We’ll ride smooth tarmac in the morning that curves its way up to the scenic Baralacha La pass which sits at a whopping 4,883m above sea level. We stop just on the other side for lunch and there are three things that might now happen: 1. Nothing at all; 2. You might feel a bit queasy; 3. You might feel a bit drunk and giddy – happy days! Don’t worry though, this is just your body acclimatising to the high altitudes and it should not last long. Our medic will be on hand to monitor to your blood oxygen levels and we have oxygen bottles to hand if required.
After lunch, we will descend to the Sarchu plateau where our campsite awaits. After enjoying a buffet dinner in the ‘restaurant tent’ we will light a bonfire to keep our toes warm and toast marshmallows!
According to Wikipedia - altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a negative health effect of high altitude, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude. It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms, acquired at high altitude or in low air pressure, resembling a case of "flu, carbon monoxide poisoning, or a hangover". AMS typically only occurs above 2,400 metres (8,000 ft).
There had been much talk up to this day as to how everyone was feeling about the high altitudes we were about to encounter. The answers ranged from blasé to concerned worry. As it happens as we headed out that morning the infamous Delhi Belly was the more immediate health issue for many.
A stunning morning ride through mountain canyons and up over the pass. After ascerting that there were no immediate AMS issues to deal with we carried on to the extended lunch stop where the monitor in continued. A few headaches and some shortness of breath but all in all we were good to continue the short ride to that nights "camping" site.
Best government road sign of the day: "Darling I really like you but not so fast"
No comments:
Post a Comment