Everest three high passes Budget trek

Altitude Sickness Info

Altitude sickness normally happens when travelers rapidly travel more than the height of 3000m and the sickness which happens due to high altitude is known as Acute Mountain Sickness. Acute Mountain sickness is a common problem among travelers while travelling to the destination which is above 3000m. So we prepare the travel itinerary in such a way that the traveler can travel the required destination in a short time frame and also get enough time to rest in between the journey. We have our expert and trained guides to help and advise you in between the journey.

Given some information helps you to get rid from the Acute Mountain Sickness.

There are three stages of altitude sickness and symptoms.

Normal AMS Symptoms:

The given altitude symptoms are often experienced by many trekkers:

1.   Need more sleep than normal sleep time

2.   Occasional loss of hunger.

3.   Vivid, wild dreams especially at around 2500-3800 meters in altitude.

4.   Periodic breathing.

5.   Runny nose.

6.   Increasing urination while moving to/at higher altitudes (a good sign).

7.   Dizziness.

Minor symptoms
Most of the trekkers get mild AMS while trekking in the high Himalayan range. The general symptoms of altitude sickness are as follows:

1.   Hard to breath.

2.   Dizziness.

3.   Runny nose.

4.   Loss of hunger.

5.   Weakness.

6.   Nausea.

7.   Mild headache

What to do when Minor Symptoms does not stop?

1.   If the symptom develops while walking, then stop and relax, drink water. Drink frequently.

2.   If symptoms do not stop and increase continuously then stop take rest and drink water and take Diamox of 125 -250mg. Drink more water.

3.   If symptoms grow even more in the evening then take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again.

4.   If symptoms partially go away but is still annoying then it is safe to take another 250mg Diamox 6-8 hours later.

5.   If the symptoms continue to get worse then you have to move to the lower altitude for a few hours which is more helpful than staying at the same altitude.

Serious AMS Symptoms
The given conditions are quite dangerous for the trekkers:

1.   Severe headache.

2.   Persistent vomiting and dizziness.

3.   Ataxia (loss of co-ordination, an inability to walk in a straight line, making the sufferer look drunk).

4.   Losing consciousness (inability to stay awake or understand instructions.

5.   Hallucinations.

6.   Liquid sounds in the lungs.

7.   Very persistent, sometimes watery, cough.

8.   Difficulty breathing.

9.   Rapid breathing or feeling breathless at rest.

10.               Coughing clear fluid, pink phlegm or blood (a very bad sign).

11.               Severe lethargy/fatigue.

12.               Marked blueness of face and lips.

13.               High resting heartbeat (over 130 beats per minute).

14.               Mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.

Dangerous cases of AMS

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)

The brain swelling with the fluid is HACE. It involves disorientation, lethargy and nausea. Before attacking the HACE, patient will have the symptoms of fever, ataxia, photophobia, and rapid heartbeat. Unconsciousness and coma from HACE can be lead to death within 12-20hrs from the onsets of symptoms. In the initial phase of ataxia, begin treatment with medication, oxygen and dexamethasone.

Normally, 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first dose, then 4mg every six hours, Diamox every 12 hours and 2-4 liters /minute oxygen. The patient suffering from HACE should immediately move to the lower altitude.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

The condition, that buildup the fluid in the air sacs of lungs is HAPE. HAPE symptoms start progressively within 2-4 days in high altitude. Shortness of breath at rest, cough, weakness and chest tightness and at least two of; fast heart beat rate, wheezing heard in lungs, bluish appearance of the skin are the symptoms of HAPE. Descent to the lower altitude is needed if patient does not get better with oxygen. The Gamow Bag may be use to the lower altitude if a person is in the backcountry unable to descend immediately because of weather.

Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

1. Plenty of acclimatization above 3500 meters.
2. Don’t take sleeping pills, alcohol and cigarettes.
3. Drink more water (Boiled, mineral/ clean or treated) or any fluids – at least 4 liters per day.
4. Climb up high altitude and sleep at low altitude.
5. Never do trek/ travel without guide and porters.
6. Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, and guidebook.
7. Must have to decent if mild symptoms rapidly get worse.

First Aid Kit
First aid kit is a basic list of common medicines.
1. Bandage for sprains
2. Plasters/Band-Aids
3. Iodine or water filter (optional)
4. Moleskin/Second skin - for blisters
5.Antiseptic ointment for cuts
6. Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
7. Aspirin/Paracetamol - general painkiller
8. Oral rehydration salts
9. Broad-spectrum antibiotic (Norfloxacin or ciprofloxin)
10.Anti-diarrhoea medication (antibiotic)
11. Diarrhoea stopper (Imodium - optional)
12.Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
13.Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
14.Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
15.Gel hand cleaner.

Equipment List

This is a section where you get the general idea about the equipments that you need in Everest Base Camp. The important and serious part of equipment selection depends on the trekking season, trekking days, and maximum altitude.

Trekker’s personal goods such as money purse, cameras, cell phones and the cosmetic items that you need in day time, while hiking/trekking are carried by trekker’s themselves. Porter carries others your heavy equipment.
Initial

1.   Day Pack

2.   Duffel Bag

3.   Down jacket and sleeping bag

4.   Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes

5.   Baseball cap can protect your ear and neck from the sunlights.

6.   Warm wool or synthetic hat that cover your ears

7.   Balaclava - lightweight, thinner variety

8.   UV protection glacier glasses with side shields and a hard-sided storage case. In high altitude automatically the atmosphere is thinner than low altitude so, the sunlights are quite strong in mountain, which affect our eyes. For those people who are wearing the prescription glasses, please requesting you to speaks with your doctor about the prescription glacier glasses.

