Top Tips for A Comfortable Downhill Hike.

Top Tips for A Comfortable Downhill Hike. Top Tips for A Comfortable Downhill Hike | responsibleadventures.com   Hiking uphill is entirely different from walking downhill in terms of hiking technique. While trekking uphill certainly comes with challenges and risks, hiking downhill perhaps comes with twice as many since slips and falls are more likely to happen while moving downward. However, hiking downhill can be rewarding, too, since it requires less energy than uphill hiking. It can also give hikers more time to enjoy their surroundings, a lot like Reese Witherspoon in Wild on Prime Video. You can easily prevent slips and injuries by correctly checking your hiking equipment and walking. Here are more tips to ensure a comfortable downhill hike: 1. Tighten Your Equipment Beforehand The last thing any hiker wants to do is stop to tie their shoes while making a tricky descent. To avoid this, check your equipment before starting your descent. Not only will you want to tighten your boots, but you will also want to tighten any hip or shoulder straps if you use descent ropes. 2. Invest in Good Trek Poles A hiker’s joints are under at least three times more stress during descents than ascents. To relieve some of this joint pressure, you can use trek poles, which take some of the weight off your legs while walking. Trek poles also help hikers maintain their balance by adding two more points of contact with the ground for them to rely on. No matter what kind of trek poles you invest in, adjust them to a comfortable height before you begin walking with them. 3. Hike with Proper Posture One of the best ways any hiker can avoid falling during descents is by walking with good posture. A good posture for downhill hikes does not lean forward or backwards; your back should be as straight as possible to keep your balance centred. You may also benefit from using bent knees while walking downhill to help keep yourself centred on your feet. 4. Use Zigzag and Plunge Step Techniques Zigzagging and plunge stepping are two techniques that can help hikers move downward along any terrain. Zigzagging involves a hiker moving downhill in a side-to-side walking path, and this allows the hiker to gain the traction needed to descend slowly. Plunge stepping consists of a hiker walking straight downhill with the heel leading first and the knees deeply bent. Plunge steps help hikers dig their shoes into slick terrains like snow or mud. Plunge steps, however, do not help hikers gain much traction on slick rocks. 5. Hike Distanced from Other Hikers If you are hiking in a group, it’s essential to maintain a reasonable distance between you and others while hiking downhill. If you walk too close to others, one slip can injure two or more people. A good rule of thumb is walking with two body lengths between each person in a group. 6. Use the Glissading Technique Carefully Glissading in hiking is known as sliding downhill on one’s bottom. Glissading can be helpful when descending a steep inclination of snow or sand; however, it should only be used when the end of the path is visible and when there are no rocks or crevices along the trail. To perform a safe glissade downhill, keep your body low to the ground, and let yourself slide slowly along the path you plan to take. You can use trek poles or an ice axe to control your speed by dragging them in the snow or sand as you descend. You should also never perform a glissade while wearing crampons or microspike shoes since they can get caught in the terrain. Summary While downhill hiking may be the most rewarding, it comes with fall and injury risks. To make your downhill hike easier, prep your equipment beforehand and use techniques like zigzagging, plunge stepping, and glissading as necessary.  

Making Memories: Unique Birthday Celebration Ideas for Nepal Adventure Travellers

