Short answer
Go up slowly. CDC travel guidance, based on the Wilderness Medical Society, says to avoid sleeping above 2,750 m on your first day up, and once above 3,000 m to raise your sleeping altitude by no more than 500 m a night, with an extra night to acclimatise for every 1,000 m gained. Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours at altitude. If symptoms get worse, stop climbing. If they're severe, go down. Descent and oxygen work better than any medicine.
The details
Ascent rules of thumb
| Rule | Guidance |
|---|---|
| First day | Avoid sleeping above 2,750 m |
| Above 3,000 m | Raise sleeping altitude by no more than 500 m a night |
| Rest days | One extra night for every 1,000 m gained |
| Alcohol | Avoid for the first 48 hours |
| Worsening symptoms | Stop going up. Go down if severe |
Common problems
What does altitude sickness feel like?
Headache with tiredness, poor appetite, nausea or poor sleep after gaining height. Confusion, unsteady walking or breathlessness at rest are danger signs that need immediate descent.
Is the Everest Base Camp itinerary too fast?
CDC notes that itineraries on some Nepal routes, especially Everest Base Camp, push the limits of many people's ability to acclimatise. Build in rest days.
Should I take acetazolamide (Diamox)?
CDC says it can be used to speed acclimatisation when a fast ascent can't be avoided. Talk to a doctor before your trip about whether it suits you.
Does being fit protect me?
No. Fitness doesn't prevent altitude sickness. The rate of ascent matters most.
Real experiences
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