High Altitude Sickness (HAS)

High Altitude Sickness or simply HAS is a physical condition that afflicts those who are travelling to higher altitude, especially in the mountainous region. This condition usually is prevalent among trekkers and mountaineers. Trekking in Nepal usually involves going from 1000m up to 5500m altitude while mountaineers have to climb higher than that. At higher altitude you are likely to face low air pressure and lower oxygen levels.

The risk in scaling heights in cold and often rugged climatic condition are many among which HAS is a primary one. The symptoms of HAS include dizziness, headache, muscle aches, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue and loss of appetite. Failing to be careful on time to treat HAS can lead to developing High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which could be life threatening.

This is why trekkers and mountaineers need to know about HAS and get properly acclimatize before going to the mountains. Having fit body, drinking plenty of water, gaining heights in a gradual manner, avoiding alcohol and smoke, taking proper medicines and going down to lower altitude if required is essential to overcoming HAS.

All our mountain trips are led by highly experienced trekking guides and mountain leaders who possess in-depth knowledge about HAS and its treatment. It is further mandatory for trekkers and mountaineers to carry an insurance against all mountain risks and rescue operations. We have a good network with helicopter companies in Nepal to operate quick helicopter rescue operations if necessary.