Today’s edition of my “Himalayan High” series over at Gadling focuses on physically preparing for the trek to Everest Base Camp. It is my philosophy that in order to get the most out of a trip of this kind, you need to be as prepared as possible ahead of time. I don’t want to not enjoy myself while on the journey because I’m miserable and struggling to make the hike. With that in mind, I put together some ideas on how to prepare if you want to make the journey for yourself.
As I stated in the Gadling post, I’m an avid runner. Most weeks I run at least five to six times, averaging in the neighborhood of five miles a run. That gave me a good base from which to start my preparation, as I felt that I already had a good level of cardio. But, in order to get even more prepared, I added some hills to my workout. Living in Austin, Texas, I’m not very far above sea level, and can’t train at altitude. But we do have plenty of hills, so I came up with a six mile route that was intense to say the least. When I arrived in the Himalaya though, I was happy for all the work I did ahead of time.
Of course, you don’t have to be a runner to enjoy the trek, and in fact, you probably don’t have to prepare at all if you don’t want to. But the preparation will probably save you a lot of pain and suffering on the trail and help you to enjoy your experience there that much more. Other suggestions I had for physically preparing were to take good, long, brisk walks, preferably wearing a pack with a similar load that you’ll be carrying. Cycling and swimming are also great alternatives too, as is just about anything that gets your cardio working.
I would also say that there are certain things that you can never prepare for, no matter what you do. For example, altitude. It is a concern on some levels for nearly everyone, and unless you already live at altitude, you’ll likely have to deal with it on some level. On my trek, we all had our issues to some degree or another, with a number of people having to use Diamox to stay healthy. Most of us suffered from headaches that ranged form a minor irritation all the way up to a pounding thud that stuck with the person all day long. Fortunately for myself, I really didn’t have too many problems, although I did have issues sleeping, which after 12 days on the trail can really take its toll on you. The best you can do when it comes to altitude is to go slow, take your time, rest often, and drink plenty of water. Even doing that however, we still had two people in our group that couldn’t complete the trek to BC.
A trip to Everest is an expensive one, even if you’re just making the trek, and I’d hate to see someone go and not be able to reach their planned destination. By working a little harder before you go, you can make sure that it’s a more enjoyable and successful trip when you get there. It might allow you to enjoy the scenery a bit more too, when you’re not hunched over gasping for air. 😉
- Gear Review: The Xero Scrambler Mid is an Ultralight Hiking Shoe for Spring - March 1, 2023
- Gear Review: Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler - August 18, 2022
- Kristin Harila Continues Pursuit of 8000-Meter Speed Record - August 16, 2022
Congrates!
Thanks for the effort you took to expand upon this post so thoroughly.
When it comes to adventure vacation deals, there actually are a number of different choices available to you. Find out more! Africa travel
Thanks so much for the advice!
Hey ! Thanks much for you advice on preparation..
Any thoughts on the best season to do it ?
I was searching on the internet and found that you could do it either in winter Dec-Jan or in May-June.
What would you suggest ?
Thanks,
Srikanth
Srikanth: I went in April and it was fantastic, but I'm told that the Nov.-Jan. is more reliable weather wise. When I was there in the spring we had rain late in the day on several occasions. Not while we were on the trail, but after we had arrived at the tea houses.
Thank you !
I have finally decided on doing it this year (2011) in December between 9th and 31st 🙂 Hope I can bear the chill Brrrrrr.. !
Take a good down jacket and sleeping bag! Stay warm! It should be beautiful there in December! 🙂
Don't forget to have some fun along the way.
Thank you ! Will take note of that.
Have started taking long walks for preparation as I have around 3 months time. Hope it turns out be a good one 🙂
Thanks,
Srikanth
Trekking in Nepal
Home Inquiry Testomonial Contact us
Welcome To Nepal For Trekking In Everest, Annapurna and Langtang…
Dear travelers,
Namaste and warm Greetings from Himalayan Country Nepal!!
My name is Sanjib Adhikari. As an independent trekking guide and tour operator in Nepal, I would like to welcome everyone in my motherland country, Nepal. With the keen interest in the adventure tourism, I have been involved in this field at a very young age. Pursuing my career in different capacities as porter, assistant guide, I have developed myself as an independent trekking guide and leadership in various outdoor activities. Licensed and fully certified from the Government of Nepal, we plan and guide for exploration and adventure throughout Nepal.