How fit do you need to be to go Everest trekking?

It is a misconception that you must be young and super-strong in order to go Everest trekking, that is not the case! Age is irrelevant, as long you build up your fitness beforehand. It sounds simple, but the best way to prepare for a trek is to go walking! At least two months before you depart, extend the length of your

Everest Base Camp. S Berry

It is a misconception that you must be young and super-strong in order to go Everest trekking, that is not the case! Age is irrelevant, as long you build up your fitness beforehand.

It sounds simple, but the best way to prepare for a trek is to go walking! At least two months before you depart, extend the length of your walks, preferably walk on consecutive days, and include hills. If this is not possible, exercise in a gym, or go cycling in order to build up leg strength and general aerobic fitness.

Unfortunately you cannot prepare for the altitude before departing, but our treks always include rest days and build up gradually, in order to acclimatise to the altitude. On trek, you can go at your own pace, with plenty of stops for resting, taking photographs and drinking lots of water. Steep ascents and descents can be eased by using trekking poles.

Remember to select a trek to suit your needs in terms of the grade, the number of hours walking each day and the number of days on trek. There are several popular trekking routes in the Everest region, varying in their grade from the 'moderate/vigorous' Luxury Lodges of Everest, to the 'strenuous' Everest Base Camp and its variations. If you really like a challenge, and you have previous trekking experience, then you can even summit Island Peak, a 'strenuous expedition grade' trekking peak.