Climbing the world’s tallest mountain is no easy feat. You can’t hop off the couch after months of Call of Duty, cheese puffs, and soda, and expect to get very far. Preparation for climbing Everest takes time and no small amount of physical and mental conditioning.
But summiting Everest isn’t just about physical training. For the uninitiated, planning a successful expedition to Everest is a logistical nightmare. You have to source food and water, oxygen, tents, high-altitude apparel, and climbing gear. You have to enact waste disposal in an ecologically friendly manner. You have to negotiate with porters, cooks, and other support staff. You have to monitor weather conditions, navigate complex permit processes, and finagle with all manner of international travel restrictions. Simply put, it’s a bear.
One of the many benefits of hiring an experienced guide for Everest is that you don’t need to worry about logistical preparation. You can focus completely on the physical training, and be sure that your body is in top shape to stand at 29,000 feet. This dramatically improves your chances of a successful summit. At Rise Expeditions, our lead guides have summited Everest numerous times and have been guiding the mountain since 1999.
Before you begin training in earnest, building a solid fitness foundation is crucial. This will give you a good launchpad for training and reduce your risk of injury.
A proper foundation should include being at ideal body weight or BMI (body mass index) for your height, age, and gender. In addition, you should be able to perform a modicum of basic physical fitness exercises.
Some examples include holding a plank for two minutes, performing 25-rep sets of pushups and sit-ups, running five miles at a 10-minute pace, completing two to three pull-ups, and doing three sets of 20 lunges. You should also be eating a balanced diet. If you aren’t at this basic level of physical fitness, spend a few months reaching this point before you begin training.
This is the main phase of training for Everest. Above all else, focus on endurance over high-intensity training. This means long, slow days carrying heavy loads. If you live in regions (Colorado, California, etc.) with higher altitude peaks in the vicinity, take advantage of that. If not, just focus on hiking as many miles with as much vertical gain as possible. Couple these long hikes with long runs here and there (building up to 8-10 miles) to increase your endurance and aerobic strength.
In addition to aerobic fitness, strength plays a role. You have to be able to carry heavy loads for long hours if you want to summit. You won’t need to be walking around with massive biceps and pecs like the Rock, though.
Your strength should be built primarily in your abdomen and lower back, as well as your legs. Lunges, sit-ups, planks, and squats are all great exercises to build your legs and core.
Even if you have the endurance of Superman, if you’re going into Everest with a weak mind, you won’t get far. Mental toughness is crucial to a successful summit.
So, during your physical training for Everest, be sure to push your mental strength just as much. When you want to stop, don’t. As often as possible, go out for long, 12-16 hour days in the mountains. Big, exhausting training days like these will pay dividends when you’re on Everest.
Remember, even if you’re in top shape you’ll probably deal with some physical ailments on the climb. Almost everyone does. Blisters, coughs, headaches, stomach bugs… the list goes on. Minor ailments like these won’t put you out of business if you keep a cool head, but if you lose focus and motivation and let them drag you down, then you could very well end up ruining your Everest experience.
It’s not just about pushing yourself to your physical limits, either. You need to be able to manage stress, stay positive, keep on good terms with fellow climbers, and be patient while you wait for your chance to summit. It’s a long game.
For the uninitiated, planning a successful expedition to Everest is a logistical nightmare. You have to source food and water, oxygen, tents, high-altitude apparel, and climbing gear. You have to enact waste disposal in an ecologically friendly manner. You have to negotiate with porters, cooks, and other support staff. You have to monitor weather conditions, navigate complex permit processes, and finagle with all manner of international travel restrictions.
A successful Everest expedition requires a comprehensive list of gear and supplies. Some of the necessary climbing tools include:
Additionally, you will need technical apparel and personal gear such as a sleeping bag, mattress, pack, mess kit, and down suit.
Sourcing and packing food and water, securing oxygen supplies, and coordinating with porters, cooks, and other support staff are crucial elements of the planning process. Navigating permit processes and international travel restrictions are also essential aspects to consider. Monitoring weather conditions and preparing for weather-related challenges is a continuous task during the expedition.
One of the many benefits of hiring an experienced guide for Everest is that you don’t need to worry about logistical preparation. You can focus completely on the physical training, and be sure that your body is in top shape to stand at 29,000 feet. This dramatically improves your chances of a successful summit.
At Rise Expeditions, our lead guides have summited Everest numerous times and have been guiding the mountain since 1999.
Ecologically friendly waste disposal practices are essential to minimize the environmental impact during the expedition. Proper waste management ensures that Everest remains pristine for future climbers.
Climbing Mount Everest is an extraordinary challenge that requires meticulous preparation. From physical and mental conditioning to logistical planning, every aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful summit. By focusing on building a solid fitness foundation, training for endurance, and preparing mentally for the challenges ahead, you can increase your chances of reaching the top of the world.
With Rise Expeditions, you have the advantage of experienced guides who handle the complex logistics, allowing you to concentrate on your training. Start your preparation well in advance and take the first step towards conquering Everest.
Ready to embark on this incredible journey? Inquire about our guided expeditions with Rise Expeditions and let us help you reach new heights.