What is Altitude?
High Altitude Information, Altitude is level from sea level. We can easily assume that all over the world have different geographical shapes and different elevations according to country. And as well as places like sea level in a certain place are 100 feet. So, you are 250 feet above the ground, your altitude above sea level would be 350 feet, and your altitude above ground level would be 250 feet. But there is not completed about high altitude problems. But if you are in Himalayas Kingdom Nepal has a fabulous view from a high summit as well as the highest part.
So, there is a risk going too high altitude, that’s why it is important to know and understand these risks. When we are going to the high elevation of the Mountains region decreases the oxygen level and it makes quite difficult to walk in these places. Because we know that human being also needs oxygen for breathing so that we may get a problem when we are going up to high altitude. So, the process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at that altitude.
Some Tips of Altitude Illnesses
Some Tips of altitude illnesses fall into two categories, proper acclimatization, and preventive medications. Below are a few basic guidelines for proper acclimatization.
If there is an option to go by walk don’t fly or drive to high altitude, Start to walk low elevation to high.
- Do not forget for acclimatization day during the trek.
- If you go above 3,048 m, only increase your altitude by 500m per day and for every 1000m of elevation gained, take a rest day.
- “Climb high and sleep low.” This is the maxim used by climbers. You can climb more than 500m in a day as long as you come back down and sleep at a lower altitude.
Note: Walk slowly like a Tortoise (reminding rabbit & tortoise story), Save Energy and move slowly.
Altitude Sickness Information
Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness, in general, may occur when people ascend too quickly normally at altitudes of over 3000m. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some effect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly light headed. Which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness, and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action. Our professional guides will advise you about any health issues and also altitude sickness while you are on trekking.
There are 3 stages of altitude symptoms and sickness.
a. Normal AMS Symptoms – Should expect but not worry.
The following are the normal symptoms not to be worried about. Most of the trekkers will feel some or all of these.
Sleeplessness/Need more sleep than normal (often 10 hours or more)/loss of appetite/Vivid, wild dreams especially above 2500m altitude/Periodic breathing/need to rest/catch your breath frequently while trekking, especially above 3500 meters and Dizziness.
b. Mild AMS Symptoms – Do not try to go higher.
Many trekkers in the high valleys of the Himalaya get mild AMS, admit or acknowledge that you are having symptoms. You need to have only one of the following symptoms to be getting altitude sickness.
Mild headache/ Nausea/ Dizziness/ Weakness/ Sleeplessness/ Dry Raspy cough/ Fatigue/ Tired/ Loss of appetite/ Runny nose and Hard to breath.
What you do if the symptom doesn’t go away?
If the symptoms developing while walking, stop and relax (with your head out of the sun) and drink some fluids and take 125-250mg Diamox. Diamox generally takes 1-4 hours to begin alleviating symptoms. Drink more water as much as you can, if symptoms develop in the evening, take 125-250mg Diamox and drink plenty of fluids again. If symptoms continue getting worse try to stay at the same altitude or descent.
c. Serious AMS Symptoms – (Immediately go down or Emergency Rescue)
First Aid Kit
This is the basic list to cover the more common ailments that affect trekkers. Climbing groups and trekkers going to isolated areas will need a more comprehensive kit.
- Bandage for sprains
- Plasters/Band-aids
- Iodine or water filter (optional)
- Moleskin/Second skin – for blisters
- Antiseptic ointment for cuts
- Anti-bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)
- Aspirin/Paracetamol – general painkiller
- Oral rehydration salts
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin)
- Anti-diarrhoea medication (antibiotic)
- Diarrhea stopper (Imodium – optional)
- Antibiotic for Guardia or similar microbe or bacteria
- Diamox 250/500mg (for altitude sickness)
- Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution)
- Gel hand cleaner.
Note: Our team will also carry the first aid bag during the trek. We still like to recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit bag as well.