While trekking in Himalayas, altitude problem like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), the most important issue to be considered as there is always a real risk. Trekkers and climbers are being affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitude over 3000 meters. Altitude sickness is caused by the body's failure to adjust to the relatively less available oxygen in the air at high altitude. It is potentially fatal yet entirely preventable.

Prevention and Risk management

Portable Altitude Chamber ( PAC): This hyperbaric bag is life saving device is used to tie a person over an acute crisis before descent is possible or pending helicopter evacuation. After putting an individual with severe symptoms of HACE or HAPE, air pumped in with a foot – pump, when inflated it converts into a high-pressure bag. Pressure created inside the bag increases the oxygen density and a person can improve rapidly.

We are pleased to confirm you that in all our high altitude trek and climbing trips we do carry Portable Altitude Chamber along with comprehensive medical kits. All of our trekking group leaders / guides have done wilderness first aid course.

One of our client’s feedbacks on AMS
Dear Pradip (pdf file)

I wanted to express my thanks to all at Mountain Monarch for the excellent service you gave to Nadine and me on our recent Island Peak trek. As you know I experienced a severe case of High Altitude Cerebral Edema at Gorak Shep and had to be put in the Portable Altitude Oxygen Chamber for number of hours, before descending the next morning. The quick actions of the trek leader and other MM staff, perhaps Saved my life. They are all a credit to your company. I would have no hesitation in using MM again in any future trip to Nepal – perhaps with the help of Diamox I will one day complete ascent of Island peak

Greg Martin, British
Everest base camp Island peak trip 2007