Combining Everest Base Camp with a Mera Peak climb is one of the most rewarding adventures in the Himalayas. You’ll trek through the beautiful Khumbu region, stand beneath Everest, and then head into the quiet Hinku Valley to climb one of Nepal’s highest trekking peaks at 6,476m.

It’s an incredible achievement, and with good preparation it’s absolutely something you can do.

Here are 7 tips to help you prepare for this journey:

1. Anticipate the Altitude

You’ll spend several days above 5,000m, and summit at nearly 6,500m. That’s serious altitude, and it affects everyone differently.

We’ve been guiding at high elevations for decades. Fitness definitely helps, but it doesn’t make you immune. The key is moving at a steady pace, drinking plenty of water, and taking those acclimatization days seriously. They’re there for a good reason.

If you feel strong early on, that’s great. Just remember this isn’t a race. Patience and listening to your body will get you to the summit.

2. Train for Endurance

This trip is about stamina and staying consistent.

On most days you’ll trek for 6 to 8 hours, and summit day on Mera Peak can take 10 to 12 hours. To feel confident and well prepared, we recommend:

• Long hikes with plenty of uphill
• Training on back to back days
• Regular stair or hill sessions
• Leg and core strength work

The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the experience. You’ll have energy to take in the scenery and feel strong when it counts.

3. Get Your Layers Right

Weather in the Everest region changes fast. You might have warm sun during the day and freezing temperatures at night. Summit morning will be very cold.

Make sure you have:

• Good base layers
• Warm mid layers
• A quality down jacket
• Waterproof outer shell
• Proper gloves and a warm hat

Staying warm helps you save energy, and that energy is what sustains you throughout the journey. Having good gear really does make a difference!.

4. Break Your Boots In

Foot problems are one of the easiest things to prevent on a long trek.

For Everest Base Camp you need comfortable trekking boots that are already broken in. For Mera Peak summit you’ll need mountaineering boots that work with crampons.

If you’re getting new boots, we suggest using them in your training hikes before the journey. A small hot spot at home becomes a real problem at altitude, and we want your feet feeling good the whole way.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

At altitude, your appetite drops and dehydration happens faster than you’d expect.

Prepare to drink 3 to 4 liters every day. Sip throughout the day, add electrolytes when possible, and eat even if it’s just small amounts.

Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to help your body adjust to altitude.

6. Get Ready Mentally Too

This adventure is longer than a standard Everest Base Camp trek, and it moves into real climbing territory.

You’ll experience:

• Changing weather
• Cold mornings
• Simple tea house rooms
• Days when you feel tired

The trekkers who do best are the ones who stay flexible, take things one day at a time, and keep a good attitude. This journey will challenge you, but it will also give you moments you’ll never forget.

It’s as much a mental experience as a physical one.

7. Trek With The Right Team

At Ian Taylor Trekking, Our itinerary is carefully put together to help you acclimatize safely and give you the best shot at reaching the summit.

High altitude isn’t the place to rush. Everything goes more smoothly when you stick to the schedule, communicate openly with your guides and group you’re trekking with.

We take care of the logistics, watch how everyone is doing, and make sure you get to the summit safely. You just need to prepare well and show up ready.

We’ll be right there with you.

Everest Base Camp combined with Mera Peak is physically demanding due to the number of climbing days and altitude changes.

The goal with your training is simple: arrive feeling strong, steady, and confident that you can handle long days in the mountains.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the mountains:

1. Build Your Aerobic Fitness

This trip is about keeping a good pace over many days in a row, not pushing hard for short bursts.

We usually suggest doing steady cardio a few times each week and slowly building up how long you go for. If you can move comfortably for several hours without feeling wiped out the next day, you’re heading in the right direction.

Training consistently over a few months will help you way more than cramming at the last minute.

2. Get Used to Long Days Walking

You’ll have plenty of 6 to 8 hour trekking days, and summit day on Mera Peak will be even longer.

Spending time getting ready for those longer days really helps, especially on uneven ground. Some people like to work up to full day hikes and occasionally train two days back to back so their body gets used to the rhythm.

