Trekking to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain peak (8848 meters) is strenuous. Even though the journey is difficult, the adventure and knowledge from the trip are incredible. Hiking to a certain height comes along with some risks. However, trekking to the base camp is less dangerous than trekking to the summit. The tracks uphill are complex than regular roads. Slippery stones and narrow paths are where there are changes of leg slips.
The death rate of Mount Everest Base Camp trek is not that high. Yet, some people who fail to complete their journey have had their last breath. The average number of death in the region is 3 to 4 people per year. However, the Everest Base camp hike is less risky than other trekking trails of Nepal.
Current loss on Everest Base Camp region:
Most of the reasons for death in the Everest region are altitude sickness or unpredicted heart conditions.
A navy student, Rachel Burke, died recently on the journey because of some cardiac problems. She suffered from altitude sickness at first, and her health condition decreased, resulting in her life loss.
Moreover, a mother aged 49, Debra Wilding, also passed away on her hike because of altitude sickness. She was hiking with her daughter and the other 12 members.
The reason for death is hard to find out in this reason. Most of the ends have not been reported by any means, so keeping track of numbers may not be that accurate.
Death because of Flood in the Everest Base Camp:
Snow flood affects the track of trek. The Earthquake of 2015 had made a terrible effect on the trekking trail of EBC. The disaster shake swiped away the Hillary step from Pumori to the Base Camp. Many people lost their lives because of the snow wipe, and many were injured badly. Overflow of snow has made the trekking trail more difficult and blocked some of the routes, which leads to a massive problem in the journey.
Passing away because of altitude sickness:
Altitude sickness has become the primary reason for death in the Everest. The base camp altitudes are up to 5545 meters, which is probably the elevation of many peaks. Many people neglect altitude sickness symptoms, which results in their death. Sometimes the average body cannot adapt to the height and temperate and may cause difficulty breathing. The oxygen level becomes thinner as you move above sea level and causes trouble. It is better to take proper rest than to carry the journey. You need to be aware of the altitude sickness while doing Island peak climbing and adventure trekking like the Three high passes trek, Renjo La pass trek, Chola Pass trek, etc.
Heart problems can be another reason for death:
People with cardiac problems better not go for long and altitudinal hikes. You never know what happens next. The human heart has difficulty pumping blood when the body does not adapt to the atmosphere. Hence, the functioning of the heart stops, which leads to death. Heart problems take life at a breakneck speed, and being on a high altitude, reaching proper health care soon is pretty hard.
Everest Base Camp and natural calamities:
Natural Calamities are uncertain to predict. Earthquakes, floods, and landslides can be significant threats while hiking in the area of Everest Base Camp. Snow flood is the kind of Flood that occurs in these regions which wipes away everything it is ways. Rocks and heavy soil falling from the hills are another danger to life. Earthquake shakes the peak from its root causing Flood and landslide, and hence you should be very careful on what to do in these conditions.
Unreliable news on the Everest Base camp Deaths:
The number of deaths in the Everest Base Camp region is comparatively low than in others. Climbing to the peak has a more death rate than Base camp. However, different sources publish different information about the pass out in the region, which may not be accurate. People are also mistaken on the info of Summits death and Base camp death. Only trust the genuine sources for the information and follow the maps and guidelines.
Preventive methods while trekking to the Everest Base Camp:
Taking rest:
You should take proper rest if you suffer from altitude sickness. Do not be stubborn about continuing the hike and have appropriate bed rest. Call for emergency helicopter service if you have difficulty breathing or the condition goes worst. Your life is more precious than any trek, so pay proper care to minor health problems.
The cardiac patient should avoid the journey:
A person suffering from any heart problems is strictly prohibited for the journey. It is done for your safety, so don’t like anything while registering yourself for the trek. Make sure you eat proper and hygienic food. You should always carry emergency medicines or a heart pump. Don’t carry overload if you cannot take your own body.
Get physically and mentally strong:
One should be physically and mentally strong while trekking. You never know what happens next, so you must be mentally calm in every situation. The trip is long with different uphill and difficulties. Hence it would help if you were physically fit. Weakness can lead to other significant problems. You need to make sure that you are 100% physically and mentally okay.
Stay Hydrated:
The human body is 70% water. It is crucial for the proper functioning of all the organs to be fully hydrated. You will be walking for 6-7 hours a day, and you must be drinking water from time to time. Burning urination is a symptom of dehydration, which is very irritating. Don’t neglect drinking water while you are on the hike.
Additional points for easiness:
- Carry a light backpack. It will be challenging to walk carrying massive kilograms of load in your back.
- Always follow the map and guidelines provided by the experts.
- Stay away from yaks and other animals.
- Properly examine the weather and climate before going on the trek.
- Choose hiking trial as per your capacity and experience.
- Make sure to carry a tracker in case you get lost from the trekking trail.
