THE CONTEXT:
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is a strenuous 15-day expedition in the Nepal Himalayas. It is a 130-km trek in high-altitude and challenging mountainous terrain.
The trek to EBC begins at Lukla, which sits at an elevation of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet), and ascends to Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). This means a staggering elevation gain of over 2,500 meters (8,215 feet) through rugged terrain.
This is equivalent to climbing up and down an 800-floor building, which demands a very high level of fitness and is no mean feat!
This is a TOUGH climb for most of us. Now imagine a person with a disability undertaking this mammoth trek.
Here are a few stories of some of the PWD’s who are going to take part in this EBC trek:
ABOUT THIS INITIATIVE:
The Tinkesh Ability Foundation, in collaboration with Bohemian Adventures, is launching a campaign to create inclusive outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities. Their goal is to support 4 trekkers with disabilities in completing the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, spanning 14 nights and 15 days.
Pic : This is TINKESH. He lost both his legs and an arm when he was a child in a freak accident. He now runs a foundation to transform the lives of People with Disabilities. He is a role model, fitness ambassador, and change-maker.
Starting from Kathmandu, this journey is not just about reaching an iconic destination; it’s about challenging perceptions, breaking barriers, and showcasing the incredible strength and resilience of individuals with disabilities.
This initiative aims to raise funds to cover the costs of the trek for 4 PWDs and their support teams, including their air tickets and high-risk medical insurance. This will ensure they have a safe and enriching journey amidst the majestic Himalayan landscapes. This trek will demonstrate to them and to thousands of others with disabilities and their families that they too can achieve what many aspire to!!
THE TOTAL TREK COST FOR THESE 4 PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, THEIR SUPPORT TEAM, GUIDES, EMERGENCIES, ETC IS INR 3 LAKH PER PERSON - IE A TOTAL OF INR 12 LAKHS.
Myself and other concerned citizens are joining forces to raise funds for this cause. While we have set a campaign goal, we encourage you to continue supporting our efforts even if we surpass this target. We need to raise a substantial amount of INR 12 lakh to make this trek a reality.
Note : All funding has 80G tax benefits as the funds go to Tinkesh Ability Foundation which is a registered NGO/Foundation.
Who are the People with Disabilities (PWD’s) participating in this EBC Trek?
Ms Chhozin Angmo is a 27-year-old from Kinnaur Valley in Himachal Pradesh and is a beacon of steadfast determination and resilience. She lost her eyesight at the age of 8 and works as a customer service associate (clerical) at the Union Bank of India.
Mr Prakash Singh Sodhi is a 46-year-old from J&K working as an engineer. He has a locomotor disability with his right leg below the knee amputated.
Mr Pankaj Pandey is a 42-year-old from New Delhi. He is in the finance sector and has a hearing impairment.
Mr Vinod Jeetsingh Rawat is 49 years old and from Mumbai. He is working with an NGO and lives with a locomotor disability.
This trek is more than just a physical challenge; it is a profound journey of courage, camaraderie, and the boundless human spirit set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas.
MORE INFO AND FACTS ABOUT THE EVEREST BASE CAMP (EBC) TREK :
Everest Base Camp, located at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) on the south side of Mount Everest, is a popular trekking destination in the Himalayas.
Here are the highlights of the journey to Everest Base Camp:
- Start in Kathmandu and fly to Lukla.
- Trek through picturesque landscapes to Namche Bazaar.
- Visit the Tengboche Monastery and ascend through arid terrain.
- Reach Everest Base Camp, marked by poignant memorials.
- Climb to Kala Patthar for unparalleled views of Everest.
Embarking on a trek of this magnitude requires extraordinary preparation, support, and determination especially as one has to navigate uneven and steep paths, rocky and boulder-strewn trails as well as managing altitude-related issues.
Join us in supporting this transformative journey!
ABOUT ME:
My name is TINKESH KAUSHIK. I am a concerned citizen and I’ve undertaken this campaign to support people with disabilities (PWD’s) to do the Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek.
