For trekkers to get there safely, it is essential that they follow some basic rules, and be completely honest with their companions and with themselves.
The first task is the hiring of sherpas, porters and a trekking guide, with the size of the trekking group determining how many helpers are required. This can either be done in Kathmandu, or in advance from the trekker’s home country through a travel company.
Most treks to the Nepalese Everest base-camp start in the small village of Lukla (2,860m), an hour’s flight from Kathmandu. Once in the Himalaya region, the porters load up the bags, and the guide leads the group into the most stunning scenery on Earth.
The Dangers of Altitude Sickness
By around 3000m the body must deal with around a 30% reduction in oxygen. Fatigue, head-aches, and dehydration become increasingly likely, and sleep and appetite are typically affected. The first key is to drink large amounts of water, up to 5 litres a day. Many are reluctant to drink such an amount, as it involves carrying several heavy water bottles, not to mention an increased frequency of visits to the toilet. However, the body is desperate for water, so it is essential to carry plenty.
Water is available for purchase along the entire route to base-camp. This water, however, is carried to the various tea-lodges by porters, and so the price increases with altitude. A good idea is to take iodine tablets to purify the tap water. These are cheap, lightweight, and if used with neutralising tablets, are completely taste-free.
The second key is to push the body during the day, but descend on an evening to sleep. This staggering technique is a tried and tested strategy to help the body acclimatise, and any professional trekking guide should be aware of this.
Reluctance to Quit can be Fatal
Between 3000m and base-camp, the body will be under a type of strain it may have never before encountered, and there is no-way of knowing how a particular individual will react. The biggest mistake at this stage is to ignore the body’s warning signs. Everyone who attempts to reach base-camp has usually spent time saving their money and working on their fitness prior to arriving in Nepal, and are extremely reluctant to quit.
According to Lonely Planet, an average of 3 people per year die on their way to base-camp. Most occur in organised groups, possibly because in this situation people are more inclined to hide their symptoms at the risk of slowing down the rest of the party. If trekking alone (apart from the guide), or with a friend, the time-table may be more flexible, and more time can be spent at intermediate altitudes, allowing the body to acclimatise.
Despite the risks, it remains an incredible feat to attempt and to achieve. The key is to train well, drink water, stay focussed, and to be honest. And with a good guide, a strong-willed trekker will be on top of the world before they know it.
References:
Armington, Stan. Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya. Lonely Planet Publications; 8Rev Ed edition (1 Oct 2001)
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