Journey to Everest Base Camp
Elevate Your Recovery in the Himalayas
“Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.”
– SAMHSA
Adventure, recovery coaching and community combine in this one-of-a-kind expedition to Everest Basecamp in Nepal with British Adventurer, Mountaineer and Guide Oliver Browne and Recovery Coaches, Mary Tilson and Carrie May.
The Everest Basecamp Trek has long been considered a right of passage for all seekers; an epic journey, spiritual in nature, beautiful to behold and historic in significance. There is an energy here unlike anywhere else you might visit and a powerful experience awaits; an unbelievable immersion in nature and a chance to process, reflect, re-energise and be inspired.
From our starting point in Lukla, the journey unfolds along the Dudh Koshi River, ascending through verdant forests and passing through picturesque Sherpa villages, exploring local markets and the revered Tengboche Monastery along the way.
As the trail climbs higher, the landscape transforms into a rugged, high-altitude desert. Trekkers traverse across suspension bridges adorned with fluttering prayer flags, navigate the challenging terrain of the Khumbu Glacier, and marvel at the towering peaks of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Nuptse.
Arriving at Everest Base Camp, situated at 5,364 meters, brings a profound sense of accomplishment, surrounded by the imposing presence of the world’s tallest peak. This extraordinary vantage point, bustling with expedition teams and colorful tents, encapsulates the spirit of human endurance and aspiration.
Thoughtfully designed for those on a path of transformation and growth, this trip will be as much of an inward journey as it will be an epic adventure. Our itinerary will include insightful workshops, powerful self-inquiry practices, group discussions and restorative yoga & meditation. You will learn to tap into your own inner resilience and strength and build a supportive community of lifelong friends in the process.
Highlights
Meet The Team
Mary Tilson
Mary Tilson is a certified Professional Recovery Coach (IAPRC), Trauma-Informed Yoga & Meditation Teacher and the Founder of Sun & Moon Sober Living, an inclusive community focused on a holistic approach to recovery.
Having experienced profound shifts as a result of her decision to get sober in 2013, Mary is passionate about helping others find freedom from addiction so they can live fulfilling lives substance-free. She is a strong believer in the power of community and enjoys bringing people together through her online membership community and wellness retreats. She also hosts the Sun & Moon Sober Living Podcast.
Mary recently settled back in the mountains of Colorado after nearly a decade teaching internationally, while living in Southeast Asia and hosting retreats across the globe.
Oliver Browne
Oliver is an experienced adventurer, alpinist, certified Mountain Leader and a recovering alcoholic who has been sober since June 10th 2017.
He began climbing in 2019, taking on Kilimanjaro to celebrate the 2 year anniversary of getting sober.
It had a deep and profound effect on him and he has been climbing mountains and competing in ultra endurance challenges ever since, launching True Summit Adventures in 2022 so he could share his passion for adventure travel with other people.
Oliver is passionate about the opportunities inherent in sobriety, the transformative power of adventures and journeying in wild and beautiful places.
He first completed the trek in 2021, his second time in Nepal, whilst on an Everest expedition. He has since guided dozens of people to Everest Basecamp and climbed many mountains of 6000m in the Khumbu region.
Oliver will be assisted by a team of high altitude porters and Nepali guides.
Carrie May
Carrie is a certified Professional Recovery Coach (CPRC), Nurse Practitioner and a fierce advocate of living life alcohol free. She is the Founder of Chicago AF, a large diverse non-profit sober community in the Greater Chicago area changing the landscape of socializing without alcohol. She is the Founder of Brave, her adventure and boutique recovery coaching practice.
Carrie is in long-term recovery from alcohol and loves getting individuals off grid to connect in nature. She discovered the benefits of adventure recovery coaching organically through hiking and has hosted sobriety hiking retreats throughout the United States (Sedona, Yosemite, Zion, Colorado and Asheville). Carrie loves to laugh, have fun and create experiences empowering others to gain confidence in their sobriety.
This will be Carrie’s first trek to Nepal and she is ecstatic to co-lead this adventure with Mary and Oliver.
Phurkiter Sherpa
Phurkiter is one of the best trekking guides in Nepal and a master of looking after people on expedition.
Hailing from the famed Makalu region of Nepal, Phurkiter studied tourism and hospitality at university in Kathmandu before completing his guiding certification.
He has made the trek to EBC, dozens of times and led out 2024 trek to EBC and Lobuche East where he delighted everyone with his kind and professional manner.
Dinesh Rai
Dinesh is one of the most promising up-and-coming climbers and guides in Nepal. Born and raised in the mythical Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar, Dinesh completed high school in the neighbouring village of Khumjung which was built by Sir Edmond Hilary in 1961.
A graduate of the Khumbu Climbing Centre, Dinesh counts the legendary North Face athlete, Conrad Anker among his climbing partners and mentors.
