Surviving On Thin Air

The higher you go, the harder it is to drink down enough oxygen. Use this scale to inform your alpinist feats

8000m

The ‘ Death Zone’ – where oxygen is insufficient to sustain life – begins here. Get down. Fast

6400m

The average hypoxic chamber can simulate conditions up to this altitude, helping your body to adapt from sea level

5950m

Humans have survived here for up to two years, making it the highest altitude for long-term tolerance

5000m

At Everest Base Camp, the oxygen level plummets to roughly half that of sea level. Deep breath…

3500m

The (dangerous) effects of altitude sickness begin here. Say hello to nausea, dizziness and headaches

2500m

About 140 million people live at this height, and their bodies permanently adapt to the lower oxygen levels