How to Acclimate in Spiti Valley: 7 Ways to Avoid AMS at High Altitude
- Panny Fack
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Spiti isn’t just remote—it’s really high. With villages like Komic, Kibber, and Hikkim sitting well above 4,000 meters, altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a very real threat for travelers. But here’s the thing: AMS is mostly preventable—with the right prep and pace.
Whether you’re riding into Spiti on a bike, SUV, or bus, here’s how to acclimate properly and stay healthy in the high Himalayas.
1. Always Take the Shimla Route In, If Possible
Spiti via Shimla–Reckong Peo–Kaza is longer, but it offers a more gradual ascent. Unlike the Manali route, which takes you from 2,000m to 4,500m in a day, this one allows your body to adapt slowly, reducing the AMS risk significantly.
Pro Tip: Enter via Shimla, exit via Manali for the best balance of safety and thrill.
2. Sleep Low, Explore High
A golden rule of high-altitude travel. During your trip, avoid sleeping at the highest points early on. For example, spend your first few nights in lower-altitude places like Tabo (3,280m) before ascending to Kaza, Kibber, or Chandratal.
Avoid spending your first night in places like Komic, Kibber, or Chandratal—especially if you’ve come from Manali.
3. Hydration is Your Best Friend
At high altitudes, dehydration can worsen AMS. Drink 3–4 litres of water a day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Add ORS or electrolytes to your water once a day—it helps restore the balance lost due to dry air and exertion.
4. Eat Light, Eat Local
Heavy, greasy meals slow digestion at altitude. Stick to warm, carb-rich local foods like thukpa, dal-rice, and steamed momos. Garlic soup is an old Himalayan remedy for acclimatization—and trust us, it works!
👉 Curious what to eat in the mountains? Check out our Vegetarian Food Guide to Spiti for local favorites, café tips, and light meals that help you acclimate.
5. Go Easy on Day One (Or Two)
Resist the urge to “do it all” right after reaching Spiti. On your first full day in Kaza or Tabo, walk slow, avoid climbs, and definitely don’t trek or ride to higher altitudes. Give your body a day to settle in.
6. Know the Symptoms of AMS
Mild AMS symptoms include:
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
If you feel confused, breathless at rest, or have chest tightness, seek help immediately—it could be HAPE or HACE (severe forms of AMS).
7. Carry the Right Medications—But Use Responsibly
Consider taking Diamox (acetazolamide) a day before you reach 3,000m—only after consulting your doctor. It helps your body adapt faster. Carry paracetamol for headaches, and avoid alcohol—it worsens dehydration and increases AMS risk.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Ignore Local Wisdom
Locals have lived in these altitudes for centuries. Their tips—like drinking butter tea or chewing dried apricots—often work better than any fancy supplement. Trust the terrain and those who know it best.
Travel Spiti, the Safe & Soulful Way
At Panny Fack India, our Spiti expeditions are curated not just for thrill—but for health, comfort, and smart pacing. From oxygen cylinders in backup vehicles to night halts at ideal elevations, we put your well-being first—without compromising on the experience.