High Altitude Sickness in Tibet

Also known as High Altitude Sickness, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common at high altitudes due to the decreasing availability of oxygen. Most people will suffer differing degrees of symptoms at high elevation.

What Influences AMS?

The likelihood of experiencing AMS depends on several factors:

• Altitude: The higher you go, the less oxygen is available.
• Rate of Ascent: Rapid ascent without allowing the body to adjust increases the risk of AMS.
• Physical Condition: Individual fitness and susceptibility vary, but AMS can affect anyone, regardless of physical health or prior experience at high altitudes.

Common Symptoms of AMS Symptoms of AMS usually begin within hours of arriving at a higher altitude and may include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite
• Disturbed sleep
• Irritability

Symptoms often worsen at night. For example, many visitors experience difficulty sleeping during their first few days in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, which is situated at an altitude of 3,656 meters (11,994 feet).

Will I Get the High Altitude Sickness in Tibet?

For most visitors travel to Tibet the answer is YES.

An altitude over 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) is usually defined as high altitude. Since most places in Tibet are higher than this level, the high altitude sickness is the biggest health risk to tourists traveling in Tibet.

Most visitors to Tibet will suffer from at least some symptoms that will generally disappear through acclimatization in several hours to several days.

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. In fact, many travelers have trouble sleeping for the first few days after arrival at Lhasa.

How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness?

How to Prevent High Altitude Sickness

AMS can be serious but can often be prevented or mitigated with proper preparation and gradual acclimatization. Here are some strategies:

1. Ascend Gradually: The best way to prevent AMS is to allow your body time to adjust. It’s recommended to ascend no more than 300 to 400 meters (984 to 1,312 feet) per day and take rest days after every 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of elevation gain. If possible, spend a few days in an intermediate location like Lhasa before traveling to higher areas.

2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Drinking at least 3–4 liters of water daily is crucial, as dehydration can worsen AMS. Eating a diet rich in carbohydrates can also help maintain energy levels and assist with acclimatization.

3. Avoid Overexertion: Don’t engage in strenuous activities immediately after arriving at high altitudes. Allow your body time to adjust before undertaking demanding physical activities.

4. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Alcohol, smoking, and depressants such as tranquilizers and sleeping pills can depress your breathing rate and reduce your body’s ability to absorb oxygen, making AMS symptoms worse.

How to Lessen AMS Symptoms

If you start experiencing symptoms, there are several measures you can take to lessen their severity:

Medication: Certain medications can be helpful in preventing or treating mild AMS. The two most commonly used medications are:

• Diamox (Acetazolamide): This medication helps your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes by increasing your breathing rate. It is recommended to begin taking Diamox 24 hours before ascent and continue for at least five days after reaching high altitude. However, consult your doctor before using Diamox.
• Tibetan Herbal Remedies (Hongjingtian): Rhodiola Eoccinea, a Tibetan herbal remedy, is known for helping with sleep and increasing oxygenation during the night, which can be beneficial for those experiencing AMS.

Rest and Acclimatize: Take it easy if you experience symptoms. Mild AMS can be treated by resting at the same altitude until symptoms improve. If symptoms worsen, descend to a lower altitude immediately.

Seek Medical Attention: If symptoms do not improve or worsen despite medication and rest, seek medical attention immediately or descend to a lower altitude as a precaution.

Different Levels of AMS

It is important to recognize that AMS varies in severity:

• Mild AMS: Symptoms are manageable and usually resolve with rest, hydration, and light activity.
• Moderate AMS: Symptoms become more intense and may include vomiting, increased fatigue, and confusion. In this case, it's essential to halt further ascent and consider descending.
• Severe AMS (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema - HAPE or High Altitude Cerebral Edema - HACE): These life-threatening conditions can occur if AMS is left untreated, and immediate descent and medical intervention are required. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, inability to walk, and confusion.

Preparations Before You Travel to Tibet

Get as fit and healthy as possible, both physically and psychologically. Visitors having record of heart, lung, other organ problems or anemia should consult their doctor before making the decision to visit Tibet.

Before traveling to Tibet to avoid High Altitude Sickness you should:

1. Do not wash your hair or don't take baths before going to Tibet, this can lead to oxygen deficiency and increase the risk of catching a cold.

2. Be careful before traveling to Tibet, not to catch a cold.

3. Check your physical and mental health, Tibetan people advise to be more cheerful when you are in Tibet, bad mental health (like depression or anxiety) can affect the oxygen in the blood. 

When you are in Tibet

When you will arrive in Lhasa, take your time. Do not rush to go and see the attractions in the city. First, you will need some time to rest. Our advice is when you are out in the city, do not run or walk very fast, that can decrease your oxygen levels.

Buy oxygen tanks even oxygen supplies are available at the most of the hotels, and buy a traditional Chinese medicine like, Gao Yuan An.

Who Should Avoid High Altitude Destinations Like Tibet?

People with serious health conditions such as severe heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or chronic lung conditions should consider avoiding travel to high-altitude destinations like Tibet. The risks may outweigh the benefits, so consult your doctor for personalized advice.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Tibet is an extraordinary experience, but the risk of AMS is real. By understanding the risks, preparing adequately, and acclimatizing properly, you can reduce the chances of experiencing severe symptoms and enjoy your journey through one of the most breathtaking regions in the world.