Making Memories: Unique Birthday Celebration Ideas for Nepal Adventure Travellers Birthdays are a special occasion for everyone, but what’s more remarkable is uniquely celebrating your birthday. If you’re an adventure traveller in Nepal, you’re in luck! Nepal is home to some of the most beautiful and adventurous destinations in the world, and what better way to celebrate your birthday than by exploring them? In this article, we will share some unique birthday celebration ideas for adventure travellers in Nepal.   Tips for Planning a Safe and Fun Birthday Celebration Before we dive into the destinations, here are some tips to keep in mind when planning your birthday celebration in Nepal: Plan ahead: Nepal is a popular destination for adventure travellers, so planning and booking your activities in advance is essential to avoid disappointment. Dress appropriately: Nepal has a diverse climate, so check the weather forecast before you go and dress appropriately. Stay hydrated: The high altitude and physical activities can take a toll on your body, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Respect the culture: Nepal is a culturally rich country, and it’s important to respect its customs and traditions. Follow safety measures: Adventure activities come with some risks, so ensure you follow all safety measures and instructions your guides give.   Top Adventure Destinations to Celebrate Your Birthday in Nepal Trekking in the Annapurna region: Trekking in the Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s most popular adventure activities. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, picturesque villages, and high-altitude deserts. You can celebrate your birthday in one of the tea houses along the trail, where you can enjoy a warm meal and a slice of cake. White-water rafting in the Trishuli River: White-water rafting in the Trishuli River is a thrilling adventure to pump your adrenaline. The river has rapids ranging from grade 2 to 4, making it suitable for beginners and experienced rafters. You can celebrate your birthday by camping on the riverbank, enjoying a bonfire, and stargazing. Paragliding in Pokhara: Paragliding in Pokhara is a popular adventure activity that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Phewa Lake. You can celebrate your birthday by taking a tandem paragliding flight with an experienced pilot and enjoying a bird’s eye view of the city. Bungee jumping in Bhotekoshi: Bungee jumping in Bhotekoshi is not for the faint-hearted. The 160-meter drop from a suspension bridge over the Bhotekoshi River will surely give you an adrenaline rush. You can celebrate your birthday by taking the plunge and enjoying a well-deserved drink at the on-site bar. Mountain biking in Kathmandu Valley: Exploring Kathmandu Valley on a mountain bike is a thrilling and exciting way to discover hidden gems and lesser-known trails. It could be a grand birthday celebration with friends, but always prioritize safety by wearing a helmet and adhering to safety guidelines. In addition to mountain bikes, you can rent mountain bikes to explore remote areas that are not easily accessible by car or public transportation.  Family-Friendly Activities to Enjoy in Nepal: Ideas for Kids and Parents If you’re travelling with children, there are plenty of family-friendly activities in Nepal. Here are some ideas: Visit a wildlife sanctuary: Nepal has incredible wildlife, including tigers, rhinos, and elephants. You can take your kids on a safari tour in Chitwan National Park or Bardia National Park and get up close to these magnificent animals. Take a cultural tour: Nepal is rich in culture and history, and a tour of some of the country’s most important cultural sites can be a great way to educate your children. You can visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. Participate in a cooking class: Nepal has a rich culinary tradition, and participating in a cooking class can be a fun and educational activity for kids. They can learn how to make momos, dal bhat, and other traditional Nepali dishes. Visit a local market: Visiting a local market is a great way to expose your kids to different cultures and traditions. They can see how locals shop for groceries, try different foods, and interact with locals. If you’re searching for a fun and unique way to celebrate your kid’s birthday, you can contact us via email. We will make your birthday celebration even more exciting and memorable.   Safety measures: Adventure activities come with some risks, but you can minimize them by following all safety measures and instructions from your guides. Here are some safety measures to keep in mind when participating in adventure activities in Nepal: Wear appropriate gear: Make sure you wear proper equipment for the activity you’re participating in, including helmets, harnesses, and life jackets. Listen to your guides: Your guides are experienced professionals who know the terrain and the risks involved. Make sure you listen to their instructions and follow them. Stay hydrated: The high altitude and physical activities can take a toll on your body, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Know your limits: Adventure activities can be physically demanding, so it’s essential to know your limits and not push yourself too hard. Stay alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards, such as uneven terrain or changing weather conditions. Equipment quality: We ensure all equipment is adequately maintained and in good working order before participating in any adventure activity. Choose reputable operators: When choosing operators for adventure activities, ensure they are reputable and have proper licenses and certifications.   Celebrating your birthday in Nepal can be a unique and unforgettable experience. Plenty of adventurous activities exist, whether trekking in the Himalayan villages or white-water rafting in the Trishuli River. However, planning, dressing appropriately, staying hydrated, respecting the culture, and following all safety measures are essential. With these tips and destinations in mind, you’ll have a birthday celebration you’ll remember for years. So pack your bags, grab your friends, and prepare to make unforgettable memories in Nepal!

