How To Get Into Hiking, From 2 Women Who Know

For Nelly Attar, hiking is a family legacy. “My dad, may he rest in peace, is the reason I started climbing,” she says. With years of experience under her belt, Nelly now spends between 12 and 30 hours a week training, often running stairs in the world’s tallest buildings to stay fit for upcoming adventures. “Uphill training is a cornerstone of my life,” she shares. 

Meanwhile, Raha Moharrak – the first Saudi woman to conquer Mount Everest – has always felt connected to nature. “Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I had a deep connection to the sea and mountains,” she explains. Preparing for a challenge as huge as Everest wasn’t just physical for Raha; it was mental too. “Visualisation helped me stay focused through the toughest moments.”

Both Nelly and Raha agree that the Middle East has plenty to offer for those just starting out. Nelly recommends Jabal Moussa in Lebanon and Wadi Lajab in Saudi Arabia, while Raha loves Wadi Dana in Jordan and Jebel Jais in the UAE. “The views are stunning, and the trails aren’t too demanding,” says Raha.

Nelly has a special attachment to Jabal Soudah, particularly the Baboon Trail in Abha, Saudi Arabia. “One trail I’ll never forget is Jabal Soudah. It’s where I started training for Everest. It’s the first time I learned about Saudi’s lush nature, after already having lived there for 20+ years! I’ve been on that trail over 25 times. It’s nearly 1,000m vertical and 7.5km in distance – the perfect training ground. At the end of the month, I’ll be leading a community trip there. If you’re reading this, please do join us.”

If you're ready for a more serious hiking adventure, Nelly suggests the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda and the Khumbu Valley in Nepal. “These places never fail to amaze me,” she says. Raha’s favourites include Mount Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail in Peru. “The magnetic energy of the Himalayas draws you in, while Kilimanjaro is a true test of endurance,” she explains.

Training for long hikes is all about building both physical and mental resilience. Nelly’s mantra, “Suffer now, summit later,” reflects her dedication to pushing through tough training sessions to build strength and stamina. Raha agrees, focusing on breaking challenges down into smaller goals and using positive affirmations to keep herself going.

Nelly has also developed a deep appreciation for high-quality gear. “I love Arc'teryx – a good mountaineering brand. They’re durable, warm and come in my sizes that work for my frame. I wear a lot of their items for high-altitude climbing.”

When it comes to hiking, safety is key. Nelly advises hikers to always carry plenty of water, snacks, and layers to deal with changing weather conditions. Raha adds: “Always let someone know your route and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t push it.”

Both women agree that hiking has changed their lives in profound ways. For Nelly, it’s become a full-time passion. “I moved countries to have better access to trails. I can’t imagine life without it.” As for Raha, she says, “Everest taught me that we’re capable of so much more than we think. Hiking keeps me grounded and grateful for the natural world.”

Nelly is eager to share her love for hiking with others through her community initiatives. “We have some amazing clubs, like my own. Follow me on social media @ClimbWithNelly until my new website launches. I’ll be posting about all my upcoming community trips and events.” Next up for Nelly? Leading more adventure trips. “I’m taking a group on a trip to Bhutan in ten days and I can’t wait.” she says.

For those looking to dive into the world of hiking, both Nelly and Raha recommend starting small. “Trail running, stair climbing, and strength training are great ways to build endurance,” Nelly suggests. Raha adds, “There’s no better training for hiking than hiking itself. Start with shorter trails and work your way up.”

Nelly’s training is varied to maintain motivation and build overall strength. “What supports my climbing includes mixed training – cardiovascular training, strength training, muscular endurance training, cold exposure training, and of course, uphill training. I mix up my training quite a lot to stay well-rounded and inspired.”

Follow @NELLYATTAR & @RAHAMOHARRAK