Nepal·April 1 - 12 2025
A Bucket List Experience Reimagined: Gain New Perspectives, Transcend Limitations, Forge Deep Friendships & Reach New Heights in Recovery
ENQUIRE“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. Costs Single Occupancy: $5,995 / Early Bird: $5,370 Shared Occupancy: $5,695 / Early Bird: $5,130 *Early Bird pricing - get a 10% discount til 31st August 2024 ** Booking requires 30% deposit with the balance paid 31st January 2025
Pristine wilderness settings provide the opportunity to explore our own inner landscapes and get to know ourselves on a deeper level. We will be weaving specific themes and intentions into each day and incorporating practices such as yoga, breathwork, meditation, journaling and group conversations to facilitate this process.
Participate in inspiring conversations and transformational workshops hosted by your team of mountaineers and coaches. You will walk away with practical insights into how to build strength & resilience, free yourself from self-imposed limitations, tap into the transformative power of nature to increase vitality, release stress and access deep states of inner calm & live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life in recovery.
There will be optional restorative yoga practices & guided relaxation to release tension, support muscle recovery and help integrate this journey of body, mind and spirit.
The Everest Basecamp Trek is historic, breathtakingly beautiful, culturally delightful and perfectly challenging.
We are committed to giving you the most support possible, prior to and during your adventure.
Climbing Kala Patthar provides a glimpse into the world of high altitude mountaineering - we will scale before dawn to see the sunrise. It also provides the most accessible closeup view of Everest. Due to the structure of the Everest Massif, its high summit is blocked by Nuptse from much of the surrounding region.
Safer and more convenient than fixed wing flights to Lukla, which now depart from Ramechappe, a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu. We trek only one way flying you back from Pheriche to cut the time needed for this trek.
We book the best Tea House option in each village but please note the facilities get more Spartan as we get higher.
Technological advancements have pushed us into a state of hyperconnectivity, yet we are seeing less depth in our connections and more loneliness than ever before. This is an invitation to be truly present with others, engage in meaningful conversations and build lifelong friendships with people on a similar path. We will be offering community support for months leading up to the trip to answer your questions, create opportunities to connect and cheer each other on in our training.
Kathmandu is a veritable treasure trove of historic sights and places of interest. We will endeavour to show you as many as possible on our City Tour.
Learn more about the incredible Sherpa people, the Tibetan ethnic group who have inhabited the Everest region for centuries.
Mary is a certified Professional Recovery Coach (CPRC), Certified Facilitator in Addiction Awareness (CFAA-HR) and Trauma-Informed Yoga & Meditation Teacher. She has been hosting international retreats in wilderness settings across the globe for the last decade.
Having overcome her own battle with addiction in 2013, Mary is passionate about ending the stigma and helping others build fulfilling lives in recovery. She founded Sun & Moon Sober Living, a community and education platform where members are invited to explore the well-proven pathways of recovery incorporating key principles of behavior change, the neuroscience of addiction, nervous system regulation, the ancient wisdom of yoga, mindfulness and the power of community.
Her first trek in Nepal was in 2014, one year into sobriety, and it was the beginning of a deep connection with nature that has supported her ever since. She loves sharing the life giving benefits of movement, mindfulness, nature and community with others.
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 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 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 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.
Adventure re-imagined…
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.
A journey like no other...
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Welcome to Nepal and to the experience of a lifetime.
You will be met at the airport by a True Summit Adventures team member and taken to our team hotel, the Hyatt Regency in Bouda; 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, the hotel offers an oasis of calm in bustling Kathmandu, yet is located, close to all the historic attractions, temples, restaurants and the outdoor shops should you need to make any last minute purchases.
Relax by the pool, visit the spa or hit the gym; in the evening we will meet for a team dinner where you will meet your guides and the other team members.
Mary will lead our first yoga session of the trip at 6 am on the terrace by the pool after which we can have breakfast together.
There will be a chance for sharing before we leave the hotel and explore Kathmandu, one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth, founded in the 2nd Century AD and home to several World Heritage Sites; the Durbar Square, Swayambhu Mahachaitya (or Monkey Temple) Bouddha and (Hindu burial site) Pashupatinath.
We take these all in on our tour, stopping for lunch at the Roadhouse restaurant overlooking the Boudda Stupa.
Later, we visit the climbing shops in Thamel for any last minute purchases ahead of the expedition.
In the evening we have our official 'welcome dinner' at the Hyatt Regency.
Today is the day!
