Can fit people still get altitude sickness?
Yes. Altitude tolerance is not closely linked to fitness, and strong, fast walkers are sometimes affected more because they ascend too quickly. Pace and acclimatisation are the key.
Why do I sleep badly at altitude?
Breathing patterns change in thin air, causing wakefulness and vivid dreams. Poor sleep is common above 4,000 m and not always a sign of illness, although worsening headache or nausea should not be ignored.
Is the water safe to drink?
Treat all water. Buy boiled or filtered water from lodges, or use tablets, drops or a filter. Avoid ice and unpurified tap water.
How do I avoid stomach trouble?
Eat freshly cooked hot meals, wash or sanitise your hands before eating and avoid raw salads. If you do have diarrhoea, keep drinking fluids, rest, and tell your guide if it does not settle.
What if I get a blister?
Treat hot spots immediately with tape or a blister plaster, change damp socks and keep feet dry. Do not wait until the skin breaks.
How cold does it get?
Nights at the upper villages can be below freezing in spring and autumn and much colder in winter. Dress in layers and keep a warm sleeping bag.
Should I take medication for altitude?
This is a decision for you and a doctor who knows your health history. Do not start or carry medication simply on advice from the internet.
What if I have asthma or a heart condition?
Speak with your doctor before booking, because altitude can aggravate some conditions. Carry your medication and a written medical summary.
Is there a doctor on the trail?
Health posts and clinics exist in a few villages, and volunteer-run aid posts operate in some seasons. Services are limited, and serious cases are evacuated to Kathmandu.
Can I drink alcohol on the trek?
It is best to avoid alcohol at altitude. It can worsen dehydration and sleep problems and may mask symptoms.
What should I do about sunburn?
The sun is strong at altitude, even in cold weather. Use high-factor sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat, and reapply often.
When must I descend?
Descend if headache, nausea or fatigue worsen, or if you develop confusion, unsteadiness, breathlessness at rest or a wet cough. Do not wait for morning.
Should I get a medical check before the trek?
A check-up is wise, especially if you are over 50, have a heart, lung or blood pressure condition, diabetes or any chronic illness. Tell your doctor the altitude you will reach and the length of the trek, and ask about medications and emergency plans. Carry a letter summarising your conditions and medicines in English. A dental check beforehand also helps, since toothache at altitude is miserable and treatment on the trail is not available.
How do I recognise dehydration?
Signs include dark urine, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and unusual tiredness. At altitude you lose water faster through breathing and the dry air, and you may not feel thirsty, so drink regularly even without the urge. Aim for pale yellow urine, sip throughout the day, and add hot drinks and soup. Do not overdo it to the point of constantly interrupting sleep, and avoid alcohol, which increases fluid loss.
What vaccinations should I discuss with my doctor?
Requirements vary by person and country of departure, so ask a travel health clinic well before departure. Common topics include routine vaccines, typhoid, hepatitis A, tetanus and, depending on current recommendations, other diseases. Your doctor can also advise about food and water precautions, insect protection and malaria risk in lower areas of Nepal. Do not leave this to the last week, because some vaccines need several weeks to give full protection.
What is a pulse oximeter, and is it reliable?
A pulse oximeter is a small clip-on device that estimates the oxygen level in your blood and your pulse. Some guides use them each evening. Readings are normally lower at altitude, and cold fingers, nail polish and movement can affect accuracy. The number is useful as part of the picture, together with how you feel, but it should not replace judgement. A person with a normal-looking number who is confused or very unwell still needs help.
How can I protect my stomach on the trail?
Eat freshly cooked food that is served hot, wash your hands with soap or sanitiser before meals and avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit. Use only treated water for drinking and cleaning your teeth. Introduce unfamiliar foods slowly, and carry oral rehydration salts. If you develop diarrhoea, rest and keep up fluids, and let your guide know early so that the plan can be adjusted if you do not improve within a day.
What our guests say
Excerpts from guest reviews of Himalayan Wonders, our parent company, on Tripadvisor.
“I had an incredible experience with Himalayan Wonders on my Everest Base Camp trek.”