Accessing basic human rights, such as mobility and equal opportunities has become a challenge for People with disabilities in their day-to-day life. The Tinkesh Ability Foundation was inspired by passion, empathy, and experience and has announced an inclusive trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC) for People with Disabilities and Non Disabled people together.
This trek is organized in collaboration with Bohemian Adventures. This campaign aims to support 4 people with disabilities, and it costs INR 12 L including the guide's costs (including airfares, fees, travel, insurance, food, water, and stay). This is INR 3L per person.
Join us in making this trek an opportunity for People with Disabilities to experience the outdoors, break barriers, and foster inclusion every step of the way.
EXPENSES - ESTIMATED COSTS :
MAP OF THE TREK BY ELEVATION AND VILLAGE:
ABOUT TINKESH ABILITY FOUNDATION:
Tinkesh Ability Foundation (TAF) is a non-profit organization based out of Goa that is dedicated to creating a comprehensive system of access, support, and community for people with disabilities. Committed to providing mobility aids, inclusive fitness spaces, and mental health support, TAF strives to enhance the lives of PWDs across India.
TAF collaborates with various organizations nationwide to help individuals acquire the mobility aids and prosthetics they need. Recognizing the necessity for improved accessibility in infrastructure and opportunities, TAF aims to enable better use and reception of these aids.
ABOUT BOHEMIAN ADVENTURES:
Bohemian Adventures LLP is an adventure sports company based out of Dehradun, Uttarakhand started by three women mountaineers - Anusha Subramanian, Shashi Bahuguna, and Guneet Puri. At Bohemian Adventures, we believe in the transformative power of nature and adventure for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Our mission is to create inclusive and memorable outdoor experiences that empower individuals, build confidence, and foster a love for nature.
We have a rich history of working with individuals with disabilities, and some of our remarkable journeys include guiding India’s first inclusive climbing expedition to Mt Kilimanjaro, Tandem Cycling Expeditions, guiding a Parkinson’s patient to EBC, and many other treks and expeditions in India.
TAX BENEFITS:
Funding for this campaign is eligible for tax breaks as the NGO, TINESH ABILITY FOUNDATION is a registered trust and you can avail of benefits under section 80G of the IT Act. Foreign funding is NOT accepted.
FAQs
Will we get to know the details of who benefitted?
Yes. After the money has been collected it will be transferred by Fueladream to Tinkesh Ability Foundation. They will update you on the details of the beneficiaries as soon as possible. Once we get this information we shall upload a report on the UPDATES section of this campaign. You will then get an alert and can read details about the beneficiaries.
When do we get the receipts?
The receipts will start getting processed about 4 to 6 weeks AFTER the campaign is closed and will be sent to you directly.
How can we fund this campaign with a Cheque?
Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd account details are as below
BANK NAME: HDFC Bank Limited.
BRANCH: Koramangala( Main Branch). City: Bengaluru - 560095.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 50200013106778
IFSC CODE: HDFC0000053
Please draw a cheque in favor of "Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd", and deposit the cheque into the Fueladream Online Ventures Pvt Ltd HDFC Bank account (any branch across INDIA). After you deposit the cheque, please send an email to prasad@fueladream.com AND getintouch@fueladream.com with the following funder information.
1) Name of Funder:
2) Full address with Pin code:
3) Telephone/Mobile no and Email ID:
4) Cheque number:
5) Amount funded:
6) Whose campaign are you funding. (Name of the person OR campaign number/ID):
After the funds are received and the above details are verified, the fund amount will be transferred to the respective campaign. This can take from 1-3 working days.
How does crowdfunding work?
Crowdfunding in India is a relatively new concept and is growing very quickly.
It’s a concept that allows a large number of funders (like you) to fund an idea or a cause or event by giving small amounts of money online. Fueladream.com is a crowdfunding platform in India that allows for such pooling of funds. You can fund innovations and ideas on FuelADream and be the first to get these products or make them come true. You can also do a good turn by funding charities and causes through crowdfunding.
