Travel: trekking in the himalayas

A couple of days back, my mom was speaking to me about a drastic incident of a trekker who lost his life in the Himalayas. In fact, days after I completed Hampta Pass (In July) came a news report of a young man dying on the same trek.

Be cautious, be aware

People, high altitude trekking is NOT something that can be done half-asses!

If you'd like to spend sometime in the beautiful Himalayas, PLEASE be aware of a few things, KEEP IN MIND!

ACCLIMATIZE: Spend at least 3 days close to the starting point of your trek. IF you don't have so much time, speak to your trek organizers about when to start your course of Diamox. Drink plenty of WATER, straight up double your daily intake.

BE HONEST: If you don't feel okay, inform your trek leader immediately. If you've been doing anything that is forbidden (like SMOKING. DRINKING ALCOHOL) tell the truth when asked. Your trek leader has spent years training to make sure he/she is equipped with everything you might need. They carry unimaginably heavy bags to be ready for any situation you might get into.

DON'T BE MACHO: There is no shame in taking DIAMOX or supplementary oxygen. There is no shame to admitting to experience symptoms of AMS. A long time high altitude trekker is just as likely to experience AMS, HACE, or HAPE. There is absolutely no shame in off loading your backpack.

You are on the trek to enjoy the mountains, not put your body through hell.

PREPARE: Most importantly, make sure you get yourself physically ready and fit for the trip, before you reach the base camp. If you don't know how to get fit, speak to the organizers. Ask them all your queries, no question is stupid.

BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELER. The Himalayan mountains have a lot to offer, don't let it be a one time trip.