Kilimanjaro, Salkantay & Everest Base Camp: Inside a Month of Altitude Member Climbs
A Season of Summits: Inside a Month of Altitude Achievements
It’s been a remarkable stretch across the Altitude community.
From Mount Kilimanjaro and the Salkantay Trek to Everest Base Camp and the high peaks of Nepal, members have been taking on ambitious objectives around the world. Each journey brought its own challenges—altitude, weather, fatigue—but all were grounded in the same foundation: preparation, consistency, and a willingness to step into something demanding.
And the momentum isn’t slowing down. One member recently summited Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,781 ft)—with her full story coming soon.
What follows is a look inside some of the climbs and treks that defined the past month.
Jessica on Kilimanjaro: Grit Through Every Condition
Altitude member Jessica recently returned from an unforgettable trek up Mount Kilimanjaro—one that tested her in every way.
Her climb included everything from rain and snow to crowded summit conditions and a brutally cold summit night. Despite the chaos of summit day—where she described the line for photos as “worse than trying to get a picture with the Mona Lisa”—she stayed focused and pushed through.
The result: a successful summit.
“Despite committing to a training plan so last minute, the one month altitude-specific training honestly gave me the confidence and conditioning I needed to summit successfully. The climb felt easy, and I completed the trek in perfect health with no signs of AMS (big win).”
Even after returning home with a tough cough, Jessica didn’t slow down—completing a half marathon she admitted she “dreaded 80% of.” But she ran the entire thing.
That’s the kind of strength that carries far beyond the mountain.
Rachael on the Salkantay Trek: Strength at Altitude
Altitude member Rachael recently completed the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu—an experience defined by both beauty and variability.
Her journey took her through warm valley conditions and up into snow and hail at the trek’s highest point, around 4,600 metres. While weather limited visibility at the pass, the experience itself left a lasting impression.
“Training at Altitude was definitely a game-changer, both physically and mentally. Physically, my cardio was so much better and I could barely feel the altitude on the trek. Mentally, it was super comforting to know I’ve experienced the altitude before and even if my oxygen dropped below the 90s, I could still have a great hike.”
Her experience reflects something we see often: when the body is prepared, the mind follows.
Rob's Transformative Journey to Everest Base Camp
We’re honoured to highlight Rob, who recently completed one of the most iconic and challenging treks in the world: Everest Basecamp. Rob described the trek as “a culmination of emotions” and felt a deep sense of gratitude for the chance to be in the Himalayas. As he put it:
“The beauty of the Himalayas, the Nepalese people and the overall experience was transcending. We could learn so much from them—their strength, resilience, warmth and humility.”
Rob also credits his training at Altitude Athletic as a key factor in his success:
“My training at Altitude was extremely impactful. Without it, I would have never been able to make it—not only from a physical standpoint, but preparing my lungs for acclimatizing to the high altitudes.”
One piece of advice he emphasizes for future trekkers: don’t skip the breathing exercises.
“It wasn’t until after I had exhausted myself and started to contract a persistent cough that I realized the importance of the breathing exercises your instructors had taught me. After incorporating your advice, I was recovering by the third day and able to reach Base Camp on schedule.”
Rob’s journey is a reminder that mountain experiences are rarely just physical , they are deeply human. They reveal strength, humility, and perspective in equal measure.
Doriana and Claudio Made it to Salkantay Pass
Doriana and Claudio also took on the Salkantay Trek, reaching the demanding Salkantay Pass at approximately 4,600 metres.
Their journey moved through a wide range of terrain—from lush valleys to exposed high-altitude landscapes—culminating in a shared milestone that required both physical and mental resilience.
After returning, Claudio shared a simple but meaningful reflection:
“The training with you guys at Altitude really helped! Thank you for helping us achieve this!”
A powerful reminder that preparation doesn’t just show up in performance—it shows up in confidence.
Sunrise Summits In Nepal for Kristi, David, and Nicole
Altitude members Kristi, David, and Nicole recently returned from a two-week trekking expedition in Nepal, where they took on multiple high-altitude objectives.
Over seven days of trekking, they summited:
- Pikey Peak (15,500 ft) — reached at sunrise, with views of Everest in the distance
- Chhukung Ri (17,800 ft) — a more demanding climb with expansive Himalayan views
Not only did they successfully summit both peaks, but they did so feeling strong throughout.
Their preparation allowed them to move efficiently at altitude and fully experience the environment around them—rather than simply endure it.
What These Journeys Show
Across all of these experiences, one thing is clear:
There is no single version of a “mountain objective.”
Some are defined by summits.
Others by the journey itself.
All of them require preparation.
Whether it’s Kilimanjaro, Salkantay, Everest Base Camp, or the peaks of Nepal, the common thread is the ability to show up ready—to handle the altitude, adapt to changing conditions, and keep moving forward when things become difficult.
These achievements are not isolated moments. They are the result of consistent work over time.
And they’re only the beginning.
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