Hiking in the Clouds: What Happens at Altitude

We get a lot of questions about altitude here at OneSeed. We do play in the mountains a lot after all!

Altitude can effect people differently, but some we’ll cover some of the details here:

• What altitudes each trip reaches
• How altitude sickness can effect you
• How to prevent altitude sickness and monitor for it
• The signs of altitude sickness
• How OneSeed handles altitude sickness preparation before hitting the trail
• What happens on the trail if you are hit with a bout of altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), can be very serious, but we build in rest days on our trips to allow trekkers to acclimate to the elevation. You can learn more about AMS here.

While you may not get altitude sickness, your tummy may be affected by the altitude and act up a bit, so if you’re feeling a bit gassy, it’s only the alti-tooties. Just call fair warning to those hiking behind you!

Altitude sickness is caused by the “thinner” air at elevation, so you have difficulty getting enough oxygen. For a scientific explanation of what happens at altitude,visithere.

Symptoms can include headaches, loss of appetite, nausea, irritability, loss of coordination, dizziness, feeling weak, and trouble sleeping.

Before leaving for a trek, OneSeed staff will educate trekkers on altitude sickness and the signs and symptoms before hitting the trail. While on the trail, we have built in rest days to allow trekkers time to acclimate before hiking to higher altitudes. If anyone experiences symptoms of altitude sickness, OneSeed guides will stay with guests and escort them to lower elevations until they are feeling better and can rejoin the group.

When hiking at high altitudes, make sure to drink lots of water, even if you aren’t thirsty. Staying hydrated can help reduce the effects of altitude sickness. Make sure to eat well rounded meals. Wearing a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and layers are important as you are more exposed to the elements and the weather can change quickly. Trekking at a slow and steady pace and taking frequent breaks will help ensure you reach your goal!

For more information, visit the CDC website here.

I arrived early in Kathmandu. Oh no, oh no, what will I do?

Nepal is a great place, so if you forgot about those pesky time zones and arrive early or want more time to explore we’ve gathered some information that will be helpful to you.

While we are excited for you to join us, we are only able to pick you up from the airport and provide your accommodation on the arrival date of your expedition. If you have further questions beyond our recommendations below, don’t hesitate to call us.

Nepal is the land of Mt. Everest and the other ginormous Himalayan Mountains. Everything in Nepal must be at really high elevations that will take time to acclimate to right? Well, not quite. You may think arriving in Kathmandu a few days early to acclimate is beneficial, but Kathmandu is actually situated at 4,600ft, that’s lower than the mile high city, Denver! You will be heading up to elevation on your trek, and time is built into every trek to allow for acclimatization.

Here are some great things to do in Kathmandu if you arrive early!

• Garden of Dreams: A neoclassical historical garden, the Garden of Dreams was created early in 1920. The garden is comprised of pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture and includes European inspired features such as birdhouses, varandas and urns. More information available on TripAdvisor here.
• Pashupatinath Temple: One of the wold’s most significant temples dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva. Only born Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, but there is plenty to view around it. More details available on TripAdvisor here.
• Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur is the third largest city in Kathmandu Valley and a former capital of Nepal. It is a World Heritage as dedicated by UNESCO for its culture, temples, wood, metal and stone work. Find out more about Bhaktapur here.
• Durbar Square: Durbar Square is a general term for a square in Nepal, but the one in Kathmandu is in front of the old royal palace of the Kathmandu Kingdom. See what others have to say about Durbar Square on TripAdvisor here.

After all the fun, you’ll need a place to crash. Here are some of our recommended partners:

• Newa Chen
• Swotha Traditional Homes
• Summerhill House
• Hotel Greenwich Village

On the scheduled start day of your trip, we can arrange to pick you up from your guesthouse. Just let us know where to pick you up.

You can do that here.

Kathmandu is a world away from your life in the West, so if you are arriving early or staying late, take them time to stroll the streets and be immersed in the sights, smells and sounds. You never know what you will find around the next corner!