The more your body knows what sustained movement feels like, the better you’ll cope at altitude.

3. Build Some Strength

Altitude makes you feel more tired, so having good strength and muscular endurance becomes really important as the days add up.

Adding some strength training alongside your cardio can help you stay resilient and recover better. Strong legs and a solid core helps you keep good posture and move efficiently on different types of terrain.

You don’t need to train like a professional athlete. Just aim to feel solid and capable.

4. Practice Moving at a Steady Pace

This isn’t a race.

We often see people doing lots of high intensity training, but what actually matters in the Himalayas is being able to keep a steady, comfortable pace. Training that focuses on consistent effort tends to work best at high altitude.

If you can hold a controlled pace for a few hours and wake up feeling okay the next morning, its a sign that your training is effective.

5. Give Yourself Enough Time

Ideally, you should start building your fitness a few months before the trip. Gradual training improvement reduces your risk of getting injured and it also helps you feel more confident and prepared for the trip.

Rushing your preparation is counter-effective. Building it up steadily gives you good momentum.

What We’ve Noticed

When people arrive well prepared, the whole experience changes. They actually enjoy the trek, they recover faster, they sleep better at altitude, and they feel confident going into summit day.

Altitude will always be the wild card, but your preparation is the thing that you can actually control.

Show up consistent. Show up capable. Show up ready for long mountain days.

That’s what really makes the difference.

We won the International Tourism award in Nepal in 2019. We only run quality treks to Mount Everest Base Camp, with the best staff, service, acclimatization, and itineraries. All of our teams have 4 guides for every group of 10 trekkers, which is not the norm in the region.

We have developed a wonderful team of full time staff on the ground in Nepal, who work directly with us year round.  We never outsource our trips. Ian Taylor has climbed Everest to the top and led over 40+ Everest Base Camp treks.

Our team has the experience and knowledge on the journey and are here to help make sure you have the right advice and information for your trek to Everest.  Pick up the phone or email us today to discuss your adventure to Nepal!

How fit do I need to be for Everest Base Camp and Mera Peak?

You don’t need to be a professional athlete, but you do need to prepare properly.

This trip involves trekking for many days in a row, then pushing for a summit at 6,476m. Being comfortable on your feet for long stretches and recovering well overnight really matters.

If you can keep a steady pace for 6 to 8 hours and wake up feeling ready to go again, you’re getting close to the right fitness level. Good preparation helps with reaching the summit, but it also just makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

How difficult is combining Everest Base Camp and Mera Peak?

It’s definitely more demanding than a regular Everest Base Camp trek.

You’re adding extra days, going higher, and climbing above 6,000m. The length of the trip and the tiredness that builds up over time are usually the hardest parts, not the technical climbing itself.

That said, with good acclimatization built into the schedule and solid preparation beforehand, it’s very achievable for people who train properly and stick to the pace.

What’s the bigger challenge, fitness or altitude?

Altitude is always the wildcard.

Even really fit people feel the effects at high elevation, especially above 5,000m. Being fit definitely helps with how you feel and recover, but it doesn’t stop altitude from affecting you.

That’s why the itinerary is put together carefully with rest days worked in. Moving at a steady pace, drinking enough water, and talking openly with your guides are what really help you succeed.

How long does the Everest Base Camp and Mera Peak climb take?

This is a longer trip than most Everest Base Camp treks.

You’re usually looking at around three weeks total, depending on the exact route and how the acclimatization is scheduled. The extra time gives your body a chance to adjust properly and creates a safe window for the Mera Peak summit.

We don’t rush this. Spending enough time at altitude is a big part of the plan, and the pacing is intentional to keep things safe and give you the best shot at success.

When is the best time to do Everest Base Camp and Mera Peak?

The most reliable seasons are spring and autumn.

Spring has slightly warmer weather and the Everest region tends to be pretty busy and lively. Autumn usually has very stable conditions and the mountain views are fantastic.

Both seasons give you good chances for summiting Mera Peak. It often comes down to what works with your schedule and what kind of atmosphere you prefer.

