Take on Everest from Anywhere with PTSD UK’s Virtual Everest Base Camp Challenge!
Could you walk to Everest Base Camp? This September, as PTSD UK celebrates its 10th birthday, we are taking on our most ambitious challenge yet—trekking to Everest Base Camp to raise vital funds for people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD.
But we know that not everyone can join us in Nepal. That’s why, thanks to an amazing suggestion from one of our supporters, Jo, we’re launching a Virtual Everest Base Camp Challenge! Now, you can be part of this incredible journey—wherever you are.
What is the Virtual Everest Base Camp Challenge?
The Virtual Everest Base Camp Challenge is your chance to walk, run, hike, or climb the equivalent distance or elevation of the famous trek, all while raising awareness and funds for PTSD UK.
While our in-person team takes on the tough 80-mile trek through the Himalayas, you can take part at home, at your own pace, and in your own way. Your fundraising will go directly into the same pot as the real Everest Base Camp team, so you’ll be making a real difference alongside them!
Plus, everyone who completes their challenge will receive a finisher’s T-shirt (or you can upgrade to a hoodie!) as a reward for your amazing achievement.
Choose Your Challenge
Choose from six challenge options to suit your fitness level and preferences.
All options except the Daily Distance Challenge can be completed anytime between 1st – 30th September or 1st-31st October.
1. Full Distance Challenge – 80 miles (130km) (Complete Anytime in September or October)
Walk, run, or hike the full trek distance from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and back over September or October.
Track your progress: Log miles using Strava, Fitbit, Apple Health, or a manual tracker.
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2. Half Distance Challenge – 40 miles (65km) (Complete Anytime in September or October)
If 80 miles feels too much, you can take on half the journey, covering 40 miles at your own pace throughout September or October.
Perfect for:
- Those looking for a more achievable goal
- Anyone new to fitness challenges
- Participants with less time to complete the full trek
Tracking: Log miles with Strava, a fitness app, or a manual tracker.
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3. Daily Distance Challenge – Follow the Real Trek Itinerary (Fixed Dates: 29th Sept – 7th Oct)
Walk the same distance each day as the real Everest trekkers, following their actual itinerary:
- Day ONE: Lukla & Trek to Phakding 5 miles 3-4 hrs
- Day TWO: Phakding to Namche Bazaar 7 miles 6-7 hrs
- Day THREE: Acclimatisation Hike to Everest View Hotel 4.5 miles 5-6 hrs
- Day FOUR: Namche Bazaar to Deboche 5.5 miles 5-6 hrs
- Day FIVE: Deboche to Dingboche 5.5 miles 5 hrs
- Day SIX: Acclimatisation Hike in Dingboche 2 miles 3 hrs
- Day SEVEN: Dingboche to Lobuche 5.5 miles 5-6 hrs
- Day EIGHT: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp, return to Gorakshep 7.5 miles 6-8 hrs
- Day NINE: Climb Kala Patthar & Trek to Pheriche 8 miles 7-8 hrs
You’ll receive daily updates, fun facts, and cultural insights as you “reach” different points on the trek!
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4. Elevation Challenge – Climb Everest in Your Own Way (Complete Anytime in September or October)
Instead of distance, tackle the total 8,200ft (2,500m) elevation gain to Base Camp!
Options include:
Climbing stairs at home or in an office building
Using a stair climber at the gym
Hiking local hills or mountains
Conversion guide:
15 steps = 10ft → You need 833 flights of stairs to reach Base Camp!
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5. Team Challenge – Split the Distance with Friends (Complete Anytime in September or October)
Get a team together and divide the 80-mile trek!
Options:
- Team of 4 – Each person completes 20 miles.
- Team of 10 – Each person completes 8 miles.
- Relay Style – Each person completes a different segment of the trek.
Perfect for workplaces, families, or online groups!
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6. Adaptive Trek Challenge (Complete Anytime in September or October)
Alternative options include:
Cycling the equivalent 80 miles
Swimming (e.g. ~32 miles conversion)
Rowing a set stroke goal
Seated steps challenge (e.g. pushing off from a chair)
Everyone deserves to be part of this adventure!
Why Take Part?
Support PTSD UK – Every step you take helps us provide vital support for people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD.
Celebrate PTSD UK’s 10th birthday – What better way to mark a decade of changing lives than taking on this epic challenge?
Join our Everest team – Your fundraising goes into the same pot as the in-person trek, meaning you are part of the official Everest Base Camp team!
Earn exclusive rewards – Complete your challenge and receive a goodie bag and a finisher’s T-shirt (or upgrade to a hoodie!).
Do it at your own pace – Complete your challenge anytime in September or October, except for the Daily Distance Challenge, which follows the real trek dates.
How much do I need to fundraise?
There is no minimum fundraising amount for the Virtual Everest Base Camp Challenge—this is your journey, and every pound you raise makes a difference. However, we encourage you to set your target as high as you feel is achievable—after all, you are doing something truly amazing! We suggest aiming for at least £200, but feel free to challenge yourself to go even higher. Every step you take and every donation you receive will help support people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD across the UK.
How to Sign Up
Entry Fees:
Standard Entry (£20) – Includes a goodie bag and finisher’s T-shirt.
Hoodie Entry (£50) – Includes a goodie bag and upgrades your finisher’s T-shirt to a hoodie.
Submit your proof of completion (Strava logs, fitness app screenshots, or a manual tracker) at the end of the challenge to receive your reward!
Set up your fundraising page – Head to www.justgiving.com/campaign/
Feeling Even More Adventurous? Join Us in Nepal!
If you want to take on the real Everest Base Camp trek, we still have a few spaces left to join our team in Nepal this September! This is the ultimate adventure, trekking through breathtaking landscapes while raising funds for PTSD UK.
Are you ready for Everest—virtually or in person?
Sign up today and take on the challenge of a lifetime!
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