Spiti Valley sits at 12,500 ft. and higher, making it one of India's most extraordinary high-altitude destinations. The landscapes, monasteries, and open roads here are unlike anything else in the country. Is there oxygen problem in Spiti Valley? Oxygen levels are thinner at this altitude, but with the right preparation, Acute Mountain Sickness in Spiti Valley is entirely manageable and should not stop you from experiencing this region.
WanderOn has led groups through Spiti for over 9 years, earning India Book of Records recognition for a Spiti group expedition. Our Trip Captains have guided travelers across Spiti valley tour packages successfully through proper acclimatization on the ground.
Whether you are a first-time Himalayan traveler or an experienced rider exploring Spiti bike trip packages, knowing how to prevent AMS in Spiti simply means being prepared. A little planning goes a long way. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
What is Altitude Sickness?
In layman's language, Altitude Sickness is physical distress from difficulty experienced by someone while adjusting to lower oxygen pressure at high altitude. Altitude sickness doesn't usually doesn't happen until 2500 ft. and as Spiti Valley is at a height of 12,500 ft., so it's a common problem suffered by a lot of people going up there. So, is there oxygen problem in Spiti Valley? It's not like altitude sickness hits off to everyone going up there. For people living in places already at a high altitude, getting to Spiti won't be much of a problem. It's the sudden increase in altitude that starts this sickness.So, for anyone staying in plain areas, this is a common problem.
We could divide this altitude sickness caused by the low oxygen level in Spiti Valley into 3 different parts i.e., Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
AMS is the most common type of altitude sickness, caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels.
HAPE is a slightly more serious condition of Spiti Valley altitude sickness as it includes shortness of breath, and continuous coughing and may affect your lungs. HAPE and HACE are considered to get fatal if not given proper treatment on time. It depends upon how quickly and efficiently your body can handle the change in your surrounding environment.
When does it all start??
The problem starts after Manali as that is from where the altitude gets increases above a certain level. During the gradual increase in altitude, some may feel slight changes in their health conditions and feel dizzy, but the actual problem starts over and after the Rohtang pass. On reaching Rohtang pass, the oxygen level in Spiti starts dropping at a quick rate and many people experience problem in breathing. From this point, anyone who has serious problems with the dropping air level is advised not to continue after this point.
Suggested Read: Soul-Satisfying things to do in Spiti Valley Trip!
What causes High mountain sickness?
Higher altitudes, just like the Spiti valley altitude has lower oxygen content and low air pressure which might cause to decrease oxygen in level in your body. When you travel from planes and ride or hike up the mountains, your body might not get enough time for acclimatization in Spiti Valley and get under AMS. Your level of exertion also plays a vital factor. If you exert yourself, you need more oxygen to generate energy which increases your chances of getting affected by AMS.
What are the symptoms of AMS?
The symptoms generally appear within hours of moving to high-altitude areas. Their onset time and severity depend on your condition.
Mild AMS symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle Ache
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat rate
- Swelling on Hand, Legs and Face
- Coughing
- Chest congestion
- Pale complexion and skin discoloration
- Inability to walk or loss of balance
- Social withdrawal
In case of severe mountain sickness symptoms showing up in anyone in your group, seek professional help immediately.
What to do if someone in your group comes under AMS?
If you are travelling in a group trip organized by some professionals and you have someone with you overlooking the trip from their team, contact that person immediately. Given the low oxygen level in Kaza, in case of mild sickness, just going to lower altitudes might help fade away any symptom or effect of AMS. In case of severe AMS immediate professional help is a must.
Medication for altitude sickness include:
- Acetazolamide, to correct breathing problems
- Blood pressure medicine
- Lung inhalers
- Dexamethasone, to decrease brain swelling
- Aspirin, for headache relief
Keep in mind though, none of these medicines should be consumed without consulting with your doctor.
How to prevent AMS in Spiti?
Prevention is always better than cure. Follow these rules when travelling to high mountain areas:
- Get yourself checked before going to such areas.
- Get your doctor to prescribe you medicine beforehand.
- Give yourself 1 day to acclimatize your body to new height.
- Keep yourself hydrated. e Eat proper meals at proper time.
- Don’t skip breakfast.
- Consumption of Garlic and clove would be a natural remedy.
- Don’t smoke, Avoid alcohol.
- Eat carbohydrate rich food.
- Limit your exertion.
- Keep a bottle of water bottle with ORS dissolved in it at all times and keep taking sips regularly.
- Respect nature and follow rules which locals prescribe.
- Get ample of sleep.
The main thing to keep in mind is that there is a proper way with which you enjoy Spiti Valley altitude sickness-free trips to any place without it turning into a nightmare. Follow the laws of nature and don't fight it. Hope this was of some help! Happy tripping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I carry Diamox for a Spiti Valley trip?
Carrying Diamox is advisable, but only consume it after consulting a doctor before your trip. It helps the body acclimatize faster and is commonly recommended for high-altitude travel. Do not self-medicate or use it as a substitute for proper acclimatization.
How many days are needed to acclimatize in Spiti before exploring?
At least one full rest day at an intermediate stop such as Kalpa or Nako is recommended before entering the higher reaches of Spiti Valley. Once in Kaza, another rest day before venturing to higher points like Langza or Komic makes a significant difference.
How can I prevent altitude sickness while traveling in Spiti Valley?
Ascend gradually, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol in the first couple of days, and rest adequately before exerting yourself. Do not rush the itinerary. Allowing your body time at intermediate altitudes before pushing higher reduces the risk considerably.
What are the first symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness in Spiti Valley?
The most common early symptoms are headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite. These typically appear within the first few hours of reaching a higher altitude and are your body's initial signal to slow down.
At what altitude does Acute Mountain Sickness usually start in Spiti Valley?
AMS generally begins to affect travelers above 8,000 ft. Since most entry points to Spiti Valley exceed this threshold and the valley itself sits at 12,500 ft., the risk sets in fairly early into the journey.
What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and why is it common in Spiti Valley?
Acute Mountain Sickness is a physical condition caused by reduced oxygen levels at high altitude. Spiti Valley sits at around 12,500 ft., where oxygen levels are significantly lower than in plains. Travelers who ascend quickly without adequate rest give their bodies little time to adjust, making AMS a common occurrence in this region.
