Your first steps toward the mountain
Preparation goes beyond packing: choose a suitable route, understand a walking day, and care for the places and people you meet.
Read the whole challenge
A difficulty label alone is not enough. Compare daily walking time, ascent and descent, terrain, sleeping elevation, pack weight and recovery days with your experience. Share examples of your usual hikes so we can discuss the fit.
Practice what the trip involves
Build regular walking into your routine and increase duration and ascent gradually. Practice hills and descents with your actual pack and footwear, and allow recovery. If you have an injury or medical condition, discuss the trip demands with a clinician before committing.
Altitude & weather can change the plan
Fitness does not prevent altitude illness. Review sleeping elevations and acclimatization days, and discuss your route and health with a travel medicine clinician. Do not add ascent or shorten acclimatization independently.
At altitude, tell your guide promptly about headache, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not ascend with altitude illness symptoms. Breathlessness at rest, confusion or difficulty walking are emergencies requiring help and urgent descent with the crew.
Check a mountain forecast, not just the city weather. Keep layers and rainwear accessible. Conditions may lead the crew to change the start time, route or summit plan; turning back can be the responsible decision.
What does a walking day look like?
Before setting off
Hear the day’s plan, meeting points and water arrangements. Prepare your daypack and raise any concerns before departure.
While walking
Follow the group plan and guide instructions. Eat snacks, drink according to your needs and conditions, and report symptoms early. Do not assume drinkable water is available on the trail.
After arrival
Change out of damp clothing, prepare tomorrow’s kit and confirm the next briefing time. Keep a light and warm layer within reach overnight.
Share overnight spaces considerately
In a mountain hut
Dormitories and facilities may be shared. Confirm bedding or sleeping-liner requirements, respect quiet hours, and dry gear in designated places. Charging and hot showers may be unavailable.
At camp
Follow tent allocations and instructions for food, rubbish and toilets. Keep paths clear and voices and headlamp beams low near tents. Never use a stove or open flame inside a tent.
Care for the places you visit
Stay on permitted trails and carry out rubbish, including tissues and food scraps. Keep your distance from wildlife and do not feed it. Follow local water, toilet and fire rules. Respect local customs and ask before photographing people.
Learn more: Leave No Trace principlesQuestions before your first trip
Can I join without hiking experience?
It depends on the trip. Start with a route suited to your current walking ability, read the daily demands and terrain, and speak with us before booking.
Do I need to buy everything?
Check the inclusions first. Ask about borrowing or renting, including size, condition and cost, before you travel. Confirm essential items before departure day.
Can I come on my own?
Ask about your chosen journey, room or tent sharing, and any single-occupancy supplement before booking.
What if I walk more slowly?
Discuss your experience beforehand and tell the guide early on the trail. Pace and support arrangements depend on the route and crew; do not leave the group alone.
What about meals, water and allergies?
Share allergies and dietary needs early and confirm what can be accommodated. Ask about water refills and treatment, included meals and snacks you need to carry.
What insurance and documents do I need?
Check entry requirements and passport validity. Ask your insurer about cover for the activity, planned altitude, rescue and evacuation. Keep copies and assistance numbers available offline.
Will there be internet or charging?
Coverage varies by route and camp. Download important details, protect batteries from cold, and ask about charging availability and cost before travel.
Further reading
Every trip has its own details
Start with your trip page, then ask us about equipment, walking demands, the crew or arrival arrangements.