How to prepare for Harishchandragad — a 4-week fitness plan

Harishchandragad is graded moderate, but the 900 m ascent is no walk in the park. Four weeks of preparation is enough for most people. Weeks 1-2: brisk walks or 30 minutes of stairs, three times a week. Weeks 3-4: add a loaded 6-8 km walk with a 5 kg backpack on the weekend. Breathe through your nose on climbs, carry 2 L of water, and get one full night of practice walking in the dark before batch day.