listicon
n-head-logo
tibet-tour-discounts tibettour-wechat1
Get Tour Quote
TOP

Altitude Sickness in Tibet: Top FAQs Answered for a Safe and Enjoyable Journey

Last Update: June 2, 2023

Tibet is located on a plateau with a very high altitude. Altitude sickness is the inevitable stress reaction of travelers after entering the plateau. No matter if you go to highland before, you may get it.

But you don’t need to worry too much, as effective preventive measures can be taken to reduce altitude sickness symptoms. In this article, we will address the top FAQs about altitude sickness in Tibet, providing you with essential information to ensure a worry-free journey.

1. Will I Suffer from Altitude Sickness When Tour Tibet?

Altitude sickness is common at high elevations over 3000 meters. Several factors contribute to its onset, including the rate of ascent, elevation, duration of stay, and individual susceptibility. Of these factors, a sharp rise in height poses the greatest risk. It is linked to lower atmospheric pressure.

For instance, those who travel up to Everest Base Camp find themselves at an altitude where atmospheric pressure is only about half of what it is at sea level. At such high altitude, less oxygen reaches the muscles and the brain, requiring the heart and lungs to work harder to compensate. This is the reason why we get altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness in TibetAltitude sickness is common in Tibet.

Therefore, anyone can suffer from altitude sickness when visiting Tibet, which has an average altitude of 4000 meters. You just need time to take care to acclimatize slowly and take things easy for the first couple of days to acclimatize to the high altitude.

2. What are the Symptoms of Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is a common phenomenon experienced by individuals at high altitudes, typically exceeding 2500 meters. The impact of reduced oxygen levels varies among people, ranging from mild to severe symptoms.

Mild symptoms of altitude sickness are very common in travelers and usually develop during the first 24 hours at altitude. Most visitors to Tibet will suffer from some symptoms, which will generally disappear through acclimatization in several hours to several days.

These symptoms tend to be worse at night and include headache, dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness, and irritability. Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom, and many travelers have trouble for the first few days after arriving in Lhasa.

Severe symptoms of altitude sickness are caused by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and brain and include breathlessness at rest, a dry irritative cough (which may progress to the production of pink, frothy sputum), severe headache, lack of coordination (typically leading to a ‘drunken walk’), confusion, irrational behavior, vomiting and eventually unconsciousness.

It is vital to take any symptoms of altitude sickness seriously, regardless of their severity. Even mild symptoms serve as a warning sign. Trekkers should keep an eye on each other as those experiencing symptoms, especially severe symptoms, may not be in a position to recognize them.

Importantly, it is worth noting that while mild symptoms of altitude sickness may precede severe symptoms, this is not always the case. Severe altitude sickness can manifest suddenly, without significant warning signs.

3. How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Tibet?

Before Go to Tibet

First, do a physical examination. If you have problems with the heart, cerebral vessels, lungs, etc., going to Tibet is too risky. It’s better to follow the advice of your doctor.

Second, do some adaptive training, like long-distance running and physical endurance sports, etc. It will strengthen your body to adapt to some plateau reactions.

Training before Go to TibetOne can do some adaptive training before visiting Tibet.

Third, keeping relaxing is very important to avoid altitude sickness. Avoiding stress and allowing yourself ample time to rest and adjust to the altitude can greatly contribute to a smoother acclimatization process.

Fourth, take some drugs to prevent it. The drug acetazolamide (Diamox) is recommended for the prevention of altitude sickness. Be aware that even when you are on Diamox, you should not ignore any symptoms of altitude sickness.

In China, there is a Tibetan herbal medicine recommended by locals for easing the symptoms of mild altitude sickness. The medicine is known as “solomano” in Tibetan and “hongjingtian” in Chinese, though locals also recommend “gaoyuanning” and “gaoyuankang”.

Nevertheless, before considering taking any medicine, you should consult your physician to ensure that there will be no detrimental side effects of the drugs.

On the Way to Tibet

The best way of preventing altitude sickness is to avoid rapid ascents to high altitudes. This is why we recommend the train journey as your first choice.

If you fly into Lhasa, relax for at least three days; this is enough for most travelers to get over any initial symptoms. Once you feel better, you can gradually increase your activity level by exploring Lhasa and its surroundings. Within a week you should be ready for something a bit more adventurous, but do not push yourself to do anything that you are not comfortable with.

If you travel to Tibet by train, acclimatization to high altitude may occur gradually during the journey. Additionally, all trains to Lhasa are equipped with oxygen supply systems. But it’s still suggested to take the first day off to have a good rest at the hotel and acclimatize to high altitude.

