Active Travel Adventures podcast I Inspiring Multi-Day Adventure Trips Around the World · Kit Parks

Everest Base Camp Nepal + Challenging Trekking Tips for Adventure Travel and Hikers

January 15, 2026·41 min·4 clips

At 65, I tackled my biggest physical challenge: an 80-mile trek to Everest Base Camp at 17,600 feet.

65-year-old host Kit Parks recounts comprehensive preparation for Everest Base Camp trek—an 80-mile, 8,200-foot elevation gain, 12-day journey to 17,600 feet. With compromised lungs from previous experiences, success wasn't guaranteed despite rigorous training. Details months of structured preparation: progressive weekly hikes (3 hikes/week, 500+ ft elevation gain), specialized stair training in three directions, free-weight work, cycling, lunges, squats, balance exercises. Uses fear of failure as prime motivator. Lost 7 lbs, achieved best fitness at 65. Addresses logistics: initially booked guided tour, pivoted to private guide with porter; purchased trip insurance; packed for four seasons. Episode combines logistical planning, detailed fitness methodology, and psychological motivation framework.

As heard by us

A birthday trek that turns nerves, logistics, and grit into useful trail advice.

A 65th-birthday trek to EBC gives the episode a clear spine, but the deeper interest lies in the discipline behind the trip: committing to a hard goal, staying with training, and pushing through self-doubt.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a first-person look at taking on Everest Base Camp at 65.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Active Travel Adventures podcast I Inspiring Multi-Day Adventure Trips Around the World