Would I be mad to try and take part in this sponsored trek in the Himalayas?

[lemonice]

I am very tempted to participate in a trek to raise money for a registered charity.

It would be hugely ambitious for me as I am not currently very fit and would have to work hard to train for it.

I also find it a bit difficult to judge when I'm being rash/impulsive and whether a choice is too risky.

So I am weighing up the pros and cons and thought I would ask you lot what you thought.

Against is the fact that I'm not very fit at the moment and I'm rather old.

I have quite a lot of responsibilities, run a business, and we are planning to build a house between now and this event next year which in itself will be a big stress.

On the plus side it would be a huge goal that I would have to reach (this could also be a negative???)and would improve my mental health as well as physical.

I have never done anything like this so would be a big adventure.

On a practical level I could perhaps use my business to promote it.

I would have to raise a large sum in sponsorship to take part and I'm not sure how easy that would be.

Utterly mad IMO but that's just me

How far away is it (time wise - I know where the Himalayas are!)

Can you find a less taxing charity fund raiser that is more realistic for you but will still give you a goal to reach?

It's next May, it's the taxing element that particularly appeals..that's why I thought I required some input from other people In some respects the harder something is the more determined I am to succeed. The itinerary is designed to be do able by a fit participant of any age.

Lemonice, I took part in a trek in the himalayas a few years ago. It was an amazing experience (I can say that now, but at the time and for a while afterwards I thought it was horrendous!) On my trek there was a huge range of ages/fitness levels. The oldest person was 76 and he managed most of it. I was only reasonably fit when I took part and I struggled a bit as I hadn't trained on hill walking which is obviously a big part of it. To get the most out of it you do need to get yourself fit. Be warned, also, that the eating/sleeping conditions are extremely basic - although this adds to the whole experience. I have always felt very proud that I raised so much for charity though, although that was hard work in itself. Make sure also that the area the trek is in is safe politically. Our destination was changed two weeks beforehand due to unrest.

I'd do it - but then I'm mad

where did you find out about this i know someone that would love to do this?

Avocado I will have to pick your brains!!!

I think they do these treks every year so must have a good deal of experience, apparently this year they went to China.

That's interesting about unrest dp brought that subject up and i batted it away with my well thought out and researched reply, I don't think there is any there...

At the moment the itinerary is

Delhi to Chandigarh
Chandigarh to Shimla through Himachal Pradesh

Shimla Monkey Temple Shimla

Shimla Junga and transfer to Shillon Bag

Shillon Bag to Chail and on to Kandaghat

Pass of Mount Karol Solan

Parwanoo Kalka to Tundala

Agra

Delhi

Did you stay in hotels, I had assumed it was camping but in fact it says hotels and one train sleeper cabin.

Lollipop this is itTrek the Himalayas Fund Raising for The Autistic Society

I would LOVE to do this. I am drastically unfit though (walking upstairs makes me pant) and I feel I would never be fit enough.

bump for Dizzydo

It looks fantastic! Go for it - you'll always wonder what you missed if you don't do it!

There won't be any problem with unrest there as it's in India - the major troubles are in Nepal. I've trekked in that area once - a bit further up, near Manali. It's a beautiful valley & stunning to walk in.
You'll have to get used to walking uphill before you go - & get as fit as you can first - that's the best way of enjoying it while you're there! If you can walk uphill & still catch your breath then you have more time to appreciate the view

Thanks for your messages, they give you quite a lot of help on how to fundraise and I would have to take advice on training. At the moment i don't do anything recreation wise though i did use to sail but I am currently too heavy for that so i will need some dedication and support to achieve this.

But i think it could be life changing (if it doesn't kill me as dp nicely put it!)

Ds says I won't get more than 100 yards and will see what the dds think next...

dd1 was really positive and enthusiastic...

I've more or less definitely decided to do it...

Do it!

Normally I'd say, go for it. But you sound like you have a lot on your plate. I think, if you hadn't got the house to build, you'd be ok, with a lot of effort.

I'd suggest two things. Get hold of some books written about trekking in the Himalayas and read about others' experiences. That may help you decide one way or t'other.

Secondly, write yourself a rough timetable of a week/month supposing you're going to do the intensive training required. With your house project, business, raising sponsorship and your other responsibilities, there may simply not be enough time in the week/month.

Sorry to sound negative, just trying to help you see whether you can realistically achieve it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Is it the Hymalayas part that appeals to you or just the challenge? I'd be tempted to leave it, do a not-as-challenging one next year and then whatever trek they arrange for the year after. The challenging trek is still your goal but you've given yourself an extra year to achieve a good level of fitness.