Health and Safety FAQ: Altitude

Altitude: Can I Do It?
Given most of you will be flying into Leh, Ladakh (around 11,500ft) from Delhi (around sea level), you all will experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS). Your body will feel quite turned around from travel, the time change and the altitude. 

All Crossroads Himalaya trips factor in a few days of rest at the beginning of each trip, so that everyone has time to properly adjust to the altitude. These days are the most critical and will set the stage for your health throughout the remainder of the trip. The prescription is simple: REST and DRINK lots of fluids upon arrival. We will be staying in a wonderful, family-run guesthouse situated up on a hill above Leh, where it is quiet and has spectacular views of the Stok mountain range. Here you will be served delicious home-cooked, vegetarian meals that are hygienically prepared. In the event that someone should experience more severe symptoms of AMS, Leh has a hospital equipped with oxygen chambers and hyperbaric bags for treatment of AMS.

Diamox (Acetazolamide): is a medication that serves as a respiratory stimulant. It is used to accelerate the acclimatization process and is recommended for use during unavoidable rapid rates of ascension at altitude (such as a flight into Leh). It does not mask the symptoms of altitude sickness and at the same time it is not guaranteed to prevent AMS. Those with sulfa allergies are advised against taking Diamox. Side effects may include but not limited to: tingling and numbness in extremities, nasuea, and diarreaha. Please consult your doctor on using this medication. 

Dexamethazone: Is a steroid medication used for the treatment of AMS. It is as reputable as diamox, although we see diamox much more commonly used in Ladakh. Dexamethazone is an alternative for those with sulfa allergies, although it has been known to alter one's mental status to a 'loopy or euphoric' state.

For more on altitude-related health concerns: www.high-altitude-medicine.com

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