(The highest motorable pass in the world) High Altitude Mountain Sickness

produces physiological as well as pathological effects detrimental to life. This chapter confines itself to diseases due to the effect of high altitude only. ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS Its probable first account has been given by Plutarch in his comments on Alexander’s invasion of India: “Many then were the dangers— but the greatest harm came from severity of weathers”. Similarly, a Chinese record mentions of “Lesser Headache Mountains ” and the “Greater Headache Mountains ” where men’s bodies become feverish, they lose color and are attacked with headache, dizziness and vomiting. Being the most frequent type of altitude sickness, in young robust trekkers and troops (17–28 years) at 9,000–17,000 ft. It manifests 6–10 hours after a rapid ascent and generally subsides in 1–2 days, but may occasionally develop into the more serious condition-HACE (high altitude cerebral edema). Symptoms Headache, without dehydration at 8,000 ft or more is the primary symptom usually combined with one or more of the following: • Lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhe