Acclimatization : Mountain sickness can be avoided by acclimatization, avoiding exertion for 72 hours on arrival at the glacier area and eat and drink plenty of fluids. Persons deployed above 4500 m will be called back within 3 months or before if evidence of physical weakness, loss of weight, sleeplessness and irritability is observed. Mental and physical strain will increase the mountain sickness, so be calm at the extreme cold and rarified atmospheric conditions.

Drink plenty of water (3-4 litres a day), be calm and do not exercise. Do not drink alcohol or smoke a month prior to and during the trek.

In high altitude area, distance is measured in terms of time rather than space. Unpredictable weather along with extremes temperature will reduce the efficiency of man, machine and animals. Foot movement on a glacier is slow, ardous and extremely taxing on human endurance.