Best Time and Season for Pumori Expedition
The highest point we will reach on this expedition is 7,161 meters during the climb of Mt Pumori. However, weather can play a crucial role in our day-to-day activities at such altitudes. A sudden change in the weather can affect our whole schedule. Therefore, we must do this expedition at the correct time and season.
The best time to proceed Pumori Expedition is during the Autumn and Spring seasons. During the Spring season, the weather is stable and the sky is clear giving us a scenic view throughout the path. The blooming rhododendrons and other wildlife flowers, along with the lush hill, also make the route more vibrant and beautiful.
Similarly, during the autumn season, the weather is consistent with a clear sky during the daytime and a few clouds in the afternoon. The nighttime is also cool and chill with a clear sky. Moreover, the color of the leaves and flowers starts to change in this season. The fallen leaves and the flowers create a beautiful carpet of orange foliage en route.
However, other seasons might not be suitable to do this trek, as the weather conditions are quite extreme. The sky is not clear giving us a gloomy view on the trail. During the winter season, strong windstorms with heavy snowfall can cause delays in our trip and make the path more challenging.
Accommodation on the Pumori Expedition
Accommodation in the Pumori expedition varies from place to place. There can be multiple options from the basic to standard rooms in some places whereas there are just local tea shops and lodges in a few areas. However, we will make sure to accommodate you in a properly managed place for hassle-free travel.
During the early days of the expedition, the visiting areas will have quite a few choices to choose from for the overnight stay. Per our budget, we might choose what we like. These places come with their dine-in area, hot shower, bar, stunning views, and many more.
However, as we move further in our journey there are fewer choices, and the local tea shops and lodges are our only choice for accommodation. These places come with basic amenities and sometimes a shared bathroom in much rural places.
In addition, from the base camp through the entire climb we will have to stay in a tent for the night. Therefore, pack the necessary items that might be required for accommodating in a tent.
Meals Availability on Pumori Expedition
The meal availability during the Pumori Expedition can differ from place to place. From Nepali, Tibetan, Indian, and continental cuisine, you will get multiple options in the early days. But as we proceed ahead, the food is also quite similar to traditional Nepali cuisine Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari, which is rice with lentil soup and some vegetables.
From the base camp to the entire climb, we will be accommodating in a tent. So, the meals can be limited. However, we make sure that you get enough nutrients to continue the next day in the expedition and prepare the meal accordingly.
Difficulty and Challenges of the Pumori Expedition
The Pumori Expedition poses significant challenges and requires prior mountaineering experience. There are multiple sections where we require technical skills. So, it is important to have the required training and skills beforehand we do this expedition.
The weather at such altitude can change instantly and make our route more challenging. So, we have to be prepared for the worst conditions beforehand. We need to make sure that we have proper clothing and other items to withstand these extreme conditions.
There is a constant risk of different altitude sicknesses like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High-altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). The extreme cold temperature with low levels of oxygen can affect our health and taking precautions immediately is important at these times. To make sure we don't face these problems, we have to acclimatize at different altitudes to ensure our body adapts to the environment at high altitudes.
Talking about the trail, during the climb there are some steep section that requires technical skills like rock climbing, ice climbing, and passing through the narrow ridges. Moreover, technical gear like ice axes, ropes, crampons, etc are essential, and knowing them how to use properly is also required.
Permits Required for the Pumori Expedition
For any expedition, we require multiple permits. These are the legal documents that ensure that we can climb the mountain without any hassle. The price of the permits can vary on the altitude and the difficulty of that place.
Below is the list of permits required during the Pumori Expedition:
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Sagarmatha National Park Permit to enter the national park.
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Climbing Permit from Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) for climbing Mt. Pumori.
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TIMS CARD & Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entry Permit
Pumori Expedition Travel Insurance
In any expedition, travel insurance can be crucial. As we are ascending in high altitudes and climbing high mountains, the weather can be tricky. Although we take proper safety measures and precautions, still mother nature can be unpredictable. During these extreme conditions, we might require immediate evacuations.
In addition, getting altitude sickness is quite normal at such altitude. Depending on our body, we might or might not adapt at such altitudes. And sometimes the situation can escalate to the worst quite quickly. Due to a medical emergency, we might require immediate evacuation.
Therefore, to cover the cost of this medical emergency and other immediate evacuation, we require travel insurance. Make sure you understand the insurance package and get the correct travel insurance which especially covers above mentioned costs.
Altitude Sickness and Remedies during the Pumori Expedition
Altitude sickness can be a serious concern when climbing Mt. Pumori(7,161 meters), located in the Khumbu region near Mt. Everest. The condition arises when altitude increases, and air pressure drops, resulting in a lower oxygen level. The mild symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and fatigue. If the symptoms worsen, they can escalate to shortness of breath and severe headache.
Acclimatization is essential for safety in climbing high-altitude peaks like Pumori. A gradual ascent, with acclimatization in our itinerary. Allows your body to adjust in decreasing oxygen levels. It’s vital to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and maintain a balanced diet food. Take medications like Acetazolamide (Diamox) to prevent and treat altitude sickness, but only under medical guidance.
The risk of altitude sickness could be minimised by allowing time for acclimatisation by ascending slowly and taking rest, drinking plenty of water. Medication includes Acetazolamide (Diamox), which can help prevent altitude sickness. Descending to lower elevations and getting plenty of rest would be effective for alleviating altitude sickness. Supplementary oxygen will be required if things get worse.
Our experienced guides on the Pumori expedition will closely monitor climbers' health and make informed decisions about when to ascend and descend. Additionally, to reduce the risk of altitude sickness, we will ensure climbers are well prepared for the challenges of high altitude through proper training and medical checkups before the expedition. Safety is always our top priority, ensuring the adventure remains enjoyable and secure.
Guide and Safety for Pumori Expedition
Pumori Expedition is recognized for its technical difficulties, including steep slopes, icy sections, and crevasses. It is essential for climbers to possess prior mountaineering experiences.
Having experienced local guides and sherpas can help a lot in our journey. These professionals have extensive knowledge of the region’s geography, weather patterns, and climbing techniques, which enhances both safety and the overall experience. Their familiarity with the mountain allows them to anticipate potential hazards and make informed decisions during the ascent.
Safety is our foremost priority. Climbers must focus on proper acclimatization to the altitude and follow the guidance of our experienced guides. We would equip each climber with safety gear, including first aid kits, and, if necessary, oxygen cylinders. Sherps, known for their expertise in altitude acclimatization and terrain navigation can make the journey more manageable.
In emergencies, we are prepared to evacuate climbers to the nearest medical facility if required. By prioritizing safety and relying on the expertise of local guides and Sherpas, climbers can confidently approach the Pumori expedition, knowing that their well-being is in capable hands.
