Altitude sickness at Lama Kholsi

Well, granted it is some time since I have updated my blog, working in Melbourne since February, but I've finally dedicated some time to try and finish my blog.

I have been editing some map links to show various highlights.


One of the projects that RIDS Nepal was looking at, was to install a number of water taps, and possibly improve the village water supply at Lama Kholsi.

The below photo is of Bombador, our guide from Lama Kholsi, and Alex Zahnd the founder of RIDS Nepal at the spring which is the water source for Lama Kholsi.




To Travel to Lama Kholsi from Dharapori, you have to cross over the Karnali River, with the bridge at below 2500m.

As Nepali's often only eat 2 meals a day, before the main meal at about lunch time, we decided to have a look at the water source for Lama Kholsi. This was at about 3000m.

So on this day, we didn't really have a substantial meal, decided to go for a trek to the village Lama Kholsi, and return, which should take about 3 hours.

However, when we went to the water source, we were told there was a frozen lake, at about 4000m. This lake also had a local legend associated with it. As our guide told us it was about an hours walk away, up another 1000m.

Now I think it is worth noting, the link at wikipedia for Altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness
Please also note the description.

The rate of ascent, altitude attained, amount of physical activity at high altitude, as well as individual susceptibility, are contributing factors to the onset and severity of high-altitude illness.

We travelled from about 2500m to 3800m in about 3 hours. With the below link on google maps showing the contours of where we travelled.
To view the satellite image, just click on "satellite"


View Trek to Lama Kholsi High Altitude Lake map >

Now I didn't make it to the top of the mountain, as I was feeling extremely unhappy with the world. It took me a few minutes to walk about 10 metres, at about 3700m, with a 10 minute break in between attempts of walking. I was short of breath, confused, and getting a slight headache.
Altitude sickness can be quite dangerous, and more so in remote areas such as Humla.

Just before I decided it was in my best interest to head down the mountain. I thought I would take a photo of myself to capture the moment of discomfort.
It doesn't show it that well, but I was extremely unhappy at this moment.



I don't regret not being able to make it to the frozen lake, as you are responsible for your own welfare when traveling in remote areas such as this. As soon as I trekked down 100m, I felt much better.

To show what I missed out on seeing, Alex took video footage of the area, with the local tibetan guide singing in the background.

I loaded it on youtube just recently. So check out the link.

Frozen Lake above Lama Kholsi in Humla


I have also included some of the images of the scenery around the area.

Remember that this is at approximately 3700m. With the photo's it is obvious that there are much taller mountains in the area.





This next image shows Alex's arm pointing towards Dharapori, next to the Karnali river.





With further scenic views.








We were incredibly fortunate later on, with the guide taking us to his families house, for some food, and tibetan tea.
The image below is of the guide's wife, children, with Alex looking on.