How to Prevent and Recognize Altitude Sickness While Trekking in Nepal

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect any trekker above roughly 2,500 m, regardless of age or fitness level. The good news: with sensible pacing, it is largely preventable, and every TrekVibe Nepal itinerary is designed around this principle.

Early symptoms to watch for

• Headache, especially one that doesn't improve with rest or water
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Dizziness or unusual fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mild shortness of breath at rest

The golden rules of prevention

• Climb high, sleep low — ascend gradually and use acclimatization days built into your itinerary.
• Never gain more than roughly 300–500 m of sleeping altitude per day above 3,000 m.
• Drink 3–4 litres of water daily and avoid alcohol at altitude.
• Walk at a slow, steady pace — arriving at camp tired but not exhausted.
• Report symptoms to your guide immediately rather than pushing through them.

What we do differently

Every TrekVibe Nepal guide carries a pulse oximeter and checks blood oxygen levels daily above 3,000 m, and our itineraries for EBC, Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu build in dedicated acclimatization days rather than the bare minimum. If symptoms worsen, our guides are trained to descend with you immediately — the single most effective treatment for AMS — and we require travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover on every high-altitude booking as a safety net of last resort.