Prepare yourself for high altitude trekking

The joys of Trekking in high altitude cannot be described but neither can the dangers related to be stated in words. Lot of trekkers and even sight seers suffer from high altitude sickness. People can be affected by it at 8000 feet but it doesn’t start showing before 12000 feet. It is not the height which causes it but the speed with which you climb that height.

The high altitude sickness is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Men are more prone to it because they tend to climb the altitude rapidly. For people of both the genders it is always sensible to have enough number of days that give you time to acclimatize. To avoid getting ill in the mountains give yourself 2-3 days to get used to height. For any sort of vigorous activities let you body get accustomed to the cold, thinness of air and the general weather. Mostly doctors prescribe acetazolamide for people flying straight to high altitude places. But it is advisable to seek medical advice before consuming this medicine.

The symptoms of mountain sickness are headache, difficulties in sleeping, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea of loss of appetite. When it becomes severe you might experience less urination, confusions, and difficulties in breathing, severe headache, loss of memory, delirium and unconsciousness. If the symptoms are intense then it can also prove fatal.

Between 6000-8000 feet Trekkers and Climbers should rest for a day or two before starting their journey. You can climb more when the sun’s out and rest 1000 feet above what you were the previous day. Heights can expose you to scorching sun light, spine chilling cold and wind. You should be take precaution against these as well.

Wear boots that give ankle support. Old worn out boots should be preferred instead of new ones. You should carry a pair of extra shoes to walk in around the camps. You should also carry along with you water and wind proof jacket. It’s called Parka/anorak jacket. Carry a pullover, 2-3 t-shirts, a shirt maybe and a long sleeved tee. Carry woolen bottoms as they are more comfortable than jeans. Also carry a woolen cap, woolen socks and gloves.

Lack of water in the body is a main reason behind people falling prey to altitude sickness. The air becomes thin at heights which is usually dry and results in loss of fluid from the body. Dehydration makes lowers you tolerance power, tires you quickly and makes you prone to heat and sunburns. So in the weeks prior to trekking time you should increase your water intake.

If you have had enough fluid before and during trekking you’d sleep better and remain energized on all days of the trek. Get yourself a good comfortable sleeping bag and if you happen to be a

light sleeper carry ear plugs.

Getting hang of the high altitudes differs from person to person. And this can be learned only from hand on experience. But if you have had no prior experience you can start by following the above hints.