How These Hikers Got Fit for High-Altitude Hikes in Nepal

12/10/2025

At Summit Strength, we've helped countless hikers train and prepare for trekking in Nepal, including popular routes such as Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit, and many more iconic Himalayan trails. With expert coaching and structured training, our clients build the strength, fitness, and confidence needed for a successful hike.

Below, you'll find a collection of real Nepal trekking success stories from hikers who used our online personal training to become fit, strong, and resilient enough to conquer these incredible adventures.

Training For Everest Base Camp: Summit Strength Reviews

I wanted to give a HUGE shoutout to Rowan and the whole Summit Strength team! I recently got back from an Everest Base Camp trek and I 100% wouldn’t have made it without my training and preparation in advance.

I started the trip with basically no food the first 3 days due to food poisioning (this includes the trek to Namche Bazar with nearly 3K’ of gain in the last 2 miles). I don’t know how I made it other than mental fortitude and my physical preparedness.

I also have preexisting cervical spine, knee, and foot injuries which were a concern. I had NO pain other than some mild discomfort in my right knee the last three days (the major decline days). Which is mind blowing because I can’t run a mile without my knee seriously hurting!

But I made it the full 80+ miles and 20K’+ elevation gain and had a phenomenal time!
Thank you to Rowan and the entire team for feedback, guidance, and the preparedness to make this dream a reality!!!

- Carter

Hi Rowan! Just checking in to say hi and that we are back from Nepal and that I am so very grateful for the training. There were so.many.steps, and my knees held up spectacularly, thanks in no small part to your great help. I genuinely feel that the training and support played a big role in our success.

There were truly endless steps -- uneven, steep, high, low -- I would say the majority of the 4-12 hours a day were stairs/steps of some kind -- it was rare to have smoother or just dirt bits, and very very very rare to go for any time at all without a steep ascent or descent. So my knees really took a beating and I had virtually no pain -- they were sore sometimes, but really totally fine.
Here's a pretty representative sample of a day at higher altitudes. So it wasn't just up and down, and stairs, it was uneven, often muddy, sometimes snowy or icy. Just to say, I don't think it could have been much more challenging on the knees! I'm so grateful for your help.

I highly recommend your training. I'm especially impressed because I came in with only 8 weeks, and feeling injured and worried if my knees would make it. The MCL pain by the way, was non-existent. I just didn't have it! And I know that was due to the strength training.

-Yolanda

"I hired Summit Strength to help prepare for an Everest Base Camp Trek.

Through the process Rowan really listened and I felt heard - I felt as thought it was very tailored to my specific needs, abilities, goals, and challenges. I have not always had that with other trainers. Connecting me with the dietician for the nutrition piece which was huge as I knew I had not been fueling myself properly on past hikes and was a bit element of how much I enjoyed past hikes and my success.

My experience was fabulous. I was most impressed with how Rowan tailored my training program and continuously altered it to meet my needs as well as hurdles that came up - getting e-coli, knee issues, feet issues, motivation, etc. Stuck with me through it all and never gave up - there as nothing he didn't have an answer for and was always positive creating confidence in me for the hike.

Would I recommend Summit Strength to others? Yes! Would for sure work again as needed and absolutely recommend to others. Tailored to my specific needs, responded positively and proactively to hurdles faced during training, was so so positive throughout, provided additional resources through educaton library, and all around great experience."

- Victoria

"My goal was to build up strength in my legs to have a better chance of getting through my upcoming trek to Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lakes.

Initially we had a chat about what I was doing and where I was going and he tailored a training program around what I would need for my trek.

Overall it was a very welcoming and accommodating experience. Even though we haven't met face to face, he was very friendly and I am glad I took Rowan on. I have managed to lose 5kgs along the way so far and haven’t looked back.

I would work with him again in any future endeavors I will be undertaking. I feel stronger when walking, the training app is easy to use and the side education is very insightful as to what to expect on the trek and contain heaps of useful information regarding altitude"

- George

"After not wanting to repeat the disappointment of dropping out of a trek due to injury, I decided it was time to get some expert help preparing for Everest Base Camp.

Rowan is definitely an expert in what he does. He’s got a view of what the most important things you need to know about trekking and altitude are, and shares that through his online training so you don’t have to be overwhelmed by all the information out there.

