Altitude Sickness (AMS) & High Altitude Safety
Comprehensive medical guide on Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), symptoms recognition, acclimatisation protocols, Diamox usage, and emergency evacuation procedures.
What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
Above 2,500 meters (8,200 ft), atmospheric pressure drops and oxygen molecules per breath decrease by up to 50% at Everest Base Camp (5,364m). Altitude sickness occurs when your body is forced to ascend faster than it can adapt to lower oxygen density.
Symptoms to Monitor
- • Throbbing headache (especially in morning)
- • Mild nausea & loss of appetite
- • Lightheadedness or dizziness
- • Fatigue & disturbed sleep patterns
Action: Rest at current altitude, drink 4L water daily, take Diamox / Paracetamol. Do not ascend.
Emergency Warning Signs
- • Severe shortness of breath while resting
- • Persistent dry cough producing pinkish sputum
- • Inability to walk in a straight line (Ataxia)
- • Extreme confusion or lethargy
Action: Immediate descent by 500m-1,000m. Administer supplemental oxygen & request helicopter evacuation.
How Everest Itinerary Keeps You Safe
Daily Oximeter Monitoring
Your Sherpa guide checks your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2%) twice daily at breakfast and dinner to track your body's adaptation.
Built-In Acclimatisation Rest Days
Our 14-day itinerary includes two mandatory rest days at Namche Bazaar (3,440m) and Dingboche (4,360m) following the golden rule: "Climb high, sleep low".
Wilderness Medical Training
Every lead Sherpa guide holds current Nepal Tourism Board & wilderness first responder certification with access to high-altitude first aid kits.
24/7 Helicopter Evacuation Network
Direct communication between your guide, Kathmandu head office, and helicopter operators for swift emergency evacuation if medically required.
Book Your EBC Trek With Absolute Confidence
Our safety protocols protect trekkers across our 14-Day EBC Trek, Cho La Pass Trek, Three Passes Trek, and Lobuche Peak Climbing. Learn about emergency Gorakshep Helicopter Rescue and required Travel Insurance.