So far my updates have just been about events of the trip but now that we are back in Canada, it is important to mention the scientific purpose and goals of the trip.
The primary focus is to examine factors that determine susceptibility to acute mountain sickness (AMS) in Nepali Hindu religious pilgrims. These pilgrims are participating in an annual festival called Janai Purnima. During the festival, pilgrims ascend on steep, muddy, single track trails to 4500 meter Lake Gosainkunda. A significant number of these people develop AMS due to the high altitude and possibly exacerbated by the short amount of time pilgrims take to ascend (usually 1 to 3 days). Those with AMS suffer from debilitating headache, nausea, weakness, and difficulty sleeping. AMS can lead to more serious life-threatening illness such as high-altitude cerebral or pulmonary edema.
