Last updated: July 07, 2022, 9:51 PM IST
Thousands of devotees take part in Char Dham Yatra every year (Image: News18 Hindi)
Char Dham Yatra includes a tour to the 4 shrines of Kedarnath (3,553 meters), Badrinath (3,300 meters), Yamunotri (3,291 meters) and Gangotri (3,415 meters)
Thousands of devotees participate in Char Dham Yatra every year. Char Dham Yatra includes a tour to the four sacred shrines of Kedarnath (3,553 meters), Badrinath (3,300 meters), Yamunotri (3,291 meters) and Gangotri (3,415 meters). Because of their high altitude, the four pilgrimage sites have often reported deaths from heart problems and shortness of breath. According to a report in India Today, data from the Uttarakhand Emergency Operations Center shows that 203 pilgrims have died since the start of the Char Dham Yatra on May 3. The death toll is mainly due to cardiac arrest and other health problems.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr. KS Chauhan, Chief Medical Officer of Uttarkashi District, that all deaths reported in the district were on foot. Chauhan told the national daily that there is an elevation on the hiking trails at Char Dham and when people keep walking, they don’t realize the sudden drop in oxygen levels. The tourists who get off the planes and are not used to the place and keep moving without enough rest and later complain of dizziness. According to Chauhan, most of the people who died had problems such as hypertension, diabetes and high blood pressure.
It should be noted that the higher you climb, the lower the air pressure and oxygen content in the atmosphere. Our bodies can handle the shift, but it takes time to adjust gradually. Therefore, it is essential that you undergo a full body check before planning your visit to the Char Dham. If you have an underlying heart condition, it is imperative to seek the advice of your doctor before traveling to the high altitude areas.
Another way to avoid altitude sickness is to walk slowly and keep yourself hydrated all the time.
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