Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet.
AMS rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft).
AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to the lack of oxygen present at higher altitudes. At 5490 meters (18,000ft), there is just half the oxygen available as there is at sea level, while there is only a third available at the summit of Mount Everest.
Related Oxygen Rate at Different Altitude:
Altitude Oxygen Rate:
In Meters | In Feet | Oxygen Rate |
8850 | 29035 | 33% |
8000 | 26247 | 36% |
7000 | 22966 | 41% |
6000 | 19865 | 47% |
5500 | 18045 | 50% |
5200 | 17061 | 52% |
5000 | 16404 | 53% |
4500 | 14764 | 57% |
4000 | 13123 | 60% |
3500 | 11483 | 64% |
3000 | 9843 | 68% |
2500 | 8202 | 73% |
1000 | 3.281 | 88% |
Sea Level | 100% |
What happens to the body during altitude illness?
The following substances can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness:
Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by Acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day.
Some experts suggest a two-day trial of Acetazolamide before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:
In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height.
We have guides trained at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients.
They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk.
: For more information, please contact your doctor or hospital or contact us arrange High Altitude expert Doctors or visit their clinic in Kathmandu.