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A 20 day trek through the mountains of Nepal to Everest Base Camp is not everyone’s idea of perfection family vacation.
But for this one Queensland parents and their five children, it was a trip that they say fostered family bonding.
Carla Souraya Thomas and Lars Olsen, both 41, took Saisha, 13, Nilay, 11, Chai, nine, Omari, seven, and Xanthe, four, on the epic journey to the foot of the world’s highest mountain.
The couple, from Hervey Bay, do charity work in Nepal.
While there, they decided to build earthquake-proof classrooms and a dental camp and establish a women’s hygiene program. They would also continue on what Carla called an “adventure.”
“We are all very sporty and like a challenge in life,” she tells 9Travel.
“We also thought it was a good time to spend time with our children.”
The family completed the grueling 224km route over 20 days.
During the journey they ascended a total of 13,400 meters and descended 13,100 meters.
The highest point the whole family reached was 5420 metres.
Lars carried Xanthe, four, on his back, while Carla sat at the back of the group.
But they did have a few accidents, like they all caught a cold.
However, they were well equipped and even had antibiotics and steroids in case of emergency, as well as painkillers.
They also brought with them an essential component for the great heights they experienced
“We also had an oxygen reader with us, so we measured the children’s oxygen levels every day. But they really thrived,” said Carla.
Other travel essentials included trekking poles and a water filter.
Although you can purchase water along the route, it becomes more expensive as the tour progresses: up to $10 per bottle.
“There’s water nearby, but you just have to filter it,” Carla said.
The family had a guide (which is mandatory for the trek) and stayed in so-called tea houses along the way.
They are simple lodges in Sherpa villages where you can also eat.
There was one item that was a hit with the kids.
“Their favorite thing in the teahouses was a Mars bar cake, a deep-fried Mars bar in pastry, they loved that,” Carla said.
After a “treacherous” last part of the hike due to the undulating terrain, the family reached Base Camp.
They say they are the largest family to have hiked the Cho La Pass to reach it.
The family, who run an allied health company, have previously traveled through Nepal’s Annapurna regions with the children.
And they believe more families should consider a challenging holiday.
“It’s definitely worth it, you learn a lot about your children and yourself,” said Carla.
“It’s a great way to bond.”
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