KATHMANDU, APRIL 22
Two experienced trekkers have just finished an ambitious project to trek to the base camps of all 14 of the world's highest mountains that are over 8,000 metres in elevation.
Project Base8000, as it is known, has taken the two team members to some of the most remote and challenging locations on Earth, in the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges located in Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan, according to a statement issued by Project Base8000.
The team, consisting of Trevor Builder (Australia) and Emma Huffam (New Zealand/Australia), did their first trek in 2013 to Everest Base Camp as part of celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest. So it is fitting that in 2023, the year of the 70th Anniversary, they have completed their project.
Where possible, the team trekked in with climbing expeditions and stayed at the climbers' base camps where they joined in with the Puja ceremonies.
The project was completed in several phases involving trips to Nepal (to trek to the base camps of Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna), Pakistan (for K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum II) and Tibet (Cho Oyu and Shishapangma).
The project required a significant amount of physical fitness, mental fortitude, planning and preparation. "The team had to negotiate challenging terrain and high altitudes, and were supported by international trekking companies as well as local suppliers here in Nepal", said Trevor Builder, one of the Project Base8000 team members.
"Project Base8000 is not only a physical challenge, but also an opportunity to support and raise awareness of the work that the Australian Himalayan Foundation do to help the people of the remote Himalaya with health and education" said Emma Huffam who is the other member of the team.
The team have documented their journey through blogposts, videos, and social media and hope to inspire and encourage others to adventure outdoors and perhaps even create a project of their own, it added.
