How To Avoid Health Issues During Annapurna Base Camp Trek — Guide For First-time Goers

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The Annapurna Base Camp Trek in Nepal is neither a complicated trek, nor it requires any prior experience.
But yes, it does require general awareness and physical training so you can avoid any kind of health issues while on the trek. If you are taking up the trek for the first time, we have a whole lot of information for you, starting from what to expect at the trek and how you can avoid any health issues by training in advance.
Remember the trick is to go slow and steady, stay hydrated and be aware of the symptoms of AMS.
What to expect?
The
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is quite different from the Annapurna Circuit Trek in a number of ways. It is a high altitude trek that should not be taken for granted. When on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can expect more than 10 days of rigorous hiking that involves mostly hiking up and down the stairs.
The trek covers an ascent as well as descent of approximately 4000 meters; you will have to trek for almost 4 hours every day and add carry a backpack that is almost 5 kg in weight. ...
... You should be prepared to walk a distance of anywhere between 6 kilometers to 15 kilometers a day. On average, you will take approximately 7 days to reach the Annapurna Base Camp and then further days to get back.
Training for the trek
Trekking the Annapurna Base Camp in the above-mentioned conditions requires a lot of physical training in advance so you do not have any health issues while on the trek. It is important to train the muscles and body, months before you actually set your foot on the trek. Here’s what you can do to train your mind and muscles together:
• Start practicing at least 3 to 5 months before you begin to trek the Annapurna Base Camp.
• Practice walking at least once a week. This should involve walking for approximately 3 to 5 hours, up and down the hills, carrying a backpack that weighs 5 to 10 kg.
• Add on a few more practice sessions during the week. These can include weight training, jogging sessions, cycling or walking up the hill with a backpack on.
Remember, the only thing we are aiming at is to stay active and get used to the hills and the ascent and the descent.
Few quick tips to avoid health issues on the trek
1. Ensure that you take an appropriate medical cum travel insurance policy before you start the trek.

2. Any individual who has a medical condition relating to the heart, lung or blood pressure, must get a medical checkup done and seek medical advice before taking up the trek.

3. While old age is not a limitation for taking up the trek but it is important for old age individuals to prepare well for the trek and seek medical advice as well. The same stands true for children and teenagers taking up the trek.

4. You must take purification of water seriously. While at most of the places you will get boiled water, it is advisable to carry water purifying tablets with you at all times. Impure water is the number one cause of health issues on treks.

5. Always keep yourself hydrated well with water. Apart from drinking gallons and gallons of water, you can also add a lot of liquid food to your diet such as soups, tea, dal, etc. Avoid dehydration at all costs. It makes you lethargic, tired and gives a feeling of unpleasantness.

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