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Information compiled by Sandi Saksena
,
050-651-7963,
sandimdrt@yahoo.com
Dear Kailash group.
While
we all are very excited about the spiritual aspect of
this trip the physical preparations required is just as
essential and requires more than just a walk in the park
and a few yogic breathing exercises. Having been in
different physical fitness challenges I can say with
some authority of experience that physical preparedness
and knowledge of what to expect is of paramount
importance.
As
a group we owe it to each other to be responsible for
our own safety and welfare. None of us should take this
lightly and then depend on the others in the group to
take care of us because we did not know or think it
necessary to do all we had to before the trip.
A
long mountain trek like Kailash requires that you
prepare yourself both physically and mentally.
Regardless of how many days you have planned to hike,
you will expose yourself to stresses that you rarely
experience during your normal daily schedule.
You leg
muscles, feet and willpower will be tested and the more prepared
you are the more you will enjoy the gurgling brooks and
dramatic mountain tops.
It is
important to remember that trekking is, nonetheless, a
sport and as such requires a certain amount of physical
preparation. Apart from physical strain, hiking also
makes psychological demands. The beautiful sunrises and
sunsets, the memories of evenings passed around the camp
fire, and splendid views from hills and mountain tops
dim the memory of different moments. The fatigue
brought on by the weight of the rucksack, the sun
beating down inexorably and mountain descents, maybe in
the pouring rain are just some of the hiking experience.
Paths can be made
more difficult by mud or snow; the weather on these high
mountains can change with incredible speed. For those
approaching these paths, being ready to put up with
delays, the unforeseen and inconvenience should not hit
you as a surprise.
Those
who regularly go hiking, mountaineering or practice
other endurance sports such as jogging will have no
difficulty meeting the physical demands of trekking.
However, those accustomed to a predominantly sedentary
lifestyle, should first undertake a training program
preceded by
a medical check-up. Trekking can lead to health
complications or accidents which would necessitate a
rescue operation. High altitude places, for instance,
are characterized by decreased atmospheric pressure and
oxygen tension; a condition the body must get used to
for proper physiological functioning.
1) Start
early
Your general fitness level is important for long hikes
where you are carrying your lodging. Your heart and
lungs are going to have to work hard, which means that
you need to be in relatively good shape to be able to
enjoy the nature. If you are not physically active
year-round, you should start training no later than
six months before you go on a long trek. Hiking, biking,
running and swimming are all good activities to build up
your fitness level.
In
Dubai
walking on the beech in the soft sand is excellent for
the ankles.
Start this with a knapsack on your back that hold 2 full
bottles of water 3 liters that you must finish in 1 hour
2)
Trekking in mountainous terrain
Your leg muscles, knees, feet and joints will be exposed
to extreme stress. In order to help your body become
accustomed to these stresses, you should try to create
the same conditions as your adventure. Hike in stony
terrain and up and down hills or mountains. Try to take
a long walk at least once a week.
Those
of us in Dubai must meet up on the
weekends and do some hiking. Good places to do this are
towards Al Ain. This is a good test of our ability. The
weather is good till Feb so we should not waste this
opportunity. We will get used to Points 3, 4, 6 and 7
3) Get
used to a backpack
Carrying a heavy backpack can feel uncomfortable at
first. It weighs down on your shoulders and hips and
your steps become heavier. But if you start with a
lighter pack and slowly increase the weight, your body
will get used to the load. Slowly add to the pack until
you reach the weight you will carry during your trek.
You do not want to shock your body - this can lead to
serious injury.
4) Break
in your hiking boots
Make sure you have broken in your hiking boots before
you go on your trek. There is nothing worse than having
to cut a trip short due to blisters. To be really sure
that your boots fit well, we recommend that you walk at
least 200 kilometres in them before going on a long
trek.
5) Don't
overtrain
Hiking up to Kailash
is difficult and a tough challenge but it is not
like climbing Mount Everest
- it is important that you do not over train.
Before
the trek, you should eat healthy, get plenty of sleep
Not train so hard
that your muscles and joints become sore.
The
objective should be to start your trip with a rested,
strong body.
6) Eating
right:
The greatest dietary requirement at high altitude is
energy intake. A diet high in carbohydrates and
supplemented with other foods of high calorific value
such as fruits will best prepare the body for the
challenging environment. Menus therefore should be
meticulously organized with great emphasis on energy
content and digestibility at different altitude.
7)
Drinking Right:
The combined action of strong muscular exertion and
strong winds predisposes a hiker to dehydration.
It is of utmost importance to replace the lost fluids.
To avoid dehydration, your fluid intake should be
average 3-4 litres a day so as to be on the safe side.
The following symptoms are the signs for a person
suffering from dehydration: - Reduced urine output,
puffy skin, production of dark orange urine, reduced
mental orientation and headache.
Acclimatizing adequately:
High places are characterized by decreased atmospheric
pressure and oxygen tension; a condition the body must
get used to for proper physiological functioning’s many
as 25% of people attempting the summit in a brief visit,
fail to achieve their target for this reason
To get used to walking in the cold
please spend as many hours as you can in Ski Dubai
not sitting but actually walking about, perhaps
you can get some basic ski lessons – Fantastic
for the leg muscles
Pre-departure planning:
Consult a doctor before leaving your country. Ensure
that you are in good health condition and that you have
adequate health insurance. For those intending to hike
in high places, ensure that you are checked for illness
related to breathing (pulmonary system). You must do a
complete physical to include stress ECG and Heart and
lung X ray. This is mandatory and each of us must have
our full medical reports with us
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