How to stay safe during Jopuno Expedition

Mt. Jopuno is very safe as far as the route and trail are concerned. The trekking trail till base camp is well laid out and wide even though you will encounter occasional loose gravel, rocks, and an uphill section. The route and climbing section from base camp to camp 1 and camp 1 to summit push is challenging and strenuous.        

Proper exercises for physical fitness will allow you to stay safe and healthy during the Mt. Jopuno expedition. Your physical fitness and preparation are what make you safe in the mountains. Having prior trekking and climbing experiences is an added advantage on your side. Knowledge about Himalayan terrain and high-altitude sickness will greatly help you in case such an issue arises during the Expedition.

Mild symptoms of high-altitude sickness such as slight headache, breathlessness, nausea are common in the high-altitude trek and Expedition. Our staff will give you garlic soup and popcorn which helps to acclimatize however If you start experiencing acute and strong symptoms then we will advise you not to go further or else exit becomes difficult. There is only one exit point during the Mt. Jopuno Expedition so the further you are in the trek, the tougher it gets to get back.  

In a mountain “altitude sickness” is a common term for different kinds of illnesses – as simple as a headache, dizziness to swelling of fingers to an acute state like fluids accumulations in your lungs and brains.

AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness

HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema

HACE - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

Some of the scientific Medicine used to treat Altitude Sickness is –

Diamox is a diuretic. To put it simply, it helps speed up acclimatization.

Dexamethasone (Dex) is a steroid. It prevents your body from releasing substances that cause inflammation. That’s how it helps temporarily treat edema.

Nifedipine is a drug that reduces your blood pressure. You use it only if you have HAPE.

The closest primary health center and hospital are at Yuksam and Geyzing. The primary health center at Yuksam has only basic facilities with oxygen availability. The main district hospital is at Geyzing which is a 1 to 2-hour drive from Yuksam.