Tibet Nature Tour

Avoid Altitude Sickness

Ultimate information to enjoy your trip to Tibet

Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Tibet’s breathtaking scenery comes with unique considerations for travelers. The high altitude can cause altitude sickness if you’re not properly acclimatized.

Here at Tibet Nature Tour, we’ve helped countless travelers adjust to the elevation for a fantastic Tibetan experience.

By understanding the effects of altitude and taking steps to acclimatize, you can avoid potential discomfort and ensure a memorable journey.

We’ll share our expertise, and tips to help you prepare for your adventure in Tibet!

avoid altitude sickness

What is Altitude Sickness

Tibet, known as the “roof of the world,” boasts stunning landscapes but also sits at a high altitude (around 4,300 meters). This means the air is thinner and has less oxygen than at sea level. Travelers who ascend quickly from lower elevations may experience altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness is a common condition caused by your body adjusting to the reduced oxygen levels. Symptoms like headaches, nausea, and difficulty sleeping are frequently reported. It’s important to note that altitude sickness affects everyone differently, regardless of age or gender.

Here’s why altitude sickness occurs:

  • Thinner Air: As you climb higher, the air pressure decreases, leading to less oxygen reaching your body.
  • Rapid Ascent: When you travel quickly from a lower altitude to a higher one, your body struggles to adjust as quickly as needed.

Most altitude sickness symptoms are temporary and improve with proper acclimatization. However, be aware of more serious signs like:

  1. Severe headaches
  2. Dizziness
  3. Difficulty walking straight
  4. Feeling faint
  5. Bluish or grayish skin tone around the lips, fingernails, or eyes

If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. We recommend consulting a doctor before your trip and contacting us or seeking a hospital if needed during your journey.

For a comfortable and enjoyable adventure in Tibet, planning and proper acclimatization are key. We recommend researching altitude sickness further to prepare for your trip.

how to get to Tibet

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness?

1. Ascent Slowly:

When traveling to high altitudes, it’s essential to allow your body to adjust to the decreased oxygen levels. Ascend slowly, preferably not more than 1,500 feet (500 meters) per day above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). Taking rest days every 2-3 days of ascent can also help with acclimatization.

Therefore, taking a train from Xining to Lhasa, is a great idea for travelers to acclimatize the altitude. 

You can talk with us to get more information about your train travel to Tibet. 

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking lots of water will help keep you hydrated. Hydration is crucial at high altitudes since the air is drier, increasing the risk of dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids, mainly water, to maintain good hydration. Aim to drink at least 2-4 liters of water per day. It’s best to avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can contribute to dehydration.

3. Eat Light Diet:

In high-altitude areas, it is recommended to consume light, easily digestible meals, and snacks that are high in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide your body with an excellent source of energy at altitude. It would be best if you avoided heavy, fatty meals since they can make you feel sluggish.

4. Prevent Overexertion:

When at high altitudes, it’s important to take it easy and listen to your body. Avoid overexertion, as intense physical activity can strain your body and increase the risk of altitude sickness. Allow yourself time to rest and adjust to the altitude.

5. Take Helpful Medication:

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a medication that can help prevent altitude sickness or reduce its symptoms. It works by increasing the amount of bicarbonate in the blood, helping to speed up the acclimatization process. It’s important to discuss the use of any medications with your healthcare provider before traveling to high-altitude areas.

6. Avoid Alcohol & Smoking:

Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a medication that can help prevent altitude sickness or reduce its symptoms. It works by increasing the amount of bicarbonate in the blood, helping to speed up the acclimatization process. It’s important to discuss the use of any medications with your healthcare provider before traveling to high-altitude areas.

7. Go Down to lower places if necessary:

If you experience severe symptoms of altitude sickness, such as confusion, severe headache, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting, it’s crucial to descend to a lower altitude immediately. Prompt action can save your life, as severe altitude sickness can lead to life-threatening conditions if left untreated.

FAQ for Avoiding Altitude Sickness:

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude Sickness is a very common sickness for travelers to experience once they arrive at a high altitude.

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a condition that can occur when you travel to high altitudes too quickly. It is caused by decreased oxygen levels and lower air pressure at high altitudes, resulting in symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.

To prevent altitude sickness, it is important to follow these methods:

  1. Ascend slowly, allowing your body to acclimatize to the altitude.
  2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, mainly water.
  3. Eat light, easily digestible meals and snacks high in carbohydrates.
  4. Avoid heavy exercise and give yourself time to rest.
  5. Consult with your doctor regarding medication like Diamox. 

The time it takes to acclimatize to high altitude varies from person to person. Generally, it takes two days to a week to acclimate. It is recommended to take rest days every 2-3 days of ascent to allow your body to adjust.

Altitude Sickness Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping.

Severe altitude sickness can cause confusion, loss of coordination, and difficulty breathing, which require immediate medical attention.

Yes, anyone can get altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender, or physical fitness. However, some individuals may be more susceptible to developing symptoms, while others may adapt more easily. There is no definitive way to predict who will be affected by altitude sickness.

If you experience severe symptoms of altitude sickness, such as confusion, severe headache, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting, it is essential to descend to a lower altitude immediately.

Prompt action is necessary as severe altitude sickness can be life-threatening if left untreated.

8 Days Tibet Everest Tour

More Health Information

Sunburns;

Sunburns are the second thing to consider.

Tibet’s high elevation causes the Ozone layer and air to be significantly thinner than in other regions of the world. Consequently, tourists should be very concerned about sunburns brought on by ultraviolet radiation.

Taking precautions such as,

  1. Putting on sunscreen (with the highest SPF as it provides the best and longest protection),
  2. Putting on a sunhat
  3. And for all visitors, especially those who are trekking with us, wearing sunglasses is strongly advised.

Diarrhea

Travelers may get diarrhea in Tibet because of the region’s unique culture, cuisine, and environment. It happens because of disease, digestive issues, food poisoning, and several other circumstances.

Nevertheless, do not be alarmed; it usually goes away on its own.

It is strongly advised to consume enough water or other liquids, maintain a balanced diet, and take any prescribed medications by your doctor. It is strongly advised to seek medical assistance if you have a severe case of diarrhea.

Tibet Travel Insurance:

Travel agencies with offices in Tibet that are licensed under the Tibet Tourism Bureau’s regulations have minimal business liability insurance. It is better to get travel insurance, which can cover medical evacuation, medical costs, trip disruptions, etc.

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Monika Kim
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I had a great time on my trip with Tibet Discovery. Our tour guide, Drolma, was fantastic. informative, adaptable, amiable, and incredibly amusing. I was grateful for the tour company's efforts to organize our flight from Chongqing to Lhasa, send a representative to pick up my permit at the airport in Chongqing, and arrange for a cake to be delivered to Everest Base Camp on the night of my wife's birthday. I appreciate everything.

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