Here are our training tips for trekking. At Ian Taylor Trekking, our aim is to be your number one resource in preparation for your trekking or climbing adventure. We are here to help our clients get the right information on their chosen trip. After reading this page you should check out our step by step approach to training and also check out all our upcoming trips.
Our Trips Require Physical Preparation
Going on a multi-day trek or mountaineering trip takes dedicated preparation and we want to make sure our clients know this. Therefore, if you are looking for an easy way out of doing the hard work it takes to prepare, then you are in the wrong place.
If you follow our advice and do the training and preparations that are necessary, then you will put yourself in the best chance of being safe and successful. Also, we promise to have the best itineraries and teams out there to help you make your trip a success! Read some reviews from our trips.
Training for the Downhill
How do you train for hiking downhill? As someone who has climbed Everest to the summit and led over 150 expeditions above 17,000 feet, I can tell you that a successful adventure isn’t just about reaching the top or the end of the trail—it’s about having enough left in the tank to get back down safely.
Many overlook this crucial aspect of trekking or climbing, but it’s essential. Reaching your goal is only half the battle. Once you’ve achieved that summit or endpoint, the real test begins: do you have the energy, strength, and focus to safely navigate your way back? Fatigue, poor decision-making, and exhaustion are real dangers on the descent.
Training your body, especially for the downhill sections, ensures that you can walk out safely, enjoy your achievement, and avoid injuries. Success isn’t just in reaching the peak; it’s in making it back with energy to spare. Your ultimate goal should be to finish every trek or climb with confidence, control, and the ability to appreciate every step of the journey—even the last one. Learn more.
Training Tips for our Core Adventures
We have people joining our trips from all over the world. Our clients come from different countries, are of different age ranges and also have diverse abilities. Therefore, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to training. We are here to talk through what you need to do to be successful. Just E-mail us and we will get you moving in the right direction.
We are constantly updating our BLOG POSTS on the different trips we offer around the world, making sure all the information is up to date. However, the best way to get the information you need, is to pick up the phone and CALL US or E-MAIL US today!
1). Everest Base Camp Trek
Many people underestimate the physical demands of the trek to Everest Base Camp, both on the way up and back down. Proper training and preparation are crucial for making your journey safe, enjoyable, and successful.
Our comprehensive advice will guide you on how to effectively train for this incredible adventure. One of the key elements of our trips is spending three nights in Namche Bazaar at 11,500 feet, allowing for essential acclimatization that can significantly impact your ability to handle the altitude and physical exertion on the trail. However, acclimatization alone isn’t enough; you must be training four to five days a week in preparation for this trek.
The route involves significant elevation gains, over multiple days, long descents, and countless uneven stairs, which require specific training to build your leg strength, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness. Hill work, stair climbing, weighted backpack hikes with elevation gain, and consistent endurance training are vital components of your preparation.
Taking your training seriously will not only enhance your trekking experience but also ensure you have the energy, stability, and confidence to handle the challenging terrain. We are here to support you in creating the right training plan, so you can arrive ready for the journey of a lifetime. Learn more.
2). Kilimanjaro Tours
Climbing Kilimanjaro demands a high level of physical strength, endurance, and mental resilience. The summit night and descent are particularly grueling, often underestimated by climbers. If departing from Kosovo Camp at 4,900m (16,076 feet), you will face an intense five-and-a-half to six-hour ascent to the summit.
However, the challenge doesn’t end at the top; the descent is equally demanding, requiring an additional six hours to return to Kosovo Camp and then further down to Mweka Camp. Navigating the steep, uneven terrain while fatigued significantly tests your muscle strength, joints, and overall stamina.
It’s essential to understand that trekking to high altitudes is vastly different from living at them—your body is constantly working harder with each step. Proper training is non-negotiable; our tailored training advice for Kilimanjaro climbs will help you prepare for these rigorous conditions.
Remember, our carefully designed 8-day itinerary on the Lemosho Route using Kosovo Camp isn’t just about reaching the summit—it’s about giving you a safer, more manageable, and more rewarding experience.
This extended acclimatization period not only enhances your chances of success but also allows you to better handle the challenges of the descent, ensuring you finish this life-changing journey strong.
3). Climbing Lobuche Peak
Climbing Lobuche Peak is a demanding adventure that goes beyond traditional trekking; it requires excellent physical fitness and specific technical skills to ensure a safe and successful ascent. Our training tips for trekking to and climbing Lobuche Peak are designed to prepare you for the unique challenges of this climb.
Unlike straightforward trekking peaks, Lobuche requires proficiency in using fixed lines, crampons, ice axes, and other technical climbing gear. You’ll encounter steep slopes, exposed ridges, and icy terrain where proper technique is crucial.
In addition to building your overall endurance and strength, specific training in mountaineering skills is essential. We recommend practicing fixed-line ascension, rope management, and basic ice climbing techniques to become comfortable with the technical aspects of the climb. We have courses available in Colorado.
