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A Trek For PACH

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In April, 2023, Paul Martel, founder of the U.S. non-profit, Partners For Andean Community Health (PACH) will trek 32 miles in Nepal from Phakding to the summit of Gokyo Ri. The trek will honor David Guacho and the employees, physicians and volunteers that make up the foundation FIBUSPAM in Ecuador. FIBUSPAM was co-founded by Paul in 2006 in the city of Riobamba high in the Ecuadorian Andes. Since its founding, nothing less than a small miracle has developed there. The tiny clinic that began in the small balcony of a church has developed into a full scale, 4 story hospital. Over the last 15 years, FIBUSPAM has brought health and surgical care to tens of thousands of needy children and families throughout Ecuador. Despite, the ravages of COVID in Ecuador over the last three years, David Guacho and the people of FIBUSPAM made remarkable advances in patient care, staffing and infrastructure. This trek will honor these profound accomplishments.

To learn more about these developments at Hospital Fibuspam, you can view the following short video in both English:

and Spanish:

The Trek will follow the following schedule:

April 17th- Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding (8,562')

April 18th- Trek to Namche Bazar (11,200')

April 19th- Rest & acclimatize in Namche

April 20th-Trek to Dole (13,200')

April 21st- Trek to Machhermo (14,600')

April 22nd- Rest & acclimatize in Machhermo

April 23rd- Trek to Gokyo (15,583')

April 24th- Summit Gokyo Ri (17,575')

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Click Here To Follow Paul's Trek

With a GPS Map

Map of Everest Park

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February 14, 2023

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Mission Accomplished

April 24, 2023

At 4:00 this morning, our team left our hotel, Gokyo Namaste Lodge, in a light snow to climb Gokyo Ri. The weather was not ideal and we were not optimistic that we would see anything but clouds. The climb of 2,000 ft was very steep and slippery in the snow. Also, any climbing at 17,500 feet is very slow and difficult. As we neared the summit, amazingly, the clouds lifted and the sun began to burn through. We reached the top and we were able to admire the breathtaking views, celebrate, display our banner and video some messages in recognition of Fibuspam. Just as suddenly, the clouds closed in and we remarked on how fortunate we were. While we descended, we passed several groups that were certain to see nothing at all. The entire trip took 5 1/2 hours. Reaching the summit in honor of Fibuspam was a very emotional moment for the team. We left many prayer flags at the summit and it gives us joy to know they will fly for some time in honor of Fibuspam. We are grateful for all those who su...

Phakding to Iconic Namche Bazaar-Tuesday, April 18th

April 18, 2023

We expected this to be a difficult day and it was certainly that. It was also a day of spectacular natural beauty. The day consisted of 7 miles of distance and an elevation gain of 3,000 ft. But the elevation gain we actually hiked was far more because of the constant up and down nature of the path up the river and Khumbu Valley. We crossed the river on suspension bridges 5 times including the final crossing on the spectacular Hillary Bridge. Many donkey and yak trains passed us on the trail. We also entered the actual Sagarmatha (Mt, Everest’s original name) National Park. The combination of altitude over 10,000 ft and a relentless and very steep 2 hour climb made our last push to Namche very challenging. At around 3:30, we finally reached beautiful Namche Bazaar, the Gateway to Everest. We ended the day at 11,500 ft. very tired but happily feeling no effects of the altitude. Our next day will be one of rest and a short hike to help with our acclimatization.

We Trek To Gokyo

April 23, 2023

Our trek to Gokyo was arduous but magnificent. We remarked several times that it seemed like a different world. We got an early start, said our goodbyes to Machhermo and with a steep climb, were soon on our way. We followed a beautiful river valley with magnificent views in all directions. After several hours, we began to climb away from the river toward the Gokyo Lakes. After a quick chocolate bar break, we passed the first and second stunning lakes and then finally the third large lake with the village of Gokyo at the far end. There beside Gokyo was the mountain we will climb tomorrow. While it seemed a bit daunting and certainly gave us pause, we feel healthy, ready and prepared for the climb. Our plan is to leave for the summit at 4:00, enjoy the sunrise from the mountain and take advantage of the crystal clear mornings. Before dinner, our guide Jit led us on a short 500 foot acclimatization hike in an afternoon snowstorm that took us to 16,000 feet. An early bedtime for us i...