How fit do you have to be to walk the Kokoda Track?
Your training needs to include extensive walking, preferably in a hilly-area, carrying a weighted pack. In the last month of your training you need to be capable of walking at least 10 km daily, carrying 3 to 5 kg more than the weight you expect to carry on your trek.
How do you train for the Kokoda Trail?
Walk on the nature strip, not the pavement; this gives increased resistance and the unevenness is good preparation. Increase your distance walked each week till you’re walking at least 12 km/day, preferably every day for the last month; It’s also a good idea to train with a pack, carrying more than you will on Kokoda.
Why is the Kokoda Track so difficult?
The Kokoda track terrain is mountainous with only small sections of the track being flat. This means you are either walking slowly up a ridgeline or you are walking slowly down. This is where it can get mentally and physically hard.
How long does it take to walk Kokoda Track?
between four and twelve days
Despite the challenge posed it is a popular hike that takes between four and twelve days (depending on fitness). Locals have been known to hike the route in three days. Download your copy of the Kokoda Trail map and view our flyover video.
How much does it cost to walk the Kokoda Trail?
Along the trail expect to pay around 25k per night (that included me and the guide) and the price was the same if I pitched the tent or slept in one of their huts.
Are there leeches on the Kokoda Trail?
The jungle is home to a wide range of snakes, leeches, ticks and other creepy crawlies. Leeches on the trail are only a couple of centimetres long and look like very thin black worms. But after they have attached themselves to trekkers for a while they swell up and look like black blobs.
How much does it cost to do the Kokoda Trail?
But considering that most operators charge about $3000 per person its a bargain. I have walked this track on 2 occasions, from both directions and they are equally challenging. It was a nine day walk and although each day is relatively hard it is made more difficult by having to back up day after day.
How many kms is the Kokoda Trail?
While literature refers to the historic wartime track as 96 kilometres in length, today’s track measures roughly 165 kilometres including side trips and detours, which is the distance you will be walking on this tour. This equates to around 20 kilometres per day. The physical challenges of the Kokoda Track are immense.
What happened at the Kokoda Track in ww2?
The Kokoda Track marks the course of one of the most important battles for Australians in the Second World War. Between 21 July and 16 November 1942, the Australian Army halted the furthermost southward advance by Japanese forces in Papua New Guinea and then pushed the enemy back across the mountains.
Is the Kokoda Track worth it?
Whilst it is well worth the effort, trekking the Kokoda Track is a difficult physical challenge. Trekkers must be healthy and well prepared physically and mentally. This expedition is considered difficult as there are long walks over elevated terrain with ascents and descents along narrow jungle trails.
How many died on the Kokoda Trail?
625 Australians
Approximately 625 Australians were killed and some 1,600 were wounded, while more than 4,000 were afflicted with disease. More than 150 New Guineans died as members of the PIB or as porters along the Kokoda Track.
How much does it cost to walk the Kokoda Track?
How to prepare for the Kokoda Track?
With the right attitude and fitness preparation, you too can trek the Kokoda Track just like 1000’s of other people each year. Read the information below to assist you in your preparations. Don’t leave it until it is too late! Climb up and over muddy banks and through creeks. Cross rivers and creeks on log bridges.
What is the Kokoda training 5-week plan?
Here is a five-week plan that will help you get on the right track with your Kokoda Training. Tuesday: Min 45 mins on the treadmill. Hard walk at 6.5 kph with incline building over the course of the session to 10%
What is the Kokoda Trail like?
The trail is in a constant state of undulation with 300m of climbing followed by a 200m drop. Despite the total incline of 6000m+, the highest point of altitude is 2,190m at Mt. Bellamy. Because of the high altitude during the middle days of the hike, it can be a bit colder at night and fresher in the air. HOW TO TRAIN FOR THE KOKODA TRACK?
How do I know if I am ready for Kokoda?
Following is a basic fitness test you can use to assess how much work you need to be physically prepared for Kokoda. This test will give you a measure of your aerobic fitness and some indication of your leg strength – if your legs aren’t strong enough to complete the test at the required rate then you are definitely not ready for Kokoda.