Understanding Altitude Sickness
Above 2,500 metres, your body begins adapting to lower oxygen levels. This adaptation takes time. Altitude sickness happens when you ascend faster than your body can adjust.
The Three Levels
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) — Affects 40–60% of trekkers above 4,000 m. Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite. Usually resolves in 1–2 days with proper acclimatisation.
HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) — Rare but dangerous. Fluid accumulates in the brain. Signs: confusion, loss of coordination (ataxia), severe headache. Requires immediate descent.
HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) — Fluid in the lungs. Signs: breathlessness at rest, persistent cough (possibly with pink/frothy sputum), extreme fatigue. Life-threatening. Descend immediately.
The Golden Rules
- Ascend gradually. Above 3,000 m, don't gain more than 500 m of sleeping altitude per day.
- Climb high, sleep low. Acclimatisation hikes are your best friend.
- Stay hydrated. 3–4 litres per day at altitude.
- Listen to your body. Never push through AMS symptoms to gain altitude.
- Diamox (Acetazolamide) — 125 mg twice daily, starting 24 hours before ascent. Consult your doctor.
Our Safety Protocol
All Adventure Alternative Nepal guides carry pulse oximeters and check every trekker's oxygen saturation twice daily. If your SpO₂ drops below 75% or your AMS score exceeds 5, we descend. No exceptions.
