Staying well hydrated is likely the most important aspect of a successful and safe As Well Aspurna Base Camp Trek. Dry thin air at high elevation can desiccate you faster than you’re accustomed, and dehydration is a big component of altitude sickness. Unlike a lowland trek, e few bottles of water are enough; with the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, you need to make a conscious and concerted effort to hydrate yourself. This guide will provide you with all the information you need for what to drink, how much to drink, and the best ways to purify water on the ABC Trek so you’re protected, strong, and healthy all the way.
Importance of Hydrating in High Altitude
At altitude, bodies should pump harder to do things we take as a right. As you climb the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the air becomes thinner and drier. And this results in a huge outflow of fluids through respiration and additionally sweating, wherein you might not have observed that you were sweating. Dehydration makes the blood thicker, so your heart has to paintings harder to pump it to your muscles and brain. The one pesky dehydration symptom—headache, dizziness, fatigue—is also an early caution sign of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Drinking enough water can also alleviate such risks and enable your body to transition better to lower oxygen levels. At the very least, you need to be drinking 3-4 litres of water a day, much more if you are trekking on particularly physically arduous days.
Water Availability on the Trail
Because the Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail is relatively heavily populated with teahouses as well as villages, the water is not difficult to find. As a whole, water resources are just of two main kinds: Treated Water and Natural Water. Boiled water can be found for sale in teahouses and lodges. This is the most common and least risky option, and a good way to support the local economy. There are also “Safe Drinking Water Stations” in villages that sell clean water. Alternatively, you might fill your bottles with tap or natural water. This water, even if it looks clean sometimes, needs to be treated to be safe to drink and not get you sick!
The Best Water Purification Methods
This doesn’t just get expensive—ABC Trek price for water alone can easily add up to a significant amount —it’s also an environmental catastrophe with all the plastic you’re throwing away. Well, luckily, there are several very effective and ecologically friendly ways to purify your water on the Trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The simplest process is boiling. Teahouses can provide boiled water that kills all pathogens. Just ask for a rolling boil of at least 3 minutes if you’re at high altitude. Water Purification Tablets – chlorine or iodine tablets are a simple and light solution. They are effective against bacteria and viruses, but they have their drawbacks: They can take a while to work and don’t taste good. You might also want to take a little vial of powdered juice or possibly an electrolyte mix in order to mask this taste. 3)Portable Water Filters, Sawyer Squeeze, etc, are ALSO very popular. They do so by serving as a physical barrier against bacteria and protozoa. But most do not kill viruses, so you’re wise to mix them with chemical tablets for complete protection.. UV Purifiers—like a SteriPEN—kill all pathogens, viruses included, with UV light. They work well, without pole or elbow grease, but they also use batteries and don’t perform as well in murk.
What to Drink Besides Water
Water should be your first and best choice for hydration, but other drinks can help keep you hydrated while also heating you and giving you energy. Photo: Superdupilicious Unlimited hot drink. You need the caffeine, Ma. Indulgent hot drinks are a must on the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek to keep you warm on those chilly mornings and nights. Ginger tea, honey lemon, tea, and garlic soup: These are all comforting (mental) foods, and they’re also said to help you acclimate to the new environment. Electrolyte powders or sachets will also be good for your water. They replace the essential salt and minerals you remove with swewhichthat can cause muscle cramps and fatigue. You need to keep away from alcohol and restrict caffeine, mainly when mountain climbing. Each is are diuretic, which means that they can growth dehydration, which will increase your risk of altitude illness.
Your Personal Hydration System
ABC Trekking and the best way to ensure that you’re staying well-hydrated is to develop an effective personal system. Two reusable water bottles, such as wide-mouthed Nalgene bottles. They are strong, they fit nicely, and they do double duty just fine as a hot water bottle inside your sleeping bag on cold nights. Or, a hydration bladder is great since you are able to drink water essentially at all times. Remember, you’ll also always have to have your chosen purification method (tablets, a filter, or a combination) in stock. Just by keeping up with the fluids, you’ll sidestep the frequent blunders that come with being down too much water and focus on the awe-inspiring views.
Listening to Your Body’s Signals
Your body will let you know when and how much to drink. Check the color of your urine — it should be clear, or a very pale yellow. If your stream is generally a dark yellow or amber, well, that’s an easy indicator that you’re dehydrated and ought to be drinking more water. Other symptoms are a dry mouth, passing little urine, and headaches. You are already dehydrated while you are thirsty. In case you are thirsty,y you’re already dehydrated. Establish the addiction of drinking small, frequent sips of water in the course of the day, not simply on taking walks.
Hydration and Acclimatization
There is no more essential ingredient to a successful acclimatization than hydration. Staying well hydrated helps your body acclimatise to the lower levels of oxygen and reduces the likelihood of suffering from AMS. It is a necessity for your body to have water to produce more blood cells, to help obtain that oxygen. You are giving your body the best chance to acclimate to the whipped cream mountain air by staying well-hydrated.
The Teahouse Menu and Hydration
There are many other options on a decent teahouse menu that can aid in rehydrating. (you’ve probably guessed n nowow haven’t, yeah 🙂 -The Soups! Particularly, garlic soup,c soup which is a favourite for hikers and trekkers. You also receive a big plate of Dal Bhat, the famous Nepali lentil soup loaded with nutrition and hydrating properties. Choosing these over, say, instant noodles or deep-fried options will also make a big difference to your hydration.
Water for Private Hygiene
Do not forget that the water you use for brushing your teeth or washing your face needs to be blanketed. Similarr to drinking water, faucet or flowing water may also include pathogens. The littlest nudge to drink less dirty water can save a life.
