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Safety
in Nepal : |
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Medical
matters & Advice for Trekking
Nepal does not require you to have been inoculated
against any illness, however, inoculations are
definitely advised. Please consult with your doctor.
If you have had any form of recent trouble, it
is also advisable to have a fitness check up.
. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of
Nepal, it is worth considering a checkup before
departure
On the more popular trails there are health posts
which deal with minor ailments, more serious problems
are dealt with in major towns .These are often
within reasonable distance from the trails. If
you are trekking in more remote places, you will
need a comprehensive medical kit and some form
of communication / mobile phone. In the case of
an emergency, you may well need to be airlifted
out by helicopter (1500 / 2000 USD per hour),
it is essential you are adequately insured.
Various trekking guide books are available with
advice. The pamphlet published by the Himalayan
Rescue Association gives detailed information
on a complete list of medical supplies you may
need. It is worth considering contacting your
travel agent for advice if you still need help .Guide
books with health information are easily available
in the bookshops of Kathmandu |
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Fitness
If you are trekking for the first time, trekking
may seem a daunting experience. The truth is,
if you are reasonably fit there is a trek in Nepal
to suit.
There are many treks in Nepal, ranging from gentle
walks to serious and strenuous high altitude expeditions.
All trekking demands a level of fitness, in general,
the longer the trek the more fitness required.
Above 3,000 metres most treks should be designed
not to gain more than 500 metres in one day. Long
distances might have to be covered during the
day, on these days you will need to maintain a
good level of stamina. The best preparation for
trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash,
tennis and long hill walks. Remember, the better
your physical condition, the more you are likely
to enjoy the trek. |
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High
Altitude Sickness
High altitude sickness, often known as Accute
Mountain Sickness (AMS), mainly happens to people
who ascend too rapidly over 3000 mtrs. Treks over
this altitude need to be planned in an appropriate
way. Most people trekking above this level are
likely to experience heavier breathing along with
a mild headache, this is very different from A.M.S.
High altitude sickness in most cases develops
slowly and is normally spotted well in advance.A
descent of 500 mtrs for a couple of days will
be enough to solve the problem. |
| Main Symptoms of AMS |
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia/sleeplessness
- Persistent headache
- Dizziness, light headedness, confusion,
- Disorientation, weakness, fatigue, lassitude,
heavy legs
- Slight swelling of hands and face
- Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
- Reduced urine output
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| Source: Himlayan
Rescue Associations |
Rescue: Himalayan Rescue Association,
Tridevi Marg Tel : 4262746 Himalayan
Rescue Squad Transit House, Bansbari Tel: 4371066 |
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