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 got some sort of food poisoning or upset stomach
due to the food. Their 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. Some of the bottled water is bottled in Namche Bazaar
behind town. The water is filtered but not purified. 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 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 187 degrees F. This is still
hot enough to allow for disinfection. 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 was only used once by me on this trek
is the use of iodine pills in the water. The pills are very light and
can be easily packed in. Usually one pill is recommended per quarter of
water.
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