Amongst the adventure opportunities on our website, there are various chances to climb some of the highest mountains in the world. From Everest to Kilimanjaro and Mount Toubkal in Morocco, we can help you conquer these giant summits and tick this feat of endurance off your bucket list.
Whether you are an experienced climber or an aspiring hiker, there are many things you should know before attempting a challenge like this. It’s safe to say that it isn’t going to be easy, but if you prepare in the right way your chances of success will increase tremendously.
People that have reached the summit of mountains such as Everest have said that there is just as much need for mental stamina as there is for physical fitness. Just keeping your mind busy and focused on the task is half of the battle and so if you can prepare yourself to be mentally resilient you will find it a lot easier. Obviously, you will need to train your body too, so during your practice hikes, it’s a good idea to think about your mental strength at the same time. Prepare by completing long treks of up to five hours in consecutive days. This way you can get used to walking long distances one day after the next.
Something else you will need to prepare for is the possibility of altitude sickness. It's difficult to train yourself for this but it’s good to remember to walk slowly at all times and drink plenty of fluids. Certain medication is available if you feel your inability to acclimatise will scupper your chances of reaching the top.
It’s no surprise that a good pair of walking boots will quickly become your best friend when training for a trek like this and it’s integral to wear these in before your climb. However, there are other considerations to make when choosing your clothing. The majority of what you wear will need to be breathable so that it doesn’t trap the sweat as it leaves your body. You will also need to think about the different climates you will be hiking through and then layer your outfit accordingly. As you climb higher you will begin to add more clothing and then shed it as you make your descent. Other great additions to your pack include sunglasses, a camel pack for keeping you hydrated, and sunscreen.
The saying goes that there is more than one way to skin a cat, but in this case, there is more than one way to conquer a peak. Mountains such as Everest, Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc have different routes to the top, each of which offers its own set of pros and cons. For this reason, it is important to choose your route carefully. Some are suited to more experienced climbers because they require more technical skills, whilst others may appeal to beginners because they offer more time for acclimatisation. During our Kilimanjaro trips, we choose to reach the summit via some of the quieter routes, giving you more time to enjoy the fantastic scenery and keeping your path to the top a lot clearer.
If you would like any more information about the trekking packages we can offer, contact us to speak to one of our experts.
If you would like to make, or have any questions regarding a booking, please contact us on:
© Fred. Olsen Travel
Registered in England and Wales No. 02287241. Olympus House, 2 Olympus Close, Ipswich, IP1 5LN