Phyical training, combined with a strong focus on cardio, leg strength, and core stability, will significantly increase your safety and success on the mountain. Our carefully crafted itinerary provides ample time for acclimatization and technical preparation, giving you the best possible chance to reach the summit.
With over ten successful expeditions to Lobuche Peak, Ian is ready to share his insights and help you prepare thoroughly for this exciting challenge. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to discuss this climb and ensure you’re fully prepared for every aspect of your journey.
4). Mera Peak
If you’re considering joining one of our Mera Peak climbs, it’s crucial to understand that specific physical and technical training is necessary to ensure your safety and success on this challenging adventure. Our unique Mera Peak itinerary offers a more engaging experience, taking you on a scenic circuit that adds variety and excitement to the trek.
The journey to Mera Peak Base Camp features diverse terrain, including steep stairs, rocky paths, and demanding ascents that will test your strength and endurance from the start.
Training for Mera Peak isn’t just about building physical fitness; you also need to develop the technical skills required to navigate glacier travel, steep snow slopes, and challenging conditions at altitude.
Our itinerary is designed with acclimatization in mind, with three nights in Khare to help your body adjust before moving higher, and an additional two nights at Mera Peak Base Camp to further prepare you for the ascent.
To tackle Mera Peak safely, you should be comfortable using crampons, ice axes, and fixed lines, alongside having excellent cardiovascular and muscular endurance. Our goal is to help you train properly so that you can handle the demands of the mountain confidently, making your climb a safe, successful, and unforgettable experience.
5). Climbing Mount Elbrus
With years of experience leading expeditions on Mount Elbrus, we’ve crafted a 12 day itinerary designed to maximize your chances of reaching the summit. Our approach focuses on gradual acclimatization, allowing you to hike and adapt on the northern and eastern slopes of Elbrus before making your ascent from the safer and more accessible southern route.
This carefully planned strategy not only enhances your acclimatization but also boosts your overall success rate and safety on the mountain. To support this, we’ve developed specific training recommendations tailored for our Elbrus climbs, helping you build the strength, endurance, and mental resilience required for the summit.
Our expert team is always available to offer advice, ensuring you are fully prepared for the challenges of Mount Elbrus. Let us help you take the right steps towards your summit success. Learn more about training for Mount Elbrus.
6). Inca Trail Treks to Machu Picchu
We exclusively trek the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the legendary route that follows in the footsteps of the ancient Inca civilization. While there are hundreds of Inca trails across the region, we take you on the traditional path, leading directly to the Sun Gate and down into Machu Picchu late in the afternoon for the awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu.
This trail is filled with steep ascents, descents, and uneven stone steps that will challenge your leg strength, endurance and balance. To fully prepare for this incredible journey, training on stairs and steep terrain is essential.
Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of your preparation, offering detailed advice on the trail’s challenges, elevation gains, and how to build the strength and stamina needed for a successful trek.
From understanding the rigorous demands of the trail to refining your training plan, we’re committed to helping you enjoy the Inca Trail with confidence and enjoy every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Learn more.
7). Toubkal Climbs
The Atlas Mountains in Morocco offer exceptional climbing and trekking opportunities year-round, with Mount Toubkal, locally known as Jebel Toubkal, standing as the crown jewel. At 4,167m (13,671 ft), it is the highest peak in North Africa, set within the High Atlas Mountains—the continent’s most impressive and rugged range. This breathtaking region near Marrakech captivates with its striking beauty and enduring sense of remoteness, where centuries-old Berber villages cling to steep valley sides, preserving a traditional way of life that remains largely untouched by modernity.
Climbing Mount Toubkal is not only about reaching the summit but also immersing yourself in the rich, colorful culture of the Berber people. However, the ascent is physically demanding, requiring good fitness and proper preparation. The trail involves steep inclines, rocky paths, and significant elevation gains that test your stamina and strength. To prepare for this trek, focus on cardio workouts like hiking, stair climbing, and cycling, combined with strength training to build the endurance needed for sustained uphill trekking.
Incorporating training with a weighted backpack is particularly beneficial, as it simulates the challenges of Toubkal’s steep trails, helping to develop leg strength, balance, and overall endurance. This type of training also conditions your cardiovascular system, making your heart and lungs more efficient at higher altitudes. By committing to a well-rounded training regimen that includes aerobic exercise, weight training, and hiking with a weighted pack, you will be better equipped to tackle Mount Toubkal’s rugged terrain and fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural experiences of the High Atlas Mountains.
8). Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trekking to Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp is one of our favorite adventures in Nepal, offering stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
However, this trek is physically demanding and requires proper preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. The Annapurna Base Camp trail is notorious for its countless steep stairs, relentless ascents, and descents that challenge even experienced trekkers. To tackle these demanding conditions, it’s essential to incorporate stair climbing, leg strength, and endurance training into your preparation.
A solid training plan should include a mix of cardio exercises, such as hiking, running, or cycling, paired with specific workouts like stair climbing and weighted backpack training to build the muscle strength needed for sustained uphill and downhill trekking.
