You do not need to be super fit. But you need to do some
preparatory conditioning. Mount K, although high, is fairly easy to
climb. The terrain is fairly easy.
But you have to be careful not to rush the climb if this is your
first climb above 2000m. Some people may be prone to altitude
sickness.
It is a two day climb. The first day, you climb to Laban Rata which
is a rest point. Most people should reach by late noon. Try to be
early so that you can get more rest. More importantly, there is no
heater for shower. Once the sun sets, you'll get freezing water.
Have dinner and rest.
Then at 3/4 am, you will start the second part of the ascent. Some
will struggle to climb in the dark. Good to have head lamps so your
hands are free to climb the ladders.
Near the peak, take small and steady steps as the air is thin. It
will take more effort to walk a few metres. Don't try to go up fast
even if you see that the peak is near. Most people will be
breathless. However, if possible, try to be at the peak to watch
the sunrise. It is spectacular! Furthermore, there is no vegetation
at the top. In the late morning, it is unbearably scorching. That
is I advised to do some training before you go. You don't want to
be too slow climbing up.
The wind is strong at the peak, so bring a windbreaker. Bring
sunblock and lip gloss if you need. Bring sleeping bag also. Bring
a small bag for your ascent to the peak. This is so that you can
leave the heavy stuff at Laban Rata and collect it on your way
down.
The downward journey is quite tiring. The steps that made the climb
up easy, puts a lot of stress on the knees.
That's all I can remember. Note that, I went to Mount K. 10 years
back. I am not sure if the facilities have changed.
For a sum, you can hire porters to carry your bag. That is how I
saw an old lady climb up the mountain. I think she was more than 60
years old.
