Project Base8000
by Emma Huffam and Trevor Builder
We've just completed an ambitious project that took us to the remote heart of the Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges; an extraordinary adventure that we named Project Base8000. Its goal was to trek to the base camps of all 14 of the world's mountains over 8,000 metres - "the 8000ers" - the mightiest mountains on our planet.
This was an incredible test of our limits and a discovery of some of the most challenging and captivating landscapes - with altitude and attitude!
Starting out
Coming from the lands of kangaroos and kiwis, our adventure radar had always been on high alert but it was the Himalayas that captured us. A whole different world where the air is thin, the vistas are breathtaking, and the allure of the mountains is both humbling and intoxicating. Our journey began in 2013 with a single step up the well-trodden path to Everest Base Camp. The 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Mt Everest provided the perfect opportunity for our initial foray into high-altitude trekking. Little did we know that this would set the stage for Project Base8000, culminating in its completion in 2023 - the 70th anniversary year. It wasn't until 2017 and a few treks later that we landed on the idea for our project. A passion that beckoned us to continue trekking had been ignited, but we needed more purpose and focus.
Mountains of inspiration
Our project was inspired by the remarkable stories of mountaineering in the Himalayas, from the early climbers who attempted the 8000ers to mountaineers like Andrew Lock, he first and only Australian to etch his name in history by summitting all 14 of these formidable peaks. However, being trekkers, our approach had a different twist; instead of summitting these giants, we set our sights on reaching their base camps. Our motivation lay not just in the challenge itself but also in the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of these high-altitude adventurers and experience the aura of these unique places.
How, where and when
The first challenge was logistics, and we sought advice wherever possible. This included contacting the Himalayan Database to find out if any non-mountaineers had ever done this before (answer: not that we know). Was it even feasible?
Ultimately, the project was completed over several phases, with a significant delay due to the pandemic. This involved trips to:
- Nepal - for the base camps of Everest and Lhotse (2013 & 2017), Kanchenjunga (2018), Makalu (2019), Dhaulagiri (2022), Manaslu (2022), Annapurna (2023)
- Pakistan (2022) - K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrums I & II, Broad Peak
- Tibet (2019) - Cho Oyu and Shishapangma, with Everest north base camp as an extra bonus
We were very thankful for the unwavering support of the expedition companies and local crews we trekked with.
Left to right: Nepal – Puja ceremony at Manaslu base camp with Manaslu in background; Emma and Trevor with Dhaulagiri in background; view from Makalu advance base camp. Photos by Emma Huffam/Trevor Builder.
Experiencing life at base camp
Our objective was to trek in with climbing expeditions and stay at their base camps where possible. Sometimes this meant trekking further and higher to Advance Base Camp (Makalu and Cho Oyu). On these expeditions, plus Manaslu, we joined in with the Puja ceremonies, where the climbers ask for safe passage on the mountain. These were very spiritual occasions. We enjoyed hearing stories from the climbers we met - their past experiences and strategies for their upcoming climb. We also got a taste of life at these base camps, which for the 8000ers are usually quite large setups made up of many different expedition teams. We learnt how they secured their camping spots for the season, transported gear, then set up tents for sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet and shower. It really was a high-altitude logistical achievement in itself.
Mountain communities
We were fortunate to meet many incredible people along the way, from the local expedition crews to international trekkers and mountaineers. We continue to enjoy being part of this community with a shared passion for the Himalayas. In addition, our eyes were opened to the rich culture and life in the remote mountain communities. Our journey was not just about personal accomplishment; it was an opportunity to support and shed light on the vital work of organisations like the Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) and the Juniper Trust which are dedicated to improving the lives of those who inhabit these regions. It was a great way to give back and stay connected with the Himalayas. We were also lucky to meet with the local partners of AHF in Nepal, who gave us more insight into their valuable work in education, health and the environment.
What were we thinking?
Adventure isn't all sunshine and scenery. It's a physical and mental challenge, with a dash of chaos thrown in for good measure. We're talking altitude sickness, sketchy trails, dicey weather and moments when you question your sanity. The unrelenting trek up the Baltoro Glacier (Pakistan) in blazing heat stands out as one of the toughest challenges. Mind you, the final leg to Makalu Advance Base Camp, which climbers usually avoid by helicoptering in, was tough too! Not to mention the 16-hour day trekking over the Dhampus Pass in the snow on the Dhaulagiri trek. The mountains always have something to teach you. The tough times helped us create that extra grit for the next expedition, and we learned much about ourselves.
Happy memories
When asked which is our favourite base camp, it's hard to choose, as each offered its own unique magic. The diverse landscapes of the Kanchenjunga trek, the camaraderie of Manaslu's bustling base camp, and the raw, rugged beauty of Pakistan's peaks - every expedition left an indelible impression and tremendous memories. We hope our story has you reaching for your hiking boots, dreaming about new adventures, and even sparking your own project.
Full details of the journey can be found at ww.projectbase8OOO.com
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