For our "Over 50's" Everest Base Camp trek, we have allowed an extra night at the village of Monjo for added acclimatization which greatly reduces the chances of suffering the symptoms of AMS.

Mild symptoms of AMS are headaches, shortness of breath and nausea and should you have any of these symptoms, they usually disappear after resting and acclimatizing for a couple of days in Namche.

Taking acetazolamide (Diamox) can also help and it can be taken prophylactically before any symptoms are felt. Diamox is a diuretic, which makes you pee more, so it is essential to drink plenty of fluids. You should drink more at altitude anyway as the increase in the breathing rate at altitude accelerates the loss of moisture through the breath.

It should be noted that Diamox is a sulpha derivative and therefore should be avoided by anyone with an allergy to this type of drug.

The normal safe rate of ascent to avoid AMS is judged to be around 300m. per day, though this is greatly dependant on the individual and is considered to be over cautious by many of the Kathmandu based trekking agencies. Better safe than sorry though and all of our Guides and Leaders are familiar with the effects of AMS and will be watching carefully and monitoring your progress throughout your trek to keep you safe.