A Case Of Hiding Health Vitals
Kedarkantha is a mountain peak situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, a state in the Himalayas. At around 12,500 feet high, it is the first winter trek in India. In this blog, we’ll explore the experience of Manvinder Saini, an outdoor leader, during this trek.
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Manvinder was leading a group of 20 trekkers on the Kedarkantha Summit Trek. Unlike regular treks where you go from one camp to another and return, in a summit trek, you must conquer the peak. The group spent the first day at Juda Ka Talab and left for the summit’s base camp on the second day. They started the summit on the third day and returned to the base camp.
During the trek, Manvinder noticed that a female trekker from Kerala, a state in the southern part of India, looked lethargic and uninterested. She had no prior trekking experience or medical background, so Manvinder and his team members asked about her health. She began feeling dizzy and uncomfortable in the first hour of the trek. She had trouble breathing, felt thirsty, and needed to rest frequently. This happened five times during the three-hour trek.
Acclimatization is essential when trekking at high altitudes. It can take some time for a few people to get used to the mountain’s height if they are not adequately prepared. The trekkers ask to rest when they encounter this. During mealtime, the Kerala trekker complained of feeling bloated and having blurry vision. She only consumed candies and chips, which are not suitable for high altitudes as they dry up the throat. Manvinder walked with her for one to two kilometres at night to help her digest the vegetables.
On the second day, the Kerala trekker asked the group to go first, and she would follow the trail. However, she got lost and did not join them even after ten minutes. Manvinder then decided to go back and look for her. He found her footsteps going in a different direction and eventually heard her calling for help. She told him she had a migraine, which is strictly prohibited for trekking.
Manvinder took her back to the base camp of the summit, where the kitchen staff and medical staff looked after her. He also gave her a walkie-talkie to stay connected with the trail in case of an emergency.
Altitude sickness is a significant concern during the Kedarkantha trek. Trekkers can spend time at the base camp to acclimatize to the high altitude before starting the trek. Drinking enough water and getting enough rest can also prevent altitude sickness.
In conclusion, the Kedarkantha trek is an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and test your physical and mental limits. However, it is essential to have prior trekking experience and acclimatization to high altitudes to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
