How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but the Everest Base Camp trek does demand good cardiovascular fitness and mental determination.

Physical Requirements

You should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours per day for multiple consecutive days, often on uneven terrain with significant elevation gain. Think of it as hiking uphill with a light backpack for the better part of each day. If you can comfortably complete a 3-4 hour hike at home without excessive fatigue, you have a good foundation to build from.

Recommended Preparation

Start training at least 2-3 months before your trek. Focus on cardio activities like hiking, running, cycling, or stair climbing. Weekend hikes with a weighted backpack (5-7kg) are ideal preparation. Incorporate some leg-strengthening exercises like squats and lunges.

The Altitude Factor

The biggest challenge isn’t fitness—it’s altitude. Even ultra-fit individuals can struggle with altitude sickness. Our itinerary includes proper acclimatization days to help your body adjust gradually. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and maintain a steady “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) pace.

Age Considerations

We’ve successfully guided trekkers from ages 16 to 70+. Age matters less than overall health, fitness level, and determination. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, consult your doctor before booking.

The trek is challenging but achievable for anyone willing to put in the preparation work.

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.