7 Challenging Trekking Trails in Nepal

7 Challenging Trekking Trails in Nepal There is something quite intriguing about exploring the unknown. Traversing rugged terrain is very popular, and some of the most challenging environments are found in proximity to mountainous regions. Nepal, the Himalayan nation, has always been a popular destination for trekkers – amateurs and pros alike. While most people may equate Nepal with the expedition to conquer Mount Everest (as seen in the 2006 documentary Everest: Beyond the Limit on Prime Video), the country offers a great variety of treks to other not-so-intimidating-yet-challenging areas. If you’re all prepared to take the next step, then the information below can guide you to some of the best Nepal trekking regions. Due to the difficult terrain, some of these routes are recommended only for experienced trekkers. 1. Manaslu Circuit Trekking   (Image: “ManasluCircuit4.jpg” by Spencer Weart licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.) The Manaslu region is located in west-central Nepal and is one of the less-visited regions of the Himalayas. Basic infrastructure is minimal as you go around Mt. Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain on earth. Manaslu circuit trekking is possible even though many parts of the area have yet to be explored. Individuals have come here since the early 1990s, thanks to the pristine wilderness. The mountain’s peak crests at 8,156 meters. The trail goes around the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is home to rare animals and birds.

Helpful tips for the first time trekker in Nepal

Helpful tips for the first time trekker in Nepal Here is some food for thought! Any passionate trekker would be motivated enough just thinking about completing a trek in the shadow of the world’s highest peaks; a bonus would be boasting about it afterwards. One doesn’t need to be a seasonal world traveller or an exceptional hiker. All you need is to be in good shape, love walking, and desire to learn about different cultures with an open mind and a sense of adventure, and this dream can become a reality. Having a sense of humour is a bonus. 1.    Start easy. As exotic as a 16-day trek to Everest base camp sounds, take it easy if this is your first time making an extended hiking trip and travelling to a developing nation. We usually advise first-timers to take a shorter trek in the lower elevations, such as in the Annapurna region. However, it will be no less challenging with all the uphill and downhill walking but with a generous supply of oxygen. You will pass through extravagant villages and farms with grand mountain views making up for the physical effort. 2.    Book with a tour company or go independent Opinions vary on this subject of  – whether to do the trek with or without a guide. A tour company will save time even for the most independent of travellers. The right tour company can keep you from exasperation and give you peace of mind by taking care of all necessary arrangements in detail. A reputable tour operator should provide a perfect English-speaking guide and porter support. You will see many younger people trekking on their own with a guidebook – fantastic! However, with an excellent guide, not only will you gain new friends, but you will be able to facilitate logistics and little-known secrets of the area, adding value to your Himalayan hiking experience. More often than not, your guide is from the local area, if not a regular in that region, who knows the villagers quite likely to invite you for a cup of tea or even Rakshi – a local brew. You might be uncomfortable with having a porter to carry your belongings while you are just taking your day pack but keep in mind that you are helping to employ one more local with a relatively good income. You will be provided with a duffel bag before leaving for the trek, where you pack all your belongings for the trek you need. Porters usually walk ahead with your duffel bag, either meeting you when he is resting or at lunch or sometimes even at the end of the day’s hike. They often reach the lodge ahead as they have a faster pace. Some excellent porters come down on the trail after picking the best room in the hostel and even offer to carry your day pack until the lodge at the end of the day. 3.    Trekking lodges. Depending on the region you are trekking in, the accommodation will vary from elementary tea houses. For example, in some Langtang and Helambu region villages, the lodges were destroyed by the April 2015 earthquake, and some are being reconstructed now. However, a growing number of comfortable family-run lodges and small chains of “Luxury” lodges are owned by more prominent companies. A traditional family-owned inn would have neat and clean rooms with a wooden framed bed, mattress, and shared toilets/bathrooms. You are advised to either bring your own or hire a sleeping bag. Although the lodges have blankets, some of them might be smelly or mouldy. During the peak season, the guides and porters use those blankets. They have quite an extended menu with a variety of hot food. Don’t expect the food to be the same as back home when you order macaroni and cheese. After a couple of days, you will notice that the menu is identical, but the taste will be different as they prepare food fresh and not packaged. Most trekkers gather in the dining room, and there is usually a heater. There are typically cloth lines on top of the heaters where you can hang your wet clothes to dry. It is a great place to read, play games, or meet other trekkers worldwide. Tip: You can lay your clothes on the mattress and under your sleeping bag to avoid wearing cold clothes in the morning. The types of packages vary between different local trekking agencies. However, your meals would be included if you booked with a reputable tour operator. On the other hand, if you are an independent trekker, you will notice the price of food getting more expensive the higher you get. This is because porters or mules carry everything up through rugged terrain. 4.    Listen to your body. You are bound to feel the hike’s toughness regardless of your fitness level, as you are not trained for multi-day hikes. However, an excellent guide shouldn’t be too far away, and they should encourage you to stay hydrated and take it slow and steady with frequent stops to admire the scenery and people and rest. It is good to bring some snacks with you to keep the energy levels topped off before or after your lunch. 5.    To buy or to rent. This advice is for non-regular hikers. You can buy cheap knock-off (fake) gear in the numerous “trekking shops” in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You will also be able to rent puffy-down jackets and sleeping bags for about US$1 per item per day. Hiring allows you to return the equipment after the trek you might never use again and gives you room in your suitcase/backpack for souvenirs. 6. Here’s a checklist of other miscellaneous items: Bring six (4) passport-sized photos to Nepal for your visa and trekking permits. Pack with light layers in mind Bring some Aqua tabs/water purifiers and your water bottle to have water on the cheap and avoid buying bottled water bottles. Instead, purchasing a Camelback is a good

