How to Prevent the High Altitude Sickness for Travelling to Tibet

When planning a trip to Tibet, many tourists are worried about the high altitude sickness (mountain sickness) very much. However in my experience of assisting clients’ organizing tours to Tibet, I find there are very few people who get real problem with it. Most people can get used to the high altitude in the first two or three days in Lhasa. Here are some advices for your reference.

The first and most important thing is to take it easy. And then pay attention to the followings:

1. Avoid catching a cold before entering into Tibet;

2. Try to have a good sleep at the night before arriving in Tibet;

3. Don’t conduct many activities on the first day of arrival;

4. Walk slowly and drink additional fluids;

5. Light and high carbohydrate meals are recommended for more energy and don’t drink alcohol or smoke;

6. Climb up to high altitude slowly;

7. Avoid sedatives;

8. Prepare some medicines as per doctors’ suggestions.

Usually we will prepare the oxygen canisters/bags for your whole journey. Most of our tour guides and drivers are local Tibetans who know the local condition very well and with some of them having been well trained for the emergency.

For people who have diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, serious tracheitis, bronchitis and serious heart problems or catch a serious cold, it is generally not recommended to come to Tibet. If you are not certain about your health condition, you can refer to your physician before traveling to Tibet.

And whether there are kids’ travelling with you, you shall also first refer to the physician for some advices.