Focusing on core and leg strength will not only help you manage the trail’s steep sections but also protect your knees and joints on the descents. Training consistently in the months leading up to your trek will boost your stamina, balance, and overall confidence on the trail.
Our expert team is here to guide you through every aspect of your preparation, from training advice to personalized tips for navigating the terrain. Reach out to us to learn more about our trips, our commitment to your safety and success, and how we can help you get ready for the incredible journey to Annapurna Base Camp.
9). Aconcagua
If you’re planning to climb Aconcagua, consider our recommended Vacas Valley Traverse Route for an optimal experience. Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Andes, features a Base Camp and three higher camps, ranging from 4,200m (13,780 feet) to 6,000m (19,685 feet).
If you are climbing Climbing Aconcagua on the Vacas valley traverse route you need to carry both team gear and your personal equipment at high altitudes, which adds to the challenge. The plus to this route is there is less people on the mountain. To successfully tackle this demanding expedition, it is crucial to prepare with the right training.
There are some pro’s and con’s to each route and you can learn more about this here. One the normal route you have to carry less weight. One major tip: Weight all your gear so you know exactly what weight you will carry on the mountain.
Our detailed training recommendations for your Aconcagua expedition focus on building strength, endurance, and core stability. We doadvise incorporating high-altitude training just prior to the expedition but you do need to physically prepared. We recommend focusing on endurance workouts, and specific exercises to simulate carrying heavy loads.
This preparation will help you handle the physical demands of high altitude, managing the variable terrain, and maintaining energy throughout your climb. For the best chance of success on Aconcagua, follow our expert training tips and ensure you’re fully prepared for this thrilling adventure in Argentina.
Learn From our Experience
We have developed complete Dossiers on all of our key trips that we offer. Once you sign up to one of our trips, then we will send over the trip Dossier to you. These documents will have links to video diaries for training, the itemized kit list, in country and arrival information, and so much more. All these documents have been prepared with years of experience to back them up, therefore giving you the highest quality of preparation and advice prior to your trip.
If you are signed up to one of our trips and you would like a FREE individual assessment just e-mail ian@iantaylortrekking.com.
Be Realistic in Your Training
Remember there are two key elements to all high altitude adventures. Firstly, you need more acclimatization in your itinerary, which we will take care of! Secondly, you need to be mountain fit, which we can help you achieve. You need to give serious consideration to your training for the specific adventure you are looking to undertake. And remember, we are here to help! We have the team in place to help give you the best information available!
We know you live a busy live. It can be difficult to set aside a few minutes a day, much less one hour, for a workout. If you are signing up to one of our trips, it is so important to rearrange your schedule to leave time for specific cardiovascular exercise, five days a week. This will improve your health, quality of life and help you enjoy your trek.
Make Cardio a Priority
A one hour+ cardio session carrying weight does not sound that appealing but critical for your safety and success. Building a weekly and monthly routine is important to build the correct level of fitness. Get up earlier each day and exercise before work, exercise in front of the TV. Recruit friends and family to work out with you. Make sure you are doing longer hikes, walking up and down hills. Building slowly over time is important.
Picking Your Cardio
Yes, weight training and flexibility are crucial components of a well-rounded training plan, but it’s equally important to include exercises that elevate your heart rate and engage large muscle groups, preparing you for the demands of trekking.
Cardio exercises offer numerous physical and emotional benefits, from boosting endurance to reducing stress. The key is to choose activities that not only help you achieve your trekking goals but are also enjoyable, so you remain motivated and consistent in your training.
The Correct Heart Rate Zones
To maximize your training effectiveness, it’s important to ensure you are working in the correct heart rate zone, where your breathing rate is elevated, and you’re using multiple large muscle groups simultaneously. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, hiking, walking, cycling, and jogging are excellent choices that build cardiovascular fitness while improving overall endurance.
Train With A Weighted Backpack
One of the most effective ways to enhance your training is by incorporating a weighted backpack into your routine. Training with a weighted backpack simulates the actual conditions you’ll face on the mountain, helping to build the strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness you need to succeed.
The extra weight increases the demand on your legs, core, and back muscles, developing the power necessary for steep ascents and descents. It also elevates your heart rate more quickly, boosting your cardio fitness and preparing your body to handle the added strain of high-altitude trekking.
By combining weight training, cardio, and backpack-specific exercises, you’ll be better equipped physically and mentally to tackle the challenges of your adventure.
You Have to Start Somewhere
Dedicating 30 minutes to cardio, five days a week is a start. You will need to keep building over time. Depending on your trip you might need to build up to 1 or 2 hours per day. You will also need to build up from 4 to 8 hour hikes once a week in prepare for your chosen adventure.
Remember you need to understand your specific heart rate zone or your training sessions. Learn more. Feel free to get in touch and we can help you understand this better.
Benefits of Cardio
Stay with it! It shouldn’t take you long to note the physical and emotional changes you experience upon devoting hours a week to cardio exercise. Cardio exercise is an effective way to improve your mood and can even lift the symptoms of some cases of depression.
You are improving your health which is great, keep working hard and pushing towards your goals. We will help you and look forward to hearing from you.