Tibet trainTaking a train to Tibet can help to adapt yourself to the high altitude.

If you are driving from Kathmandu to Tibet, you will experience a rapid gain in altitude. Fortunately, we provide a shared large oxygen tank in the car to assist with the acclimatization process.

During the Stay in Tibet

During your stay in Tibet, there are several tips to help prevent altitude sickness and ensure a more comfortable experience:
1) Make sure to take a good rest and keep relaxed.
2) Ascend slowly and gradually. Have frequent rest days, spending two to three nights at each rise of 1000m. If you reach a high altitude by trekking, acclimatization takes place gradually and you are less likely to be affected than if you fly directly to a high altitude.
3) Stay well-hydrated by drinking extra fluids. Tibet’s mountain air is cold and dry, and moisture is lost as you breathe. Evaporation of sweat may occur unnoticed and result in dehydration.
4) Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals to keep up energy.
5) Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration, and don’t smoke.
6) Avoid sedatives, as they can interfere with your body's natural ability to acclimatize.
7) Don’t take a shower on the first day when you arrive in Tibet, and try to avoid catching a cold.

When Trekking in Tibet

Trekkers should bear in mind the climber’s adage of ‘climb high, sleep low’. It is always wise to sleep at a lower altitude than the greatest height that’s reached during the day. High daytime climbs followed by a descent back to lower altitudes for the night are very good preparation for high-altitude trekking.

Also, once above 3000m, care should be taken not to increase the sleeping altitude by more than 400m per day. If the terrain won’t allow for less than 400m of elevation gain, be ready to take an extra day off before tackling the climb.

When trekking, take a day off to rest and acclimatize if feeling overtired. If you or anyone else in your party is having a tough time, make allowances for unscheduled stops.

Tibet Trekking tourTrekking in Tibet must take plenty of breaks.

Don’t push yourself when climbing up to passes; rather, take plenty of breaks. You can usually get over the pass as easily tomorrow as you can today. Try to plan your itinerary so that long ascents can be divided into two or more days.

Given the complexity and unknown variables involved with Altitude sickness and acclimatization, trekkers should always err on the side of caution and ascend mountains slowly.

4. How to Treat if I Suffer from Altitude Sickness?

Altitude Sickness treatment varies directly with symptoms. Treatment for mild altitude sickness is resting at the same altitude until recovery, usually a day or two. Take paracetamol or acetaminophen for headaches. If symptoms persist or become worse, however, immediate descent is necessary. Even 500m can help.

The most effective treatment for severe altitude sickness is to get down to a lower altitude as quickly as possible. In less severe cases the victim will be able to stagger down with some support; in other cases, they may need to be carried down. Whatever the case, any delay could be fatal.

Note: Altitude sickness victims may need to be flown out of Tibet as quickly as possible, so make sure you have adequate travel insurance.

5. How about the Altitude Sickness for Kids and Elderly?

Altitude sickness can pose unique challenges for kids and elderly individuals when traveling to Tibet. It's important to understand how altitude sickness can affect them and take necessary precautions.

For kids, symptoms of altitude sickness may include headache, poor sleep, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Elderly individuals may experience similar symptoms, but their bodies may be more susceptible to the effects of high altitude due to age-related factors.

Foreign Kids in TibetKids travelling to Tibet need to special care to prevent from the altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness treatment for kids and seniors includes:
1) Ascend slowly and set aside time to rest.
2) Descend to a lower altitude to help them acclimatize gradually.
3) Change diets and offer plenty of liquids.
4) Check with doctors to give them a proper dose of altitude sickness medication.

Generally speaking, it’s practical and safe to travel to Tibet with kids and the elderly. Due to years of Tibet tour operation experience and professional skills, we have successfully organized many family tours to Tibet. Please contact us to tailor a Tibet tour for your family.

Conclusion

Any traveler who flies or drives into Tibet is likely to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness. One can choose the train to get more time for acclimation on the way. Take care to acclimatize slowly and take things easy for the first couple of days after your arrival.

Indeed, if you take necessary precautions in the proper way, you will get over the altitude sickness. For better experience, it is recommended to book your Tibet tour with us, so that we can take care of you all the way during your journey.

Have a question?
Scan the QR code below
Contact Us via our Wechat

Quick Inquiry

We'll get back to you within 24 hrs FOR FREE.

Ask a Quick Question

Question Summary*

Details*

SUBMIT

Please fill in your contact information, we will send you the answer by email

SUBMITCancel

Be the First One to Comment "Altitude Sickness in Tibet: Top FAQs Answered for a Safe and Enjoyable Journey"