Above about 2,500 metres there is less oxygen in every breath. Symptoms usually start with headache, poor sleep, nausea and loss of appetite.
Reducing your risk
Ascent rate matters more than anything else. Preventative medication helps, but it does not replace a sensible profile.
- 1Climb no more than 500 metres of sleeping altitude per day above 3,000 metres
- 2Build in a rest day every third day
- 3Drink well and avoid alcohol on ascent days
- 4Discuss acetazolamide with us before you travel
- 5Descend if symptoms worsen rather than pushing on