Dinesh joined us for two treks to EBC, also climbing both Lobuche and Island Peak with TSA in 2024 and impressed everyone with his positivity, love of the mountains, attention to detail and technical proficiency.
Dinesh, who has climbed Mera Peak and both Island Peak / Lobuche East twice is an Everest / multiple 8000m peak submitter in the making. We are sure you will like him as much as we do.
Who Is This For?
We believe that we are all recovering from something. We will all face adversities in life whether they are in the form of addiction, mental health struggles, burnout, disordered eating, grief, trauma or other challenges.
If you are seeking tools, practices and a supportive community to build resilience and experience physical, mental, emotional, social & spiritual wellbeing, this retreat is for you!
We welcome recovery allies. If you have a loved one in recovery or in a place of struggle or if you are a recovery advocate or healing professional in support of the recovery movement, this retreat is for you!
People on a path of self-discovery and personal growth. This is an opportunity to tap into your own resilience and inner strength with the support of certified facilitators and a like-minded community.
Adventurous spirits with a deep love of the natural world. Trek amongst the most iconic, breathtaking mountains in the world. Awaken to the profound awe and wonder that is available to you when you are truly present. Remember what it feels like to be truly alive!
Open-minded seekers interested in learning about unique cultures & ways of life. The Himalayas are steeped in history, culture and traditions. This will be an opportunity to learn about the Sherpa culture, visit local temples and learn about how people live in this extraordinary part of the world.
Disclaimer: This retreat is not a replacement for therapy or treatment for addiction. We ask that participants have a minimum of 30 days of sobriety before the retreat begins. Please reach out before booking if there are any questions or concerns about whether this retreat is right for you.
Itinerary
Where you’ll be staying
One of the original and best five star hotels in Kathmandu.
Designed in traditional Newari-style architecture and set within 37 acres of landscaped gardens.
We select the best and most comfortable tea house for you in each village – like the amazing Rivendell in Tengboche which comes with ensuite bathroom, shower, western toilet, heated blankets and an amazing communal dining room serving excellent Sherpa cuisine.
Please note that facilities get more Spartan the higher you go and bathrooms are shared in Lobuche.
What’s included/not included
- Hotel transfers on arrival and departure
- Accomodation on a full board basis
- Return helicopter flights from Kathmandu
- Western and Nepali guides
- Dedicated first responder and first aid kit
- Oxygen cylinder
- All permits
- Porters
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All meals
- Iridium satellite phone
- Bottled water throughout
- True Summit Cap, Beanie and Buff
- Expedition duffle bag
- International flights
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Tip for mountain crew
- WIFI in the Tea Houses
- Lunch on Arrival / Departure Day
Costs
$5,995
$5,695
DISCLAIMER:`
** Booking requires 30% deposit with the balance paid 31st January 2025
FAQs
Reaching Everest Basecamp and climbing Lobuche East requires a good level of fitness; members should be comfortable walking for 6 to 7 hours a day for multiple days. Unlike, Kilimanjaro, accommodation is in Tea Houses meaning recovery is easier after a long day’s walking.
The altitude for EBC trek should not be under estimated which is why we have a rest day in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche to allow people to acclimatise better. If you are worried about your response to altitude then discuss with your GP about taking Diamox.
We always go for the best option in each location.
In Kathmandu we stay at the excellent Hyatt Regency in Boudha, one of the original and best 5 star hotels in Nepal. The accommodation on the trek is in the famous tea houses.
The tea houses are clean, quaint and cosy, but they are not hotels and nor would we want them to be.
That said, the tea houses we use mostly have wifi, private bathrooms and showers with Western toilets, although please note, they become more basic above Tengboche.
Food in Nepal and in the high mountains in particular is relatively simple, but plentiful. Expect pancakes, eggs and porridge in the mornings and rice, pasta, pizza, noodle and the currry dishes for lunch and dinner.
The tea houses provide blankets, but it is best to bring a sleeping bag or ask us to rent you one in Kathmandu. If staying on to climb Lobuche East you will need a sleeping bag for the night at the high camp.
Trip Tips
Handy for the entry visa on arrival (for those eligible) and for paying for things in Nepal, including the tip for high altitude crew
The better shape you can arrive in, the better you will cope with the altitude and the climb. Train at KXU, in London on Wednesday mornings in a specially prepared HIIT Class for alpinists.
The trek to EBC requires significant time above 4000m and some periods above 5000m. We have included 2 acclimatisation days in Namche and Dingboche respectively, but recommend everyone to go slowly between villages to aid acclimatisation further, appreciate the views and enjoy the epic conversations.
Please note that helicopter transfers are scheduled by date and morning / loo afternoon only. Approximate times for your flight will be given to you the night before and we aim to get everyone to / from Lukla as promptly as possible.
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