 
 
 
 
  
 
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 Zoe Ormond 
 
19 September 2026
 
 
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We had an unforgettable experience up Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking. The route was carefully planned to help us acclimatise and the whole team went above and beyond to keep us comfortable and safe. Our lead guide Shabani and the entire team were great at encouraging us on summit day and thanks to them all of our group made it to the summit successfully.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Scott Medley 
 
24 August 2026
 
 
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+0
Amazing trip to Ecuador. The Ian Taylor team made everything easy prior to the trip and during. We didn’t have to think about anything other than what adventure lies ahead. I will be planning future trip with this company.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Heather Egan 
 
21 August 2026
 
 
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+6
Roland, Shibani and the whole team were amazing!! We had the best time on the mountain and while the Summit night was very difficult, Roland, Shibani and “Ruff Ruff” (as we nicknamed him) went above and beyond to get us to the top!! Thank you for the best time and helping our accomplishment.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Karin Schmitt 
 
15 August 2026
 
 
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An outstanding Kilimanjaro experience with Ian Taylor Trekking

Our whole family climbed Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking, and it was a truly fantastic experience from start to finish.

The guides were outstanding. They know the mountain incredibly well, but what impressed us just as much was their calmness, professionalism and positive energy. Throughout the trek, we always felt that we were in very good hands. The supporting team was equally impressive, and their enthusiasm and friendliness created such a positive atmosphere throughout the climb.

For us, the small group size was particularly important. It made the experience feel much more personal and allowed the guides to really pay attention to everyone in the group. The whole trek was exceptionally well organised, and yet it never felt rigid or impersonal.

And then there was the food! We honestly hadn't expected to eat so well on a mountain. At times it felt almost like a glamping experience rather than a trek — fantastic food, a wonderful support team and everything taken care of, while still having the real adventure of climbing Kilimanjaro.

Most of all, Ian Taylor Trekking gave us the confidence to enjoy the mountain rather than worry about the logistics. The guides' knowledge of Kilimanjaro, the excellent organisation and the incredibly positive team made this a very special experience for our whole family.

We would wholeheartedly recommend Ian Taylor Trekking to anyone considering Kilimanjaro. It was an unforgettable adventure, and we are so glad we chose them.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 jose ahedo diaz 
 
14 August 2026
 
 
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On August 1st I summited Kilimanjiaro for the second time with ITT. 9 years after the first summit I got to the roof of Africa with two very special partners, my Dad and my 16-year old son! It was amazing. In 2017 the experience was great but this time it was even better. It is fantastic to experience how the ITT Africa team keeps improving. The route was adjusted and summiting got easier. Logistics were impressive and the crew has still grown in efficiency and experience management. Congratulations Athumani and team for your great work!!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 sue wright 
 
6 August 2026
 
 
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My second trip with Ian Taylor. The Inca trail to Machu pichu. Thanks so much to Ian Taylor for making this happen! I am retired and haven’t done a serious trek before. I really wasn’t sure if I was taking on too much, but with the advice of the company (I started slowly with the one day trek last year before taking on the full challenge this year) and the support of the amazing guides and porters, I successfully completed the 5 day Inca trail. Unforgettable views, food and campsites (and endless steps up Dead Woman’s Pass!) They even produced an unexpected birthday cake on the trail for my son’s birthday!
Thankyou so much!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Charlie Wenner 
 
3 August 2026
 
 
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My wife and I summited Kilimanjaro with ITT and I can't recommend them enough! All future expeditions that we do will be through Ian Taylor Trekking - no need to look anywhere else!

UPDATE: Completed another expedition to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with ITT. No better company to do trekking with!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Janet Copeland 
 
27 July 2026
 
 
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+1
I’ve just completed the Classic 5 day Inca Trail. This was my 3rd trek with Ian Taylor Trekking after hiking Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro with them a few years back. I  cannot say enough good things about this company. The support services are so communicative and helpful with comprehensive pre trip prep and the teams on the ground, no matter the country, are incredible. The work they put in to ensure you’re safe, comfortable and happy is of such a high standard.

