Adventure G.Nepal offers the following information to foreign citizens considering traveling to Nepal with the hope that it will assist you in preparing for your trip and, as a result, you will enjoy your time in Nepal.
Travel Alerts for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country. Examples of reasons for issuing a Travel Alert might include an election season that is bound to have many strikes, demonstrations, disturbances; a health, or evidence of an elevated risk of terrorist attacks. When these short-term events are over, we cancel the Travel Alert.
We issue Travel Warnings when we want you to consider very carefully whether you should go to a country at all. Examples of reasons for issuing a Travel Warning might include unstable government, civil war, or ongoing intense crime or violence, or frequent terrorist attacks. We want you to know the risks of traveling to these places and to strongly consider not going to them at all. Travel Warnings remain in place until the situation changes; some have been in effect for years.
Safely Trekking in Nepal
Nepal is a country of spectacular beauty and is recognized as a top trekking destination in the world. However, travelers to Nepal should also keep in mind the dangers associated with their treks. Landslides, altitude sickness, and occasional thefts or extortion do happen. Every year, the Embassy also helps facilitate helicopter rescues of Americans in need. Always remember to register with the Embassy to help speed along emergency assistance.
Altitude Sickness
Often starting at 10,000 feet, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), or altitude sickness, may begin with headache and nausea. These symptoms generally occur when people ascend too quickly. It is common to suffer from AMS. At 14,000 feet, 30% of people are stricken by these symptoms. For most people, these symptoms will spontaneously go away after a day or two of rest at the same altitude or, if the symptoms get worse, by descending to a lower altitude.
Climbing too high, too fast can have life-threatening repercussions. Climbers afflicted with water in the head (high altitude cerebral edema, or HACE) may not be able to walk straight. Those with water in their lungs (high altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE) may be short of breath, even with minimal exertion. Symptoms may progress from nausea, headache and fatigue to vomiting, lethargy, and finally, to coma or death, usually after a few days if the person does not descend when the symptoms worsen. Dehydration and hypothermia also exacerbate AMS symptoms.
How can I prevent Mountain Sickness?
The complications of Mountain Sickness are preventable if people listen to their bodies and follow simple guidelines:
• Pay attention to your body and be aware of the initial AMS symptoms of AMS. Do not ascend with these symptoms.
• Ascend slowly. Increase your sleeping altitude by only 1000-1500 feet per day. Try climbing higher during the day and coming down to sleep. (Climb high, sleep low)
• Descend if the symptoms become severe or if you begin to experience HACE and/or HAPE.
• Drink 2 liters (2 regular size Nalgene bottles) of water per day, in addition to the usual tea and other beverages.
• Dress properly for high altitude treks, with synthetic under shirts for removing sweat, a warm fleece jacket, and a down jacket to prevent hypothermia, which can predispose you to AMS and its complications.
Nature Trail Travels & Tours encourages all trekkers to procure emergency evacuation insurance prior to their trip to Nepal.