The golden rule above 3,000m is simple: climb high, sleep low. Build at least one full acclimatization day into your itinerary for every 600-900m of elevation gained past that point, and use it to hike higher during the day before returning to sleep at a lower altitude.
Hydration matters more than most trekkers expect — aim for 3-4 litres of water a day, and treat a persistent headache or nausea as an early warning sign, not something to push through.
Garlic soup is a genuine Khumbu and Manang trail tradition for a reason: it’s a light, warming, easily digestible way to keep calorie intake up when appetite drops at altitude, which it commonly does.
Diamox (acetazolamide) can help many trekkers acclimatize, but should only be used after discussing it with a doctor before your trip — it is not a substitute for a sensible ascent rate, and it will not protect against ignoring symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
Keep Reading