68 | TRAVEL HIMALAYA SPRING 2019 http://www.travelhimalayamagazine.com
TEAM YAK ATTACK
change within minutes. The short but scenic 25
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goes. Lukla Airport is a quaint airport nestled
in the mountains. Bags are collected, last
trekking permits obtained and they’re off to
try beat the sunset to Phakding. Part of the deal
with the travel agency was to put some mystery
and surprises into their trip, so as reward for
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they stay. They are treated to a new SherpaLodge at 2610m. Here they enjoy dinner, get
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for the following day and get into bed early.
The team are in good spirits. Their long-
planned holiday is underway and they get to
be immersed in these giants amongst mountain
that span across 5 countries: The Himalayas.
Eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks are found in
Nepal. For the next 2 weeks, they will eat, sleep
and breathe the mountains. It is a humbling
experience. Many countries have, snow-capped
mountains, but these ones are different. They
are spiritual. They have an effect on you that is
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for one self.
The Himalayas are not to be underestimated.
Conditions can change suddenly and it is near
impossible to predict what effect the combination
of high altitude, extreme cold and long hours of
physical exertion can have on the human body.
One early morning en-route, the temperature
dropped down to -18 C and in those moments
you are glad you prepared well and brought
that extra jacket, beanie and pair of gloves.The
extreme wind and cold as the team experienced
in November is very out of place for that time
of year. After dinner and mostly hot showers,
long discussions around teahouse tables keep
steering towards climate change as culprit for
the extreme weather. They compare pictures
of a mere two years ago when some of the team
members trekked in the same region and one can
see some of the glaciers have rapidly receded.
Two major factors to consider for safety are
the weather and your own health. Two team
members experienced a little misfortune before
embarking on their journey. One had minor
back surgery less than two months before his
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altitude causes Acute Mountain Sickness or
Altitude Sickness in a large majority of trekkers.
Signs and symptoms experienced may include:
Irritability, vomiting, headaches, no appetite
and confusion. It is good to be aware of possible
dangers and prepared for anything. People might
experience and increased effort of breathing
even from an elevation of 2500m. There is less
oxygen available in the air and the air pressure is
suddenly very different. Sebastian encourages
people to go trekking anyway. Knowing who will
be affected by Mountain Sickness is impossible.
The most important thing is to be prepared and
the important part is that you go.
The next morning after breakfast, the
porters take the luggage and comrades armed
with daypacks, sunscreen, water and walking
sticks are off. The day includes crossing rivers