{"id":22255,"date":"2019-05-06T17:32:57","date_gmt":"2019-05-06T16:32:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=22255"},"modified":"2025-07-28T15:37:52","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T14:37:52","slug":"preparing-for-high-altitude-hiking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/preparing-for-high-altitude-hiking\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for High Altitude Hiking: Your Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

High altitude trekking has been around for decades. Ever since we laid eyes on the world\u2019s most impressive mountain tops, it\u2019s been our dream to reach the summit. It\u2019s really no surprise high altitude hikes have maintained their popularity over the decades!
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But preparing for a high altitude hike is no walk in the park. Many people underestimate the effects of altitude on the body, leading to an uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous situation. Without proper training and preparation, what could be a once in a lifetime experience can quickly turn into a massive disappointment – or even a major health risk.
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But rest assured, there are things you can do and precautions you can take to ensure whichever adventure you go on, the end result is a comfortable, fun, and a successful summit.
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Travel on: <\/em>A hiking and trekking tour <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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What is \u201chigh altitude\u201d really?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Simply put, to be considered a high altitude trek, the route must reach above 2,400 meters (7,874 feet). Why? Because that\u2019s the height that your body will start to physically notice the change in altitude. As you reach higher and higher altitudes, the air pressure begins to change. This change in air pressure leads to less oxygen in the air for you to breathe. With a decreased oxygen supply, your body starts to function a little less efficiently than it does when you have a normal, healthy supply of oxygen. Without time for acclimatization, the change in altitude can become a dangerous issue and lead to more complicated issues such as Acute Mountain Sickness.
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The Tibetan Buddhist Stupa in Dingboche, Everest Region | \u00a9 Kerensa Pickett\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What is acclimatization? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For anyone thinking of embarking on a high altitude trek or hike, it\u2019s imperative that you understand the importance of acclimatization. By definition, acclimatization is \u201cthe process in which an individual organism adjusts to change in its environment.\u201d  For hikers, this is the process of allowing your body to slowly adjust to the change in altitude, helping you maintain a level of comfort and performance once the environment does start to change.
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Take Mount Everest as an example. To successfully reach Everest Base Camp, hikers will need to slowly increase their altitude by a specific amount each day. This often means spending two to three days as specific locations in order for the body to adjust before moving to higher altitudes. If one tried to summit Base Camp without these \u201cadjustment periods,” the results could be extremely dangerous.
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See Also: <\/em>Hiking for Beginners on a Budget: Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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What does Altitude Sickness (AMS) feel like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For some, reaching higher altitudes seems to have little to no effects on the body, while others feel sick for days. It\u2019s impossible to know how your body is going to respond, so it\u2019s a good idea to know what symptoms you should be aware of before tackling a high altitude hike.
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The Inca Trail, Peru | \u00a9 Ray Berry\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Common symptoms of AMS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n