After an early breakfast we transfer to the airport and take the 1 hour helicopter flight to the world famous Lukla airport, the gateway to the Khumbu Valley.
The views are awe inspiring as we approach and expect a sense of calm to wash over you as you step off the helicopter and into this magical place, seeing the beautiful Himalayas for the first time.
After an energising lunch in Lukla and lots of ginger and lemon tea, we begin the trek with a gentle hike to Phakding.
In the evening we settle into expedition life with dinner, conversations and games - UNO and Perudo are our favourites.
Sample Daily Schedule
7am - Morning meditation and gentle stretching
8am - Breakfast
8.30am - Begin the days hike
12pm - Lunch in a Sherpa village
1pm - Continue the days hike
4pm - Arrive at Tea House, tea & snacks
5.30pm - Evening group activity: inspiring talk / workshop / share circle / restorative yoga
7pm - Dinner
8pm - Optional games, group discussion or relax
Today the trek starts to gain some altitude and cross some very long bridges, suspended high above the Khumbu Valley! Not for the feint hearted, but exhilarating none the less! The most famous being the Hilary Bridge which hangs 135m above the Dude Khosi river.
Our destination is the almost mythical Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar nestled high in the Himalayan foothills.
Approaching the town, which can only be reached on foot or by helicopter, you will likely feel a sense of wonder at this truly unique mountain community.
Here you can stroll through the market shopping for souvenirs, visit the barber shop or enjoy a cappuccino and slice of marble cake at the world famous Sherpa Barista Cafe.
Namche is also home to many outfitters so if you are not 100% happy with your trekking shoes you can still buy a new pair!
Today we take a pause in the expedition to allow ourselves to acclimatise to the increasing altitude. But it's not all sitting around drinking tea!
Today we hike for 2 hours to the famous Everest View Hotel at 3,888m for an epic lunch where we can enjoy the incredible views of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks, Lhotse, Nuptse and the mighty Ama Dablam.
After lunch we take the short walk to the village of Khumjung where you can visit the monastery, see the famous Yeti skull, shop for souvenirs and drink more tea, before heading back to Namche.
Today has two distinct sections and the path traverses gently up the valley until we cross the Dudh Khosi river at 3,250m.
After lunch we start to ascend rapidly towards our destination, Tengboche, a holy place in Sherpa culture, famed for its Buddhist monastery and bakery where the cakes are really excellent!
We have now hit some serious altitude and get more views of the Himalayan giants, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Pumori and Ama Dablam.
At this time of year, the hill slopes around Tengboche are covered in with flowering rhododendrons and if we are lucky we may see the Himalayan Tahr in the surrounding woodland.
A visit to the monastery is a must, as is the bakery, before we descend to Rivendell, one of the best tea houses in the Everest region to enjoy more Sherpa hospitality, more ginger and lemon tea or perhaps a glass of red wine by the fire.
Today we head above the tree line, leaving the greener parts of the Khumbu Valley behind as we head for Dingboche. Huge mountains tower around us and the scenery is breathtaking; Everest looms larger in the distance.
In Dingboche we will see kilometers of stone walls, built from the stones that once covered the entire Valley of Imja, which were removed for cultivation and where potatoes now grow.
More amazing Sherpa hospitality awaits us!
At this height the accommodation becomes more spartan; here we are at the Hotel Bright Star, the best tea house in Dingboche.
Today we stay a second night in Dingboche, but continue our all important acclimatisation with a 3 hour trek to 5100m, after which we return to Dingboche for lunch and more tea!
In the afternoon there is time to visit the bakery for coffee and cakes while those in the mood can watch one of the climbing films on play.
It is then back to the tea house for more impeccable Sherpa cuisine and very likely - more games!
8.5km South West of Everest Basecamp and at the foot of the Khumbu glacier lies the village of Lobuche, our destination for today and one of the last Sherpa settlements before EBC itself.
Lobuche is a staging point for 8000m expeditions of Everest and Lhotse and the 7000m expeditions of Nuptse and Pumori and as such is a busy and bustling place famous for its bakery where fresh pastries and good coffee await the weary traveller.
We trek slowly and within ourselves given we are now at an altitude of nearly of 5000m and higher than the European giant, Mont Blanc!
Today is the day we have been looking forward to as we trek to the base of the highest mountain on Earth and marvel at its sheer enormity, stature and wildness.
Truly, this is a beautiful place, but a historic one also; the scene of so much triumph as well as tragedy in the hundred or so years since mankind began its obsession with reaching this most prized of summits.
