Rewrite Your Limits: Manaslu Expedition Beyond the Boundaries of Age
25 Jan 2024 Chandra Gurung
Manaslu expedition: embarking on a journey on the mightiest mountain in the world, the Mountain of Spirit. Age? It is just a number that is scrawled on a plane ticket when you are confronted with such a breathtaking adventure.
Manaslu is not just a journey to explore Mother Nature, but also a transformation of mind and soul. The Manaslu expedition demands respect and teamwork. Training and long-busting cardio and strength workouts will give you the strength and spirit to hail on the Manaslu expedition.
Are you too young or too old for the Manaslu Expedition?
The stories of Dr. Pranav Bhattacharjee, at 72, who summited Manaslu in 2022, proved that age is just a footnote for a human spirit to face the adventure. Or it could be a reference to the Bollywood movie Unchai, where three friends at the ages of 63 and 80 embark on the journey of getting to a Himalayan base camp despite all the physical limitations they have.
You are not even too young to embark on this journey. You might be aware of the name Nima Rinji Sherpa, who completed the summit of Mt. Manaslu at the tender age of 16 years, 5 months, and 12 days. At such a young age, he etched his name on the mighty Himalayas and became the symbol of boundless ambition and thrill.
Although the weather in Manaslu was severely harsh for climbing for most of the time during the expedition, Nima summited the mountain of spirit and proved that age is just a number when the passion burns bright.
Age is just a number on the birth certificate, a whisper lost in the roar of your determination. Well, Manaslu proves it. Manaslu trekking is more of a physical test for the soul. As you embark on this journey and immerse yourself in the snow-capped peaks that pierce the azure sky, the rewards are boundless.
What are the benefits of trekking and the Manaslu Expedition at any age?
Trekking is an activity that challenges your mental and physical well-being and offers a set of benefits for your overall health. The Manaslu expedition is not dedicated to a particular age. The ultimate completion and success of the trek depend on personal fitness and resilience.
Here are some of the ultimate benefits of trekking and the Manaslu Expedition at any age:
- Better blood circulation and cardiovascular health.
- Boost lung capacity and respiratory health
- Build muscle strength and endurance
Besides the physical fitness and sense of energy, trekking in Manaslu also presents a set of mental advantages that will boost not only the physiological but psychological health as well. Let me walk you through the major mental benefits of the Manaslu Expedition:
- Boosted mental wellbeing
- Reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression
- Better cognitive function and boosted self-esteem
- Build adventure and purpose
- Sense of respect and satisfaction
5 Ultimate Preparation Techniques for Senior Climbers while Trekking in Manaslu
Yes, Manaslu is challenging, and with increasing age, it becomes difficult to resist the hurdles that arise along the way. However, with the essential set of preparation and training, along with a sense of adventure, you can easily trek Manaslu even at the age of 76. We have presented you with five top techniques to make your trekking adventure easier:
1. Consult your doctor
Before you pack your gear and head on the journey of trekking at high altitude, it is essential to have a complete medical checkup. You can discuss your fitness level, medications, and health conditions with your doctor and take the necessary steps to overcome them.
2. Train smartly
Not only is training hard, but focusing on building endurance, strength, and flexibility in your body can help you during the trek. This can be done by practicing activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, and yoga. You can include other altitude training if possible.
3. Rest and acclimation
Rest is necessary. Yes, you cannot push yourself beyond your limits. You can take your time while ascending and adjust to the increasing altitude. Acclimatization to the higher altitude and decreasing oxygen levels will be the keys to your Manaslu expedition.
4. Choosing the right gear
Investing in good-quality clothing that fits your body is important. You can choose the gear and equipment that are designed for harsh weather conditions and high altitudes.
5. Get an expert guide and porter
Guides and Porter are the experts who will help you navigate your way. Also, these people can help you with any challenges that might arise while trekking. They can help you make safe decisions, which will be the key to your trekking journey. These people are familiar with the weather and routes of the Himalayas; thus, a good guide and porter will be vital for your trek.
Tips for your Manaslu Expedition: All your Age-related Doubts Cleared
With the right preparation and a positive attitude, you can indeed turn your dream of trekking Manaslu into reality, regardless of your age. Here I have mentioned some specific training plans and acclimatization strategies that are essential for senior climbers:
- Focus on low-impact cardio (swim, cycling, and elliptical training).
- Strength training: major muscles, legs, and core; stability and balance
- Practice yoga and tai chi to improve flexibility
- Altitude training using an altitude chamber and hypoxic masks
- Build in a rest day and listen to your body’s signals.
It will be favorable for the senior trekkers to opt for activities that are focused on building cardio health without stressing the joints. To enhance stability and balance in the body, strength training can play a vital role, eventually preventing falls. Increasing the intensity of the exercises and duration of the training sessions will help adopt even the more difficult exercises.
Possible Health Concerns and How to Manage Them
With the increasing altitude and decreasing oxygen level, it is indeed possible that some health issues could arise during the trek at times. Here are some of the common health concerns that you should be aware of:
1. Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
AMS is common when you travel at higher altitudes too quickly, as the air pressure and oxygen levels decrease at higher elevations. Some of the major symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. However, these symptoms can be prevented by remaining hydrated, taking acetaminophen for headaches, using supplementary oxygen, and ascending slowly while allowing your body to adjust to the lower oxygen level.
2. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)
High-altitude pulmonary edema is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that is a noncardiogenic pulmonary edema caused by low oxygen levels. Fluid buildup in the lungs eventually requires immediate descent and medical attention.
3. High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)
High-altitude cerebral edema is when fluid builds up in the brain due to a lack of oxygen. This could be fatal and requires immediate descent and medical attention by a trained medical professional.
Conclusion
On the lap of nature, there is a test of mental fortitude: Manaslu is more than a physical conquest. Manaslu is a majestic giant in the Himalayas that whispers a song of youth in the air. However, the truth is that Manaslu welcomes everyone who holds a sense of fire in their hearts and wisdom in their minds.
With every step you take along the way, the benefits unfold, whether they be physical or mental. A stronger heart, clear lungs, and sharpened minds are all that the Manaslu expedition will offer. For those who are holding themselves back from Manaslu to the domain of youth, we say that age is just a number, not a barrier.
With necessary preparation, focus, and determination, a fire within the soul, and a sense of adventure, Manaslu is waiting for you to come and embrace the challenges. Not only youth but a triumph of resilience and human spirit that beats at any age, the Manaslu expedition will carry all your dreams.