Regular clients, Russell and Steve, completed a number of Treks, including an ascent of Kilimanjaro, before taking on Everest Base Camp. Here are their key facts, stories and top tips for trekkers …

Everest Base Camp

“Everest Base Camp is a thirteen day trek, nine to get there and four to return, each day being a six hour plus trekking day. You fly into Lukla and its just under forty miles to Everest Base Camp, depending on the route.  The altitude is the limiting factor that determines the speed and distance that is covered daily, Base Camp being at 5364m/17598ft.  Each day consists of quite reasonable accents and descents and you gain altitude most days. The trails are a mix of reasonable paths and some with awkward footing. Each night is spent in a Teahouse of varying standard, where meals are provided from a very standard menu and the quality is not too bad, Dal Bhat being the local delicacy. Bottled water is available everywhere and is not expensive.”

Our Story – Russell

Russell: “I started my walking adventures in my early fifties when I trekked to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay trail;  this was swiftly followed up by trekking to Ciudad Perdida in Colombia.  I decided I needed to ‘up the ante’ and find new challenges so booked a date with Kilimanjaro.

After reading lots of reviews, I realised I needed to get in some serious training and after a quick search came across Peak Walking adventures and booked a trek training day with Cath. This was one of the best decisions I ever made.  I continued trek training and when Rachel and Richard took on the business, and did the new challenge walks, building lots of endurance.  I also spent many a pleasant weekend in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales with them. Without a doubt the training regime made Kilimanjaro, whilst not easy, a lot more enjoyable.

Next on the bucket list had to be Everest base camp.  I followed the same routine and it proved again that training is key.  Base Camp was eventually undertaken in October 2022, after the pandemic had prevented two previous attempts.  This was seriously more demanding, with fourteen consecutive days of treking and lots of steep ascents and descents – but I was fit and all the training made it so rewarding.  

Don’t underestimate either trip, as both offer different challenges.  As with anything in life, ‘what you put in is what you get out’; so train hard and you will reap the rewards. Walking and training with Peak walking adventures was a ‘must’!”

Our Story – Steve

Steve: “In 2019 we decided that it would be a great experience to climb Kilimanjaro; ‘we’ being Russ, Charley and myself. We knew we needed to do some trek training to enjoy the adventures that lay ahead.

We started the training with Peak Walking Adventures, including completing The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. In September 2019, we were fit and ready to summit Jebel Toubkal in Morocco and then, after more training, summited Kilimanjaro in February 2020.   Everest Base Camp was booked for October 2022, and knowing how important it is to be fit we booked on more trek training days with the Peak Walking Team.  This approach not only puts miles into your legs, but tests your kit out as well.

The trek to Everest Base Camp, although over many days, was a great experience and a lasting memory. Thank you Peak Walking Adventures.”

Russell and Steve’s Top Tips for Treking

• Train to build fitness and stamina – it makes the trip much more enjoyable.
• Drink lots of water – hydration is key and helps at altitude.
• Make sure that the bottles you are buying in the Teahouses are sealed.
• Don’t eat the meat, you don’t see many fridges and the electricity doesn’t always work if there is a fridge.
• Stay warm at night and take whatever you need to get a good night’s sleep – a hot water bottle is worthwhile.
• Walk at the Sherpa’s pace and don’t race off, they know what they are doing.
• Stick to the kit list and don’t pack more than you need.
• Make it fun!

Planning a Trek or Charity Challenge?

• See our Trek Training Advice here >

• Join us on a Fitness Walk before you go.  Walks and Booking Information here >