In this guide, Kristin Harila shares the advice, experience, and practical lessons she wishes she had earlier. It is made for anyone who is curious about mountaineering and high-altitude trekking, but unsure where to begin.

Rather than focusing on the highest peaks, this guide focuses on what comes first: building experience, understanding your body, getting comfortable with your gear, and learning how to make good decisions in the mountains.

Kristin draws on her own journey — from her first high-altitude climb on Kilimanjaro to the world’s highest peaks — and shares a clear, honest approach to how you build yourself up over time.

Whether your goal is your first real mountain trip, a multi-day trek, or a bigger high-altitude objective later on, this guide gives you a practical and realistic place to start.

Inside, you’ll learn:
• how to get started with mountaineering and high-altitude trekking
• how to choose a goal that matches your level
• how to build fitness, experience, and confidence step by step
• how to think about gear, and what you need in the beginning
• how to approach altitude, safety, and risk

A clear starting point — based on real experience in the mountains.

100% of the revenue from this guide goes to the Lama Sherpa Foundation.