Paro Forum: Hiking to Tiger's Nest at the beginning of the trip

Whilst it is usually preferred to do the Tigers Nest hike nearer the end of a tour to Bhutan, many visitors do it at the beginning when scheduling difficulties do not allow it, and do not face any altitude issues, other than having to use a lot of puff! I would say if that is what suits your itinerary then do not miss the chance to visit the Takstang Monastery, but as BhutanTraveller advised take it at a steady pace, drink plenty of water and take time to enjoy the views on the way up.

To put the altitude issue in perspective, the accepted norm is that the risk of AMS does not really kick in until you venture above 3000mtrs/10,000ft, at which point your rate of altitude gain (essentially for night stops) should be limited such that your body can adjust to the altitude without problems. For the Takstang hike you are only briefly touching the envelope & hence the risk of AMS is minimal ...... That is not to say that you won't notice the need for sucking in more air as you enjoy your hike!!!!

Do you have any experience of walking at altitude?

Altitude can affect anyone regardless of age, sex or general fitness. At 2200m, the altitude of Paro you are unlikely to experience problems - may be a bit of breathlessness. The degree of severity can vary and some people are affected at lower altitudes than others. Altitude isn’t usually a problem until 3000+m, but some people can start to be affected around 2500m. How active you are can also affect this as the body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.

One thing in your favour is that you will be sleeping at lower altitudes. (Advice is to go high during the day but sleep low.)

Bhutantravellers advice is sensible. Take it slowly and steadily and DON'T push yourself. Don't be afraid to tell your guide to slow down! If you find you are having problems breathing or are getting a severe headache or beginning to feel nauseous (all signs of AMS) think about giving up and going back down again. This will help symptoms ease. This isn't a sign of weakness but common sense. There is no point in ruining the rest of your holiday. Not everyone who sets off on the climb makes it.

There is some advice on altitude here:

http://www.altitude.org/altitude_sickness.php

http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm