Tips about Altitude Sickness
What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness tends to occur when you enter Tibet within 4-24 hours, because the air is considerably thinner at high altitude with less oxygen. Common symptoms include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, chest tightness, anorexia, slight fever, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, etc. This is a normal phenomenon on the plateau. For most people, altitude sickness is harmless.
The Tibetan Plateau is known as the "Roof of the World", with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters. Therefore, most people may suffer from altitude sickness after entering the Tibetan Plateau.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness Before Entering Tibet?
Physical Preparation
Please conduct a physical examination in advance. People with serious cardiopulmonary diseases, hypertension, diabetes, blood system diseases, febrile diseases, colds, or women who are pregnant are not recommended to enter Tibet. Ensure your adequate sleep, healthy eating habits and avoid staying up late and overwork before entering Tibet to maintain an optimal state of health. It is adviced to travel in low altitude areas such as Lhasa or Nyingchi for a few days, and then gradually increase the altitude after getting used to the high altitude, which enables you to have a pocess of adaption.
Mental Preparation
Keep yourself in a good mood, avoid excessive mental stress and learn about altitude sickness.
Paraphernalia Preparation
Prepare medicines such as Rhodiola rosea to relieve altitude sickness. Bring enough warm clothing such as down jackets, thermal underwear, scarves, gloves, etc. Prepare sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen cream, lip balm and so on.
How to Relieve Altitude Sickness After Entering Tibet?
Daily Activities
Try to avoid taking a bath in the first two days in Tibet to prevent colds. This is because speeding up blood circulation will increase oxygen demand, thus aggravating altitude sickness. Moreover, avoid strenuous exercise for the first two days, and try to slow down when walking and talking. Keep it your mind that breathing difficulties and headaches can be relieved by appropriate oxygen inhalation. If you need help, our staff will assist you in time.
Resting in an oxygenated hotel room makes it more comfortable to sleep at night. You can book this type of room in advance.
When you suffer from altitude sickness, try to take a deep breath, rest properly, or chat with fellow tourists to relieve stress.
Diet
Eat more high-carbohydrate, low-fat, easily digestible foods, as well as fruits, vegetables and other vitamin-rich foods. Eat regularly, but don’t overeat. Drink plenty of water.
Clothes
Tibet has a large temperature range between day and night. It is necessary to be dressed in warm according to weather changes to avoid catching a cold.
Whenever you travel to Tibet, it is possible to suffer from altitude sickness. The ranges of altitude sickness vary from peson to person in severity. The key is to understand the prevention of altitude sickness, and make a reasonable plan.
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35 Comment ON "Tips about Altitude Sickness"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash