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You now have the opportunity to help Nepali children while climbing the tallest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest. The Global Volunteer Network has created a fundraising trek to the Base Camp of Mount Everest in order to help poverty stricken children in Nepal.

Our partner in Nepal is a local non-profit, non-government organisation who cares for children in their own homes: Brighter Future Children's Home and Shining Stars Children's Home. Unlike many children's home in the Kathmandu Valley, these children are well cared for and loved by those who work in the homes. So many other children are not as fortunate as these and live in appalling conditions, sometimes without adequate food, water or education. Our partner is also working with some of these less fortunate children, providing volunteer support to monitor their living conditions and care for their basic needs.

Funds raised through this trek will support the 13 children living in the Brighter Future Children's Home. There are 8 boys and 5 girls, aged from 6 to 14 years who reside in the home. Our partner ensures their health, nutrition and education needs are met fully. Funds will also contribute to the construction of a new permanent home for the 28 children of Shining Stars Children's Home. In this home there are 7 girls and 21 boys, aged from 4 to 13 years. They will reside in a rented transit home until their new home is completed. GVN's 2006 Everest Base Camp Trek raised funds to purchase the land for this new home.

This trek provides you with the opportunity to trek the highest mountain in the world while helping the children of Nepal. Each are opportunities most only dream about, here they are combined to give you the climbing, and humanitarian, experience of a lifetime.

To apply for this hike please visit http://www.http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/nepal/everest

General Requirements

* Be 18 years of age
* Be in good health
* Be very physically fit
* Have a positive attitude and teamwork mentality


The cost of this trip is US $3,400.00. This price covers the following:

Trek Fee - US $1,400
- US $1,400 Trek Fee will go to our travel partner who will plan all of the logistical aspects of this trip.

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your Trek Fee and Children's Fund Fee due several months prior to your departure. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Children's Fund Fee - US $2,000
75% of the money donated will go directly to our Nepal Partner. This money will go towards improving orphanages, building an orphanage and assisting sexually assaulted minors. 15% will go towards general operational support, 5% will be dedicated towards ensuring that all money sent to community organizations abroad is being used appropriately, and 5% will go towards educating individuals both here and abroad about the specific issues our target communities face (specifically HIV/AIDS, Environmental Destruction, Starvation etc.). Please note that WorldPay takes a 4.5% commission for credit card purchases before GVN receives the funds. Donations made to GVN by American donors are tax-deductible. Non-US donors cannot receive a tax-exemption.

The Trek Fee includes:

* Accommodation in teahouses (lodges) during the trek
* 4 nights hotel accommodation in a four star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights before and 2 nights after the trek)
* All meals on a full board basis while on the hike (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
* Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla and back from Lukla to Kathmandu
* Airport tax
* Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
* All surface transportation to and from airports
* Necessary equipment such as sleeping bag, down jacket, etc
* A guide
* Necessary porters
* Rescue help if needed

The Trek Fee does not include:

* International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
* Required travel insurance
* Personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, beverages, gifts, calls, laundry, etc.
* All meals while in Kathmandu
* Sightseeing while in Kathmandu
* Local transportation while in Kathmandu (excluding all hotel/airport transfers)
* Visa for Nepal
* Gratuities
* Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of the Global Volunteer Network, Nepal Environmental Treks and Expedition and Volunteer Services Nepal.


Please note: GVN/VSN reserves the right to determine the dissemination of funds.