As a solo traveller on this last trip I set out knowing I could trust them to provide a fantastic trip and they did not disappoint. The guide, Percy, and his team were incredibly calm, supportive and encouraging even during the tough days. They took such amazing care of our small group, particularly anyone struggling.

Every trip I come back from with Ian Taylor Trekking makes me immediately want to go on another one and I’m already looking! Thank you guys so much for another incredible experience x
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Nikki Rossetter 
 
14 July 2026
 
 
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Ian Taylor Trekking was truly a life-changing experience. From the very beginning, the company set us up for success by clearly communicating expectations around fitness, health preparedness, and training requirements. Their team was responsive, easy to communicate with, and provided helpful reminders and guidance at just the right times. I especially appreciated the detailed dossier, which became an invaluable resource that I referenced repeatedly in the months leading up to the trek.

We trained at elevations of 5,000–6,000 feet for about three months before the trip, hiking 1-2 times per week up and down terrain, and while the Inka trek was certainly challenging, it was challenging in all the right ways. We felt well prepared and able to fully enjoy the experience because of the expectations Ian Taylor Trekking helped us establish.

One of the aspects that mattered most to me was safety and ensuring that our travel positively impacted the local community. Ian Taylor Trekking excels in both areas. They genuinely employ and empower local people, and we were honored to work with our incredible guide, Aldo Quispe Cusihuaman. His name is very important to our experience - he is what set the entire trip apart.

Aldo made this journey extraordinary. He is an expert historian, fluent in Quechua, Spanish, and English, and his knowledge of the land, culture, and history brought every moment to life. We were provided with rich historical context and accurate information far beyond anything we could have hoped for. His passion, expertise, and connection to the region transformed this trek from an amazing trip into a deeply meaningful experience.

Quite simply, if it weren't for Aldo, our journey would not have been nearly as special or life altering. Ian Taylor Trekking is incredibly fortunate to have him on their team, and future trekkers are equally fortunate to learn from him. I cannot recommend Ian Taylor Trekking highly enough for anyone seeking a safe, well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable trekking experience.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Natthapol Songdej 
 
13 July 2026
 
 
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We had an amazing and unforgettable multigenerational family trip on the 5 day Inca trail trek (which is definitely the way to go!) with Ian Taylor trekking ranging from my 74 yo mother to 13 yr old daughter and 10 yr old son. This was led by Miguel Mayorga with Lis Magali, who were wonderful, so knowledgeable, kind, caring, humorous, and took great care of our family as if their own. We truly couldn’t imagine doing this without them. The experience was seamless, from initial contact with Laura, who answered many questions for us along the way, to our contacts with Erin prior to the trip, and “on the ground” with Percy. They also arranged a great Rainbow Mountain trip for us.

Extremely special and meaningful was the Inca trail trek itself and we couldn’t have imagined a better experience than with Miguel and Lis, who became part of our family, and the caring and enthusiastic team of porters, leading and supporting us along the way. The food was also second to none and highly nutritious – it was amazing how they could prepare those meals. They even prepared an absolutely delicious cake for my birthday during first night of camp! It was a once in a lifetime experience for us and created memories that we will be reminiscing, sharing, and talking about forever. Thank you!!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Eve Songdej-Tran 
 
13 July 2026
 
 
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+5
My family completed the 5-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu with Ian Taylor Trekking, and the experience was nothing short of incredible.

Our head guide, Miguel Mayorga, second guide, Lis Magali, and the entire team of porters exceeded every expectation. They were professional, knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely cared about making this an unforgettable experience.

Miguel and Lis took exceptional care of my 74-year-old mom, ensuring she could trek safely and efficiently each day. When my sister’s air mattress was punctured one night, Lis immediately offered her own (fortunately, the porters were able to repair it with a patch kit). On our first night at camp, the chef even surprised my brother with a homemade cake for his birthday. These are just a few examples of how this team consistently went above and beyond.

Miguel’s deep knowledge of the Inca Empire, combined with his engaging storytelling, made reaching Machu Picchu even more meaningful. He set clear expectations each day, was honest about the challenges ahead, and always encouraged us along the way. Lis was equally thoughtful, regularly checking in to make sure everyone was comfortable with the pace and doing well.

