The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a beautiful and tranquil adventure in the eastern mountains of Nepal. The trek takes you close to Mount Makalu which is the 5th highest mountain in the world. The path is lined with green forests and small villages; after crossing the rivers, you get to the cold and snowy mountains. The air becomes thinner and the body colder as you go up. The body is called altitude.
A lot of altitude problems people encountered on the way to Makalu Base Camp because at the top the air has less oxygen than the air at the bottom. To be secure and well, it is necessary to know the altitude and the proper acclimatization methods. How about we learn what altitude is, what troubles it causes, and how people can be safe while trekking to Makalu Base Camp in very simple and easy words.
Understanding Altitude
Altitude is the distance(between that place and the sea level) in height which we measure from the sea level. The higher the place, the thinner the air is. This means there will be less oxygen for your body to breathe. At sea level, we breathe easily because there is enough oxygen. However, when you go up to the mountains, your body will still need some time to get used to the lesser oxygen.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is starting from the low land type of Tumlingtar which is roughly 400 meters above sea level. But as you walk, the trail goes to Tashigaon, Khongma Danda and finally to Makalu Base Camp which is approximately 4,870 meter high. This is a lot of difference in altitudes and your body has to make that adjustment slowly if you want to stay healthy.
What Happens at High Altitude
When the air has less oxygen, your body has to work harder to breathe and move. At high altitude, blood pressure increases and one can get tired faster, the heartbeat also increases. Some people start to feel dizzy, get headaches, or lose their appetite. This is because the body gets less oxygen.
Should your body be given no time for setting to the new height, it may end in altitude sickness. It ranks among the conditions of high altitudes. Also, even a strong and fit person can get altitude sickness. It doesn't matter whether one is a child or an adult, strong or weak; the latter only depends on the individual's body reaction to scarce oxygen.
Signs of Altitude Sickness
Initial symptoms of altitude sickness are very slight, yet it is very important they be noticed. Symptoms include headache, insomnia, and feeling of dizziness. The sufferer might also experience loss of appetite or vomiting. The body may feel weak or heavy, and the person may walk slowly. These are the first signs that the body has a hard time with the thin air.
If one disregards such symptoms and proceeds with climbing, the sickness could get even more severe. The condition of some getting fluid in their lungs or brain, which is quite dangerous, is progressed by altitude sickness. That is why it is very important to listen to one's body and take care of it when at a high altitude.
What Is Acclimatization
Acclimatization is quite a big word though its meaning is quite simple. It involves allowing one's body sufficient time for getting used to the new height and less oxygen. If you gradually go up and rest for a day or two at a certain point, your body will eventually normalize. It learns better ways of using oxygen which finally leads to the feeling of normality again.
Acclimatization is the safest way of altitude sickness prevention. It is similar to training your breathing system to work properly at high places. When you keep your body off work at the right places, it gets stronger and fit for the next stage.
Acclimatization in Makalu Base Camp Trek
The height in Makalu Base Camp trek changes not abruptly but continuously. The trek is starting from a warm and low place, and every day you move up a bit. The wise way of trekking is to ascend slowly and make an extra rest time at middle points like Tashigaon, Khongma Danda, and Mumbuk. Not only are these places good for resting up, but they also help the acclimatization process going on in the body.
The majority of trekkers commit one or two days more in these places before proceeding towards the base camp. Such days off are often referred to as acclimatization days. You don’t ascend further during these days rather you take some short walks around the area to help your body adjust. You have to eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get good sleep.
The Climb to High Passes
One of the most difficult parts of the Makalu Base Camp trek is the crossing of high mountain passes such as Shipton La and Keke La. These passes are higher than 4,000 meters, and can be cold and windy. Loss of breath and weakness being the common complaints of such passes, many trekkers experience these while crossing these passes. This is where being properly acclimatized before the ascents plays a very significant role.
In case of rushing and fast climbing, you might experience altitude sickness in the crossing of passes. However, if you have good rest before and after the parts, then the body can cope with the altitude better. Using warm water, going slowly and making short breaks in between will help you a lot.
The Role of Drinking Water and Food
At high altitudes, the human body loses water at a rapid rate, even more so when the person is breathing and sweating in the cold. To drink enough water is one of the easiest ways of preserving the body in good health. If you are dehydrated, then you have a greater chance of suffering altitude sickness.
Food holds the same amount of importance. Eating warm foods that contain enough energy will help keep your body strong. Simple foods such as rice, soup, noodles, and vegetables are the best choices. You should not consume any intoxicating substances or smoke as they will make your body lose even more oxygen and water.
How to Prevent Altitude Problems
The most efficient technique of combating the altitude issues on the Makalu Base Camp trekking is to use the slow method. It is very important not to be in a hurry or try to do a fast climb. The slow walking will provide enough time for your body to make the required changes. The resumption of work is to be done with laborers, thus the rest of the days are not to be missed even when you are in a good state of health. The case of altitude sickness may start abruptly; hence it is better to be on the safe side.
When you start experiencing symptoms such as headache or dizziness, you should stop what you are doing and take some rest. You should not move to a higher place until you feel better. If symptoms exacerbate, going down to a lower altitude is the only solution. To bring relief, descent allows the body to recover because oxygen supply is better in the air below.
One can also use a medicine like Diamox to alleviate or prevent symptoms but it should be done only upon doctor's or guide's recommendation. Most trekkers can find relief in natural ways such as breathing deeply, walking slowly, and being consistently hydrated.
The Importance of a Guide
Experience of a guide to the Makalu Base Camp trek gives a lot of support to a person who is in fight with altitude. A guide understands how to organize the days, where to get some rest, and how to notice the first symptoms of altitude sickness. They can determine whether it is safe to go higher or getting an extra night is best.
The Makalu region is calm and far away from the noisy city, and sometimes there are no big hospitals or rescue centers nearby. In case of urgent need, guides can facilitate assistance or organize evacuation. That is why it is always safer to travel with a guide than alone.
What Happens After Acclimatization
After your body has become acclimatized to the altitude, you are able to function like normal. Breathing becomes less difficult, and one gets back the lost energy. A person can walk a longer distance without feeling dizzy or tired. This is the power of acclimatization — the body gets used to living in the mountains.
What could be better than viewing Mount Makalu and other surrounding peaks after you have reached Makalu Base Camp? You feel amazing with the journey you’ve been through. The thin air might slow you down a bit, but the beauty of nature gives you peace and happiness.
Returning to Lower Altitude
The oxygen level goes up again once you start your descent from the base camp, and thus the body feels stronger. The symptoms of headache, tiredness, and dizziness recede slowly. That is the reason why going down is always less difficult and quicker than going up. With every step, you breathe better and feel lighter.
Though going back home is easier, you still need to be careful while walking because legs may be too tired and may cause you to fall on the downhill paths. Being hydrated and resting properly will help you to finish your journey safely.
Conclusion
Altitude issues and acclimatization are very vital topics when it comes to Makalu Base Camp trek. The higher you go, the thinner the air is, and your body will need some time to get used to it. If you decide to go up too fast, you may get altitude sickness, which will make you very ill. However, if you proceed slowly, take your rest at the right places and look after yourself, you will be able to get to the base camp safely.
Acclimatization doesn't mean rest alone — it means allowing the body to learn how to survive in a new environment. Drinking water, eating nutritious food, and walking slowly are simple methods but very effective in ensuring safety. With patience and care, anyone will be able to enjoy the trek to Makalu Base Camp and bring back lovely memories of trekking in one of the most serene and pure mountain areas of the world.
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