All this talk of trekking has made me think of trying it
this October in Nepal, apparently the easiet time to go. I
would like to attempt the Everest BC trek but am concerned
about the level of fitness required. Should I stick to the
easier Jonsom trek? Can someone tell me the differences
between the two to help me decide?
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A high level of fitness is a nice thing to have for the
Everest base camp, but it is not crucial, and there are ways
around it. Taken in 3 segements - Jiri (last village
available by bus) to Lukla (6 days)-- Lukla to Namche Bazaar
(1 day) -- Namche to Everest BC (5 days)- by far the most
rigorous leg is is from Jiri to Lukla - up down up down
every day, sometimes as much as 2000m! - but is worth doing
becuase it is very scenic and pleasant, and makes your
conditioning tip top for what is to come. Lukla to Namche -
it is possible to cheat in this area as you can fly from
Kathmandu to Lukla and start the hike from there - tempting
but should be done only by those who have time restrictions.
At Lukla the elevation is starting to get high, and by
Namche you are seriously up there, so those who are in bad
shape and have not had a chance to acclimitize by walking
from Jiri, will really struggle up to Namche. From Namche
you are in the Alpine region and paths continue to go up,
but at much more forgiving grades than before Lukla - but
the air is starting to thin, but hiking days are relatively
short.
Those in good shape will be benifitted in the Alpine
regions.
You don't need to be in good shape to start with as you will
quickly get in good shape.
As Hiker boy said a high fitness level is nice ot have but
not crucial. If you plan to do the Jomsom trek you won't
have to worry about AMS or your fitness, since it's a
relatively easy walk throughout. The Jomsom area is very
beautiful, but it doesn't quite compare with trekking in
the Khumbu region. There, you are surrounded by mountains
that will take your breathe away. Yes, it's a little
tougher but more rewarding, I feel. Take it slow if you
decide to fly into Lukla. AMS is no joke; however, it only
affects a small percentage of people. The walk from Lukla
to Gorak Shep is easy compared to Jiri to Lukla. If you
feel you must hire a porter, then do so. You're there to
enjoy the mountains--don't let the thought of not being
able to pull your own weight stop you. Visit my website The
Travel Companion at
www.geocities.com/thetropics/lagoon/5491 and go to the
Nepal page for articles, photos, tips and Q&A re trekking
in Nepal. Good luck. Ed