Picture this: You're thrilled about reaching the Everest Base Camp. You're determined to conquer it because you can't wait to experience the magic of the base camp. You're so pumped up that you don't even consider acclimatisation.
But soon, something feels off. Your chest feels heavy, breathing becomes a challenge, and even rest doesn't relieve your fatigue. Not a great feeling, right?
But don't fret, we've got your back.
In this post, we're going to dive into acclimatisation, why it's your secret weapon, and how it can turn your trek into an unforgettable adventure.
Ready to make your trek both safe and thrilling?
If that's you, let's get started!
Table Of Contents
What is acclimatisation?
Why is it important to acclimatise while trekking at higher elevation?
How often should you acclimatise for trouble-free trekking?
What happens when you don't acclimatise during high-altitude trek?
Does acclimatisation keep you away from AMS?
Let's wrap this up
WHAT IS ACCLIMATISATION?
Various places have various conditions.
And not every condition is suitable for each of you.
In order to cope with a condition you're never used to, you should acclimatise.
Now, what does that mean?
That means acclimatisation is a process of adjusting with the reduced air pressure, resulting due to gain in elevation.
But how?
By climbing higher and sleeping lower. Yes, it's as simple as that.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ACCLIMATISE WHILE TREKKING AT HIGHER ELEVATION?
When you go beyond 2400 m, the possibility of AMS increases.
As you climb mountains rapidly, the oxygen level thins.
Because of this your heart and lungs struggle hard to maintain oxygen level.
And if you March ahead without any breaks at a greater speed, your body won't have the necessary time and space to adapt to the reduced air pressure.
In fact, if you overlook the conditions, you may even suffer from Altitude Sickness.
That's why when you're doing high altitude trekking in the Himalayas region, it's more than wise to acclimatise occasionally as you climb higher.
This way, you'll have a dual advantage. One, you'll give your body enough chances to cope with higher altitude because you'll be climbing higher and sleeping in lower altitude.
Second, you can also explore local areas or places, immerse in nature, absorb what nature has to offer, and enjoy your journey during your acclimatising trip.
And that's like killing two birds with a single stone! Sounds great, right? And it is.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU ACCLIMATISE FOR TROUBLE-FREE TREKKING?
It depends. How often you'll be acclimatising depends on how high you'll be trekking and for how many days.
In the context of Everest Base Camp Trek, you'll be hiking most of the time between 2,860 to 5,554 m.
On top of that, you'll be spending as many as 10 to 11 days in the Himalayas.
And when you're hiking above such a great height for such a long time, no way you can escape acclimatisation.
Or else, you may ruin your once-in-a-lifetime moment by being vulnerable to Altitude Sickness.
So, if you don't want that to happen, acclimatise often.
But the question is:
How often?
Yes, you're dead right. Acclimatise when you ascend vertically by every 0.8 to 1 KM higher than where you last acclimatised.
You wonder why?
Because as you climb up the mountain, the Oxygen level in the atmosphere thins, causing your body to strive hard to maintain the oxygen level for smooth functioning.
In fact, if you proceed ahead on your journey overlooking this fact, soon you'll develop a feeling that something is off with your health.
And that's threatening. Yes, I mean it.
But, acclimatising by every 0.8 to 1 KM, you're providing enough opportunities for your body to adjust with the surroundings, preparing you for high-altitude trek.
Needless to say, this way you'll have the safest journey, plus immersive experience.
Now, you know the science of how often you should acclimatise while trekking, don't you?
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T ACCLIMATISE DURING HIGH-ALTITUDE TREK?
Like Icarus, who ignored his father's warnings and flew too close to the scorching Sun, you may face similar consequences. Yes, we mean it.
Trekking at high altitude comes with certain risks.
In fact, when you quickly ascend towards the Everest Base Camp without breaks, the oxygen level decreases, making your trip more challenging.
Guess what's more disturbing?
Yes, you're spot on. The symptoms of AMS are so disturbing that you may not enjoy your adventure the way you want it.
The feeling of malaise will overpower you to the point you can't enjoy your trip, eventually wasting your golden opportunity and hard-earned money.
In fact, if the situation doesn't get better, and instead worsens, you may even have to descend to a lower altitude for your safety.
DOES ACCLIMATISATION KEEP YOU AWAY FROM ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS?
Look, if you're thinking that acclimatisation is a final nail in the coffin of Altitude Sickness, that's not the truth.
Acclimatization is a way of allowing your body to cope with the surroundings. Environment.
During acclimatisation, you'll hike up the mountain to a greater elevation, spend some time there, finally, walk down to the lower heights and sleep there.
This way, your body will learn the ways of higher altitude, adjust itself with the surroundings, and withstand the thinned oxygen level while trekking.
You'll definitely feel better but there are still many other factors that need to be aligned with for a safe journey.
For example: No matter how many days you acclimatise, if you're above 3,000m and ascend the mountain quickly, you're likely to see the symptoms of altitude sickness.
That's why, walk slowly but steadily. Take rest once in a while. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol, Cigarettes, and Meat. And, above all, enjoy nature and the mighty Everest, plus other 8,000ners to your north.
In short: Acclimatisation prepares you for high altitude trek but doesn't guarantee keeping AMS at bay.
The best idea is to acclimatise and follow other proven trekking techniques to make the most out of your journey.
LET'S WRAP THIS UP
Regardless of how avid Adventurers you are, without following proven trekking techniques, like acclimatisation, you won't be able to make your journey memorable.
Let alone memorable, if you go against nature, you're likely to face the wrath of nature. You're likely to see trouble.
And I'm sure you don't want this to happen, do you?
By the way, have you ever skipped your acclimatisation during high-altitude trek because of excitement to reach the camp?
Please share your story or insights so that others can learn from your experience and make their trekking incredible.
So, that's it for today, see you in the next post.
Till then……
Push Your Limits. Evolve New. And Keep Your Quest For Greatness Alive.🔥🔥🔥.
