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Preparing for a trek at high altitude

A trip to any high altitude region requires acclimatisation. This is the process of adjusting the body to lower oxygen levels at high elevation. Most of us need a few days of acclimatisation to any altitude higher than 2500m. Inadequate adjustment to high altitude can lead to altitude sickness and, in its most severe forms, a quick death, so make sure you learn how to identify the symptoms.

The rarely visited Langthang Valley leads to the Zalung Karpo La – one of the best viewpoints in Ladakh (Trek 1)

Never ignore any symptoms of altitude sickness! If you have a headache combined with dizziness, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, do not ascend; descend or stay at the same altitude until you recover completely. If you have more severe symptoms that may include breathlessness at rest, fast, shallow breathing, cough, chest tightness, drowsiness and loss of coordination while walking, descend immediately. If it happens at night do not wait until the morning – your life may depend on an immediate descent! If you have previously trekked at high altitude and been unaffected, do not assume that you will never suffer from altitude sickness; it is a fickle condition.