Sharan Estone

Which is the best route to avoid AMS?

Srinagar – Leh Highway is lower in altitude than Manali – Leh Highway, with the highest point being 13,479ft (4,108mtr), Fotu La pass. In comparison, Manali – Leh Highway’s highest point is 17,585ft (5,360mtr), Tanglang La pass. And for the 200km long stretch between Zingzing Bar and Rumtse Village, altitude never dips below 13,780ft (4,200mtr).

Hence it is our recommendation that you take the Srinagar – Leh Highway, if you have the time and wish to avoid getting hit by severe AMS.

You can also take the Shimla – Kaza (Spiti Valley) – Keylong route to Ladakh, which too will help you gain altitude gradually. However, please do not rush through it, since it will not only lessen your chances of gradually acclimatizing to high altitude, but you will also miss out on the wonderful sights en route.

What if I have to take the Manali – Leh Highway while going to Leh?

If you just have to do Manali route first or if that is the only route you are planning to cover, then it is best to avoid spending the night at Bharatpur, Sarchu or Pang. Instead you should stay at Keylong, Jispa or Darcha and then start in the wee hours of the morning for Leh. If you have to spend a night between Baralacha La and Tanglang La, then Sarchu is safer bet than Bharatpur and Pang.

Whatever you do, do not attempt to cover Tso Moriri en route to Leh. Since it is even higher in altitude than Pang and will drastically increase your chances of getting hit by severe AMS as well as increase the time you spend at extremely high altitude.

What if I am flying to Leh?

If you are planning to take a flight to Leh, thenk make sure to spend the first couple of nights in Leh or at places like Alchi or Uleytokpo, which are comparatively lower in altitude than rest of Ladakh.

Is there a particular pattern in which I should travel in Ladakh to avoid AMS?

Once you arrive in Leh (either by land routes or by flight), you should still be cautious about your sleeping altitude and only gain it gradually by doing Nubra Valley first, followed by Pangong Tso and then Tso Moriri, Hanle etc.. This is due to the fact that even though you have to travel on the highest motorable road, Khardung La, to reach Nubra Valley, it is lower in altitude than Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.

In fact irrespective of your mode of transport and route, you should aim to spend at least first couple of nights in Leh, in order to acclimatize and unwind, before proceeding to any of the above destinations.

If despite taking all the precautions, you still feel effects of AMS at Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri, then instead of spending the night there, you can return to Tangste (in case of Pangong) or Chumathang (in case of Tso Moriri) to sleep at a lower altitude and minimize the effect and danger of AMS. Normally descent of just 300-900 meters (1,000-3,000ft) is enough to make you feel better.

Which medicines can I take to avoid AMS?

Diamox: While Diamox can somewhat speedup acclimatization process, by making your body breathe faster and help increase overall oxygen intake, it isn’t a surefire way to avoid AMS and it will not help if you take it only after you start feeling the effects of AMS. It is better off as a preventive medicine.

Current recommendations are 125 – 250 mgs twice daily, starting a day before ascent and continuing for a couple of days at the height or even for the entire duration of stay. If severe symptoms develop, Diamox will not be useful and in such cases, descent is the best way out.

Diamox has various side effects, ranging from numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, drowsiness and confusion. It will also make your cold drinks taste flat and increase urination. So make sure to drink water regularly to keep yourself hydrated.

You should consult with your family doctor, before taking Diamox, especially if you are on any medication. Also since Diamox is a sulfur drug, it cannot be taken by those who are allergic to sulfur drugs.

Taking a test dose a few weeks before your trip to see whether you experience any severe side effects of Diamox is a good idea.

Dexamethasone: 2-4 mg of Dexamethasone every 6 hours is also effective in preventing and treating AMS. The mechanisms of action of dexamethasone in relieving AMS symptoms are unknown. Its relative effectiveness compared to Diamox has not been established, but it likely is equivalent to Diamox. Dexamethasone should only be taken in consultation with your family doctor/physician.

Disprin/Aspirin: Those who do not wish to take Diamox, blood thinners like Disprin, Aspirin etc. can not only help reduce some of the symptoms of AMS eg. headaches, but also help your blood carry more oxygen.

Oxygen Cylinder: You can also carry portable oxygen cylinders, which are available at chemist shops and should provide you temporary relief, in case you or those traveling with you start to feel uneasy.

What other precautions I should take?

You should avoid spending too much time at high altitude passes.

You should drink water at regular interval and water mixed with glucose or electrolytes to keep yourself hydrated and keep your energy levels up.

You should avoid overexerting yourself and take frequent breaks while walking or climbing stairs.

You should avoid overeating and eat light yet frequent meals.

You should avoid smoking and drinking till you are fully acclimatized, since alcohol is known to cause dehydration.

You should immediately approach hospital or an army base if you or a fellow traveler starts showing symptoms of severe AMS.

You should follow trekker’s mantra of climbing high and sleeping low i.e. even though you might travel across high altitude passes during day, you should try and sleep at lower altitude places.

And of course, travel to Ladakh with an open mind and an open plan, and avoid trying to stick to a plan/itinerary at the cost of your own health and wellbeing.

A Big thanks to Yayawar for making this information available for more information Click Here

Source to the above Guide by Yogesh Sarkar : Click Here