Altitude Sickness During The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Introduction

Nepal is an adventure paradise, located in the lap of the Great Himalayas. There are several trekking trails available here in the country. Among them, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek (Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek) is the one where you'll reach above 5,000 m (16,404.2 ft).

However, reaching such a height always raises concerns about getting sick during the trek, and this adventure is already considered challenging in terms of difficulty, which is why it isn't recommended for beginners. Hence, this blog's 'Altitude Sickness During The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek' helps you learn about the cause, types, symptoms, and preventive methods of high-altitude sickness.

If the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is on your bucket list for 2025, then first, you must know about such things. You should always be fully prepared for your journey and shouldn't rush to leave your comfort zone, whether for this trek or any other destination.

Strolling around Nepal's Himalayas has always been a delightful experience. Disappointment doesn't stand a chance against the beauty of nature here. You don't only feel nature, but also get the opportunity to learn about the local culture and witness wildlife along the trail.

Nevertheless, in the heat of excitement, we sometimes neglect our health conditions during the trek at high-altitude locations like the Kanchenjunga Region. And that's exactly where we get into trouble.

So, stick with me till the end of this blog. We'll discuss more about altitude sickness and everything related to it in detail, helping you get ready for the Kanchenjunga Trek in 2025 or anytime soon.

What Is The Cause Of Altitude Sickness During The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

The cause of altitude sickness during the Kanchenjunga Trek or anywhere else at high elevations is when you ascend rapidly without giving your body enough time to adapt to the environment, where oxygen levels and air pressure are low. It usually begins to develop in the body when we reach a height of 2,500 m (8,000 ft).

There are three types of altitude sickness. They are Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). Their symptoms will be discussed later in the section below.

How High Is The Chance Of Getting Altitude Sickness During The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Okay, now you've understood the simple cause of altitude sickness during the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek in the section above. So, let's talk a little bit about how high the chance of getting it during this trek is.

Getting hit with altitude sickness is quite common during this Trek. The highest elevation of this journey is the North Base Camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga, which stands at an elevation of 5,143 m (16,873.36 ft). You'll also visit the south base camp, which is at 4,610 m (15,124.67 ft).

Ascending to such heights through completely remote terrain is no joke. Even an experienced hiker may sometimes get sick during this trip if carelessness reaches its peak.

For beginners, it ain't recommended. Anyways, if you are an average hiker and have already done a couple of short and easy treks like the Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, etc., then you can go for it. However, you should be very careful and follow the instructions while trekking to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp to complete it without any health issues.

Types Of Altitude Sickness And Their Symptoms

You have already learned the types of altitude sickness in the previous section, which are AMS, HAPE, and HACE. Among these three, AMS is the common one and just the first phase of danger. The other two are the outcomes of AMS.

Let's discuss these three in detail below, with their symptoms:

AMS

As I have explained a little about AMS above, it's just the mild one and the first phase of danger. Yes, it makes you feel so uneasy, but it doesn't kill you directly.

There are some common symptoms that most trekkers normally go through during trekking. They are:

• Headache (most common and early sign)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Tiredness or weakness
• Loss of hunger
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia or frequent waking)
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Swelling of hands, feet, or face (in some cases)

HAPE

HAPE is one of the results of AMS. It occurs when you don't bother to take quick action on one of the symptoms of AMS.

What exactly happens when you suffer from HAPE is that your lungs get filled up with fluid, making it hard to breathe and decreasing the oxygen level in your body. It is extremely dangerous, usually occurring above 2,500 to 3,000 m (8,200 to 9,800 ft), and can take your life within 24 hours.

Here are the symptoms of HAPE below:

• Shortness of breath, even at rest
• Continuous cough (frequently making frothy or pink sputum)
• Chest tightness or congestion
• Fast heartbeat
• Blue or grey lips/fingertips (cyanosis)
• Weakness, exhaustion
• Gurgling sounds in the chest when breathing

HACE

HACE is another result of AMS. It develops in your body if you don't act quickly while you're going through AMS.

It's also life-threatening and can take your life within 24 hours, like HAPE. It typically occurs when you reach above 3,500 m (11,500 ft), where fluid builds up in your brain.

Below are the symptoms of HACE:

• Extreme headache
• Loss of coordination (ataxia)
• Disorder, disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Trouble walking or standing
• Slurred speech
• Coma (in advanced stages)

How To Prevent Altitude Sickness During the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

To prevent altitude sickness during the Kanchenjunga Trek, you are required to follow some basic instructions. They aren't that hard to follow. All you need to be is focused and very careful about your health and body condition.

Check these preventive tips below:

Ascend Gradually

Don't rush to reach another point where you'll stay overnight. If that place is farther, then you'd better begin your hike a bit early in the morning. But don't ascend or walk quickly.

Doing so won't give your body enough time to adjust to the air. Therefore, slow ascent is the only way. You should walk as patiently as you can.

Take Breaks Frequently

While hiking, take frequent breaks of at least 7 to 8 minutes along the trail. Just don't push your body beyond the limits. You should always listen to your body and allow it time to adapt to the lower oxygen levels.

Avoid Dehydration

While hiking at high elevations, you shouldn't let your body become dehydrated, or you can get altitude sickness very quickly. As a result, it's necessary to drink as much water as you can during the trek.

Drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water daily. Besides, also consider eating apples and cucumbers every day, as foods like these contain a high amount of water.

Eat Well

During the trek, always prioritise foods such as rice, potatoes, pasta, etc., because these foods have a high level of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are among the heaviest components in food. It digests slowly and provides you with energy for a long time, helping you to walk a long distance.

Daily Workout

Doing daily exercise always brings good results in all areas, including trekking. If you don't have a habit of working out on your body daily and have a plan to trek the Kanchenjunga Base Camp, then you should start doing it for at least an hour a day, a month before the date of your journey.

Some best workouts you can do to prepare yourself for the trek are stretching, squatting, running, cycling, and swimming. These exercises help you stretch your body and strengthen your stamina.

Avoid Unhealthy Foods

You should avoid non-veg, overfried, and oily foods during trekking because they aren't good for the stomach and could cause food poisoning. Moreover, avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, as they dehydrate your body, cause problems in breathing, and hamper your stamina.

Sleep Well

You should have 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day during the trek. However, it doesn't mean that you can sleep right after you reach the tea house of your overnight stay.

Never do that. Sleeping right after reaching high altitudes will put you near the altitude sickness. Instead, drink lots of water, take a rest for a while, and stroll around the area.

Doing so will allow your body time to acclimate to the new environment. Go to sleep only after you have dinner.

Medication

Acetazolamide is considered the best medication for altitude sickness. You can find it easily in any pharmacy. It's available under the brand name Diamox.

But don't rush to buy it. You'd better consult your trusted doctor first about medicine and your body condition. Only buy it with their prescription.

Additionally, add garlic soup with timur (Sichuan pepper) to your meal during the adventure. Garlic and timur also work as a natural acetazolamide at high elevations.

They help avoid altitude sickness. You can also directly eat a piece of garlic daily in the morning before you continue your trip.