The short version: three of the most asked questions, answered in a line each. The rest of the page goes into detail.
- How much should my sleeping height rise above 3,000 metres? By no more than about 500 m a day, with a rest day every three to four days of climbing.
- Why do I sleep so badly at Gorak Shep? At about 5,164 m sleep is poor for most people, and the plan adds more height there on top of Lobuche.
- What insurance cover should I check? Check that your policy covers trekking to at least the height of Kala Patthar at about 5,545 m and includes helicopter evacuation.
Why is the step from Dingboche to Lobuche a concern?
It is the pinch point of the plan. You go up from about 4,410 m to about 4,910 m, a gain of roughly 500 m, with no rest after the previous 550 m climb. Plan to feel tired, eat and drink well, and tell your guide about any symptom.
How much should my sleeping height rise above 3,000 metres?
By no more than about 500 m a day, with a rest day every three to four days of climbing. Climb high and sleep low where you can. The 10-day schedule stretches those rules in places, so extra caution on the tight nights is wise.
What should I do if I get a headache at Dingboche?
Do not go up. Rest at the same height or descend, drink water and tell your guide about the headache or any bad night. If symptoms get worse, you should go down rather than wait. Never continue to Lobuche hoping that it will pass.
Why do I sleep so badly at Gorak Shep?
At about 5,164 m sleep is poor for most people, and the plan adds more height there on top of Lobuche. Expect broken nights, eat and drink well, and keep the evening easy. A bad night here is common, but worsening symptoms still mean you should descend.
Does sleeping at Pheriche on the way down help?
Yes. After Kala Patthar the plan goes down to Pheriche (about 4,371 m) or Pangboche, which is much lower than Gorak Shep at about 5,164 m. Sleep is usually better and headaches ease with less height, so it is a sensible first night on the way down.
What insurance cover should I check?
Check that your policy covers trekking to at least the height of Kala Patthar at about 5,545 m and includes helicopter evacuation. Read the exclusions and keep the policy details and emergency numbers on your phone and on paper, as well as with your operator.
How do I get down quickly if someone becomes seriously ill?
Descent is the first treatment, so start walking down with a guide if it is safe. A helicopter can be a fallback when flights are blocked or time is short, though weather can delay it. Your insurer usually needs to approve it, so ask your operator how it handles this.
