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IS KASHMIR SAFE FOR TREKKING
Am I Safe During the Trekking in Kashmir?
Safety
The fact that Kashmir is a troubled state is not unknown to most. Here and there, we come across news of some kind of disturbance in Kashmir. It is understood, thus, when trekkers feel unsafe to undertake treks in Kashmir. Well, as a matter of fact, tourism in Kashmir has rather increased in the years. Kashmir is Safe for trekkers This is a clear indicator that trekkers do feel safe to come and trek in this beautiful place.
Now, there are, however some things that one must keep in mind before trekking in this area. No matter how safe trekking might be, unforeseen circumstances can never be prevented. One should always try to stay in groups. Most treks, anyway, are done in groups. Thus, it is always better to stay with your group. Keeping company at all points of time makes one more secure and helps better during instances of unforeseen circumstances. Secondly, try to get accommodation near the Dal Lake, as it is deemed as one of the safest areas in Kashmir for trekkers.
Another important thing to keep in mind is to carry a valid ID proof all times. There are several army posts and they demand to check your identity.
Apart from the aforementioned, there aren’t many security problems to address. However, some facts related to the trekker himself/herself may lead to security issues. For example, many times, physical unpreparedness of a trekker leads to several health problems during trekking. Some people tend to underestimate the difficulty of a high-altitude trek and end up getting sick. One should undertake this trek only when he/she is fully prepared, mentally and physically.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) in Kashmir
Most importantly, one must, at all times, keep a check on their body. In high altitude treks such as the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, there is a slight probability of developing altitude sickness. Now, what is altitude sickness? It is essentially a physical condition that arises when your body finds it difficult to adjust to the lower levels of oxygen in higher altitudes. A sudden change in the level of oxygen generally causes altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). There are various symptoms of altitude sickness. Symptoms of mild acute mountain sickness may include dizziness, increase in heartbeat, shortness of breath, insomnia, nausea, vomiting among others. Severe acute mountain sickness may include coughing, social seclusion, chest congestion, disturbance in body homeostasis. If faced by any of the aforementioned symptoms, one must immediately identify them and inform to the camp leader. There are doses of several medicines that help in dealing with AMS. There also are hospitals which will help. Many people think that Acute Mountain Sickness is a rare condition. Well, it is not so. It can affect anyone, even the most experienced trekkers. So, take all the required precautions. If proper care is taken on the part of the trekker, then the treks are completely secure and enjoyable.