After a 2 year absence, our popular Saharan Challenge made a triumphant return last week. 150 runners and trekkers made their way to Morocco with our team, to take on 2 marathons over 2 days in the world’s largest desert!
The adventure started with a bus transfer over the mighty Atlas Mountains, before entering the Draa Valley and arriving at our Bedouin desert camp. This was home for the next 3 nights, with Moroccan food & entertainment each night.
Anyone who has taken on one of our Ultra Challenge events will know what to expect. With fully stocked rest stops along the route, staffed by our wonderful local crew and UK staff, each participant was well supported as they took on this formidable challenge.
There was a great atmosphere at the finish line, with a commemorative medal for everyone, before a return back to camp and a desert party to celebrate the achievement.
The Saharan Challenge will be back for 2023, with a new + improved itinerary, 50km option and an extra day in beautiful Marrakech. We hope to see you there!
This blog comes straight from Shaz Malik, who recently embarked on one of the most iconic trekking adventures on Earth with us: the Everest Base Camp trek. Over the course of his adventure, Shahzad journeyed through lush valleys, crossed dizzying suspension bridges, and climbed to altitudes where every breath feels like an achievement. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stand at the foot of the world’s highest peak, read on….
A Chaotic Start… and an Unexpected Family
You don’t really expect your adventure to start before you’ve even left Heathrow, but ours absolutely did. Systems were down thanks to a cyber-attack, the queues were wild, and yet—somehow—the atmosphere was pure excitement. Amid all the chaos, our little group formed quickly and naturally. Strangers turned into teammates, swapping snacks, checking boarding signs like hawks, and laughing together at the absurdity of modern travel. It already felt like the start of something special.
And honestly? That warm, friendly vibe never left the group—not once in the entire trek.
Touchdown in Kathmandu: Chaos, Sunshine & Great Vibes
After a long flight east, we landed in Kathmandu, where warm air and honking traffic hit us all at once. The city is a sensory overload in the best possible way—colourful, noisy, unpredictable, and somehow incredibly charming.
There we met Joe, our team leader, and Chimi, our lead Sherpa guide. Within minutes it was clear: these two knew exactly what they were doing. Calm, organised, humorous, and full of mountain wisdom, they instantly made the group feel safe and excited for the journey ahead.
We topped up supplies in the city’s bustling streets, soaked in the sunshine, and tried to sleep despite the buzzing anticipation of what was to come.
The Lukla Flight: Indiana Jones Meets Holiday Travel
Nothing—and I mean nothing—can prepare you for the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Picture a tiny propeller plane, flying low through narrow valleys, snow-capped peaks towering right beside the windows. It felt like stepping straight into an Indiana Jones film.
One moment we were gliding above terraced fields; the next, Lukla’s famously short runway appeared out of nowhere. The landing was surprisingly smooth, and we all clapped like excited kids. Adventure mode: activated.
Meeting the Sherpa Team & Starting the Trek
Once in Lukla, we met the rest of our Sherpa team—true heroes of the Himalayas. Their warmth, patience, and strength became the backbone of our journey.
Lukla itself sits at nearly 3,000m, so the trek begins immediately with thin air and big views. The early days were blissfully warm and full of life. We walked through lush green forests, past waterfalls, alongside powerful glacial rivers, and over stones that had been walked by generations of mountaineers.
It felt dreamy, like entering a different world where the mountains decide everything.
High Bridges & Higher Spirits
One of the most unforgettable moments was crossing the famous Hillary Bridge, the highest suspension bridge on the trail. It gently swayed in the wind as we stepped across, prayer flags fluttering all around us.
Was it scary? A little. Did the group cheer each other on? Absolutely. Were the views insane? 100% yes.
Every bridge crossing bonded us more—a small team making our way deeper and deeper into the Khumbu Valley.
Life in the Lodges: Dal Bhat & Good Company
As we moved from village to village, the cosy lodges became our temporary Himalayan homes. And the food? Let’s just say dal bhat became our unofficial team fuel. A simple, hearty mix of lentil soup, rice, and vegetables, it had exactly the right carbs and protein for trekking long days at altitude.
We joked that dal bhat gives “power for 24 hours,” and honestly, it kind of did.
Evenings were for warming up, drinking tea, chatting, and listening to Joe’s previews of tomorrow’s route. He always sprinkled in humour, reassurance, and a hint of mystery—which kept us motivated even when our legs were tired.
Namche Bazaar: Coffee at 3,500 Metres
After a couple of days of glorious walking, we reached Namche Bazaar, the famous Sherpa market town built into the mountainside. This was our first acclimatisation stop, and we spent two nights here adjusting to the thinner air.
Namche surprised everyone. Cute shops, colourful prayer wheels, and—best of all—incredible coffee shops. Sitting in a warm café drinking a latte while surrounded by towering peaks? Absolute magic.
The vibe in Namche was relaxed and joyful. We laughed, explored, rested, and felt ourselves growing stronger before the next push upward.
Towards the High Himalayas: Tengboche, Dingboche & Café 4410
After Namche, the trail steepened and the air thinned. We trekked to Tengboche, home to a beautiful monastery, and then on to Dingboche, our second acclimatisation stop.
Dingboche is where altitude starts to feel very real—but it’s also where we found the legendary Café 4410. And what do a bunch of trekkers watch at 4,410 metres? The film Everest, of course.
Five days into the trek, bundled in jackets, sipping hot chocolate, watching mountaineers struggle up the very mountain looming behind the cafe—it was surreal.
Only three days until Base Camp. The excitement was building.
The Final Push: Lobuche to Gorakshep
From Dingboche we headed higher still, stopping at Lobuche before trekking to Gorakshep, the last settlement before Everest Base Camp.
At over 5,000m, Gorakshep is remote, rugged, and surrounded on all sides by towering peaks. The air is thin, every breath feels important, and yet the energy was incredible. We were so close.
Everest Base Camp: The Long Walk Across the Khumbu Glacier
On Day 8, we set off on the final stretch—a rocky, careful walk across the Khumbu Glacier. It was challenging, slow, and surreal. The glacier shifts, groans, and cracks beneath the surface, and the path twists constantly.
But we moved as a team—encouraging words, steady footsteps, and shared determination.
And then… there it was. The famous Everest Base Camp sign, the colourful prayer flags, the icy peaks stretching endlessly into the sky.
We had made it. Happy. Tired. Emotional. Completely fulfilled.
The Adventure of a Lifetime
Reaching Everest Base Camp was everything I hoped for and more. But what made the journey unforgettable was the people—our friendly group, the incredibly dedicated Sherpa guides, and the exceptional organisation from the Action Challenge leadership team.
Every detail was thought through. Every challenge became manageable. Every moment felt like part of a well-crafted adventure.
If you’re thinking about doing something big—something life-changing—this is it. Truly one of the greatest adventure experiences you can have on this planet.
If you’d like to find out more about the trek to Everest Base Camp, why not join one of our free open evenings – hosted online or in person?
Find out more and register for your free place here:
