Mountain Safety
An accident while mountain climbing generally has
unexpected and negative consequences. A seemingly
small mistake, such as twisting an ankle in loose
rocks, can quickly turn into a dangerous situation if
the climber is on difficult terrain and is still some
distance from the base camp. Climbers can minimize the
consequences of these mistakes by organizing treks
through a travel company, traveling in groups,
carrying first aid equipment, and being cautious in
their route planning. Alpine climbers are also exposed
to perils beyond their control, such as hidden
crevasses and avalanches, and because of the
inhospitable environment of most mountains, they risk
exposing themselves to hypothermia and altitude
sickness. Experienced mountaineers plan ahead for all
contingencies and let others know their destination
and planned return time.
Mountains can be sometimes inhospitable and dangerous
places for the ill prepared. From one hour to the
next, from one hill to the next, they can exhibit a
dramatic variation in weather conditions. Whether it's
a well-planned expedition or a spur of the moment
decision to go to the hills, it is important to check
the forecast. The consequences of changes in the
weather, expected or otherwise, can make a day's
outing enjoyable and memorable, or potentially
dangerous. News reports of accidents involving
walkers, climbers and skiers are all too frequent, and
the weather often plays a significant part.
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Mountain weather and safety
Gales, storm-force winds, persistent heavy rain or
blizzards can be raging at the top, when it is merely
cloudy in the valleys. Ice and snow can last long into
spring or summer, especially on the sun-shielded
north-facing slopes. Certain conditions can also give
rise to avalanches. Low cloud is usually more frequent
and extensive on the windward slopes, giving
widespread hill fog, although under some situations
the lee slope can also be affected by hill fog.
However, on a day-to-day basis, such potentially
dangerous weather is the exception rather than the
rule. Checking the forecast gives essential
forewarning of the likely conditions on your chosen
route. Many different types of forecast are available
nowadays.
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Crevasses are deep ice fissures or large cracks
within a glacier. Many times crevasses are hidden
under a covering of snow, making them difficult to
identify. Their steep, slippery sides make them almost
impossible to climb out of without assistance. For
this reason, climbers often rope together and secure
themselves to each other when traveling on glaciers
and snowfields. Should one partner fall in a crevasse,
the other can break the fall and then pull their
partner out.
Avalanches are sudden flows of a large mass of
snow or ice down a slope or cliff, sometimes at speeds
exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph). They occur when heavy
snowfall accumulates on steep slopes and the
underlying snow pack cannot support the new snow’s
weight. Mountaineers can minimize avalanche dangers by
staying aware of rapid changes of weather, especially
increases in temperature and wind. They should also
avoid steep, narrow chutes that provide ideal channels
for avalanches. Be careful to evaluate further
avalanche danger and choose a safe escape route.
Hypothermia occurs when the body becomes too
chilled to generate enough warmth for vital organs
such as the heart and lungs. Most climbers understand
that hypothermia is a danger during extremely cold
weather, but it also can occur when temperatures are
well above freezing. In fact, most cases occur when
the outside temperature is from 7° to 10°C (45° to
50°F). Avoiding hypothermia requires several simple
precautions. Mountain climbers should stay dry and
avoid cotton clothing, which dries slowly and sucks
away body warmth as it does dry. They should eat,
drink water, and rest frequently, helping them
maintain energy levels.
Altitude sickness, also known as mountain
sickness, is caused by insufficient oxygen at high
elevations. It causes dizziness, shortness of breath,
and confusion, and it can strike climbers at any
elevation above 2,400 m (about 8,000 ft). Mountaineers
who ascend to higher altitudes often take a day or two
to become accustomed to their new environment. They
climb slowly when going above 4,500 m (15,000 ft). If
climbers develop symptoms of altitude sickness, they
should descend immediately to a lower altitude before
the condition worsens. Some climbers use bottled
oxygen to combat the effects of the sickness and aid
their efforts at higher altitudes.
Crossing rivers :
The first rule of crossing rivers in the Himalayas
is not to remove your boots. There can provide
invaluable ankle support as the boulders on the
riverbed are continually moving and an easily crush a
foot or ankle.
Before crossing, we look for areas where the river is
braided and test the depth of the deeper water by
throwing rock in it. We advise to be free from your
back pack and let to carry it to our staffs escorting
you . It's easier to slip out of your backpack instead
of being dragged under. As you move off it is
advisable to link arms (don't hold hands) with the
partners, face slightly downstream and cross the river
diagonally moving gradually with the current.
Do not attempt a crossing if the water level is above
thing height. If crossing a glacially fed river wait
till the morning when the water level has dropped.
Neither should you rely on blind faith by jumping from
boulder to boulder. While many local people adopt
this, they are more sure-footed than you. Our trail
experts suggest you not to dare to cross the river if
it is flooded or the level is over than waist.
Lightning :
If a storm brews, avoid exposed areas. Lightning
has a penchant for crests, lone trees, small
depressions, gullied, caves and cabin entrances, as
well as wet ground. If you are caught out in the open,
try to curl up as tightly as possible with your feet
together and keep a layer of insulation between you
and the ground. Place metal objects such as
metal-frame backpacks and walking poles away from you.
Glacial Crossings:
We treat all glacial passes with respect &
crossing knowledge of its own. If you do not have the
technical expertise you can still safely cross a
glacier, but only with the company of our trained and
well-equipped guide.
