Whether you are planning a hike to K2 base camp or want to put your passion for mountaineering to the test by trying to scale the second highest mountain in the world, you will have to prepare to fight all the odds in nature. Climbing the highest mountain in Pakistan or hiking to its base camp is not the task of the novice adventurer.
As you ascend to the 8,611m mountain base camp in Pakistan’s Karakorum Range, the air becomes thinner, oxygen becomes less available, and breathing becomes more difficult. Also known as the wild mountain that tries to kill you, K2 presents serious risks for both the hiker and the veteran mountaineer; however, the risks for the passionate mountaineer increase as he ascends the mountain.
Altitude sickness, acute mountain syndrome, and pulmonary edema are common health risks associated with almost all types of adventures on this mountain, but as common sense suggests, these risks are higher for climbers aiming for the K2 summit than for adventure seekers who just would. want to hike to wild mountain base camp. It is vital to understand that the health complications associated with high altitude, as mentioned above, can be life threatening.
The good news, however, is that you can minimize the risks of high altitudes by acclimating and training your body to cope with environmental factors and continue to function even when oxygen is scarce. Here are some tips to prepare to climb K2 and trek to K2 base camp:
• Begin preparing and acclimatizing at least two months before your adventure. This is particularly important because it takes your body at least 60 days to acclimate to high altitudes.
• Visit your doctor and get a full body exam as you begin your preparations and training. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo certain laboratory tests. If you’re up for adventure, your doctor will give you a green signal.
• During your training period, be sure to walk and walk as often as possible, starting at a lower altitude and gradually moving to higher altitudes if possible and available. With each session of your training, be sure to increase your distance and height, so that your body and lungs get used to working at high altitudes and in strenuous conditions.
• If possible, start interval training because it is one of the most effective methods of training your cardiovascular system for high altitudes. It involves dramatically increasing your heart rate and then letting it recover before increasing it again. Running up a steeper hill or doing a quick run can help train your cardiovascular system for your K2 adventure.
• Train your breathing pattern for high altitudes by working on the progression of the breath and taking deep breaths in and out. This training will help you cope with the low oxygen level in K2 allowing you to regulate and maintain your breathing capacity. Deep breathing practice can also keep you from overdoing it at high altitudes.
• Never miss a workout because it is very important to stay safe and fit during your attempt to climb K2 or hike to K2 base camp.
Remember, climbing K2 or trekking to K2 base camp can be a very exciting, rich, adventurous and fascinating experience for you, but only if you are in good health and have trained your body for adventure. Adequate hydration has also been observed to be another important factor when it comes to adventures in the Karakorum Mountains.