The Tsum valley trek is a moderate undertaking gaining the maximum altitude of 4460m at Larkye Phedi. The trip is suitable for people possessing good health and a fair level of physical fitness. When trekking in the high altitude, the general rule is to keep a slow pace allowing the body enough time to adjust to the height gained every day. The higher the altitude, the less is the oxygen in the air and our body needs to adjust to this accordingly.  It is therefore essential that we allow you sufficient time for acclimatization.  Since this trek gains a maximum height of 4460m it may be likely that some of us who are not used to high altitude hikes may be affected by it. And in order to avoid this we have planned our itinerary by keeping the initial days of walking moderately within limits and by providing a day completely free for proper acclimatization (Day 22: Acclimatization in Samdo).  Nonetheless, if you are concerned about it or would simply like to check out few facts, please refer to “Altitude illness” by Dr. Jim Duff” (http://www.treksafe.com.au/medical/altitude_illness.htm)  who has provided detailed information about altitude sickness and the ways to prevent them.

Preventing altitude sickness when trekking in Nepal:

• Ascend slowly to altitudes above 2500m.
• Take 48 hours to acclimatize when ascending above 2500m. 
• Avoid alcohol or sleeping pills.
• Drink plenty of water or herbal tea (no alcohol or coffee).
• The altitude at which you sleep should be no higher than 300m than your sleeping altitude of the previous night.