9.   Headlamp: Headlamp is a one of the basic for you during the trek because treks are in mountain where not plenty of electricity is. Make sure to bring extra lithium batteries.

Hand

1.   A pair of liner synthetic/ woolen gloves for the mild days.

2.   A pair of heavy woolen gloves for morning and evening time.

3.   A pair shell gloves or mitts Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.

Core Body

1.   Two cotton t-shirts.

2.   A synthetic t-shirt.

3.   Two long sleeve polyesters, light colored shirts for sunny days. V-neck zipper provides additional venting options which are good for changing temperatures.

4.   A soft shell jacket, water resistant, with insulation, underarm ventilation zippers. Full front zipper is preferable for ventilation.

5.   A medium to heavy weight expedition down parka w/hood.

6.   For women two synthetic sports bras, no cotton!

Lower Body – Legs

1.   Three pairs nylon-hiking shorts, not cotton!

2.   Underwear, stay away from cotton

3.   Two pair lightweight long underwear

4.   A pair soft shell pants - synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferabl

5.   Two pair trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees.

6.   A pair hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best

7.   A pair cotton pants

8.   Especially for the women a full length skirt.

Feet

1.   At least four pair of liner socks, synthetic.

2.   Three pair heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks

3.   A pair light weight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail and also on lodges at the time of dinner.

4.   A pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots. Make sure the size and should have to be avoidable for blister.

5.   A pair light trekking shoes or sneakers to wear in and about camps or lodge

6.   Sandals are optional for the trek.

Medicine and First Aid

1.   Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches

2.   Ibuprofen for general aches and pains

3.   Peptobismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea

4.   Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness

Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics.

Miscellaneous, but Important

1.   Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies)

2.   Airline ticket(s)

3.   Visa (if required and acquired in advance)

4.   Immunization record

5.   Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money and passport

6.   Two water bottles one liter wide-mouth Nalgene and one insulator

7.   Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.

8.   Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its effectiveness over time

9.   Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc

Optional

1.   A pair of adjustable trekking poles, this is great for downhill trek, and even it is listed in optional.

2.   Favorite snack foods, two pounds for maximum limits.

3.   Books and other devices for relax during the trek and rest time.

4.   For your records, camera, a DSLR, Go-Pro Cameras.

5.   Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator

6.   A urination bottle for men and a pee funnel for woman, as you might want to void that chilly late night trip

7.   A small stainless steel thermos

The above mentioned list guides you to buy the goods while trekking/hiking. There are so many options available for you as goods are available in different brand and version, so it would be better to buy as per your needs, desire and budget. Most of the goods are available in Kathmandu in a cheap and affordable cost.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Fly Kathmandu – Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,562m/8,700ft): 35 minutes airstrip and 3-4 hrs trek

Day 02: Phakding - Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft): 5-6 hrs

Day 03: Acclimatization Day - Namche Bazaar(3,440m/11,284ft)

Day 04: Namche Bazaar - Tengboche (3,870m/12,694ft): 5-6 hrs

Day 05: Tengboche - Dingboche (4,360 m/14,300 ft): 5-6 hrs

Day 06: Dingboche – Chhukhung (4,730m/14,334ft): 3-4 hrs

Day 07: Rest day in Chhukung. (Explore Chhukung Ri or Island Peak Base Camp)

Day 08: Chhukhung – Kongma La (5,535m/18,154ft) -Lobuche (4940m/16,204ft): 9-10 hrs

Day 09: Lobuche - Gorak Shep (5160m/17,000ft) - Everest Base Camp (5,364 m/17,594 ft): Gorak Shep: 8-9 hrs.

Day 10: Gorak Shep - Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) - Dzonglha (4,830m/15,850 ft): 8-9 hrs

Day 11: Dzonglha - Cho La (5,420m/17,778 ft)-Thangnak (4,680m/15,350ft)-Gokyo (4,800m/15,580ft): 9-10 hrs

Day 12: Rest day in Gokyo. (Explore Gokyo Ri or Scoundrel’s View)

Day 13: Gokyo - Renjo La pass (5345m/17532 ft)-Marulung (4,210m/13,810ft): 8-9 hrs

Day 14: Marulung - Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,280ft): 7-8 hrs

Day 15: Namche Bazaar - Lukla (2,780m/9,175ft): 7-8 hrs

Day 16: Lukla – Kathmandu by Air (1,300m /4,264ft): 35 min

Note: Above trekking hours and distances are approximate, and absolutely for general idea only.

Remark: - Please note that cloud and turbulent weather is a regular phenomenon along the Himalayan range. It is thus possible that domestic flights from Kathmandu to/from Lukla may be delayed for a few hours or even cancelled for a day or more. Fortunately this does not happen frequently during the high seasons of March to May or September to November: but you need to be prepared for this possibility.

As a safeguard we recommend that you add on a couple of extra days after your trek before you fly from Kathmandu to your onward destination.