The sanitation both in Nepal and on the
trail in the Himalayas leaves something to be desired. I would say that
most members of our 16 party group had some sort of food poisoning or
upset stomach due to the food. There is a lack of sewer systems which results in a
much higher degree of diarrhea. No water in Nepal should be trusted by
the Western traveler. Even the tap water in Katmandu is suspect. There
are certain ways around drinking the local water in its present state.
You can buy sodas and bottled water along the trail. Buying these may be
suspect as well since some of the bottled water is bottled filtered but
not purified in the hills behind the town of Namche Bazaar.
Our group drank the
bottled water and the sodas all the way up the trail. You can bring
filters and filter the water. Filter pores must be small enough to catch
parasitic eggs and larvae. However filter pores are not small enough to
catch viruses, and are only slightly efficient in catching bacteria. Some
recommended water filters are Katadyne Pocket Filter, First Need Filter,
and Water Tech Water Purifier.
Another method of insuring the safety of the water is to boil it. The
boiling point of water at 14,000 feet is about 187 degrees F. Despite
the lower boiling temperature, this is still
hot enough to kill harmful bacteria. The problem with this method is
that it takes time, a stove, and fuel. A pressure cooker is recommended
instead.
My favorite method, but one that I only used once on this trek
is the use of iodine pills in the water. The pills are very light and
can be easily stowed in your backpack. Usually one pill is recommended per quarter of
water but consult the individual instructions.
|
About
Dave's Pick