Trek to Jharkhand's highest peak: Parasnath Hill

Day 01: 25th October 2023

This was supposed to be my daughter's first ever trek.  When I booked this trek few of my friends also send their children with me.

At 0600hrs we boarded Asansol Memu express from Giri Maidan and reached Asansol around 1200hrs.  Our next train to Parasnath was at 1400hrs. So we finished our lunch at Asansol. Around 1300hrs the organising team also arrived. We joined them. They gave us team tshirts and instructed us to change.  Train was on time.

Around 1700hrs we reached Parasnath.

From Parasnath we reached Madhuban, checked in a hotel.  We were allotted rooms. Me, Subhra and Ayush (young boy) share a room and my daughter shared her room with other girls. After evening tea and snacks we went out for a temples tour. Visited few temples in Madhuban.  Temples over here are very beautiful. Most of the hotel and shops were owned by Jains. It's one of the main pilgrimage of Jains.

After the temple tour we came back to the hotel, dinner was served early and then around 2200hrs we all slept.

Day 02 : 26th October 2023

After an early breakfast we were all ready for the trek.  Just before leaving the hotel room while coming downstairs Shristi twisted her ankle and she has to stay back in the hotel.  Around 0645hrs our trek started.

 It's a 12 km simple ramp kind of trail.  We took small water breaks and continue to walk.  I was amazed to see Jisha and Ruhee performing so well.  They were walking in front and they maintained the same speed.  They were thoroughly enjoying the trail and trek. There is a point just before summit where the trail goes in 4 different directions connecting to different temples. When we reached here it was completely cloudy and temperature also dropped.  So we took out our rain jackets and wind cheaters.  

After reaching on top even standing in front of  the Parasnath Temple it was not at all visible due to clouds.

1136 hrs we reached the summit.

1400hrs start descending enroute we visited few temples and around 1700hrs we were back at the hotel.

In the evening a proper campfire without fire was celebrated.  Many hikers performed dance and songs.  Best performers were awarded with trophies. Jisha also received an award for the youngest and fastest trekker. But she was so tired that when her name was announced for the prize, she was already in the dream world.

Day 03: 27th October 2024

It was a slow morning, after breakfast we all left for Parasnath station. Boarded a train to Asansol and from there we boarded another train to Kharagpur. At 2200hrs we were all at Giri Maidan station.  Parents were there waiting for there children.  After bidding good-bye we returned home.

ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY MEDICINES FOR TREKKING ADVENTURES: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Trekking and mountaineering are undeniably thrilling activities that offer unparalleled views and an opportunity to truly immerse oneself in nature.  However, these activities also come with potential risks and uncertainties. It is important to comprehend and evaluate the potential health risks associated with trekking. Preparing well for emergencies when going on trekking expeditions is essential to ensure safety and well-being. In this guide, we will discuss the importance of carrying essential medications, their purposes, and guidelines for their usage that every trekker should consider.

1. Understanding the risks

Before taking any medication while trekking, it is important to be aware of the potential risks so that you can take preventive measures to mitigate or avoid them. During a trek, common medical emergencies include altitude sickness, injuries such as sprains, strains, cuts, gastrointestinal problems, and dehydration. These problems are often caused by factors like altitude, weather conditions, and individual health considerations.

• Building a personalized medical kit

A properly stocked first aid kit is vital when trekking. It will help the trekkers to enjoy the view with comfort and safety. It's important to customize the kit according to individual needs, including factors such as duration, destination, and personal health. A well-equipped kit should include essential items such as scissors, adhesive tape, bandages, crepe bandages, tweezers, a thermometer, and CPR masks.

