Har Ki Doon Marinda Lake Trek

Acclimatization is the process in which an individual organism adjusts to a change in its environment, allowing it to maintain performance across a range of environmental conditions. Acclimatization occurs in a short period and within the organism’s lifetime. Wikipedia

We can observe acclimatization when traveling to high altitude locations, such as tall mountains. For instance, if an individual hikes to 3,000 meters above sea level and stays there for 1-3 days, they become acclimatized to 3,000 meters. If the same person hikes to 4000 meters in altitude, their body has to acclimatize once again. Some of the changes that take place during acclimatization to high altitudes involve:

• Increased production of Red blood cells.
• Increased pressure in pulmonary arteries – thereby forcing blood into sections of the lungs that are usually not used during normal breathing at lower altitudes.
• Increased depth of respiration.
• Increased depth (volume) of breath.

Source: Byjus.

In some cases, individuals suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness when ascending to elevations of over 3,000 meters from sea level. However, it is a common and mild condition. If the body gets enough time, then it can be overcome. The reason why it happens is- reduced air pressure at high altitudes as well as lower oxygen levels. One of the more severe forms of mountain sickness is called High Altitude Cerebral Edema, where fluid builds up in the brain. It is a life-threatening situation and requires immediate medical attention.