Health
You must be in good health to take on the challenge of trekking at altitude. We require that you privately disclose any medical conditions and advise us of medications that you are taking. In the case of certain medical conditions, approval in the form of letter of release by your physician will be required before we can accept you on a trip.
Anyone contemplating a trek of this nature should consult their physician and have a check up to ensure there are no complications with medications and immunisations.
The two typical concerns for trekking in Nepal at altitude are Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and gastrointestinal issues. In both cases, if not handled correctly, either one can be a trip ending situation.
We are experienced in dealing with and treating most issues that arise in the high country but we are not medical practitioners. We are equipped with certain medicines and first aid products and training. Occasionally more acute effects arise that require more aggressive and skilled treatment. If this situation should arise, we will assist in getting things moving, including timely evacuation arrangements.
Trekkers must understand and acknowledge that not all symptoms and effects can be diagnosed or treated in the field and that proper medical treatment can be many hours or even days away. Although, it is not common on our treks, serious medical conditions can arise that can cause a number of other effects including death. We take every reasonable precaution and monitor all of our trekkers daily.
Most people will find that there will be some discomfort and metabolic effects of altitude. Many people liken the effects to a hangover with headache, nausea, lethargy, and exhaustion being most common. Shortness of breath from the lower level of Oxygen absorption in the air is normal and can be quite acute for some. This and other effects can also impact your sleep patterns, anxiety levels and your diet.
It is very important to talk to your group leader about any symptoms you may be feeling or concerned about. Don't be shy, open discussions about your health and metabolism including bowels and waste evacuation is good. This helps to diagnose and minimise complications. There is no certainty that you will get sick from altitude. it is most often just the luck of the draw.
If more acute issues arise we can quickly assess the seriousness and develop a plan that may include various evacuation alternatives involving the possible cessation of your trip. Timely recognition and treatment are the keys to keeping safe. However, all trekkers must understand that their health and safety are not guaranteed. All our guests are required to sign a complete waiver of both liability and any recourse. All participants must have health insurance that includes suitable helicopter evacuation insurance.
You must have current immunisations for Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus and Typhoid.
Some travel medical clinics also recommend Malaria vaccinations. Many physicians and clinics recommend Diamox to help with the effects of AMS. Diamox is a Sulpha drug so you must be sure you do not have any Sulpha drug allergies.
It is also recommended by many physicians and travel clinics to follow a protocol of taking Ducurol prior to departure to help prevent gastro problems. Your doctor or travel clinic will be able to discuss these issues and any other concerns you may have. They can also give you a prescription for matters that may be best suited for your individual circumstances. We keep on hand a number of common treatments for bacterial gastro ailments and for many other miner medical matters. We make every effort to help you keep safe, stay healthy and to make your experience enjoyable.
Fitness
You do not have to be an elite athlete for our treks. It's a good idea to be as fit as you can, but pretty much anyone in reasonable health and physical condition can do it. Determination, positive attitude and the ability to adapt to the weather, environment, cultural change and group dynamics are all it really takes. Keeping fit in body and mind will make the trip that much more enjoyable. Keeping up with the group is not essential but it will help in group dynamics and will be more enjoyable.
If you are not already in reasonable shape, then your fitness regime to prepare should start 4-6 months prior to the trek.
For the EBC trek you should be able to comfortably walk 10 kilometres a day in 2 hours and be able to do that for multiple consecutive days. For the Three Passes and/or Cho La pass after base camp you should be able to do consecutive days of 10 K in 90 minutes.
It is important to remember that you do your work outs at home. Once in Nepal, you are on a special type of holiday. It is not an extension of your workout. It is a cultural and sightseeing expedition. There will be enough exertion and calories burned in the daily routine.
Our actual pace is much slower that the suggested training preparation. We will often take all day to walk 10 – 15 kilometres.
As the oxygen levels decline with increased altitude, you will be glad you did your pre-training and will be happy with the leisurely pace.
Safety
The combined total of all the treks of our Sherpa guides and helpers, our group leaders and porters is in the hundreds.
We know what we're doing and we pay attention to the things that can impact health and safety.
We can’t anticipate every possible safety or health hazard or outcome. Loose gravels, uneven and slippery terrain, animals and porters sharing the trails, ice and snow, high winds, freezing temperatures, flash floods, acts of God and many other things can be safety or health hazards. You should always be aware of your surroundings, take care with your diet and nutrition and when walking, climbing or descending.
Blisters, cuts and bruises, minor infections, sore throats and coughing, cold like symptoms, insect bites are all typical of the minor safety hazards along the way. Exposure, severe weather and cumulative effects of altitude are major safety hazards that should be avoided and/or properly managed.
As added safety measures for our trekkers, we carry an ample supply of bottled oxygen and we have our own portable Hyperbaric Chamber (Gamo Bag). Very few trekking providers (other than high altitude climbing expeditions) carry oxygen and we know of no other trekking provider that has a portable Gamo Bag.
Proper hydration is very important in the mountains. 3-4 litres per day of liquids is recommended. This can include several forms of liquid intake such as water, juices, milk, tea/coffee etc.
Sun exposure protection is very important at higher altitudes both for skin exposure and eye exposure. SPF 30-60 good quality sunscreen is recommended together with SPF lip balm. Eye wear should have full UV protection and should have reasonable side eye cover protection for snow travel.
With our knowledge of altitude symptoms, effects and treatments, with our specialised equipment, with our access to emergency evacuation services and our many years of experience, we demonstrate that your safety is our highest priority.
Our goal is to get each of our trekkers to the intended destination and back down safely, with minimal discomfort. This can sometimes be a challenge in an area that can become inhospitable. We boast a 97% success rate on achieving the goals of the trek.
If you come prepared, reasonably fit and with the right attitude, together we can make your trek 100% successful for you.