Acute Mountain Sickness

Welcome to the breathtaking world of high-altitude tours in the high Himalayas of India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan! Before joining us on such an incredible journey, let’s dive into some essential notes on Acute Mountain Sickness crafted just for you.

First off, let’s talk about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a concern for anyone venturing into lofty altitudes like these. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer, a hiking enthusiast, or simply a traveler with a thirst for adventure, AMS can sneak up on you above 10,000 feet (3050 meters).

AMS occurs when the air pressure drops and oxygen levels thin out at higher elevations. The faster you ascend, the more likely you are to feel its effects. And while the symptoms can vary from mild inconvenience to something more serious, factors like where you live and whether you’ve experienced AMS before can heighten the risk.

Now, let’s chat symptoms. From trouble sleeping to a pounding headache or feeling queasy, AMS can manifest in various ways. But fret not; with early detection, there’s plenty we can do to help. It’s crucial for our riders to keep us in the loop about any symptoms so we can leap into action swiftly.

Treatment? Well, the golden rule is simple: descend, descend, descend and while you’re on a motorcycle tour with us, please inform the guide immediately. Heading to lower ground is the best bet for tackling AMS. We might also recommend medications like Acetazolamide to ease symptoms or provide extra oxygen if needed. And if things get really serious, we will take you to the professional help you need, pronto.

Now, what about prevention? Taking it slow as you ascend, pausing for rest breaks, drinking plenty of fluids, and being vigilant for early signs of AMS are key. And while we’ll have Diamox on hand for relief, it’s wise to check with your doctor beforehand if high altitudes are A-OK for you, especially if you have certain health conditions.

So, before we rev up those engines and hit the road, remember: safety first, adventure second. Let’s ensure your journey to the skies is nothing short of spectacular!