Altitude sickness can affect anyone, including very fit people. The good news is that most problems can be avoided by going up slowly and listening to your body. These are the habits I follow on every high trek. They’re not medical advice — speak to a doctor before a high-altitude trip, especially if you have health conditions.
Habits that help
- Go up slowly. Above about 3,000 metres, increase your sleeping altitude gradually and add rest days.
- Climb high, sleep low when the route allows.
- Drink plenty of water and eat well, even when you’re not hungry.
- Tell your guide or group about headaches, nausea or unusual tiredness early.
- Never go higher with symptoms. If they get worse, go down.
RememberThe summit will still be there next year. Turning back is never a failure.
