Precautions while trekking
Planned trips are the best ones. No? Here’s a list you can refer to before setting out for your next adventure. It surely will come in handy, saving you from the predictable hassles.
Start your trekking training early
It is always beneficial if you start training for your trekking/biking expeditions well in advance. It is very essential to train yourself before the real trek. Focus on building up calf strength and toning of shoulders and torso. You need to de-condition your body and re-condition it again to suit the new temperaments.
Keep feeding yourself
Before you start the real trek have a dummy training session where you get yourself into the habit of eating at regular intervals. This is necessary in order to get used to the feeling of food while on the go. The more you walk, the more energy you need. Maintain your energy levels by feeding yourself at regular. Do not feed large portions but rely on energy bars or fruits or some light snacks.
Drink Water
Water is the Elixir of life or so it is believed. But you will find the importance of it once you are high up in the mountains. Strenuous treks tire you out and in no time you will be dehydrated. Hence it is very essential to carry bottles and keep sipping water.
Health Precautions
People suffering from any serious condition (high/low blood pressure) or are under medication should consult doctors before going for trekking trips.
Asthma
You can trek even if you are asthamatic. In fact the clear air of mountains will help you feel better. Make sure you carry you inhaler all the time with you. Let your friends know in advance what to do incase you have a minor attack.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
If you are the kind who needs to take a pill to keep the blood pressure under control then make sure you carry your dosage along with you. If needed do consult a doctor before starting your trek.
Immunizations
You can get yourself immunized before taking off for the Indian mountains. Here’s a list which isn’t mandatory but suggestible.
Hepatitis A: Contaminated water is a reason. Harvix is the vaccine and a full course of it is advisable which gives 10 years of protection.
Hepatitis B: Can occur only if you indulge in unsafe sex. Use protection or get vaccinated in advance!
Typhoid is not so prevalent in India but some cases are said to have occurred in Nepal. It is easily curable but care needs to be taken which includes proper amount of rest.
Malaria: Major cause being mosquitoes, contaminated water and food. Fever, diarrhea, vomiting and headaches are the symptoms of Malaria. If you experience any of these in your first week of travel in an malaria-prone area you should cosult a doctr immediately.
Medical insurance
Trying getting yourself a combined travel and medical insurance policy.
Gear up
Your bag should have multiple pockets, comparatively big zipper closure and comfortable broad shoulder straps. When properly fixed, the bag bottom ought to rest on your waist and the top of the bag should be a hand-width underneath the bottom of your neck. Make sure you have enough space between thumb and front of shoe. When you walk a lot the bigger shoe size helps you when the feet swelling.
Bag and essentials
More spacious the bag, the better it is. Rucksacks with lots of pockets, shoulder straps and big zipper closure are perfect. Keep in mind that the bag bottom ought to rest on your waist and the top of the bag should be a hand-width underneath the bottom of your neck
Shoes
Shoes are what will bear your burden through out the adventure. So selecting correct shoes is very essential. Any good sports brand will be able to suggest you with good trekking shoes/boots.
Socks
Most of the trekking places are cold. So warm clothes and thick woolen socks should be selected for trekking. Woolen blended with synthetics is useful because it prevents moisture from getting out of the feet.
Fitness
If you are visiting high altitudes it is advisable to go for medical check ups. Physical fitness is very important as you constantly gain height everyday of your trek. Nausea and shortness of breath are common problems for which is recommended to carry medicines.
Acute Mountain Sickness
As you trek above 2500 m there are chances of you getting altitude sickness. The air pressure goes down drastically which means there is less of oxygen in the air.
The symptoms of AMS are as follows
- Urge to sleep for more than 10 hours
- Having wild/vivid dreams
- Momentary shortness of breath which might make you think you suffer from asthma.
As precautions you need to first understand that altitude sickness is not due to altitude alone but it depends on how speedily you ascend that height. The slower you go the less you suffer. It is very essential to give your body time to adjust with the environment. Take halts at different altitudes until your body has adjusted to the height. Take proper sleep every night.
Other essentials
Other things which you must carry along are winter attires, first-aid kit, compass, Swiss Army Knife, water bottle, space blanket and topographic map.
Precautions for foreigners
Special permits are not necessary for trekking in Indian Himalayas though there are certain restricted areas. It is compulsory to carry your passport while you are in such domains. Special permissions are needed 6 months prior to the hiking expeditions through the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. It is also advisable for you to take immunization against diseases as safety precautions.
About the Author
THRILLOPHILIA deals with adventure-related activities on a pan-India level. Be its Rafting in the Tons or in the Kali River at Dandeli, Camel Safari in Ladakh or in the Thar Desert, Trekking around Bangalore or Ladakh, Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep or Andaman, we cater it all. We also have some fabulous Biking trips, Caving, Wildlife, Paragliding and many more adrenaline pumping adventure sports. India, having varied landscapes happens to be one of the finest destinations in the world for adventure.
Raging Grannies_Health Insurance Industry Convention, Moscone West, June 16. 2011
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