Getting in shape

The fitter you are for your walking holiday, the more enjoyable it's going to be. Sometimes people refer to it as training, but that makes it sound like hard work. The pre trip preparation should be fun, and you should use your upcoming holiday as an excuse to spend as much time walking in the hills and outdoors as possible. We know that life can get busy, but it's important to try and put aside time to go hill walking to prepare for your trip. Other aerobic activities such as running and biking are also great ways to get in shape.

Clothing and equipment

Having the right clothing and equipment for your walking holiday, and spending time getting used to it pre trip, will make your holiday much more enjoyable. Boots are the most important item of equipment on a walking holiday. Make sure you spend time choosing a comfortable and suitable pair of boots, and then get used to wearing them on walks pre holiday. We would advise against buying walking boots online. There is no substitute to trying on a few different pairs in a specialist outdoor shop and choosing the right pair for you. Try out your walking clothing on a variety of walks in different weather conditions. It is best to find out if a pair of socks rub or some trousers are uncomfortable on one of your preparation walks, rather than on Day 1 of your 2 week trek in Nepal. Your backpack is important and as we all have different body shapes and sizes. Make sure that yours fits comfortably and try it out pre trip filled with the things you will be carrying with you each day on your walking holiday.

Background reading

It can be fun to read and research about the country you are visiting and the area you will be walking in. We always provide a list of recommended books for your trip in the website information. These can range from factual guidebooks, to travel stories, and books about the history and culture of the region. Learning some words and phrases of the local language can reap great rewards, and help you to know the country you are visiting much better.

Altitude

If your trip involves going to altitudes of over 2500m you will notice the effects of altitude whilst trekking and walking. However this is not something you should worry about in your pre trip preparation. Unless you live at high altitude it is not possible to prepare for the higher altitudes pre trip. The human body adapts to high altitude and this is known as acclimatisation. We plan our itineraries carefully so that we do not ascend too fast, and allow plenty of time for people to acclimatise. By following a few golden rules at altitude like walking at a slow and steady pace and keeping well hydrated, we can maximise our acclimatisation on trek.