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Preparation
Fitness is a key ingredient of a trekking holiday.
Most people of good fitness for their age can complete our
trek. Trekking is about taking your time, setting your own
pace and enjoying the experience to its fullest. Most first-time
trekkers are concerned that they won't keep up, but soon discover
that a steady pace will have them in camp well before they
would have expected. These treks are not training runs for
the fit, but walking holidays for people of all ages.
Nevertheless, it cannot be understated that
if you physically train before your trek, you will enjoy the
experience a whole lot more. It should also be noted that
almost every trekker in Nepal has prepared physically and
as such, has made a commitment to the trek ahead. By under
preparing, not only are you robbing yourself of an enjoyable
experience, but also potentially letting down the team of
people you will be trekking with.
Trek training by definition means that you will
strengthen major body muscles (in particular legs) and train
your cardiovascular system. So raising your heart rate during
a training session is imperative!
Below is a general guideline as to what amount
of exercise we recommend you undertake to prepare for the
trip. Every trek has a big "uphill" somewhere and
no treks are easy, but a mental attitude that allows you to
relax and take your time is the best way to trek.
We consider this to be a moderate trip
and on a moderate trip you will be walking for six to eight
hours per day, at altitudes up to a maximum of 5,600 meters.
At least three to four months prior to departure you should
involve yourself in at least one hour of exercise three to
four times per week. Walking, jogging and cycling are excellent
forms of exercise, so long as you are strengthening leg muscles
and building stamina. Bushwalking is also great. If you can
manage a couple of valley floor to ridge line ascents per
bushwalk, you will cope with a moderate graded trek. Speed
is not the essence; stamina, confidence and continuity are.
Mental Preparation
Mental preparedness is the most important
item of all. Relax, you're on holiday! Take your time, accept
the pace of things in Nepal and appreciate its cultural differences.
If it were the same as home you probably wouldn't come. If
you have any concerns, call us now.
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