Acclimation
- Leh is situated at an elevation of 11, 810 ft.
- If you are traveling to Leh by air, you must take complete rest for a day for adjustment to the high altitude and low oxygen level of Ladakh.
- Most common symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are: breathlessness; coughing, disturbed sleep, headache, inability to concentrate; lassitude, loss of appetite, nausea etc.
- Move slowly and breathe deeply till the body get used to the lower oxygen level.
- Avoid intake of alcohol, sleeping pills, Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses.
- Drink plenty of liquid.
- Medication: It's generally suggested to take Diamox (Acetazolamide), 125-250 mg (depending on body weight; persons over 100 kg may take the higher dose) twice a day at least 24 hour before ascent to the high altitude and discontinuing after the second or third night at the maximum altitude (or with descent if that occurs earlier). Children may take 2.5 mg/kg of body weight twice a day. But do remember to consult your doctor and confirm if you can take diuretic medicines like Diamox or Disprin.
