Rabbits and high altitude

Question
We are planning to travel to Ladakh region in a car with our 2 male (2 years old) rabbits. Is this a very bad idea as we have cross some very high altitude mountain passes at 18000 feet?  Crossing such regions normally takes about 2 hours and we need to cross 3 such passes. The place where we would be staying is at about 12000 feet.

Please advice if this is wise to take them along? What kind of emergencies we could face?

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Sumit,

WOW.  An altitude of 18,000 feet is extremely high.  It's not really great for untrained humans, let alone a tiny bunny.

I really have no experience with this kind of altitude and possible oxygen deprivation for a bunny.  She is much smaller than you are, and likely not acclimated to the oxygen levels at that altitude.

I don't suppose there is a safe way for you to bring oxygen?  Perhaps in the form of an oxygen generator?  Not sure how you'd get the electricity to power it if you were in the car, though.

If this is a short trip for you, maybe it would be wiser to leave bun at home in the care of a very trustworthy, rabbit-loving friend, and not take the risk.

Hope this helps.

Dana