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts in Nepal

Cultural Do’s and Don’ts in Nepal Respect the culture of Nepal as if it was your own culture! A mindful traveller is always concerned about the dos and don’ts of a country they visit for the first time. What to expect from that culture and what is taboo is of utmost curiosity in their mind. Whether trekking in the mountains or going around in cities and towns, you do not need to worry too much as The Nepalese are gracious hosts and have been used to tourists for long enough not to be too offended if they make mistakes. We usually laugh it off. Here are pointers to keep in mind. Greet anyone of all ages and at all times of the day with “Namaste,” we will say Namaste back or at least give you a broad smile. Women in villages are not used to shaking hands, so join both palms and greet them with Namaste. There are a few versions of Namaste’s meaning, one of which is – I bow before you. Take your shoes off when visiting a home, Temple, or Monastery, and cover up your legs and upper arms. Avoid smoking inside sacred institutions. Avoid touching offerings or holy objects. Ask for permission before taking photos; if possible, avoid using flash. Always go clockwise when walking around religious monuments, keeping the monuments to your right side. Use both hands, whether giving or receiving, as a gesture of respect, even if it is money. It is good to bring a Polaroid camera if you plan on taking photos of people. I think it is fair that you give a Polaroid photo to the person after taking their picture with your smartphone or camera; that way, they have something to remember you by. Do not point your finger at a person, especially at religious monuments; instead, use the flat back of your hand to indicate the person or a sacred object. Also, please do not use your foot to point at anyone or anything; it is the ultimate show of disrespect. Use your right hand if you need to use your fingers to eat, as the left hand is considered unclean. You are eating something delicious, and you want your Nepali friend to try or when you cannot finish your plate of food – Do not offer it to a local. Food, once eaten by someone else, is considered impure. It is common to see two guys holding hands, as they are good friends, whereas a man and woman holding hands or showing affection is frowned upon. Remain calm and do not raise your voice or show anger. It is considered an offensive manner, and it can only worsen matters. If a child asks for a pen, money, a balloon, or even food – refrain from giving them. It all started with early travellers to Nepal with good intentions. But, unfortunately, they saw how little the children had here and gave them pencils, pens, bubble gums, etcetera; this has taught children to beg. Do not bargain for room or food while on a trek; it is only a matter of pennies. To you, it is a game to see what you can get away with; to the lodge owners, it is their livelihood. Would you please respect that? These practices are similar in Bhutan, India, and Tibet. Note: Do not buy antiques or/and products made from endangered animals; you can end up in jail.

Are solo women travelers safe in Nepal?