The porters were absolutely amazing. Every morning as we set off on the day’s trek, they cheered us on with so much enthusiasm, and they welcomed us at every rest stop with smiles and encouragement. Their positivity, kindness, and incredible hard work were truly inspiring.

Thank you to Miguel, Lis, the chef, and the entire porter team for creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our family. We will never forget this journey—it simply wouldn’t have been the same without all of you!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Pooja Rao 
 
13 July 2026
 
 
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Our family recently completed a 5 day Inca trail trek with Ian Taylor. Along with our extended family, we also had our 2 children (13 and 10 years old) on the trek. It was truly an amazing experience. All lodging and meals were taken care of. The food on the trek was amazing- fresh and nutritious- and we all looked forward to all the meals. The trek itself was challenging but being able to do it together with family was amazing and our absolutely amazing tour guide Miguel Mayorga was encouraging, humorous and so knowledgeable. He and his wonderful assistant Lis Magali took care of us all as if we were all their own family. They made the hard work fun and very rewarding. Along with the incredible staff who travelled with us who took such good care of us, I wouldn’t change anything about this incredible trek. If you’re ready to learn about one of the world’s greatest civilizations, all while challenging yourself physically and mentally in the most beautiful of environments with some of the kindest people I have ever met, I highly recommend this trek!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Norm Borger 
 
12 July 2026
 
 
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Ian Taylor Trekking made hiking the Inca Trail an absolutely incredible experience. I commend them and highly recommend them. From start to finish Ian Taylor was present. Every detail was taken care of to include pre and post activities booked through Ian Taylor. The food; I was stunned by the quality and type of food that was swrved. I have no words. It was above and beyond. I consider myself pretty adapt at cooking backcountry meals but these were at another level. truly impressive.Everything having to do with the trek went without a hitch; hotel checkin, airport transfers, to and from the airport, amazing all around. I woud definitely use Ian Taylor Trekking in the future.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Anne Songdej 
 
10 July 2026
 
 
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+6
Best trekking experience!! My family and I (8 in total) did the 5-day Inca Trail. Our head tour guide, Miguel Mayorga, and assistant, Liz, along with the chef, sous chef, and porters were extremely warm and highly professional! It was no easy feat taking care of my mother who is 74 years old and my nephew who was 10 years old!!! They took special care of all our individual needs, ensured our safety, while also anticipating and strategizing how we should group up ahead of time. The food on the trek was amazing!!!! The culinary, seasonal foods, and the snack time once we arrived at camp was a once in a lifetime experience. Arriving to the porters’ warm welcome was always a highlight!!! Thank you!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 John Carver 
 
3 July 2026
 
 
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+0
I recently completed my second trek with Ian Taylor Trekking – and also my second time hiking with Ian!

This time I did the 5 day Classic Inca Trail. Based on my earlier experience with Ian Taylors team in Tanzania and Mt. Kilimanjaro, followed by an unforgettable safari with them, I knew this would be another amazing experience.

From the time you first contact the company (usually Erin or Ian’s wife Laura), you get quick friendly and competent service. If you then follow the preparation training and packing recommendations from Ian, you are pretty much set for success. You show up, follow the support guidance from the superb guides and large support staff, and you have a great time, even when things get challenging.

The simply amazing food, trekking accommodations waiting for you each day, and many small things along the way - like a wake up morning hot drink served at your tent, happy hour popcorn and snacks, wash up materials after each days hike, and fun group pictures along the trail (to name just a few things) all add to an environment where you build a supportive and collective team, not only with your fellow trekkers, but with the Ian Taylor team too. It’s so impressive.

There are many trekking companies that can take you places. But, I can’t think of any company that can provide such a safe, comfortable and fun experience as this company. And, the company commitment to staff and community are exceptional. You will seldom find companies that give so much back to their employees and communities where they live and work. They truly care.

I’ve already booked my next Ian Taylor trek for the El Camino in September 2027 and can’t wait for it to start!