With millions of foreign tourists expected to embark on travel to Tibet this year, Tibet Travel Expert has recently issued some tips for avoiding high altitude sickness. With the average elevation exceeding 4,500 meters and Lhasa at a little less than 3500 meters, Tibet is the highest altitude region on earth. The effects of altitude can surprise visitors like headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Generally, these symptoms will not prevent travelers from participating in normal activities, however, taking a few steps can really go a long way for those who want to get the most out of their time in Tibet.
How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness in Tibet
- Drink lots of water! This is the most important thing to remember. The thin mountain air is very dry compared to lower elevations and water vapor is lost when exhaling. Keeping water consumption as high as possible is the best way to reduce the altitude’s effects.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol. For the first few days traveling in Tibet, it’s a good idea to minimize smoking and drinking. Alcohol causes the body to dehydrate more quickly and slows down respiration during sleep. Smoking inhibits the body from absorbing much needed oxygen. It’s best to keep these to a minimum while acclimatizing.
- Avoid intense physical activity. While some Tibet tours involve trekking and biking, they will always allow at least a couple days for acclimatization. Please take advantage of this time.
Tibet’s high-altitude environment certainly is not something to be feared! Within a couple days nearly all travelers will fully acclimatize and be able to carry out activities as they normally would. For travelers who have a difficult adjusting, it may be a good idea to talk to a doctor. In any case, staying hydrated and taking it easy for the first couple days can really pay off in the long run. This is especially true for trekkers and bikers. No one wants the adventure of a lifetime to be ruined by a splitting headache and extreme fatigue. Tibet Travel Expert wants all travelers to be altitude sickness free! Any questions about avoiding altitude sickness are welcome.
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