How fit are you

At least 6 weeks prior to departure you will need to consult your doctor to work out an immunization schedule relevant  to your destination  country.  For the Himalayas, you should be immunized against the following for your own good.

For treks going above 3500  m we are very  careful with acclimatization to altitude. Our trekking schedules have been carefully designed to minimize the effects of altitude. We ascend slowly and ensure an adequate number of rest days to enable safe acclimatization. It is still possible for mountain sickness to occur, so a close watch is kept on each group member by the Group Leader, who is trained in recognizing early symptoms of acute mountain sickness.

These symptoms include bad headache, nausea, lethargy and, in extreme cases, ataxia  or loss of  co-ordination and severe  breathlessness on rest. A mild headache and breathlessness are not uncommon at altitude but in combination with any of the above more serious symptoms, immediate descent is imperative.

If you or your friends display any of these symptoms please make sure that you inform the Group Leader immediately. It is essential at altitude that you keep your fluid intake up and it is important that you drink at least 4 litres of liquid per day.

Your Group Leader can advise you more thoroughly regarding altitude problems. If you wish to know more about acute mountain sickness a pamphlet is available free from the Himalayan Rescue Association in Kathmandu or refer to any of the trekking books in our Recommended Reading list.