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However, providing that you follow a few simple rules, you should not be seriously affected. Search for Altitude Sickness on the Internet, and check the following sites: www.ismm.org; www.high-altitude-medicine.com; and www.merckmanuals.com/professional.

THE EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE

Learn as much as you can before you go, and check out the medicines on offer to aid acclimatisation: see below. Note the main symptoms above: these in themselves are not a reason to stop the trek, but are good indicators of problems that may be overcome by taking a rest. At altitude difficulty is often experienced with sleeping, breathing patterns may be erratic (Cheyne-Stokes breathing), and the heart might thump a bit disconcertingly; however, none of these is unusual. It is also dangerous to overexert yourself on arrival at any destination, thinking you have no symptoms. These often only begin to appear after an hour or more.

It is particularly important to walk very slowly at all times, especially when climbing any hill. Be sure to admit any problems (if only to yourself at first), and don’t be pressured by your trekking peers. If you experience any serious effects before a pass, you should consider descending. Carrying on with mild symptoms, perhaps just a mild headache, is acceptable so long as it does not get worse or persist all day and night.