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Watch out for altitude sickness above 8,000ft (2,400m) in Nepal. Our safety expert shares his tips on the symptoms of AMS, the importance of slow acclimatization and why you need to stay hydrated.
Photo © Mark Whitman, Kandoo Adventures
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a threat to your health when traveling at high altitudes. Nepal's incredible mountain scenery offers so many hikes, drawing trekkers of all abilities throughout the year to take on multi-day treks, whether it's to Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp.
But, before you book your trek in Nepal, this is what you need to know about altitude sickness.
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness becomes a major risk above 8,000ft (2,400m). Most people will feel short of breath as they acclimatize, however headaches, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, and the onset of pulmonary oedema or fluid on the lungs are serious symptoms of AMS.
It's very important to acclimatize slowly while trekking in Nepal, and most guides will ensure you sleep at a lower altitude to the maximum reached on the same day.
It is also important not to get dehydrated, and to pace yourself. Go slow from day one of the trek, stick with the group and if you're feeling unwell, take a rest.
Altitude sickness can be fatal, and the onset of pink frothy liquid around your mouth and nose, breathlessness while resting, severe headaches, loss of coordination and vomiting should be treated as AMS, and the best remedy is to descend. Descent is the only treatment for this very serious condition.
Where does altitude sickness occur?
Any trek in the Himalayas – whether it's Nepal, Bhutan, India or Pakistan – is a risk above 8,000ft (2,400m). Many people who land in Cusco, Peru intending to trek the Inca Trail become affected. The Atlas mountains in Morocco are also a risk zone. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania/Kenya is also responsible for a number of cases. Few of the European Alpine resorts are above 8,000ft (2,400m). However many resorts in the USA, mainly Colorado, are closer to 9,840ft (3,000m).
Altitude sickness acclimatization
Don't fly directly to a high altitude destination, stop off somewhere to acclimatize. Inca Trail trekkers should spend a day or two in Cusco (but be warned, it's high altitude anyway). Colorado skiers should acclimatize in Denver. While trekking in Nepal your tour operator will make sure you have appropriate acclimatization before reaching high elevations.
The rule for trekkers is 'climb high, sleep low'. So ascend to a new height during the day, but descend a little to sleep at night. The zig-zag route allows your body to adjust to the low oxygen pressure.
Don't take short cuts – if a guide suggests he can do an 8-day trek in five, it's a sure sign he doesn't follow the 'sleep low' rule. Going straight up all day everyday is a recipe for disaster. If you don't have the time for a lengthy trek, make time, or pick a different trek.
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