Mount Everest has been intriguing climbers since the early 1920’s. The desire to conquer the world’s highest mountain intensified even more in 1953, when Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first confirmed climbers to reach the elusive summit of Mount Everest. Unfortunately, regardless of their aspirations, not everyone is cut out to climb Chomolungma (the name given to the mountain by the Tibetan people). Thankfully there is another option for would-be adventurers to consider: trekking to the Everest Base Camp, which is a more attainable goal for individuals looking for a daring experience.

How fit do you have to be to trek to Everest Base Camp?

You don’t need to be an Olympic marathon runner to be able to trek to the Everest Base Camp. You will, however, need to be able to walk between three and six hours a day, navigating a series of hills while carrying a backpack. This particular trek is generally rated as a strenuous trek due to the amount of walking taking place and the altitude at which it is taking place. Luckily, if you are attempting the trek as part of a tour group, you will more than likely have a porter with you that will take care of your luggage.

What is the best way to train for your Everest Base Camp trek?

The best way to improve your fitness level is to engage in intense cardiovascular workouts involving swimming, cycling and hiking several times a week. Climbing stairs can be particularly beneficial to your preparation as it mimics the motions of hill climbing. To get the most out of your stair climbing training, hold a set of medium-weight dumbbells or wear a backpack with a similar weight to what you will be carrying during your trek.

Other activities to include in your training

There are a lot of general fitness activities such as rock climbing, Zumba and boxing that you can engage in to improve your overall stamina. As long as the activity gets your heart pumping, it will benefit you in your trek to Everest Base Camp. If you have an opportunity to train at altitude, whether at a simulated altitude facility or somewhere on the map, take it! This is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for the adventure ahead, as it is more often than not the altitude of the trek that affects climbers the most. There are also a number of nifty elevation training masks on the market that can help you prepare for activities at altitude. You can pop the mask on at the gym or before your jog to help increase your lung capacity, boost your mental focus and oxygen efficiency, amplifying your overall energy production.

Before you start training for your Everest Base Camp trek, it is important to first get the all-clear from your doctor. Once you have this, you can start putting together an exercise plan that will get you in the best shape possible for your journey to one of the most popular adventure travel destinations in the world.