Altitude Sickness and Trekking Safety

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can affect anyone above about 2,500 m, regardless of age or fitness. It is almost always preventable with a sensible ascent profile, and almost always treatable with descent.

Prevention

• Above 3,000 m, raise your sleeping altitude by no more than 300–500 m per day.
• Take a rest day every 1,000 m of ascent; walk higher and sleep lower on rest days.
• Drink plenty, avoid alcohol and sleeping pills, and eat even when appetite drops.
• Discuss preventive medication with a doctor before travelling.

Recognising it

Insurance and evacuation

Buy insurance that explicitly covers trekking to your maximum altitude and helicopter evacuation. Keep the emergency number and policy details on paper as well as on your phone.