Graham
The one who suggested the long way.
BEYOND BASECAMP
Everest Three High Passes.
October–November 2026.
Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La — including Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Ri and Kala Patthar.
Five people from County Down. A family adventure in the Himalayas, raising funds for the Red Cross.
–DAYS TO
NEPAL
NEPAL
HELP US SUPPORT THE RED CROSS
For Nepal flood relief.
We’ve paid for the trip ourselves.
Last verified 15 October 2026 · Checking for a newer total…
FROM THE TREK
Last reported position.
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Updated when we can connect. Gaps between check-ins are expected in the mountains.
FROM THE JOURNEY
Latest update.
Training notes now. Updates from Nepal when we can send them. Read updates →
When the Mountain Says Turnback
The last two days have felt like a completely different expedition. 5 km and gaining almost 700 m to finish around 4,400 m.
Come along for the journey. Subscribe on YouTube ↗
WHY I’M GOING
What needs
to be true?
At 145 kg, a trip like this felt a long way off. I wanted to find out what I could change to make it possible. At 53, after years away from international athletics, that meant starting from where I was: walks in the Mournes, gym sessions around work and travel, and time testing the kit. I’m now 82 kg, but being able to spend a full day in the mountains again matters more than the number.
Now I’m preparing to leave Lukla with Aidan, Niall, Stephen and Luke. I’m looking forward to the mountains, but doing this with my sons means more to me than any summit.
MEET THE FIVE PEOPLE
Five people. One very
questionable idea.
Aidan
First marathon done. Next challenge: Everest.
Niall
Dad and big brother are going. Sounds like good craic.
Stephen
Fell runner, orienteer, brother-in-law. He was in.
Luke
After mountain running in Canada, the next challenge.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
Through the mountains
to Base Camp.
We turn west from Namche, cross three high passes and visit Everest Base Camp along the way. We finish walking in Chhukung, with a helicopter return to Kathmandu planned for 5 November.
- Lukla & Namche
- Renjo La 5,340 m · 30 October
- Gokyo & Cho La 5,420 m · 1 November
- Everest Base Camp & Kala Patthar
- Kongma La 5,535 m · 4 November
- Chhukung Finish walking
Itinerary sequence, not a GPS trail. Dates and elevations follow our confirmed itinerary; conditions may change the plan.
See the map and our daily plan →OUR PHOTOS
Along the way.
Explore the photography →HELP US SUPPORT THE RED CROSS
For Nepal flood
relief.
We’re fundraising for the British Red Cross Society through its Nepal Floods Emergency appeal. The appeal links to the Disaster Fund, supporting people in Nepal and around the world. See the live total on JustGiving.
We’ve paid for the trip ourselves.
DONATE ON JUSTGIVING ↗