He tailors your training plan to your fitness level and your goal so you can feel comfortable that if you follow the plan, you’ll be well prepared. I felt that I was the best prepared physically and mentally I’ve ever been and would highly recommend Summit Strength to anyone looking for expert help!"

- Ann

"I first hired Summit Strength to help with preparing to trek Everest Base Camp.

I found Rowan and the whole program to be fantastic. I like to be prepared and taking on an adventure like EBC is something that I know could potentially be very dangerous if not prepared properly. So having someone to learn from and bounce my concerns off has been invaluable!!

Rowan is so easy to talk to and has been so helpful that I now feel like not only can I achieve my goal but I’ll enjoy every minute!! I had a specific question about my pre-existing chronic migraine and how this may impact my trek and Rowan went out of his way to research everything for me which I found to be beyond anything I expected.

Would I work with them again? Absolutely!! It was so straight forward and pushed through all the BS to pass on information that is either research-based or experience-based. Thank you for everything!"

- Jess

"By training with Rowan for my Everest Base Camp trek I found myself not only physically prepared but armed with a wealth of knowledge about dealing with altitude, self-care and mental strength to enjoy my journey and achieve my goal.

Thank you Rowan!"

- Senta

The program was adaptable to my circumstances. The exercises were suitable to be done at home and the videos and app made it very easy to be successful. My training combined strength and cardio sessions which put me in good stead for my adventure. Having a personal coach made me accountable. I completed the 12 week program and my adventure successfully.

Feeling I needed to have a goal, I started planning for Everest Base Camp. This hike was going to be my first at altitude, guided and on my own with a group of people I did not know. So way out of my comfort zone!!

My training was adjusted to suit my goal and I utilised the education series provided by Summit Strength to further develop my knowledge. My coach and I worked together to ensure that my legs could last the distance. The EBC trip was exhilarating, 17 days of trekking, in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. It met all expectations and I have made friends for life.

I have learned so much from working with Summit Strength, and would totally recommend the work they do for preparing safe, confident and resilient hikers.

- Fiona

"Couldn’t be more recommending of Rowan and his personal training services.

During our short time together Rowan has drawn on his extensive knowledge of trekking specific strength and cardio exercises to make me very prepared to tackle Everest Base Camp.

In addition,Rowan has gone well beyond the physical elements of personal training and has educated me about suitable foods for trekking, how to quickly overcome sickness, sleeping tips at altitude and injury avoidance techniques.

Rowan's support and guidance has made me feel very prepared and confident going into my trek. Couldn't speak more highly of him!"

- Melinda

"Couldn’t be more recommending of Rowan and his personal training services. During our short time together rowan has drawn on his extensive knowledge of trekking specific strength and cardio exercises to make me very prepared to tackle Everest Base Camp.

In addition, Rowan has gone well beyond the physical elements of personal training and has educated me about suitable foods for trekking, how to quickly overcome sickness, sleeping tips at altitude and injury avoidance techniques.

Rowan's support and guidance has made me feel very prepared and confident going into my trek. Couldn't speak more highly of him!"

- Molly

"Rowan has been training me for well over a year now. This period has covered a trek to Everest Base Camp last year and a trek to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this. For both treks I have felt really well prepared.

Rowan tailors his sessions and there has been a fantastic and structured build up to each trek. The result was I found the trek last year went really well and this year was all good too! No headaches at all and it is all down to the great training and advice before hand. The breathing techniques and the practice prescribed really helped!"

- Steve

"I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for helping me train for my Everest Base Camp trek!

Thank you for your knowledge, care, encouragement, your belief in me and most of all for helping to instill confidence in myself! I smashed it! Kilimanjaro next?!"

- Steph

Training For The Annapurna Circuit: Summit Strength Reviews

"I started working with Summit Strength to prepare me for the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.

To get me ready, they put together a well thought out detailed online program. The experience was fantastic. Rowan checked in regularly and designed a program around my lifestyle.

I would work with them again and recommend them to other trekkers."

- Tanya

"I hired Summit Strength to help me prepare for the Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal.

Rowan worked with my existing injuries and strengthen my existing training to build up the skills I was lacking.

I would absolutely recommend others to work with them - I feel much more prepared to take on this trek and I'm sure there will be another one in the near future."

- Manni

I worked with Summit Strength to train for the Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal.

