for the rest of your life.... help others. I know I am. =)

---LG

I volunteered with GVN in a fundraising trek to Everest Base Camp. The journey itself was perfectly planned and excecuted. The local guides selected by GVN Foundation were amazing and brought all 20 volunteers up that hill and safely back down. The project in Nepal that was supported through the fundraising is an amazing project with unbelivably lovely kids. We supported the Brighter Future Children Home in Nepal and were welcomed so warmly and nicely by the kids. Our efforts (despite the fact that is was fun fundraising and not really that much of an effort) were so highly appreciated by officials as well as the kids... we spent so much valuable time together, the kids showing us around and giving incredible performances, e.g. singing, telling poems, dancing, theatre, etc. Realizing that through GVN Foundation our efforts were consolidated towards this one project we were deeply touched receiving the information that we managed to finance the orphanage for two full calendar years... This really made a difference and we were sure that the funds of our donors actually reached a destination where needed. GVN Foundation staff who accompanied the trek were great motivation and help in pushing ourselves. They brought together a bunch of 20 people who are still in touch and are planning a reunion... actually 20 people who felt as being part of GVN Foundation... one TEAM EVEREST!!! It was an honour trekking and fundraising with you and I am looking forward to the next time..

GVN has always far exceeded my expectations. I was apart of a cycling trek in Vietnam, back in 2010, and took part in the Everest base camp trek in 2012. Because of the most unforgettable experiences I had during these adventures, GVN will always be my number one go-to organisation (by a long shot). GVN has not only given me memories that I will never forget, they have also given me life long friendships not only with my fellow trekkers, but with the GVN representatives themselves who were there with us every step of the way. I will continue to go on adventures organised by this incredible organisation and would rally whole-heartedly for them if anyone is ever in doubt in choosing an organisation that is right for them.

I cannot speak highly enough of GVN and their amazing staff. Having recently volunteered as part of the Everest Base Camp Trek I was constantly impressed with their professionalism, organisation and above all else, their passion for the work they do. I constantly recommend them to my friends and will be travelling with them in the future.