06/05/2026
The Largest Inclusive Trek to Everest Base Camp in April 2026 marked TAF’s fourth such expedition in just two years. No two journeys have ever been the same. Every participant brings a unique set of strengths, challenges, and coping mechanisms, and even individuals with the same disability often perform very differently. In fact, we’ve seen the same person respond differently to the same trail on different occasions.
In May 2024, Tinkesh Kaushik completed the Everest Base Camp trek on foot, setting a world record as the first triple amputee with 90% disability to achieve this milestone.
Yet in April 2026, while leading India’s Largest Inclusive Trek to EBC as part of the organizing team, he fell ill at 4,940 meters and took a pony to the next camp.
In September 2024, TAF supported two PwDs to EBC, Chhonzin Angmo, who is visually impaired, and Vinod Rawat, an above knee amputee. Both completed the trek to EBC and returned to Lukla by foot on schedule.
Angmo a mountaineer, became the first blind Indian woman to achieve this.
Vinod Rawat completed the trek using a Jaipur Foot with a basic knee joint, carrying his own daypack and relying on two trekking poles.
During the April 2026 expedition, Priyanka Agarwal, who is visually impaired, chose what suited her best, she used a pony from Day 2 upto EBC and a helicopter for her return to Lukla.
Similarly, Sameer Deshmukh an above knee amputee, accomodated his limitations by using a pony along the way to EBC and a helicopter for the descent.
Even among non disabled participants, challenges were common. Acute mountain sickness, severe hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, and fever affected several individuals.
When such situations arise, there are only two choices, to turn back without completing the journey, or to adapt. Adaptation may involve using a pony or opting for a helicopter ride, but these solutions come at a significant cost.
A mule can cost up to $100 per day, while helicopter rides range between $450–$550 per person, per trip. Round trips cost substantially more and all costs depend on group sharing, along with the negotiation skills and network of the trek operator.
Because in the mountains, success isn’t defined by how you reach the destination, but by the decisions you make to keep moving forward. If you reach by whichever means consider yourself blessed.
Taking Persons with various Disabilities to EBC is a concept in its infant stage. There is no expertise in support staff specific to these needs yet, there is only adaptation. The skills will develop with time and practice. That is the price pioneers pay.
We’ve celebrated every participant reaching Everest Base Camp, now it’s time to share the challenges they faced, along with the adaptations and decisions that made this journey possible.
