Altitude sickness is the most common health concern on Himalayan treks and climbs. It does not depend on fitness or age, so every traveller should understand how it develops and how to respond.
Types of Altitude Sickness
There are three main forms, ranging from mild to life-threatening.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Headache, nausea, fatigue and poor sleep. Usually mild and resolves with rest and slower ascent.
HAPE and HACE
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema and High Altitude Cerebral Edema are medical emergencies requiring immediate descent and treatment.
How to Prevent It
Above 3,000 m, avoid increasing your sleeping altitude by more than 300–500 m per day and take a rest day every 1,000 m. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and eat well even when your appetite drops.
When to Descend
If symptoms do not improve with rest, or if you notice confusion, loss of coordination or breathlessness at rest, descend at least 500 m immediately. Our guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen on every trip.