How To Prevent Frostbite And Hypothermia During Kedarkantha Winter Treks

Are you planning a winter trek? Kedarkantha is quite famous for winter treks. It is one of the most adventurous ones in winter. However, there are pretty challenging problems as well. Like, there is a risk of getting frostbite or hypothermia. There are really freezing temperatures outside, in which your body goes into a protective mode. It prioritizes keeping your vital organs warm by reducing blood flow to the extremities. This develops a risk of frostbite in these areas. Also, your core body temperature dropping even slightly would be called hypothermia. Even a mild one can impair your functioning. Keep reading to know how you can prevent both of these.

Dress In Proper Layers

In the cold weather, dressing right is key. It helps you stay safe and cozy.

• Trap Your Body Heat: You should wear layers of clothing. They will keep you warm and send the cold out of your body.
• Protect Your Body: Natural elements like wind and snow are a real problem.
• Dress Appropriately In Layers: Your inner layer must have wicking fabrics. Avoid cotton like the plague! The middle layers should have insulating fabrics. The outer layers must be breathable. They should be waterproof and windproof. 

There are also some extra accessories you must take with you. Do not forget them at any cost. 

• Warm hats will keep your head and ears safe.
• Face masks will be needed to protect your face from the cold wind.
• Scarves are required to keep your neck warm and cozy.
• Mittens and gloves are also very useful items. They are practical and warm.
• Your feet can stay dry and warm with wool or polypropylene socks.
• Waterproof boots will also help.

Always keep adding layers when you are cooling down. Do not wait until you are freezing heavily. Similarly, also keep removing layers as you are warming up. Avoid overheating and sweating as much as possible.

Take Plenty Of Food And Water

The cold weather on the trek can be harsh. Hence, your body needs the right fuel. It is necessary to help your body stay warm and energized. That means you need to eat and drink plenty. You must understand that doing only one of the two can increase your risk of cold-weather injuries. You should know how to eat in a smart way.

• Snack on energy bars.
• Eat proteins and fats.
• Stay completely hydrated for your own benefit.
• Keep drinking water from time to time, as it is necessary.

Watch for Early Signs 

You should have knowledge about the early signs of frostbite and hypothermia. They can easily catch you off guard when you're not careful enough. Keep checking if you are having red and cold skin. Also, prickling and numbness are like warning signs. They mean that something is wrong. Feeling cold and shivering are also quite obvious signs. 

If you spot these signs, do not even waste a second. Take steps to warm up.

• Get out of the cold and find shelter or head indoors.
• Throw on extra clothes that will trap warmth.
• Give your body a good amount of energy and hydration.
• Jump up and down and keep moving here and there.
• Use your warm hands so that you can thaw out your cold fingers or face.

Conclusion 

It is an extremely memorable experience to go for this trek. However, you need to properly plan everything in an organized manner. It is the only way to enjoy it fully. Always be prepared for any potential problems. Any new thing can come your way. Wear a number of layers. Keeping yourself completely warm and cozy is necessary. In addition to that, prioritizing your own safety first is also a must. Be careful at each step as you keep following all these steps. By doing so, you will be properly trained to tackle Kedarkantha Trek. Go and make lifelong memories!