Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has its own significance and sanctity because of the
spiritual association; in spite of the unpredictable harsh conditions several
thousand enjoy the pilgrimage on this route. The region is located 18000 plus
feet above sea level. With our experience we are saying in every group/overall
about 50% of the yatris are affected by altitude sickness and nausea. Our
small outline and a brief experience could help the pilgrims in better
preparing for the yatra since it is a combination of high climb on foot
(trekking) and by transport (long drives and uphill tough terrains with huge
mountains all around). Here the Group experience Nature managed i.e.,
unpredictable extreme climate from snowing to frozen atmosphere, with sunlight,
harsh wind and even rain are experienced simultaneously, and there is no
greenery around. Pilgrim must be optimistic and should plan in advance to
combat with the yatra natural shades and our body management system.
Getting
Prepared:
·
Check
for a proper acclimatization and minimum relaxation and stoppage so that we are
less affected and tour is best planned by a tour operator.
·
We
must plan a judicious baggage with appropriate shoes and warm clothes
(thermals, sweaters), socks, cap and Jackets.
·
To
combat the extreme climate our body must be adjusted so we must start with the
morning and evening walk for one hour (wearing proper shoes) and try
Pranayam (under the guidance of trainer). It is advisable to do this 4-6mnths
before the yatra in order to set the body system and meticulously combat the
tough terrain.
·
Blood
sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride, urea and creatinine, Blood Pressure and
ECG must be checked 6 months prior to your trip so that remedy could be devised
and yatra could be planned.
·
Develop
the habit of taking Multivitamins and these days after checking with the doctor
Vitamin D is also essential; Evion 400 & Calcium tablets 180 days minimum prior
to your tour. Although there is no such guideline still we suggest so that
yatra is conducted peacefully and enjoyed thoroughly with full attention on the
mesmerism created by the almighty all around and mission is succeeded well.
·
Pilgrims
with the ailments like Asthma or breathing problems, heart problem and
high blood pressure, recent injuries, sugar are advised to avoid the yatra
until they are fit or guided by the Doctor.
Altitude
Sickness
High
altitude:
5000ft to 11500 ft
Very
high altitude:
11500ft to 18000ft
The
way altitude increase , atmospheric pressure decreases where the percentage of
Oxygen remains at certain level ; the pressure of the oxygen is slow ; oxygen
is thinner; and this leads to altitude sickness, usually most of the pilgrims
could climb around 1500-200 m in a day, without any hastle whereas 50% of
Pilgrims develop issues when they touch 3000m. The distance climbs
(gaining height), high altitude and rest and improper acclimatization and
poor preparation before the yatra (walk etc. as guided above) are the factors
and reasons of Altitude sickness.
High Altitude illness include the
following
1. Acute Mountain sickness
2. High altitude pulmonary edema
(HAPE)
3. High altitude cerebral edema
(HACE)
The
observant reasons vary from individual to individual, most important is
persistent headache Burning or watery eyes, giddiness, dryness in nose and
hard to breath, Nose bleeding, and sleep disorder are seen. Fatigue is most
easily seen and felt. Gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting, loss of
appetite, distension of abdomen and nausea.
Threat
to life can be observed with the conditions like HAPE the real symptoms are breathlessness
when you are at ease or resting, cyanosis (blue tinge in finger tips), persistent
coughing, fever and giddiness.
HACE
common symptom is irritability lethargy, difficulty in walking (gait
impairment), drowsiness, mental status altered, coma and these kinds of
conditions oxygen is given to the patient, and sending back to the plains and
lower altitude is the only option. Steroids do help under the
guidance of the physician.
Medicines
required:
1. Acetazolamide (Diamox)
2. For pain relief – Hifenac
(aciclofinac sodium).
3. Anti allergics –
Deslor/Allegra 120
4. Antiemitics – ondansetron - tablet
and injections
5. Anti - diarrhoeal
6. Glucose, ORS, Paracetamol
7. High blood pressure medicines
8. Nasal spray-saline - otrivin
9. Antibiotics are to be carried by
doctor’s advice
10.
Sunscreen
with SPF 50
Diamox
tablet 250mg minimum should be taken to combat altitude sickness at least once
daily from the day we start gaining height and should be better taken in
the morning and should be continued unless we return the base. The side affect
of this medicine is tingliness affect so we must consume optimum water and
combine with multivitamin so that tour is healthy with enough substitutes.
Finally
with our experience we say if yatra is meticulously planned with enough of
medical care and walk we could enjoy best of the Yatra in full swings and
optimum so preparation and is essential and minimum baggage and body
temperature consistency is essential. It is essential first you take care of
yourselves and be observant of your co yatris so that immediate medical aid
could be extended and we conclude the yatra successfully.
(NTP Team leader and Guide experience
Lakhpat Sherpa (2015) Kailash Mansarovar Yatra)
