1. How to deal with altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness, also known as acute high altitude disease (AHAD) is a common physiological reaction caused by acute exposure to low oxygen content and air pressure and dry weather when people getting up to a place with a certain altitude. It commonly occurs at an elevation of above 2,700 meters.

Most visitors to Tibet will suffer from at least some symptoms which will generally disappear through acclimatization in several hours to several days. It presents as a collection of nonspecific symptoms including headache, shortness of breath, oppressed feeling in the chest, lack of appetite, fever, dizziness, fatigue or weakness, etc. Some will even be come down with drowsiness, insomnia, adrenaline surge, nosebleed and so on.

2. Acclimatization

People have different susceptibilities to altitude sickness. For some healthy people, AHAD can begin to appear earlier at around 2,000 meters above sea level.

In highland, you’d better keep a relaxed and natural mind since the altitude sickness sometimes appear because of mental stress and illusion. Altitude sickness often comes to visit those who fearing of high altitude, having not mentally prepared or determination to overcome atrocious climate in highland areas. The more you are afraid of sickness, the easier you will be come with it.

The most important thing is that you should never be nervous or worried about your trip. Regard the trip to Tibet like a trip to any other cities. You should always be optimistic.

Keep in mind that never go too fast, move higher or over-exert yourself for the first 24 hours. To prevent from adding burden to your digestive organs, please also avoid overeating as well as tobacco and alcohol.

Take it easy! Try to acclimatize to the condition with low oxygen content by yourself instead of using the oxygen supply equipment at first. Otherwise, you would feel difficult to keep away from it all along your journey.

3. Who can't go?

A throughout physical checkup is quite necessary before planning a visit to Tibet. We suggest those who suffer from high blood pressure, severe anemia and heart disease not travel to Tibet. If you have respiratory, pectoral, liver or nephrotic problems, we also advise you to postpone your trip till you are fully recovered.

4. What to do if I catch an AHAD in Tibet?

Major towns in Tibet have hospitals or health centers with basic medical facilities. Western pharmaceutical treatment, Tibetan herbal remedies and Chinese herbal remedies are also accessible.

Usually, your body can automatically acclimatize to the high altitude, so the slight symptoms will disappear in several hours. However, don't hesitate to turn to the doctor for more professional advices if your feel worse even when resting.

You should have a good rest and eat something when suffering from altitude sickness. Any labor work is unwise! To have some medicines such as the Hongjingtian and Gaoyuanan will help you relieve the pains caused by altitude sickness.

We strongly suggest you to be hospitalized to receive intravenous infusion or inhale oxygen and leave the highland as soon as possible when developing symptoms of pulmonary edema or bad cold. Flights shuttles back and forth every day in Lhasa.

5. Is it convenient to bath in Tibet?

Major towns and prefectures in Tibet (such as Lhasa, Shigatse, Zham town, Gyangze, Zedang, Nyingchi and Nagqu) all have places for bathing. Star-rated hotels usually provide private bathrooms with hot water. For hotels in other areas there are public bathhouses and hot water is available at certain time.

Generally there's no problem for a bath in Tibet, however, you are not suggested to take showers or bathes too frequently especially on your previous nights in Tibet. This will help you avoid catching severe colds or aggravating the AHAD. After you have fully acclimatized to the high altitude, it is alright to take bathes or showers.