Why trust this guide?
Each guide keeps the answer near the top, separates stable facts from changing operational details, names its author and reviewer, and links to responsible sources.
Meet the team and review standard →Altitude safety depends on the pace, sleeping-altitude profile and honest symptom reporting; fitness alone does not prevent altitude illness.
Safety decision aid
Stop, descend and seek help when symptoms worsen
Online guidance cannot diagnose illness. Tell your guide early and seek professional medical advice whenever symptoms are concerning.
- StopPause the ascent and assess with your guide.
- DescendGo lower if symptoms do not settle or are severe.
- EvacuateUse medical care, rescue coordination and insurance support when needed.
What this means
At altitude, lower readings can be expected compared with sea level. A sudden fall, an unusually low reading for the person and location, or a reading paired with breathlessness or confusion deserves prompt assessment.
What to do on the trail
- Measure at rest with a warm, still finger and a stable signal
- Record the altitude, time, symptoms and trend rather than one isolated value
- Check the device battery and sensor placement
- Treat breathlessness at rest, confusion or inability to walk as emergencies regardless of the number
Do not use a pulse oximeter to delay descent or overrule serious symptoms. Warm the hand, repeat a questionable reading and seek professional help when the clinical picture is concerning.
Build it into the itinerary
Share the plan with every trek member before departure. Agree who makes the decision to stop or descend, where the nearest help is expected and how the operator and insurer will be contacted.
Current weather, transport, local medical access and trail conditions can change. Reconfirm the operational plan in Kathmandu and again with the guide before the high stages.
Important planning links
Build the complete trek plan
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
What oxygen saturation is normal at Base Camp?
There is no single safe number for every person at every altitude. Expected values change with altitude and acclimatization; a clinician or trained expedition team should interpret the trend and symptoms.
Can a pulse oximeter diagnose HAPE or HACE?
No. It can support monitoring but cannot diagnose or rule out serious altitude illness.
Sources and fact-checking
Changing prices, fees, aviation arrangements, local procedures, weather and lodge availability should be reconfirmed before travel. Altitudes, distances and walking times are approximate planning values.
Supports: high-altitude illness prevention, recognition and descent-oriented safety guidance. Period: current guidance. Accessed: August 7, 2026.
Supports: acclimatization principles and emergency altitude-illness context. Period: current travel-health guidance. Accessed: August 7, 2026.
Personalised planning
Want to plan your acclimatization safely?
Tell our Nepal-based trekking team your dates, group size and preferred comfort level. We will suggest a realistic route without rushing acclimatization.
Community discussion
Have a question about this guide?
Ask about the route, cost, timing or practical details and compare notes with other travellers. An approved account is required before you can post.
New accounts are reviewed by an administrator before discussion access is enabled.