Himalaya Q&A with Steve Wroe

This is the second part of our recent Facebook Q&A session with India and Himalaya guru, Steve Wroe. To see the questions our fans asked him about India, read the blog here. 

Erik Day: What is your best advice for training to hike to the base camps of either Annapurna or Everest. If I had six months before my trip, what do you recommend I do to undertake such a venture?
@Erik: Six months is plenty. I'd do a mix of training starting with some long walks, then some light running. Stairs are great as they really get your legs strong. It's just bloody boring walking up and down stairs so head out to the local hills and do some hill walking. In the gym, those 'stairmasters' are really good. If you're generally fit anyway, just keep active. The MOST IMPORTANT thing is once you're there, take your time. Don't walk too fast and try to race everyone as you'll end up with altitude sickness and that'll slow you down faster than a lack of fitness. 

Rachel Kenward: From experience, I know I suffer altitude sickness. What would be your suggestions on dealing with this? As last time, nothing I did or had seemed to help much - except drugs from a pharmacy in Cusco and lots of coca leaf tea.
@Rachel: Aside from walking slowly and drinking water, you might consider a drug called Diamox. See your doctor about it. It's a diuretic and makes a big difference. But if you take it, please make sure you tell your leader. Fitness helps too as you're not exerting yourself too much. If you minimise your exertion it helps a lot. I never walk at a pace where I will get out of breath. Slowly, slowly....

Michael Bolenski: Myself and a friend are doing the Everest Base Camp trek in October. Do you have any recommendation for day trips from Kathmandu? Also any good tips or things to take on the trek?
@Michael: Bhaktapur or Patan are both fantastic old cities from the Newari times. Well worth checking out. Also the Monkey Temple/Swayambunath, Pashupatinath combo (all in town).
While on the trek, walking poles are daggy but good, especially if you have knee trouble. A head torch is a must. Use a Camelback or 'hydration bladder' instead of a water bottle. Most important thing is your boots. Make sure your feet love them, otherwise it can really spoil your trek. I just got some of the new Salomon XCRs (mid-height ankle) and they are the business!! And good sunnies as the light is very harsh. 

Michael Bolenski: What power adaptor will i need for Nepal?
@Michael: The two-pin style like South East Asia

Scott McGibbon: With climate playing a key factor in a tour to India and Himalayas, from your own experience when do you think is the best time to travel to avoid the crowds but still have an enjoyable adventure?
@Scott: Great question. Almost half the trekkers that visit Nepal come in October. It's a great time of year but very, very busy. April is the next busiest month (partly due to the fact that the rhododendrons are in full bloom). So I always recommend November, or March. The weather is clear but not too cold. Even December is OK, especially if you're at lower altitudes. It does get a bit cold at night though.

Chriss Perry: Hi Steve, I’m 43 and would love to do something like Base Camp, but have worries about the level of fitness required?
‎@Chriss: 43 is young mate! Training does make a difference. You feel more confident and, of course, find the walking easier. If you can jog for 5ks without passing out that is a good benchmark. Start with some long walks and then some running. Stair walking is very good too as it builds up your leg strength. However, the KEY is how you approach the trek. Take your time, enjoy the views, drink plenty of water. Most people struggle with altitude more than fitness and this is because they try and race each other to the next stop. you'll be right. You get fitter as you go anyway!

Chriss Perry: Thanks Steve, what would be your personal highlight of the area be?
@Chriss: Gokyo Lakes are is right up there. I always encourage people to spend the extra three days and do the Everest and Gokyo rather than just Base Camp. Out in the Annapurnas, it is the view from Kopra Ridge. Amazing.

Gary Derbyshire: In your opinion, Mera Peak or Island Peak for first time trek?
@Gary: For first time, Island Peak. Because you visit Everest Base Camp as well. Aside from the fact that EBC is great, it helps acclimatise you. And the view from the top of Island Peak? WOW. Ama Dablam off in the distance and the Lhotse wall right in your face - 9000-odd metres of it. It'll change your life.

Patrick Lally: When are the best times to climb Mt Everest base camp? I was thinking October next year.
@Patrick: October is great but very, very busy. Almost half the trekkers in the whole season go in October. Push it back to November. It's a little colder but the weather (and trails) are clearer. 

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