The experience was professional and solid and I would absolutely recommend them to other hikers.

- Jyothi

"Completed the Annapurna trek with my son. Thanks to Rowan and the team for their encouragement and guidance and utter confidence in my ability."

- Suchita

"I trained with Summit Strength to help me prepare for the Annapurna circuit trek.
They provided me with specific routines of exercises which addressed my challenges keeping into consideration the trek I am going to do.

Rowan was great, after 12 weeks I feel better , stronger and more confident.

Absolutely I would work with them again and yes I would recommend them to fellow trekkers"

- Daniela

Training For The Manaslu Circuit: Summit Strength Reviews

"I have just completed the Manaslu Circuit trek in Nepal with Larke Pass at 5160m.

It’s been a huge challenge and the hardest trek I’ve done but what spectacular rewards for all the effort. The scenery was spectacular, the mountains so close all the way round and beautiful clear blue skies every day.

Thanks to Rowan for all his help getting me ready for this. The support, information and suggested training program for hill treks was invaluable. My legs were definitely strong enough, breathing at altitude was the hardest. Thanks so much, I’ve learnt such a lot."

- Linda

Trekking In Nepal: Summit Strength Reviews

"We worked with Summit Strength to prepare us for upcoming treks in the Himalayas.

We really liked the complete package that the program offered, covering not just strength training but a good combination of outdoor hiking-specific sessions and recovery/mobility. It was a well-designed plan that progressed well over the 12-week period, and was easy to understand based on the excellent onboarding process and accompanying videos to explain each exercise. It proved that we did not need to buy lots of expensive equipment to train at home.

We also found the education series very useful especially for self-care and nutrition. On top of that, the Summit Strength online community is very engaging and we always felt that we were part of an enthusiastic group of hikers to share stories with (as well as being held accountable!). If we needed help then Rowan was always available, and followed up where needed. In summary, a well-structured program that helped us towards achieving our goals.

We were very happy with this program, as we had a measurable improvement which translated to much easier hiking once on the trail. It would be ideal for anyone else seeking a comprehensive program to help them achieve their hiking/trekking goals."

- Emma and Trevor

"I started working with Summit Strength to regain some fitness after 2020, which limited so much of my usual exercise routines. I want to be ready to tackle the walking and trekking I have planned for in the Himalayas.

Summit Strength showed me great exercises that I could do at home. I could really feel my body getting stronger again. I was so happy that I didn't have to try and fit in sessions at the gym and instead just work independently at home, using a few simple pieces of equipment.

I felt supported and encouraged. Rowan makes himself available to answer questions, tweak a program and give any extra support that might be needed. I also really enjoyed the extra training modules that were available, covering altitude, recovery, and nutrition.

I would definitely work with them again and recommend them to others."

- Karen

"I worked with Summit Strength to be able to complete a trek in Nepal.

Summit Strength is a very thorough program. I had confidence that I would be prepared as well as was possible in the time available. I could put all my effort into the training as the education available grew my understanding of the process and the flexibility and support of my coach enabled me to trust the process.

I have already recommended them to others."

- Barbara

How Our Hikers Get Fit And Strong For Trekking In nepal

At Summit Strength, we specialise in helping hikers prepare for high-altitude adventures.

No matter your age, experience, or current fitness, we are confident that, with the proper training, education, and support, almost anyone can get into a great position to safely, confidently, and capably complete some of these iconic treks in Nepal.

This is what we do every day. And what we have been doing for years.

How do we help hikers prepare for these high-altitude adventures?

We apply specialised and personalised workout plans (covering strength training, cardio, hiking programming and recovery - everything your body needs to prepare for the mountains!)

We educate you on the topics you need to survive and perform at high altitude (such as nutrition and hydration tips, breathing techniques, sleep advice, pacing strategies and a range of other things)

We provide the support, coaching and accountability to keep you on track (though any challenges or roadblocks life throws at you).

If you are a hiker preparing for a high-altitude trek in Nepal (or anywhere else!) and want to give yourself the best chance of a safe, successful, and enjoyable adventure, we would love to chat with you.

To learn more about our Online Personal Training For Hikers, you can check it out here:

Online Personal Training For High Altitude Hikers

Yours in trekking,

Rowan

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Summit Strength is a personal training for hiking service created specifically to help hikers have the best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure.