The Truth About Trekking Toilets, Showers & Hygiene at Altitude (What No One Tells You)
Description
In this no-filter episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake lifts the lid on the topic nobody wants to talk about — but everybody wants to know. From squat toilets in Nepal to shower scarcity on Kilimanjaro, this episode reveals the real hygiene realities of multi‑day treks at altitude.
Jake breaks down what toilets actually look like, how to stay clean without showers, common hygiene mistakes that stop people reaching the summit, and his personal tips from years of guiding on Everest Base Camp, Kilimanjaro, Toubkal, and the Inca Trail.
If hygiene worries have ever held you back from saying yes to a big trek, this is the episode that will put your mind at ease.
Key Takeaways
• Toilets exist on every major trek — just not always in the form you expect
Long drops, squat toilets, toilet tents, and frozen flush buckets are all part of the adventure.
• Staying clean is absolutely possible — even without daily showers
Wet wipes, bowls of hot water, deodorant, and merino layers are your best friends.
• Hygiene is safety: most failed summits come from stomach bugs, not fitness
Hand sanitiser, water purification, and simple food choices make all the difference.
• Water safety is non‑negotiable
Use purification bottles, avoid cracked-seal bottles, and be smart with salads and ice.
• Everyone starts worried… and ends up laughing about it
Toilets and showers feel intimidating before you go — but quickly become normal.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:16 – Why hygiene matters more than you think
02:15 – Toilet realities: EBC, Kili, Inca Trail & Toubkal
05:38 – Frozen flush buckets & mountain toilet hacks
08:28 – The “festival portaloo” rule
09:55 – Hydration, wild wees & summit success
11:41 – Staying clean without showers
13:32 – How often you can actually shower on EBC
14:56 – Hand hygiene & preventing stomach issues
17:13 – What to pack: dry shampoo, talc & wet wipes
18:37 – Personal hygiene tips that make a difference
21:02 – Water purification: avoid getting ill at altitude
23:46 – Foods to avoid when travelling
24:14 – Why you’re worrying more than you need to
25:37 – Final tips for staying healthy on trail
26:37 – Why hygiene fears shouldn’t stop you booking
27:33 – Get the Ultimate Adventure Travel Starter Pack
28:30 – Outro & next week’s episode
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