Health and Safety on Treks

Amidst all the excitement and anticipation that surrounds trekking, it is easy to overlook some important safety aspects. Come on, who’d want to think of dire situations and risks when there is a skyline of snow clad mountains, forest valleys, and alpine meadows to look forward to?! While you can rest assured that your safety is always our first priority, and our trek leaders are qualified and well trained to handle all kinds of situations, there are a few things that you should be aware of.

We wish to inculcate a sense of responsibility when it comes to the safety of trekkers. Here are a few ways in which Trekmunk optimizes the safety of trekkers.

Shortly after you’ve registered for your trek, next step comes to train your mind and body for the trek. One of the best ways to ensure you remain healthy and safe on a high altitude trek is to prepare well and make sure your fitness is up to the mark. That way, your body is conditioned to get better adjusted with the noticeably lower levels of oxygen at higher altitudes. Another criteria to watch out for is the Body-Mass Index (BMI). In addition to an extensive fitness regime, it is also advisable to try to bring your BMI to the required mark.

Now that you’re on the trek, a few more safety procedures come into play. Our trek leaders will keep a record of your oxygen level, pulse rate, and blood pressure every day at specified intervals. This way, whatever symptoms of illness that the body shows will be detected at the earliest, minimizing danger.

Our trek leaders are well-equipped with an extensive high altitude medical kit, which includes basic medication, along with specific medicines for altitude sickness – Diamox, Dexamethasone, and Nifedipine. In addition to these, the trek leader will also carry an oxygen cylinder for emergencies. Also, if you feel any kind of discomfort during your trek, it is best to bring it to your trek leader’s notice right away.

When necessary, Trekmunk will also provide trekkers with micro-spikes to ensure safety when trekking on snow. Micro-spikes are attached to your shoes and ensure that you don’t slip. We will also provide you with gaiters in case of high levels of snow, ensuring that the snow doesn’t enter your shoes. Once wet, trekking shoes take a considerable amount of time to dry, especially after sundown.

The key to avoiding and battling altitude sickness is to keep oneself well hydrated throughout the trek. A minimum of 4 liters of water is absolutely necessary to sustain. Despite the perennially cold weather of the Himalayas, it is easy to get dehydrated due to trekking for extended hours in direct sunlight. Dehydration is a loud and clear invitation to altitude sickness. You will be informed about the water sources along the way each day. One way to ensure that you’re well hydrated is to keep a check on the color of your pee – if it is yellow, you need to up your water intake; if it is transparent, you’re good.

One more thing that you need to heed is altitude sickness. Essentially, altitude sickness is a condition that is caused by the low level of oxygen molecules at high altitudes. If ignored, altitude sickness can prove fatal. Since your body is accustomed to functioning at a certain oxygen level, it reacts a lot differently when that oxygen level decreases considerably. Although, when dealt with properly, this isn’t something you need to worry about. Furthermore, in order to keep your chances of altitude sickness at bay, here are a few measures that can come in handy –

Although it’s imperative to consult your trek leader before you pop it in, should you feel you’re coming down with altitude sickness, be sure to carry Diamox with you. The medicine helps you avoid altitude sickness, and if you’ve already been hit by it, the tablet helps you slow down its effects on the body.

When trekking at high altitudes, the importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. Since all your energy is utilized through the day, you need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep in order to restore it. Also, it almost goes without saying, but NEVER go to sleep on an empty stomach.

Hydrate. That’s the most important health measure to abide by when in the mountains. A minimum of 4-5 liters of water is needed by the body in order to acclimatize well. Although, given the cold weather, you might not find yourself very thirsty, keep taking frequent sips of water.

Now, it isn’t uncommon to find that trekking at high altitudes sometimes dampens your appetite, but that’s no reason to skip meals. Eat sumptuously and frequently, while also carrying a handful of fresh fruits, nuts, and dry fruits to munch on while trekking. Not only does food help you with avoiding AMS, but also supplies enough energy to your body to keep you warm in the cold.

Alcohol is not an option when trekking. AT ALL. Granted, you might be tempted to pop open a bottle of Old Monk, thinking that the cold weather warrants it, all it does it mess up your body. It is likely to strike you with the infamous trifecta – dehydration, hypothermia, and AMS. It basically quells all your conscious efforts made to keep AMS away. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy being high on the surreal beauty that you’re bestowed with, anyway? It gives you a far better kick than alcohol ever will, trust us.

If you have any questions about health and safety, Call/Whatsapp us on +91-8800332031 or Mail us.