Altitude Acclimatization Schedule Calculator

Design an acclimatization timetable by limiting daily sleeping elevation gains, planning rest nights, and adding contingency days for high-altitude objectives.

Sleeping altitude at expedition start
Highest sleeping altitude you plan to reach
Limit for daily sleeping elevation increases above the acclimatization threshold
Optional: add a rest day every X meters gained above 3,000 m (defaults to 1,000 m if blank)
Optional: additional buffer days for weather or health (defaults to 0 if blank)

This schedule is informational. Consult mountain medicine professionals and adapt plans to individual health status, weather windows, and emergency protocols.

Examples

  • 2,800 m start, 5,300 m target, 500 m gain per day, rest every 1,000 m, 1 buffer day ⇒ Plan for 8 days total (5 climbing days, 2 rest days, 1 contingency). Average sleeping gain: 500.00 m/day.
  • Sea level start, 4,200 m target, 400 m gain per day, rest every 400 m, 2 buffer days ⇒ Plan for 16 days total (11 climbing days, 3 rest days, 2 contingency). Average sleeping gain: 381.82 m/day.

FAQ

Why does the calculator add rest days only above 3,000 m?

Clinical guidelines recommend slower progress once sleeping above 3,000 m. The tool begins counting rest intervals after this threshold to reflect that advice.

How should I adjust the max gain per day value?

Use lower gains for less experienced climbers or rapid ascents, and increase only if your team has a proven acclimatization record at altitude.

What if I have pre-acclimatization days at a mid-altitude city?

Set your starting elevation to that city so the plan reflects the head start. You can also add contingency days to capture extra monitoring nights.

Does the output include summit day?

Yes. The target elevation represents the highest sleeping point. If you summit and descend the same day, keep the target at your highest camp and note the summit push separately.

Additional Information

  • Result unit: days required to complete the acclimatization schedule.
  • Rest intervals default to every 1,000 m of gain above 3,000 m, matching UIAA recommendations for conservative ascents.
  • Contingency days help absorb storms, team illness, or slower-than-expected progress without compressing recovery time.
  • Average sleeping gain is calculated over climbing days only to highlight how aggressive the ascent profile is.

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