Are you planning to visit the mountaineers and trekkers in the wonderland, of Nepal You need to learn about Tips To Prepare For High Altitude Trekking. Imposing Plan!
Land of Himalayas, Nepal. There are 14 highest mountains in the world among them 8 lie in Nepal. All treks more than 2100m are accepted as high-altitude treks which are in high demand. Trekking at higher altitudes is difficult, one should be physically and mentally fit. While heading toward high altitude the air contains less oxygen which makes it difficult to breathe.
Planning to Everest Base Camp Trek?
Trekkers of all shapes and sizes can complete high-altitude treks. But you should do mental makeup to be prepared for high-altitude trekking. You need to do training in advance and should carry the foremost accouterment while going high-altitude trekking. Also, you need to take tips to prepare for high-altitude trekking for safety and to enjoy it with all your heart. Though high-altitude trekking is difficult it offers a lifetime experience.
Follow the tips listed below. Therefore, Plan with all your heart and you don’t have to regret it.
Tips To Prepare For High Altitude Trekking – Consult and get advice from Doctor:
The main focus is your Health. Preparing for high-altitude training might be tough for those who have never experienced trekking before. It is better to consult with a doctor first to know whether you have any health. It might conclude your dream to go high-altitude trekking.
Therefore, before starting a new training ensure that you are healthful. If not carry the required medicine and inform the guide about your health. It will be harder for you to complete the trek if you do negligence about your health.
Proper exercise, training, and yoga:
Preparing yourself before joining high-altitude trekking will be easier. We should be physically and mentally fit so we won’t panic more while going on high-altitude trekking. Improve your cardiovascular ability by doing aerobic exercise, cycling, climbing stairs, going for a run, climbing stairs, and going swimming. Also, do exercise with your backpack on because you need to go trekking with a backpack on where lots of foremost things are packed which is slightly heavy.
Breathing difficulty may be happening at high altitudes so following the breathing rhythms will help you to breathe back under control. Hence, you need to practice taking long deep breaths and exhaling and other related yogas.
Pick the right season:
Trekking is awesome every season. There is no exact month for trekking because it depends on the trekker’s choice. Before starting your trek, research about the place, temperature, and climate conditions will be helpful.
Trekkers who like the clear sky with beautiful views can come in the autumn season and fresh environment lovers in the monsoon. Those who love cold and snow can join in the winter season while warm and long-day lovers in the spring season. Therefore, it’s all about your choice.
Tips To Prepare For High Altitude Trekking – Hydrate your body:
At high altitudes, you should drink more water than normal. You tend to lose more water through respiration due to lower oxygen levels, you start breathing in and out faster. You urinate more at high altitudes because of altitude sickness. Drinking more water can help you overcome altitude sickness.
Even your body loses water through evaporation without noticing. That’s why you have to refill fluid in your body by drinking 4-5 liters of water or more as you need. Take a 1 ltr water bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated all the time.
Tips To Prepare For High Altitude Trekking – Proper snacks to maintain energy level:
Research the snacks that are best while trekking to higher altitudes. Your body burns more energy than normal when you are in high places. Intaking carbohydrate foods which include fat and protein will cure as an aid to your body.
Hence, carry some snacks like dried fruits, chocolates, hard candy, chips, and nuts. It will be easier for you to refill your energy at high altitudes.
Tips To Prepare For High Altitude Trekking – Do not rush:
High altitude trek is physically hard. Your body starts losing fluids and energy double than normal. There is more chance of getting altitude sickness if you rush at a high-altitude trek. Trekking is suitable and easier for those who walk slowly at a constant pace.
Thus, trekkers who want to complete this trek in a rush might not even reach halfway. That’s why walking slowly and steadily will help you to complete this trek and grant you a lifetime experience.
Stop and rest:
The more you reach a higher altitude, the more likely you are to get mountain sickness. Stepping above every 1000ft you must take rest at least for 2 hours. You might feel dizzy and uncomfortable while breathing due to a long walk up to high altitude.
To avoid this problem you must stop for more time or should rest overnight while camping. if not you might get a dangerous problem related to the heart, lungs, or even brain. So, be careful.
Suitable clothing:
Weather breakdowns adequately, when you ascend or descend to altitudes. During morning and night, it’s very cold, and at mid-day, it’s slightly warm. You should be prepared to add up and remove clothes based on temperature for your comfort.
The clothes you wear should be made of fibers that are non-sticky and breathable. You must have a base layer, hiking shirt, hiking pants, wool jacket, gloves, and many more.
Proper-sized boots and backpack:
Wearing quality gear is the foremost thing for all trekking. Mainly wearing the right size shoes is very much important for going high-altitude trekking. Perfect-sized shoes make your journey amazing. The weather changes abruptly so get ready for rain and snow. In this situation, one pair of waterproof shoes is needed.
You should have a proper-sized backpack to carry essential things, perfect-sized boots for a comfortable trek, and other necessary gear for a good trek.
Turn back if altitude sickness happens:
In high-altitude treks, many people face altitude problems in the middle of trekking. Difficulties while breathing, headaches, nose bleeding, cough, and dizziness are the symptoms of altitude sickness.
These Symptoms can happen either at Everest high passes Trek or a similar kind of trek like the Kanchenjunga base camp trek in Nepal.
It is better to stop at the current altitude for 1 day than to be stuck on top of the mountain. If the symptoms get more serious then descending from the current altitude will be the best decision. Inform your friends or guide if you feel uneasy so that they can help you on time.
Tips To Prepare For High Altitude Trekking – Don’t go trek solo:
As we all know things do not go as planned. Though you are strong, experienced, or properly shaped most of the trek is not meant to go solo. While trekking to a high altitude you might get altitude sickness or sometimes trails are not well marked and you may face lots of problems.
You must take one proper guide to go to high altitudes. So the guide can help you out and assist you to continue your trek. Guides are well-experienced, and they will help you to overcome altitude sickness.
Try to get enough sleep and rest:
While trekking, you have to walk about 6-8 hours per day, so your body needs lots of sleep and rest. At high altitudes, you might suffer from short breaths, light sleep, and waking up frequently.
Birendra Duwadi by profession a trekking and tourist guide and an enterpreur whose passion is trekking in the himalayas start Mission Himalaya Treks in 2015 with a new vision to introduce Nepal Himlayas to the world. his vision is explore and documentation new trekking routes . Birendra leads Mission Himalaya, a small company that change the qualities of trekking in Nepal.