Are solo women travelers safe in Nepal?   Your safety is our utmost priority! You will notice that you are interested in the locals because you are a foreigner and your gender. However, you soon start seeing that they are just as curious about male visitors. Here are a few helpful tips for a woman who is travelling solo. Most parts of Nepal are generally safe and secure for women travellers. The Nepalese are curious but tolerant simultaneously rather than a threat or danger to single travellers. You might come across some young men in bars who fancy themselves as Casanova in towns and cities, but most Nepalese men, especially in the villages, are chaste and very modest; they are primarily respectful and welcoming to foreign ladies. Sexual Harassment It is pretty unlikely to encounter sexual harassment that could upset your travels: you might get the occasional staring, catcalls, or even an attempt to brush against you in a crowd, but it is nowhere near as bad as in India or some North African countries. It is better to avoid revealing clothing, cover up your legs, wear loose dresses, etc., to prevent unwanted attention. It is safe to go trekking on your own if you have done it before and are experienced. However, some individual trekkers go missing, never to be found again. There have been attacks and murders of solo women trekkers in the past. It is advised to take a guide with you if you are on your first trek. You need to choose the right guide; it is recommended that you meet several guides and ask their bosses if the guide has been reviewed on Trip Advisor, etc., so you can read about previous trekkers’ experiences with the guide. It will be a disappointment if the guide who is supposed to be your protector turns up being an annoyance from sexual advances. Ask the guide you have chosen if he is married and if he has kids; talking about his family on the trek discourages the guides from making sexual advances. If you want to have a relationship with a Nepalese man, there is a long tradition of women travellers falling for their trekking or rafting guides.  If you want to travel with other female travellers, you can quickly meet them at renowned restaurants, bars, and clubs in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is always safer to have company if you want to trek without a guide. Family-run guesthouses in towns and villages are the right place to chat with local women. It is best to bring your feminine necessities such as panty liners, tampons, or sanitary pads (this can be helpful to even a guy) In one group, some members had caught the stomach bug in Delhi before coming to Nepal; while most recovered in a couple of days, one guy suffered from loose motion for longer. Finally, he confessed to using his wife’s sanitary pad, saving himself from soiling and embarrassment. If you visit Nepal for the first time and want safe accommodation, always opt for hotels or guesthouses near or in the central tourist areas close to transport hubs. Investing in a mid-range or highly recommended hotel is better for first-time visitors. Many of these hotels offer complimentary airport transfers. Paknajol is a famous area in Kathmandu, while the lakeside is the central tourist hub in Pokhara. If you are looking for a place to stay in Chitwan, then the main road has hotels, lodges, and resorts for all budgets. Always carry a flashlight with you and avoid walking alone in the dark, isolated streets to be on the safe side.

The differences between Luxury lodges and Teahouse lodges in Nepal

The differences between Luxury lodges and Teahouse lodges in Nepal Updated July 2021: The Comfort/luxury lodges are excellent for social distancing and small personal bubbles as they won’t be crowded.  The standards of luxury lodges in the Everest and Annapurna regions are far higher than regular teahouse lodges with their landscaped gardens. They are often in superb locations with mountain views. Their comfortable dining room and bedroom with attached bathroom, including a hot shower and western toilet, are some of the “luxuries – by Himalayan standards.” The staff is professionally trained in hospitality. The highest level of service is provided to our customers. You can get a room with a private bathroom in some of the standard teahouse lodges. The newer lodges are being constructed with these amenities these days. In contrast, only significant settlements like Namche Bazaar on the Everest Base Camp trail or Manang on the Annapurna Circuit trail had rooms with ensuite bathrooms in the recent past. The standard lodges often have basic rooms with plywoods for walls with a dining room with wood or yak dung burning heater to warm the communal area in the evenings. Most lodges have shared showers, ranging from Solar-heated or gas-heated water, while in the higher elevations, you get a bucket of hot water for an extra cost. The cost of the showers can be as high as US$5. What will toilet and bathroom facilities be available on a Nepal trek? For example, is it possible to wash your hair? The quality, service, and standard of the regular teahouse lodges range widely. The wide range depends on the location; for example, the lodges in the higher elevations or places where the flow of trekker traffic is low have more basic amenities. What sort of food is served at the luxury lodges? The range of food in a standard lodge’s menu ranges from local staples such as dal bhat (boiled rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetable curry), momo (dumplings that are filled with meat – when available, primarily vegetables, canned tuna, cheese etcetera) and if you are the Everest region, the well known Sherpa stew. These days the menu is getting more varied. You can also get international food such as spaghetti, macaroni, burgers, french fries, chow mien, fried rice, and even pizza. In addition, they have oat porridge, granola, muesli, toast (if you are in a busy area and during the primary season), chapattis, Tibetan bread, and eggs prepared in various ways for breakfast. Some advice for all trekkers is: Although the menu’s food is similar to what you are familiar with, expect it to taste different from what you are used to back in your home country. Also, avoid eating meat in the Everest region, as the animals are slaughtered a few days before reaching the trekking lodges. The food in a luxury lodge will be similar; however, it will be of much higher quality and serve meat dishes that are safe to consume. In addition, they usually do dessert after dinner. One of the benefits of the luxury lodges is being served unlimited hot tea or coffee, and you might even get a cake with your hot drink in the afternoons.   Responsible Adventures has a comprehensive program of luxury treks in Nepal, such as Everest Luxury Lodges, Annapurna Luxury Lodges, and Luxury Kathmandu Valley Rim. The Luxury Everest Base Camp trek we offer combines luxury lodges lower down and the best available standard teahouse lodges higher up near Base Camp. Whether you choose our regular or luxury lodge treks, our team enhances your experience by providing nutritious meals that include superfood as part of our value-added Wellness trekking vacations. As a result, our overall “outside the box” experiences are an unmatched luxury. We also organize an extensive choice of standard trekking packages in Nepal. Please get in touch with us if you need more information or further advice.