Few people fail to be moved in its presence as we ponder on all the alpine giants who have gone before us; first ascents, first ascents without supplemental oxygen, speed ascents, winter ascents and perhaps the greatest ascent; by the late Swedish alpinist Goran Krupp who made a solo, alpine ascent (no sherpa assistance / fixed ropes) in 1996, having cycled to EBC from his home in Sweden, before cycling back.
Afterwards we make the short trek back to Gorakshep for dinner, rest and lots of story sharing of our experience together.
This morning we wake early at around 4am and make the short climb to the summit of Kala Patthar to enjoy a spectacular sunrise - hopefully one of the best of your life.
Here we will get the best views of Mount Everest of the trip and enjoy a small glimpse into the world of high altitude mountaineering where the push to the summit is normally done in the dark.
After taking in the incredible views we descend back to Gorakshep for a well deserved breakfast afterwhich we make the short trek to Lobuche where we will board the helicopters that take us back to Kathmandu.
Sadly all good things must come to an end.
Today we say our goodbyes and wish you a safe onwards journey, but we hope this experience will live long in the memory, that you will have felt a deep and profound sense of joy, clarity and perspective during your time in this most beautiful of places, the Khumbu Valley.
Drivers will be on hand to take you to the airport.
For those whose thirst for adventure has not quit been quenched we invite you to visit Bhardia National Park in Western Nepal and the incredible Tiger Tops where you can attempt to see a tiger in the wild.
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.
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
See tigers in the wild in Bardia National Park staying at the incomparable Tiger Tops
PRICE$1,926.61/pp
Come earlier or stay on later
PRICE$219.08/pp
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.
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.
This was a magical adventure... So grateful for this incredible experience All of the mountain guides and Sherpas were wonderful, but special mention to Oliver, Dorchi, Dinesh and Ngima. You rocked my adventure! I have fallen hook, line and sinker for Nepal.
Pantea Cyrus, Artist
Everest Base Camp trip - WOW! Recently went to Everest Base Camp with True Summit Adventures, a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Oli was absolutely fantastic from the point of booking, providing me with a 12 week training plan to prepare myself and checking in regularly to make sure I was actually getting ready. The service and attention to detail, as well as the flexibility were absolutely fantastic! I couldn’t recommend True Summit Adventures highly enough. Already planning my next trip with Oli, Kilimanjaro next year.
Phillipp Iarmaltchouk, Private Banker
Top notch; First class; Unparalleled; Exceptional - Choose your superlative and True Summit Adventures meets and exceeds it! My sons and I recently returned from another trip with them, this one trekking and mountaineering in the high Himalayas. Oliver and his team are not only world-class expedition leaders, they are superb and charming hosts who provide a level of personalized service and attentiveness rarely found in such operations. They really make an effort to ensure the team bonds, and usually lifelong friends are the result. TSA turns a memorable trip into the trip of a lifetime. I cannot recommend TSA enough!
George Kappaz, Private Equity Principal
Oliver Browne & TSA are the BEST ! My son Sterling and I have done Kilimanjaro - best trip ever and Everest Base Camp this past year. Safety, reliability, fun with great people ..
James McBride, Hotelier, Nihi Sumba
Oliver organised the most awesome expedition. Not only a great guide he is also a master in logistics. Everything worked like a Swiss watch.
Farzin Pourmokthar, ex investment banker
Trip of a lifetime to Everest Base Camp A journey into another world that I will never forget in my life. I had the pleasure of travelling to Nepal and the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp with True Summit Adventures at the end of March 2024. The whole venture was organised by Oliver, from True Summit Adventures. The dedication with which Oli devoted himself to each individual participant gave me the feeling from the outset that I was in exactly the right hands. From the moment the trip was arranged (about 3 months beforehand) Oli was always available for every single participant. He put together a great training programme for us, which was essential for the trip. He was also available at any time and at any hour to answer any questions. The dedication with which Oli devoted himself to this trip and the participants made the magical journey something unforgettable. The experiences we had on the trip, the people we met, the friendships we made, it all made it to something unique, that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. My big thanks go to True Summit Adventures and especially to Oli personally, because the way he made it so special. The next trip is already being planned and I can hardly wait to experience the next adventure with Oli. For all those who have not yet had this pleasure, I can only say from the bottom of my heart, please do not hesitate any longer! You can experience adventures and journeys here that will shape you for life. It was one of the best decisions in my life to team up with True Summit Adventures and Oli! Thank you Oli for an unforgettable time! Looking forward to the adventure ahead!
Vladan Miksic-Kheyfits, Entrepreneur