• Essential Emergency medicines
• Paracetamol – It is used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches or even sprains, body aches, and fever.
• Cetirizine or montelukast +fexofenadine- It is Used to treat the common cold, and treats allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, or runny nose. It is advisable to take this medicine at night after dinner and get some rest.
• Domperidone or Ondansetron – This medication is used to alleviate vomiting or nausea symptoms.
• Doxycycline + Ambroxol, and Ascoril – It is Primarily used to treat cough associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma or bronchitis.
• Ofloxacin +ornidazole – It is effective in treating diarrhea caused due to indigestion and controlling bowel movements.
• Norfloxacin+ Tinidazole- It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and severe stomach infections.
• Drotin DS or Drotaverine – It helps in relieving stomach aches or spasms.
• Ciprofloxacin (eyedrop)- It is used to treat watery eyes, red eyes, or ophthalmalgia.
• Aceclofenac + Paracetamol – It works effectively in reducing back pain, body pain, or arthritis.
• Volini spray "It provides immediate relief for leg sprains, twists, and muscle pain."
• Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide, Pan 40- It is used to relieve acid indigestion and upset stomach.
• Amoxicillin with potassium clavulanate – It is used as an antibiotic to treat burns, cuts, and injuries.
• Azithromycin 500+Paracetamol+ Montelukast- These are used to treat various bacterial infections, colds, or prolonged fever.

The following information provided above is mentioned in tabular form to help you out more efficiently.

PROBLEM	MEDICINE NAME	DOSAGE
Headache, body ache, fever	Paracetamol 650	Take one tablet three times a day after meals.
Common cold	Cetrizine or montelukas+fexofenadine	Take one tablet after dinner every day.
Vomiting tendency or vomiting	Domperidone or Ondansetron	1 tablet three times a day, half an hour before each meal.
Coughing	Doxycycline + Ambroxol, and Ascoril	To take doxycycline, you need to take 1 tablet every day for three days, either in the morning or in the evening. Take 2 spoons of Ambroxol or Ascoril three times a day.
Loose motions or diarrhea	Ofloxacin +ornidazole	Take one dose twice a day.
Dysentery and stomach infections	Norfloxacin+ Tinidazole	Take one dose twice a day.
Stomach ache or spasms	Drotin DS or Drotaverine	Take one dose thrice a day
Watery eyes or red eyes	Ciprofloxacin (eyedrop)	1 drop 4 times a day (both eyes)
Muscle pain or arthritis	Aceclofenac + Paracetamol	Take one  dose twice a day after a meal
Leg twists and sprains	Volini spray	-
Acidity	Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide syrup, Pan 40	Take 2-3 teaspoons of syrup along with 1 Pan 40 tablet before meal.
Cuts and injuries	Amoxicillin with potassium clavulanate	Take one tablet once a day, either in the morning or in the evening.
Prolonged fever or cold	Azithromycin 500+Paracetamol+ Montelukast	Take one tablet once a day, either in the morning or in the evening.

1. Additional considerations
2. By regularly checking the expiry dates of your medications, you can ensure that you are taking them safely and effectively. Don't risk taking expired medication. Replace any that have passed their expiration date as soon as possible to ensure your health and well-being.
3. A medical manual or reference guide can be a lifesaver in times of emergencies. Ensure you carry one with you for quick and efficient responses during critical situations.
4. It is recommended to store medications in a waterproof container or packaging to prevent them from exposure to moisture and environmental temperature fluctuations.
5. When traveling to higher altitudes, it is important to carry sunscreen to protect yourself from increased UV exposure, which can cause sunburns and radiation damage.
6. It's important to bring enough water and snacks to avoid dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health issues.
7. Carry an insect repellant to avoid insect bites and stings which can lead to discomfort and potential allergic reactions.
8. Make sure to pack blister treatment supplies and bring layers of clothing, including waterproof gear, to stay dry and comfortable.

Trekking can be quite physically demanding, and it's essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. By understanding these risks, putting together a well-equipped first aid kit, and knowing how to use medications effectively, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so taking adequate precautions and making proper preparations will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature and create unforgettable experiences. As we walk carefully through the wilderness, let's cherish each moment, leave no trace.

DISCLAIMER: 

The medicines and remedies mentioned here are shared solely based on personal experience and are not prescribed or recommended by a licensed medical professional. We strongly advise you to consult a qualified doctor or healthcare provider before using any of the mentioned medications. Self-medication can be harmful—always seek professional medical guidance for diagnosis and treatment.

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