Altitude sickness is the main health risk on this trek. It can affect anyone, however fit, and it’s preventable if you climb slowly and act on symptoms early.
How the itinerary helps
Medical guidelines suggest that above 3,000 m you raise your sleeping altitude by no more than about 500 m a day, with a rest day every three to four days. Our itinerary adds rest days at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) and Dingboche (4,410 m) for this reason.
Warning signs
- Acute mountain sickness (AMS): headache plus nausea, tiredness, dizziness or poor sleep. Stop climbing until it clears.
- Danger signs: breathlessness at rest, a wet cough, confusion, or stumbling and clumsiness. These can mean fluid on the lungs or brain. Descend immediately and get help.
Never go higher with symptoms. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and checks the group each evening. Ask us
Medication
Some trekkers take acetazolamide to help prevent AMS. Talk to your doctor before you travel; it isn’t right for everyone.