Each season there are instances of trekkers and local
people falling into crevasses with tragic
consequences. Walking across glaciers requires the use
of ropes, ascenders, crampons and ice axes - essential
gear for any trekking party, Ensure that our guide
knows the terrain and that no group members wander at
will during the crossing.
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Drinking Water,
Carry plenty of drinking water with you when hiking or
biking because water is not readily available on the
mountain. Do not drink water from any streams.
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Sun Protection, At 10,000 feet, exposure to the
sun is 40 percent greater than it is at sea level. We
recommend sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15
or higher and good sunglasses
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Fire
Danger, The forests or bushes can become very dry
during the summer months. Due to existing fire
dangers, smoking, & making fire for any purpose is
prohibited within National park permitted areas in
Himalayas of Nepal; we hope to use extra care
elsewhere in the trekking route.
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Environment,
As our name & commitments to responsible tourism
we extremely request to our valuable guests to be
conscientious of the very fragile ecosystem at high
altitudes. We ask that you ride only on designated
trails. Avoid riding if trails are muddy. Do not pick
the wildflowers and please do not litter. We thank you
for helping to keep the area beautiful and unspoiled
for others to enjoy. Please go to
responsible tourism.
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Encounter with wild animals:
Wild Animals:
The Himalayan wood is home to many types of wildlife,
including bears and mountain tigers. Be knowledgeable
and aware of your surroundings and sensitive to any
animals you may encounter on the trails. Do not feed
or attempt to contact any wildlife. Know what to do if
you encounter a wild animal. Give animals extra room
and time to adjust to you; use special care in
passing.
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Encounter with Domestic animals:
Domestic Animals:
Our Guides & staffs are well known with the behavior
of various kinds of domestic animals & how to treat
with them on the way. When approaching a village or
shepherd encampment, they try to alert someone's
attention to your presence so that the dogs can be
chained up. By chance if you are attacked outside of
the village or encampment, ward off the dog with your
stick or walking pole, or try to grab a small rock. A
well-aimed rock, will at least temporarily frighten
off the dog and give you time to proceed safely. The
best way not to be apart in long distance with your
guides & porters.
Yaks are temperamental and it is wise not to move too
close to a herd brazing on the high pastures in
Langtang & Everest Region. Buffalo, too should be
avoided. They are nervous of your scent (unless you
are with a shepherd), although there is little chance
that they would actually attack.
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Rock
fall & landslide:
While many trekkers will witness major rock
avalanches from a distance, many injuries (sometimes
fatal) are sustained each season from minor rock
falls. Some situations in which accidents commonly
occur are described below.
When trekking up a stone laden gully, we would like to
request you not attempt to ascend alone. Be after with
your guide while ascending you. If a small rock or
boulder is dislodged it can have dire results.
The second situation to avoid is one where goats and
sheep are grazing above the trail. Be aware that the
animals are forever dislodging rocks and stones. Once
their velocity increases they can cause severe injury.
Finally, we take care consciously if trekking in an
are that is prone to rock falls or landslides.
Although watch out for any continuous series of
falling pebbles or stones. This particularly relevant
during or after heavy rainfall when crossing extensive
slopes.
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Flood:
It is never advisable to camp close to the
confluence of two streams or close to a river course.
If there is a flash flood, within a short time a
stream will turn into a torrent, which will dislodge
boulders and unconsolidated terrain further up the
valley.
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Rescue
& Evacuation:
Organizing the evacuation of an injured person
requires that first necessary to ascertain the
severity of the injury and how the patient is to be
evacuated. This can vary considerably.
If someone in the our group is injured or falls ill
and cant move, we leave at least one person with the
victim while the others go for help.
If the victim is not in dire straits, the best way, we
do is to organize a riding horse or porters & carry
the victim as quickly as possible to the nearest
trailhead. Then send someone reliable ahead to
organize transport and medical arrangements.
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Helicopter rescue & Evacuation:
Many helicopter companies can provide evacuation
by Helicopter for severely injured or ill people.
However, someone in Kathmandu must guarantee the
payment of the flight before the rescue. Average
rescue flight costs about US$ 3000 or approx. US$ 1000
per hour for far distance form Kathmandu. If you are
trekking with Himalayan Respo Trek, of course we will
arrange the flight immediately after your rescue
request letter. If you are trekking on you own, send
the message through any mode to your embassy or
consulates. Send your Name, Nationality Passport
detail, location and details of the injury of sickness
(that is altitude illness, frostbite, heart problem,
fracture, dysentery etc.). Message can be passed
through the HRA radio system, police radio system, and
the National Park radio system or at local airports or
army camps. It almost always takes at least
twenty-four hours to arrange a rescue, including
passing the message.
Now a days, there are many private airlines, which
provide helicopter services to evacuate trekkers in an
emergency.
If your country has an embassy/consulate in Kathmandu,
Register with them before you trek and record the
details of rescue process. If your country does not
have an embassy or consulate in Kathmandu and you are
trekking on your own, you will have trouble getting
rescued unless you arrange something in advance. Any
way to say straight that the problem to face your own
is harder & tough than it is done by someone for you.
Make sure to check this with your travel insurance
scheme; you can now buy helicopter rescue insurance in
Kathmandu..
