Altitude Sickness is a common occurrence with trekking in altitude higher than 3000- 3500 meters mark in Nepal. The guides have proper training, and most of your itineraries contain additional days in the trek to give your body enough time to acclimatize in higher elevation too. Generally, there are three levels of altitude sickness, and one must act accordingly to be safe.
1. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMC)
Mild level of sickness, which is common among the trekkers with primary symptoms like headache, dizziness, and nausea. Can be cured with rest and generic pills with slow further advancing.

2. High altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
A fatal form of altitude sickness in which the patients find themselves extremely difficult in breathing process due to the buildup of fluids in the lungs. HACE can be lethal if ignored. One must immediately hike back to the lower altitude, rest and should take oxygen from the tanks.

3. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
A severe or extremely lethal form of altitude sickness needing immediate attention with symptoms like breathlessness, loosing of consciousness, and Hallucination due to the Buildup of fluids in the Human brain. The trek must be canceled with rapid descent to lower elevation and call for rescue in some extreme cases.

 Here are some essential tips to prevent acclimatization:

  • Rest and advance slowly giving the body enough time to acclimatize
  • Drink enough water and maintain a balanced diet
  • Take small hiking exercises in the spare time
  • Avoid alcohol and food with high salt content
  • Rest enough and sleep comfortably. Never start trekking if you’re not 100 % ready to trek.
  • In case of symptoms, consult to your trek guide immediately.