What fitness level is required for Everest Base Camp and how should I train?

Where in the world you will be able to knit a travel tale full of superlative things from mountains to the park and people? Yes, the Everest region and especially the trekking trail to the Everest Base Camp can surely top all the adventures in the world. The journey to the foothill of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest can surely the most cherished by adventurers from across the globe. Today’s blog is about finding out the physical requirements to do the trek safely and successfully. What fitness level is required for Everest Base Camp and how should I train? Let’s find out in detail about it.

At first, let’s talk about the difficulty level of the Everest Base Camp Trek journey. After finding out the difficulty level, we can find correct answer to the question “what fitness level is required for Everest Base Camp and how should I train?” and get to the bottom of it.

Is Everest Base Camp Trek difficult?

Well, it’s a debatable question. The Everest Base Camp Trek route is well trodden and one of the best commercial trekking routes of Nepal. The route is used by the climbers, trekkers, and locals. Therefore, it is always maintained. However, there are few factors that make the Everest Base Camp Trek moderately difficult. Besides these factors, there are enough facilities on the route which make the trail easy. For example, you can find quality tea houses, eateries, medical support, etc. along the way. Now, let’s talk about the factors that make EBC Trek moderately difficult.

What are the factors that make EBC Trek moderately difficult?

The biggest factor that makes the Everest Base Camp Trek moderately difficult is the altitude. It goes all the way to 5545 m above sea level which is the altitude of Kalpathar. Moreover, trekkers have to spend more than 8 nights in the places above 3000 m height. Normally, the altitude sickness happens to a person who is in above 2500 m from sea level. If not dealt properly, then there is high chance of altitude sickness or may be fatal like HAPE or HACE. Similarly, the rugged trail section between Lobuche and Everest Base Camp with Gorakshep in between also makes harder for trekkers. The rugged trail through glacier and moraine makes it hard for trekkers.

What fitness level is required for Everest Base Camp and how should I train?

Finally, let’s answer the question “what fitness level is required for Everest Base Camp and how should I train?” in this section. Trekkers need good amount of physical fitness level to do the Everest Base Camp Trek. Note down that the Everest Base Camp Trek route doesn’t have steep vertical uphill sections like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Despite it being the easy trail, the altitude makes it harder. Up in the higher elevation places, people feel dehydrated and they get exhausted easily. Therefore, you need substantial amount of physical fitness.

How much hours do I have to walk in an average during the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Learn about the average walking hours a day during the Everest Base Camp Trek. You need to walk for about 6 to 7 hours in an average during the EBC Trek in Nepal. Please remember that the hours may increase when you are visiting the Everest Base Camp. Lobuche to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep and again the return trek from Everest Base Camp to Gorakshep may require about 8 to 10 hours. Therefore, you must know about the walking hours before deciding the fitness level. I think you have understood the level of physical fitness that you must possess after learning about the trail sections.

Total Trekking Distance of Everest Base Camp Trek route

Also, note down that the total trekking distance of the Everest Base Camp Trek is about 65 kilometers one way. The round trip is around 130 kilometers. The trek starts from Lukla and ends in Lukla. The distance covered is including the acclimatization hikes that a trekker does during the Everest Base Camp Trek. Acclimatization hikes are in Namche Bazaar – Everest View Hotel and Dingboche – Nagarshan Hill.

Physical Preparation

Fitness means physical preparation. In fact, any kinds of trekking activities in Nepal require you to be in the top notch physical condition. Therefore, training to improve fitness is very important. You must start exercising at least one month prior to the Everest Base Camp Trek. The best advice is to improve the cardio – vascular abilities.

Cardio – Vascular Ability Boosting Exercises

Boost the cardio – vascular abilities by doing exercises like running, cycling, swimming, and walking. Regular exercises of these kinds can improve the cardio – vascular abilities and fitness level. High up in the mountains, you need strong lung capacity to fight against the dangers of the altitude sickness. Therefore, don’t underestimate the altitude threats.

Hiking Experiences before Everest Base Camp Trek

Prior hiking or trekking experiences help immensely. If you are serious about the successful Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, then it is highly recommended. Go on the treks like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Langtang Valley Trek, and the Manaslu Circuit Trek before the Everest Base Camp Trek. Experienced trekker can find the Everest Base Camp Trek journey easy.

Does the Everest Base Camp Trek journey safe for senior citizens and kids?

Absolutely possible! Plan the trek properly with more acclimatization days. Contact the reliable trekking company like the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. These reliable travel companies have travel planners in their team. They can help you overcome weakness and turn it into the memorable trip. Senior citizens and kids can also reach the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. Moreover, these types of trekkers must be well informed, insured, and well supervised by an experienced trekking guide.