Altitude Acclimatization: Climb Slowly Above 2500 Metres
Altitude sickness is not about fitness; it is about speed. Limiting daily sleeping-altitude gain gives the body time to adjust.
What is the Altitude Acclimatization Planner?
Above about 2500 metres, climbing too fast raises the risk of altitude sickness. This planner uses the common guide of gaining no more than 300 to 500 metres of sleeping altitude per day above 2500 metres, with a rest day every few days. It is a planning guide, not medical advice: descend if symptoms worsen.
How to use it
- Enter your current altitude in metres.
- Enter your target altitude in metres.
- Click Plan Acclimatization for the suggested days.
Worked example
From 1500 m to 4000 m, the gain above 2500 m is 1500 m, needing 4 climbing days at 400 m per day plus 1 rest day, for about 5 acclimatization days.
How many days should a climb from 1500 m to 4000 m allow?
About 5 acclimatization days: 4 climbing days plus 1 rest day, by the 400-metre daily guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the warning signs?
Headache, nausea, dizziness, and poor sleep are common early signs. Worsening symptoms mean descending, not pushing on.
Does fitness prevent altitude sickness?
No. Fit people can still get altitude sickness, since it relates to acclimatization speed rather than fitness.