Altitude Sickness

When you travel above 2,500 meters (8,200 ft), you enter the risk zone for Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It can affect anyone regardless of age, fitness, or experience.

Common Symptoms of AMS

Mild AMS (Common)	Severe AMS (Dangerous)
Headache	Difficulty walking (loss of coordination)
Nausea or vomiting	Breathlessness at rest
Dizziness	Confusion or altered mental state
Fatigue	Coughing up pink frothy fluid (HAPE)
Loss of appetite	Blurred vision, seizures (HACE)
Trouble sleeping	Chest tightness, inability to speak clearly

Prevention Tips

Ascend Slowly

• Don't climb more than 300-500 meters per day above 3,000 m
• "Climb high, sleep low" is the golden rule

Stay Hydrated

• Drink 3-4 liters of water daily
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine (they dehydrate)

Eat Well

• Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals

Take Rest Days

• Schedule acclimatization days during your trek (e.g., at Namche Bazaar or Manang)

Medication

• Diamox (Acetazolamide) is commonly used to prevent AMS (Consult a doctor before taking it)
• Ibuprofen/paracetamol can help with headaches

What to Do If Symptoms Appear

Severity	What to Do
Mild	Rest, hydrate, avoid ascending, take Diamox
Moderate	Descend 300-500 meters immediately
Severe	Descend ASAP, seek medical help, consider evacuation

• Never ignore symptoms- AMS can be fatal if left untreated

Emergency Contacts in Nepal

• HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) - [Pheriche & Manang clinics]
• Mountain Helicopter Evacuation: Coordinate via travel insurance/hotel/trekking agency
• Always carry a valid travel insurance policy covering high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue

Risk Zones in Nepal

Area	Elevation (m)	AMS Risk
Lukla	2,860 m	Low
Namche Bazaar	3,440 m	Moderate
Dingboche	4,410 m	High
Gokyo / EBC	5,000-5,364 m	Very High
Thorong La Pass	5,416 m	Very High
Mount Kailash (Tibet)	5,000+ m	Very High

• Travel Tip

If you feel sick at altitude, assume it's AMS - until proven otherwise. Your health matters more than your summit goal.