Acclimatization in high altitude is primarily about getting your body adjusted to the thin atmosphere which means less number of oxygen molecules per cubic meter of air.

Due to less number of oxygen molecules your lungs receive less number of oxygen molecules hence the body tries to compensate this shortage by its own mechanism as a result of which we begin to breathe faster.

The shortage of oxygen supply sends less amount of oxygen to the human brain and lungs hence creating various medical problems which are clubbed under AMS- acute mountain sickness.

Dealing with AMS

The most effective way to deal with the AMS is to acclimatize well so that our body is able to sustain itself even in the low oxygen atmosphere.

How to acclimatize ?

Here I will share with you my approach towards acclimatization.

• Exercises

Exercise to increase your stamina and endurance. This will help you in  the acclimatization process at high altitude.

• Altitude gain

The ideal limit to any altitude gain is advisable not more than 500 meters per day yet you can push yourself to 700-800 meters altitude gain depending on your physical well-being.

• Ascend and descend 

In the acclimatization process you must spare days and plan your tour in such a way that has room for you to gain altitude and loose altitude before you push yourself further towards higher altitude gain.

• Stay hydrated

Keep drinking sufficient water at high altitude. At all times your urine must be clear which means it must not be yellow.

Yellow urine is a sign of lack of water in your body. 

Dehydration by 5 % will reduce your physical ability by 50%.

• Keep track of your health and altitude

Always maintain a note of your altitude gain and your health in some of the common AMS. This will help you plan your further course of action accordingly.

Use the chart below for the same purpose