2027
Invitation: Join the 2027 Timmerman Traverse for Damon Runyon Cancer Research
Foundation.
It’s a trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary (13,550 ft / 4,130 m). This is one of the premier hikes in
the world, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks in a natural amphitheater.
Accept this challenge to join the Timmerman Traverse for Damon Runyon and you can join a 20-
person team of biotech leaders on a mission to raise $1 million for cancer research.
This is an investment in the future of science, and in future cancer patients. It will pay dividends
for generations.
This is an experience you will tell your grandkids about.
What Will I Do?
Why Damon Runyon? It supports brilliant young cancer researchers across the US.
Damon Runyon enables scientists to reach their full potential. These grants allow young scientists to generate data that they can leverage into larger sums from others.
Damon Runyon has a keen eye for talent. In its more than 75-year history, its grant recipients have gone on to win:
Damon Runyon grants have catalyzed many major advances in science, including
Why trek to Annapurna Sanctuary?
The scenery is spectacular.
The size and scope of the mountains are awe-inspiring. And while the hiking is rigorous, the
ultimate elevation of 13,550 feet isn’t as high as Everest Base Camp at 17,500 ft. This makes the
Annapurna Sanctuary a bit easier on the body.
On your way to the Annapurna Sanctuary, you’ll see the sunrise over the majestic Dhaulagiri and
Annapurna ranges from the vantage point of Poon Hill. Traverse through lush green forests
adorned with Rhododendron, Oak, and Pine trees, as well as rocky terrains and glacial rivers.
You’ll encounter villages, each with its own culture and traditions.
As an Annapurna Sanctuary / Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trekker, you’ll have the opportunity
to stay overnight at both the Base Camp of Annapurna and Macchapucchre. These locations
provide awe-inspiring views of snow-capped mountains and magnificent waterfalls that cascade
down the walls, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. The shrine in this region is renowned
and holds great significance, which is why animals are not permitted entry.
Prepare to be mesmerized.
When? Oct. 24-Nov. 6, 2027
Itinerary:
Oct. 24, 2027 Fly from USA
Oct. 25 Transit
Oct. 26 Arrive Kathmandu.
Oct. 27 City tour around Kathmandu.
Oct. 28 Fly to Pokhara, trek to Ulleri (elev. 6,627 ft.)
Oct. 29 Hike to Gorepani (elev. 9,252 ft)
Oct. 30 Hike up to Poon Hill viewpoint, trek to Tadapani (8,592 ft)
Oct. 31 Trek to Chomrung (7,020 ft)
Nov. 1 Trek to Dovan (8,202 ft)
Nov. 2 Trek to Machupuchre Base Camp (12,140 ft)
Nov. 3 Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (13,550 ft)
Nov. 4 Helicopter to Pokhara & fixed-wing flights to KTM. Stay Yak & Yeti
Nov. 5 Depart for home
Nov. 6, 2027 Arrive Home
Luke Timmerman and Lakpa Rita Sherpa, Namche, Nepal, Apr. 2018
Who’s the Team Leader?
Lakpa Rita Sherpa. Lakpa is one of the most well-known and respected mountain guides in the world. Lakpa is the first Sherpa to climb the 7 Summits – the highest peaks on all 7 continents. He has summited Mt. Everest 17 times. Lakpa now runs his own guide service, Khangri Experience, in the suburbs of Seattle.
Lakpa and I have known each other since he was the base camp manager on my summit of Mt.
Everest in 2018. He is a beloved figure in Nepal. It is a privilege to spend time trekking with him
and his local Sherpa support team.
Safety. No technical mountain climbing experience is necessary. You will not need crampons,
ropes, harnesses, ice axes, or any technical equipment. People in good cardiovascular shape can
do this hike with a decent pair of hiking boots.
The terrain is rugged. Trails can get steep, especially in the final push to Annapurna Base Camp.
It’s not easy. It’s not supposed to be.
You will have to train your body and mind to withstand the rigors of high altitude..
Fundraising Each hiker is *required* to raise a minimum of $50,000 for Damon Runyon
Cancer Research Foundation. Part of my role as your team leader is to inspire people to reach
their potential as fundraisers, and to maintain discipline and accountability when people don’t get the job done. **Failure to raise the required funds may result in being dismissed from the team at any time.**
The fundraising can come from a variety of sources — corporate sponsors, friends and family, business colleagues, or your own bank account. You are a talented and driven biotech executive or investor. You will find a way.
Expenses: You will be personally responsible for:
Fundraising Deadlines
1. 50 percent ($25,000) must be received at Damon Runyon by Friday, June 25, 2027
2. 90 percent ($45,000) must be received Friday, Sept. 24, 2027
3. The full amount ($50,000 minimum) must be received by Oct. 15, 2027
Who’s on the Team?
Diversity: I value diversity – age, race, gender, ethnicity, geography, and different flavors of expertise. My vision is to create a fun, dynamic, eclectic group of people to spend time with in the mountains. We may play cards. We may tell stories. We’ll get to know each other beneath the surface. Your recruiting efforts can help create this positive and supportive group.
Where Will We Stay:
We will stay at the Yak & Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu. It’s a comfortable, modern hotel in the center
of the city. You will have a roommate here, and in the tea houses during the trek.
We will take short domestic flights from Kathmandu to the smaller city of Pokhara, where we
will begin our trek. We will be staying in tea houses during the trek.
These are rustic lodges found in each of the villages on the way to Everest Base Camp. They
have wood-burning stoves in the center of communal dining rooms. Nepalese dishes are served
(similar to Indian food). Rooms have no heat. You will probably have a roommate. You will have
a small single bed. Your room may or may not have running water. There will be days you won’t
be able to shower. The higher you go up the Valley, the colder it gets.
Rustic. Then again, the tea houses are permanent shelters run by personable, gracious hosts. You
will be warm and comfortable with a decent sleeping bag.
All Trip Details: See the Khangri Experience website for more on gear requirements, travel
logistics.
Registration: Registration with Khangri Experience will open on Oct. 15, 2026. You will also
need to register with Damon Runyon and sign their participation agreement. Your fundraising
campaign can begin as soon as you make your verbal commitment, accepting this invitation.
I hope you can join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Questions? luke@timmermanreport.com
I hope you can join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Questions? luke@timmermanreport.com
Timmerman Traverse for Damon Runyon Cancer Research. Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal, 2025.
What Alumni Are Saying:
“This is a vibrant community of life science leaders all over the country who love to recharge in the outdoors, meet one another as friends and colleagues, and most importantly, give back to the communities around us.” – Vineeta Agarwala, general partner, Andreesen Horowitz Bio & Health Fund
“Timmerman Traverse is special to me because it brings together adventure, physical challenge, philanthropy and camaraderie with some of the most outstanding people in the biopharma industry.” – Ted Love, immediate past chair of the board, BIO
“Simply the best chance ever to get to know a high-quality group of biotech executives well. And so much more. Consider future trips if you love the industry and hate cancer.” – Bob More, partner, Alta Partners
