Trekking the Himalayas: The Ultimate Water Purification and Hydration Guide

Adventure in the Himalayas is not just a journey, it’s a transformative experience

Trekking in the Himalayas is an adventure of a lifetime, offering breathtaking views, challenging trails, and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Nepal. However, ensuring access to clean, potable water along the trail is crucial for a safe and healthy trek. This guide provides essential information on hydration and water purification techniques to help you stay hydrated and healthy during your Himalayan adventure.

Hydration Hacks for High-Altitude Adventures

Access to clean, potable water along the trail isn’t something to stress about while trekking in Nepal. However, as with all high-altitude treks (anything above 5000 ft), it’s important to hydrate more than you would at lower elevations. The recommended intake while trekking is 3-4 liters per day. Staying hydrated helps prevent altitude sickness and ensures you have the energy needed for long trekking days.

Hydration Challenges and Solutions

In the past, many trekkers on the way to Everest Base Camp drank from plastic water bottles, negatively impacting the local environment. Since plastic water bottles were banned in January 2020, trekkers need to use alternative methods to stay hydrated. Here are the best ways to ensure you have clean drinking water while trekking to Everest Base Camp:

Boiling Water

Boiling untreated water is the most effective technique to purify it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you need to boil water for at least one minute below 2000m and for three minutes above that altitude. Since most Himalayan treks start above 2000m, it’s safe to boil water for at least three minutes. Boiled water is available at teahouses for around 1 USD per cup. Remember, tap water in villages is not potable unless treated.

Boiled water is also what the teahouses serve for around 1 USD a cup, and the cups are fairly small. Though the water on tap and through hoses in the village is free, it is not potable unless you plan to treat it yourself. Thus, it’s vital to boil the water for a sufficient amount of time to ensure it’s safe to drink.

Filtration Systems

Reusable water bottles are essential for trekking, opt for bottles with filter straws, which can filter out 99% of waterborne bacteria, microplastics, and parasites. A single straw can serve you for up to three years, making it a worthwhile investment. Filtration systems typically remove anything greater than 5 microns, such as protozoa like Giardia, but may not be effective against smaller bacteria like E. Coli. Therefore, it’s recommended to complement your filtration system with iodine or chlorine-based tablets for added safety.

When drinking river water, a filtration straw will suffice. However, for extra precaution, using a combination of a filtration system and chemical tablets is advised. This ensures that even the smallest bacteria and viruses are eliminated, providing you with safe drinking water.

Chlorine or Iodine Tablets

Chlorine or iodine-based tablets are commonly used for water purification. These tablets can effectively kill contaminants after filtering the water. After adding a tablet, wait 30 minutes before drinking. While chemical purification can leave an unpleasant taste, adding flavor packets or electrolyte solutions can help. One regular bottle of water should be consumed for every drink with added minerals. Though there are long-term concerns about chemical tablets, they are safe for short-term use during treks.

The water along the trail is generally of good quality, being clean and cold. However, filtering the water before adding the tablets is a good practice to ensure maximum safety. The chemical tablets may leave a taste that some trekkers find unpleasant, so carrying flavor packets or electrolyte solutions can be helpful. These not only mask the taste but also replenish the salts lost through sweating, contributing to better hydration.

UV Light/Steripen

For those averse to chemical treatments, a Steripen using UV light is an excellent sustainable alternative. This device takes 90 seconds per liter to treat water by destroying the DNA of protozoa, bacteria, and viruses. It is lightweight and convenient, but ensure you have a backup plan for batteries. Certain batteries perform better in cold conditions, so keep them warm by storing them close to your body when not in use. Rechargeable batteries can be recharged along the trail, or you can carry extra batteries or a power bank.

The Steripen is a popular choice among backpackers for its ease of use and effectiveness. However, relying solely on electronic devices can be risky, especially in remote areas. Always have a contingency plan, such as carrying extra batteries or a power bank, to ensure your Steripen remains functional throughout your trek.

Additional Hydration Tips

• Drink Tea and Soup: Order lots of tea and soup at teahouses. Garlic soup, in particular, is believed to aid acclimation.
• Monitor Diuretics: Diuretics like caffeinated tea, coffee, or Diamox require extra water intake to compensate for increased urination.
• Avoid Alcohol: Avoid alcohol during your ascent as it can dehydrate you and slow acclimation.
• Use Two Water Bottles: Carry two water bottles so you can alternate between purifying one and drinking from the other.
• Warm Water Bottles: Fill a water bottle with boiling water at night to keep in your sleeping bag for warmth.

Tea and soup are readily available at teahouses and provide a great way to stay hydrated. Garlic soup, in particular, is known for its potential benefits in acclimating to high altitudes. Monitoring your intake of diuretics is also crucial, as they can lead to increased urination, necessitating higher water intake to stay hydrated. Avoiding alcohol is advisable during your ascent, as it can interfere with your acclimation process and cause dehydration.

Carrying two water bottles allows you to continuously have purified water available. While one bottle is being treated with a tablet, you can drink from the other. Nalgene water bottles are a good option as they retain heat and don’t burn you when you pour in boiling water. Filling up a water bottle with boiling water at night and placing it in your sleeping bag can also help keep you warm.

Water Availability in the Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region offers similar challenges and solutions as Everest Base Camp. No plastic water bottles are sold, but safe water drinking stations are available in popular trekking areas.

While trekking in the Annapurna region is very similar to Everest Base Camp, there are a few differences to be aware of. No plastic water bottles are sold, but there are safe water drinking stations available in the most popular trekking areas. These stations provide a reliable source of clean drinking water, reducing the need to carry large quantities of water.

While it may seem stressful to worry about clean water, the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas makes it all worthwhile. At Treks Advisor, we’re here to help you make your trekking dreams a reality. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email us at advisortreks@gmail.com. Please like, comment, or subscribe to let us know how we’re doing.

Ensuring access to clean, potable water during your trek is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. By following these hydration and water purification tips, you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and challenging trails of the Himalayas. Remember, staying hydrated is key to a successful trek.

Stay hydrated and enjoy your trek! Treks Advisor

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