Why go trekking in Nepal?

Why go trekking in Nepal? A tiny percentage of people go hiking/trekking in their home or neighbouring countries, and an even smaller percentage go trekking in Nepal. So do a trek in Nepal and be a part of this super-elite club. Nepal has 8 of 14 mountains that are above 8000 meters. Nepal is home to the highest peak in the world – Mount Everest. Nepal is known as the adventure capital of Asia. Nepal is healing from the economic damages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; every dollar you spend on the trial helps the local economy. Nepal has trails for people of all ages and fitness levels. Trekking is an excellent way to exercise and lose weight in a beautiful setting – much more fun than working out in a gym. Nepal has very diverse ethnic and cultural groups with deep, ongoing traditions. Trekking brings you up close and personal with them for cultural immersion. People are super friendly towards visitors and are always smiling. There is a network of trekking trails all over the country. In addition, a Great Himalayan Trail has been identified, which traverses Nepal east to west. You can trek for a few hours or go on for many days, depending on your time, fitness level, and outdoor experience. You can combine trekking with visiting world heritage sites, white water rafting, kayaking, canyoning, bungee jumping, zipline, mountain biking, paragliding, ultralight flights, jungle safari, yoga, meditation, helicopter tours, and visiting important pilgrimage sites. Annapurna Trekking trails bring you right into the Annapurna Base camp (4130 meters) and Thorong-La pass at 5416 meters. Thorong-La is one of the most trekked passes in the world. Nepal has four seasons. Each season presents unique colours and flavours. Nepal has been called “The jewel in the crown of the trekking world” – by a prominent blogger and adventurer Mark Horrell. The Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest are the only places in the world where you get a hot meal and basic to comfortable accommodation. Trekking is an excellent way to watch birds in their natural habitat. Wildlife spotting is an additional activity to enhance your trekking experience. Trekking produces endorphins, which help reduce stress. While trekking in Nepal, you can help prevent health issues such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. You can visit some ancient Monasteries between 300 – 600 years old. You can do meditative walking during your trek. There will never be a dull moment while you are trekking in Nepal. Find out the list of all trekking in Nepal packages. Photo Courtesy: Yusha PunCheck out our Trekking packages for Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Tibet.

