Annapurna Circuit Trek is frequently proposed as amongst the finest long-distance treks on the planet for these reasons and plenty of others – subterranean weather and the dynamics of individuals who reside on the trail are so varied. It passes through verdant sub-tropical vegetation in southern forests and then progresses to the dry, alpine scrub; at its highest point (the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters (17,769 ft), it is the highest trekking pass.
But all that fabulous climbing comes with quite a bite of a catch: altitude sickness. And as much as you’re itching to knock out that Annapurna Circuit, do not think for a second that acclimatization is some quaint optional extra — it is, quite literally, the key to it all. And if you don’t acclimate, you may, at best, struggle with Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or, worse, HACE or HAPE — both of which can be fatal.
In this guide, you’ll learn about how to acclimatise effectively, how to recognise altitude sickness symptoms and organise your trip so that you can have a truly great tr,ek as well as minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Understanding Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary. You can think of acclimatization as your body getting used to the low levels of oxygen at high altitudes. Up high, you will have less air, and the air you do have — oxygen — you will supposedly come to crave with each breath you suck. “Your body won’t acclimate, and you probably are going to start having some of the symptoms of A.M.S. if you climb too fast,” he said.
Can I prevent it? Symptoms of altitude sickness. If you have a headache, feel sick, are sick, feel dizzy, have lost your appetite, feel tired, have trouble sleeping, or notice that you are taking short breaths, you may have altitude sickness. They often occur at around 8,200 feet, though your fitness and general health, as well as the speed at which you ascend to altitude, will influence whether you have them closer — or further — to sea level.
Instead of taking heed of these early warning signs, some people simply barrel on through and end up in a place where — well, yes, it is very, very serious. That’s why it’s all prevention, and it starts with smart acclimatization.
Follow the Climb High, Sleep Low Rule. You’ve probably heard the old mountaineer’s refrain by now: Climb high, sleep low.
And among the best acclimatization hacks is to climb high in the day but sleep low at night. This helps your body adapt to better altitudes without over-exerting itself. For example, you may do a climb as much as Ice Lake (four,600m) from Manang, after which you go back, and sleep your closing night lower back up in Manang (three,540m). This safely exposes you to altitude stress in a controlled setting and will help you acclimate more quickly.
And should you wish to make the effort to do your best to improve your chances of success and keep on feeling like the king (or queen) of the world (morally, not figuratively), you should certainly take advantage of the acclimatisation treks that are available on your ascent to Thorong La.
Day for Relaxation and Adaptation
Most trekkers adhering to the Annapurna Circuit route, particularly above No. But if you’re powering past those rest days or pushing through periods when you can fall asleep, and waking up, you’re in higher-risk territory.
Long story short, So Manang (11,614ft) is the only important acclimatization you have and you would need to give it at least 2-3ercs days to get well acclimatized. Most people trek spend at least two nights here. On your rest day, you can visit Gangapurna Lake, or you can take a short hike to the viewpoint above the village. These detours aren’t only aesthetically pleasing, they’re also acclimatizing your body.
It’s another place to visit on the Rest day for acclimatization is Yak Kharka(4,050 meters), as well as Letdar (4,200 meters,s), aftergoing tos Thorong Phedi and then High Camp. Sleeping here will also give your body an additional night to acclimate for the final hop over the pass.
Ascend Gradually—Don’t Rush
It might be tempting to shave time off the journey to avoid an overnight, or to move onto a different part of the holiday; however, never hike high (details) and sleep low. MAX (SAFE) rate of ascent is likely 300-500 meters/day (once you are at altitude).
One night is much higher than the other. But slow down, listen to how your body feels, and don’t be ashamed to break if you have to. Some days’ distinction at the trail is not well worth compromising your health and safety.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Nutritionally, dehydration A major player in this acclimatization is hydration. When you’re up high like you are, you dehydrate so much quicker with the section of your body that’s used in respiration and exertion.” 6 -Drink water, and lots of it, three to four liters a day. Remain well-hydrated as well, sipping on hot herbal tea, soup, and electrolyte beverages.”
You also need to be consuming enough calories. You burn more calories at this altitude, so you should be eating like Utah’s a car. What you’re most likely craving is some high-carb, easy-to-digest grub: white rice, potatoes, of course, and perhaps lentils, plus pasta. Wherever possible, steer clear of excessive boozing and the overconsumption of high-fat food, especially at high altitude, where it interferes with digestion and sleep.
Consider Preventative Medications
Some hikers take acetazolamide (Diamox) to avoid developing altitude sickness. If you’ve been eyeing a trip there, consider seeing a travel doctor soon. They will instruct you on how to take the drug safely and whether it offers hope for you.
So it’s not that SoDiamox is going to save you from acclimatizing — it’s more that it will save you time when getting to that point. You should still acclimate gradually, take a rest day, a nd monitor symptoms.
Retreat and Regrouping Time
“No mountain pass in the world is worth dying for.” Oh, and if you’re displaying anything from mild to serious symptoms of AMS (that’s a severe non-throbbing headache with or without vomiting, flailing around like a newborn giraffe, and or confusion), get down now. Descent is the most effective treatment in most cases. Now and then, it takes only 300 or 500 meters of drop.
In case you’re not feeling on top approximately it and don’t know in case you have to proceed, ask your guide (if you have one), other trekkers, or the health posts in Manang or Thorong Phedi. Generally, fitness-care people skilled in altitude contamination analysis and control work in such mountain scientific stations.
Build Flexibility Into Your Itinerary
Whether or not the problem is climate, path harm, or a private health issue, situations can get in the way of your plans. The lesson is that, and also try as you might, to have a note planned to leave an opportunity to book the return from just after the date of your trek. So give yourself at least a day or two of cushion. This way, you can also give yourself the luxury of an extra day to acclimate to the elements, or take cover if a snowstorm moves in — and not depend on a last-minute, white-knuckled scramble to escape the parts where the stakes can be high.
Child’s pose/good thingUtibearing down (so they said!) because a very slow (indeed, crawlingly slow) walk leads to health.”
Final Thoughts
The Annapurna Circuit trek is a beautiful adventure through a number of the most scenic landscapes on the planet. But beauty can be a two-edged sword, and this is high altitude of a serious kind.
By giving your body time to adjust, by sipping water, by sleeping when you want to, by taking the high road through the mountain, you’re guessing with altitude sickness not just a probability — you are going to be best-placed not to be fooling yourself on Thorong La.
Acclimatization is your hour, your safety net, your moment to drink in every sight, every sound, and every Himalayan experience that is thrown your way.