alright... cool...Trekking Guidelines
Spoiler!1. MOUNTAIN SICKNESS OVERVIEW[/COLOR][/B]
Mountain sickness is an illness that ranges from a mild headache and weariness to a life-threatening build-up of fluid in the lungs or brain at high altitudes.
Every trekker should be aware of the conditions that are likely to occur on the mountain, so necessary preparation and steps should be taken to avoid them.
Hypothermia: Hypothermia is a condition where the normal body temperature of 37°C drops below 35°C. This may be caused by rain, improper clothing, getting wet from perspiration, etc. It is recommended you wear warm clothing that is waterproof and allows for ventilation. Keep yourself active.
Frostbite: Frostbite is, literally, frozen body tissue – usually skin but sometimes deeper – and must be handled carefully to prevent permanent tissue damage or loss. This is a result of low temperatures. It is advisable to bring good warm gloves (with insulation) for the fingers and thick wool socks for the feet as temperatures can drop drastically on the mountain. Acute Mountain Sickness: Headache, fatigue, undue breathlessness on exertion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, difficulty sleeping and irregular breathing during sleep are the common complaints. These are symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which usually develop during the first 36 hours at altitude and not immediately on arrival. This is a direct result of failure to acclimatize properly. To prevent this, ascend slowly and drink lots of water.
Pulmonary edema: A more serious form of mountain sickness is high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). This illness occurs when fluid builds up within the lungs, a condition that can make breathing extremely difficult. HAPE often comes on quickly. Symptoms include shortness of breath, gurgling sounds from chest, production of frothy white sputum, cough. This is a serious and dangerous condition, you need to advise your guide about your situation and do not attempt going any further up the mountain. Usually it is recommended that you be taken to a lower position. If left untreated, it can progress to respiratory collapse.
2. MEDICAL CONDITION
If you have cardiac problems, high/low blood pressure, pulmonary /respiratory difficulties, it is recommended that you obtain approval from your doctor prior to booking the trek.
3. TREKKING GEAR
It is important to have all necessary trekking gear and clothing for your trek. Some of this can be hired at the park gates, but it’s advisable you bring your own gear.
4. WATER
Avoiding dehydration, we recommend trekkers to consume 2-3 litres of water per day, this also helps with acclimatization.
5. TREKKING PACE
It is recommended that you walk at a slow pace throughout your trek to minimize the risk of mountain sickness. This will also help with acclimatisation. It is important not to exert yourself.
6. FIRST AID KIT
It is necessary you carry your own small first aid kit.
7. BAGGAGE AND WEIGHT LIMIT
Waterproof rucksacks are recommended and the total weight should not exceed 15 kgs. For excess luggage a separate porter will be required, at an additional cost.
8. MEALS
We recommend light foods especially carbohydrates such as rice, bread and cereals. Citrus fruits and bananas are advisable too. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, fats, and rich foods.
We provide the following meals:
Breakfast: Fruit, fruit juice, cereal/porridge, eggs, bread/pancakes, sausages, margarine, jam/honey, tea/coffee/drinking chocolate.
Snacks: Popcorn/peanuts/cookies
Lunch: Boiled egg, sliced carrot and cucumber, sandwiches.
Dinner: Soup, bread, rice/pasta/potato, chicken/meat, mixed vegetables, salad, lentils, fruit salad, and tea/coffee/drinking chocolate.
RECOMMENDED ITEMS for trekking:
Warm Sleeping bag
Waterproof rucksack & daypack
Woollen hat or balaclava
Scarf
Snow-goggles/sunglasses
Gaiters
Boots and light trainers
Waterproof trousers and jacket
Waterproof poncho is useful
Long sleeved shirt
Thermal underwear
Several pairs of socks
Gloves and mittens
Sweaters/jumpers
Small towel and wash kit
Water bottle
First aid kit and insect repellent
Strong Sun protection
Torch (head mounted preferable)
Spare batteries
Whistle
Some plastic bags/bin liners
Walking stick/ski pole
Toiletries
Roll mats
Hiking tips: Do’s and don’ts for a successful hike
Spoiler!To ensure your hike ends in success and not failure, or even worse disaster, here are 10 things that every hiker should know before they hit the trail:
Hiking involves a lot of walking
If you have difficulty walking just a few blocks at home then hiking is probably not for you as it involves lots of walking, often uphill over difficult and uneven terrain. If you do decide to try hiking, just like with any exercise, get a clean bill of health from your doctor before attempting a strenuous hike.
Pay attention to where you put your feet
Going on a hike is not the same as taking a walk around the block. There are no smooth sidewalks or pavement to walk on out on the trail. When out hiking you need to pay attention to both the trail in front of you and the the one under your feet. Exposed tree roots, jutting rocks and snakes can all cause a hiker to meet with an unfortunate accident if they don't watch where they place their feet.
Dress the part
Wearing the proper attire when out hiking can make the difference between whether you have a great experience or a poor one. Wear boots to protect your feet and make walking on muddy or uneven terrain easier, bring a jacket as it can get chilly under the trees or if a cool breeze springs up, protect your skin with sunscreen even on cloudy days and protect your head from the suns rays by wearing a hat. Avoid wearing make-up as you'll just sweat it off and don't spray yourself with any strong scents as they can attract both animal and insect life.
Mapquest doesn't work in the forest
Once you're out in the forest you're on your own. There is no Mapquest to get directions from so it's important that anyone who hikes learns how read a map, use a compass or GPS and mark their route if needed all prior to their first hike. Once you're out on the trail is not the time to try and learm to read a map or figure out how to use a compass or GPS for the first time.
Don't trust the weatherman
Weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, so whenever you go out on a hike you should be prepared for any type of weather condition from sunny skies to sudden squalls or stiff breezes. Dress in layers that can be removed in case you get to warm, carry a jacket in case a cold wind springs up, and pack a plastic waterproof poncho in case you get caught in the rain.
There are no grocery stores out on the trail
When you're out on a hike you won't find any convenience store to provide you with water and food, so it's important to pack your own. Hiking is hard work that will leave you hot and sweaty and depleted of energy. In order to keep your body functioning at its best while hiking you need to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious snacks while hiking. In addition, make sure and recharge your body by having a healthy meal once you've returned from your hike
Wild animals are wild
Many hikers love the opportunity to get the chance to see local wildlife while on a hike. While they may look cute and harmless, wild animals are just that—wild. They can quickly become dangerous if they feel threatened or are startled. To warn animals of your approach it's a good idea to make some noise from time to time as you are hiking.
Don't be a loner
While some activities are meant to be enjoyed alone hiking is not one of them. Hiking with a buddy ensures that should you become injured or ill on the trail there is someone with you who can administer first aid or go for help if necessary. Besides, seeing beautiful sights and doing new things are always better if you have someone to share them with. Don't have a friend who can go with you? Use the internet to try and find a hiking group to join. Many organizations, such as the Sierra Club, regularly go on group hikes.
Expect the unexpected
You never know what can happen out on a mountain trail miles away from civilization, so it's always a good idea to expect the unexpected while on a hike and be prepared to deal with whatever happens. Falling apart when faced with an unexpected situation can only endanger you and anyone with you. Stay cool, calm and collected in order to make rational decisions on what to do if faced with the unexpected, whatever it may be.
Leave No Trace
In order to keep wilderness areas in their pristine state, leave no trace of your presence. Pack out any trash you have and leave plant and animal life as you found them. Doing so will ensure that others are able to enjoy the natural environment for many years to come.
Don't Forget!!!!!
*Take nothing but pictures
*Leave nothing but footprints
*kill nothing but time
Hope it'll help.![]()