I would advise against going without a guide. Make sure you aren’t going more than about 2,000 feet higher each day so you avoid the effects of altitude.

“You do not need to be an ultra-marathoner by any means to do the treks, but should have a modicum of fitness”

That matches what I’ve read so far. The best training is cardio-oriented, such as walking, hills, and stairs. The response from a Karnali Excursions guide was that I should be fine (I told them I was 30, normal weight, etc). If I were older, heavier, or had some physical ailment to be concerned about (other than my weak quadriceps), I would probably consider a shorter trek. I’m more concerned about personal anxieties than physical fitness (I reserve the right to change my mind at 15,000 feet!).

From what I can tell, companies rate the treks as Easy/Moderate/Strenuous/Expert and leave much to the discretion of the client, unless it’s more of a climb-oriented expedition which requires technical skills. For example, I heard on some TV show last year that there are still companies that take clients up Mt. Everest without requiring that the people have climbed another 24,000+ foot peak first.

I would expect a company that has been in business a long time with positive references, has a good track record of matching clients to treks, or customizing those treks on the fly to account for different fitness levels. Actually, the book I read indicated that people are more likely to get ill with large groups because of the peer pressure to keep up. If I go with just a guide and porter, than we have more flexibility.

No problem – hope some of the shots were helpful! I’d definitely insist on a Gamow, and check in on the drugs they will be bringing.

Some days will definitely be short, but it will help with acclimatization and give you a chance to explore the nooks and crannies of a given village or region.

No matter what, you’ll have a great time!!

Good luck, and raamro sanga jaanus! (“Safe travels” in Nepali.)

-Jake

Thanks for taking the time to share some photos. It looks like you’ve seen Mt. Everest from all angles (including on top).

I appreciate your reinforcement of my interest in having a Gamow Bag around just to be safe. I’ll have to ask the tour companies about the drugs they carry as well.

I was actually surprised at how few hours I’d be hiking on some days, though I suppose if it’s uphill and at higher altitudes than I’m use to, I’ll have my work cut out for me.

I have to admit, due to the costs of getting down to southern Argentina, let alone taking a tour, if I don’t go on this trip, I’m not holding out much chance of ever making it.

I actually thought the package price was quite inexpensive considering it’ll cover most of my costs for a month’s stay in Nepal! :)

I hear the taunting. I feel that way about Antartica, which I’m planning on hitting on my trip. The cost so widely varies though…I’m kind of clouded by the big trip, which is hugely expensive.

Glad to hear how everything is coming along!

Sounds like you’ve got some good plans going, Dave. I’ve spent a lot of time in Nepal & Tibet – studying, working, teaching, writing my thesis, guiding treks and expeditions, etc. – and know it well. Both the Annapurna and Everest BC treks are wonderful and well worth the trip, although both are different in many ways. The big draw with the Khumbu Valley is, of course, seeing Everest…But, the reality is you don’t really get good, consistent views of Everest from the trek as it is mostly hidden behind the massive south face of Lhotse. (See this photo on my website, taken from Syangboche.) Even from the famous viewing spot atop Kala Pattar, the view is still somewhat stunted. To get the really dramatic, full views of Everest, you need to approach from the North via Tibet, as seen here from Everest’s Rongbuk Basecamp. Alternately, if you want a trek with amazing scenery that will get you 100% away from it all, try out the approach to Everest via the east side coming up the Kama and Kangshung Valleys. Absolutely stunning, and one of the most amazing parts of the Himalaya I have seen in nearly 20 expeditions there; here’s Everest and Lhotse (and others) at sunrise from Pethang Ringmo at 17,000 feet in the Kangshung Valley.

As for fitness, medical issues, etc., keep in mind that both Averest BC and Annapurna treks take you well above 15,000 feet. On the Annapurna Circuit, the crux of the climb is going over the Thorang La (Pass) at 17,500 feet, and the highpoint on the Everest BC trek is on Kala Pattar at about 18,000 feet. Both are very high – obviously – and care needs to be taken. You do not need to be an ultra-marathoner by any means to do the treks, but should have a modicum of fitness and the trekking outfitter should IMO carry a Gamow bag at all times. I have seen full-blown cases of HAPE and HACE down as low as 10,000 feet, and if that strikes a Gamow can be your only hope. An emergency bottle of medical oxygen – with a mask of course – is a good idea as well, and cheap insurance. Additionally, I would expect any reputable trekking company and guide service would have a good supply of high altitude drugs ready for use: oral dexamethasone (HACE), oral niphedipene (HAPE), and injectible dexamethasone (HACE). All are essential, and can be lifesaving.

Anyway, too much rambling…Good luck on the trip plans…And remember Stephen Bezruchka’s truism from “Trekking in Nepal”: Nepal is not there for you to change it. Nepal is there for it to change you.

All the best,

Jake Norton
MountainWorld Productions

i guess its the rogue long distance hiker in me that cant handle groups + guides….

but a guide/translator would be.. worth its own price…

id be _seriously_ envious of you doing either trek :)

the soloist in me would rather find a less travelled trek than Annapurna circuit or basecamp.

oh so envious!

Apart from having to raise the cash to fund such a trip, my main other concern has always been my lack of experience. While my fitness is fine, like you, I have little experience of trekking and certainly none at altitude.

During your research have you found this to be a hindrance in any way, and how do companies view and gauge the experience of any potential clients?