High Altitude Myths

Myths about High Altitude Myth no. 1 – Do not use caffeine at altitude. Caffeine is a mild diuretic (it makes you pee), which shouldn’t concern you because it might dehydrate you and cause AMS. This will only be true if you drink many pots of very strong coffee and no other fluids. Caffeine could help in altitude as it stimulates your breathing, brain, and kidneys. Another point is that if you are used to having several caffeinated beverages, a profound headache can be caused if stopped abruptly. Myth no. 2 – Diamox masks symptoms of altitude sickness. Diamox doesn’t mask symptoms of AMS when taken as prevention. It contains carbonic dehydrates, which make you urinate bicarbonate. This stimulates your breathing as it makes your blood more acidic, which makes you take more oxygen. It enhances your natural acclimatization process, and you won’t have rebound symptoms if you stop taking it. It is used as a preventative measure and a cure for Acute Mountain Sickness. Myth no. 3 – Physical fitness protects against altitude sickness. Physical fitness does not protect one from altitude illness. Many young fit athletes push themselves too hard at altitude before acclimatizing as they can go through the discomfort. Being fit and healthy, they think it can’t affect them, hence ignoring altitude illness signs. Everyone is susceptible to AMS, regardless of fitness levels. Myth no. 4 – Drinking extra water will protect you from altitude illness. Symptoms of dehydration are similar to AMS, so staying hydrated is important at altitude. You only need an additional litre to a litre and a half of water at height. However, too much water is harmful and can dilute your body’s sodium level, which causes weakness, confusion, seizures, and coma. Check the colour of your urine. Clear urine means you are adequately hydrated, while dark urine suggests dehydration and the need to take more fluids. Myth no. 5 – Children are more susceptible to altitude illness. Studies have shown that children have similar rates of AMS as adults. There is no evidence that children are more prone to altitude. If you follow the basic rules of acclimatization with a healthy child, they will do pretty well at high altitudes. The main worry is that they might not communicate their symptoms when suffering from altitude sickness. Just like adults, children with AMS bounce back real quick with treatment.

How to choose the best trekking company

More than two thousand trekking agencies in Kathmandu alone and a few hundred registered companies in Pokhara. Finding the right tour operator can become challenging when you add several hundred hotels, guesthouses, and numerous unregistered operators offering trekking services. You work hard throughout the year, and a vacation is a well-deserved reward for yourself, so make sure you find the right company to make your trekking experience memorable. Some Tips on Choosing the Best Trekking Company Check if the company has a government license and has completed a registration procedure with at least one umbrella organisation, such as the Department of Tourism in Nepal, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). Although this does not guarantee you will have the best experience, it will assure the company’s commitment to your welfare and that of its staff. The agency should be professional and straightforward in communicating with you, clearly answering any questions you may have concerning the trek. The quality of English on a website can also indicate how professional a company is. During communication, bear in mind that English may not be the first language of a local company representative, but look out for unprofessionalism or unreliability. Ask the company what its Unique Selling Points (USP) are and how it differs from other companies. Ask what the safety standards are for the company and what it does to implement its policy. Ensure that the company has high and up-to-date safety standards and is adequately equipped for all treks. You can also learn about a company’s health and safety standards by visiting its website, emailing its previous customers, or checking online reviews. Make sure you have a reliable, competent, and medically trained professional trek leader. It would be best to have full assurance that your trek leader can handle any adverse situation on the trek. Does the company use a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) or oxygen on its tours? If so, ensure that the trek leader’s training is up to date by asking when they completed the Wilderness First Aid refresher course. When on tour, you should ask if the trek leader knows how to operate such equipment properly before it is used, as misuse can lead to more harm than good. Do you know someone who has been on a trekking tour in Nepal? They might have a recommendation and some exciting stories about the visit.  You can also look up reviews and testimonials from previous clients of a company. Some testimonials will include the reviewer’s email address, and you can always write to inquire about an individual’s experiences with a company. Of course, most people are busy with their everyday lives, but one or two reviewers may respond to you with helpful information. Carefully check the trip cost and inclusions to avoid any hidden charges. Make sure the trek’s price covers all or most of your requirements.  Everyone loves a bargain but avoid companies that stand out as cheap compared to others, as they might not consistently deliver what is promised or even make their main profits through other means. Remember how much you paid for your international airfare to get here; you do not want to be thrifty for the most crucial part of your vacation, from a few days to a few weeks. Therefore, cheap companies are most unlikely to be the best. However, due to their localised expertise, a mid-range company can be better than the more expensive tour operators. Please look at this article about trekking companies that profit by convincing clients that they need a helicopter evacuation before completing the trek! Also, read about the discussions on TripAdvisor’s forum about Helicopter scams in Nepal. Determine whether the company offers fixed group departure dates if you intend to join a small group. Consider the background of the founders of the company. Do they have experience as trip leaders and a passion for the outdoors? If so, they may be more dedicated to ensuring the best experience for you than someone in the business to make money. Years of experience make a difference. The length of time a company has been in business can indicate its standards, but only if it continuously improves its services and trekking experiences. Be a responsible trekker and determine if the company has Responsible Tourism policies. Confirm that the company is dedicated to its staff’s welfare, including porters, and organises treks in a way that minimises the negative impact on the environment.