Am i suitable for this trip?
A Challenging trip is more difficult than any other program we offer. Each of these expeditions has an ambitious objective or goal that necessitates cooperation, contribution and a positive spirit from every member for it to be successful and ultimately rewarding and enjoyable for all. Being personally very fit and healthy will allow you to cope with the rigours of the trip through all conditions right through to the finish, and being mentally ready to embrace the variety of experiences involved is equally important. We strongly encourage intending participants to talk and meet with us directly as early as possible to discuss your ideas and ensure you have chosen the right trip for your level of experience and fitness.
Physical fitness
For a challenging program physical fitness should be an ongoing thing, which should start from a base at around 4 to 6 months prior to departure and increase to build maximum endurance, stamina, flexibility and familiarity with the anticipated routine as much as possible by your trip commencement. Three to five hard sessions of 40 to 60 minutes of physical exercise per week such as running, hill walking, swimming, cycling or gym work will build excellent aerobic capacity and overall endurance and stamina which are so important in trekking and climbing at altitude. Overnight or multi day treks (on rough, loose and rocky terrain) should be incorporated in your training regime also, this develops skill and confidence on difficult terrain you will find on expedition. Rest and recovery, whilst at the same time steadily increasing your routine and incorporating variety, are just as important parts of the process if you intend to maintain and enjoy the regime for any duration. (We hope that it will become a ‘lifetime’ thing.) With a solid training regime comes a more relaxed disposition, more energy and usually better walking and breathing technique, which ultimately leads to you having a great trip rather than some kind of survival experience. Likewise overnight camping treks encourage you to become self-actualised and self-reliant, making the daily routine on trek, getting ready on time, keeping clean, helping out and so on, much easier and less stressful. Plan early with us and prepare yourself physically on a continuing basis right the way through, rather than putting it off for periods.
A typical day
Flexibility and co-operation are key to the success of the expedition. Many factors are taken into consideration, such as group acclimatisation and fitness, weather and snow conditions, before a plan is set for each day on the mountain. In most cases climbing days will commence with very early “alpine starts” when the weather is cold, and conditions are generally at their best. Your guide will brief you each evening and discuss the plan of action and what is expected for the coming day.
Equipment required
Specialist gear required includes walking boots, a day pack and personal climbing equipment including harness, ice axe, crampons and mountaineering boots (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
Acute mountain sickness
When we ascend above 2500 metres our bodies have to acclimatise to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust we have structured our treks so that you ascend slowly, allowing acclimatisation to occur. However, during the acclimatisation process, you may experience some of the following symptoms.
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Disturbed sleep
• Loss of appetite/nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Palpitation
• Swelling of the hands and face
Individuals acclimatise at different rates.
Your best strategy is to take your time and drink plenty of water. These symptoms may not indicate the onset of A.M.S. and if you experience them, it does not necessarily mean that you should not continue. All our group leaders have extensive first aid training and we urge you to communicate with the group leader at all times should you believe
you have any symptoms in order that we can effectively monitor your symptoms. The only cure for Acute Mountain Sickness is to descend. Please note that your group leader has ultimate responsibility and may ask you to descend if symptoms persist.
Acclimatizing
Acclimatizing for a 6,000-meter mountain requires careful planning and gradual ascent to avoid altitude sickness. Begin by spending several days at moderate elevations (2,500–3,000 meters) to allow your body to adjust. Use the “climb high, sleep low” principle: ascend to higher altitudes during the day but return to lower elevations to sleep. Limit daily elevation gains to 300–500 meters above 3,000 meters and include rest days every 3–4 days. Stay well-hydrated, eat high-energy foods, and avoid alcohol. Monitor for symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Proper acclimatization is essential for performance and safety at extreme altitudes.
Acclimatizing for Huayna Potosi
For Huayna Potosi the minimum requirement recommended for the 3-day trip is to have spent a lest 5 to 7 days between 3000m to 5000m. This can include visiting Lake Titicaca or visiting Salar de Uyuni will all help with acclimatizing. Other options are trekking at altitude which can include Austria Peak or a short multi day trek in the Cordillera Real near La Paz.
Ask us about the different options available for acclimatizing or if you have any concerns.
