Tibet Mountain Sickness Tips

At over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) 75% of people will have mild symptoms. The occurrence of AMS is dependent upon the elevation, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility. Many people will experience mild AMS during the acclimatization process. The symptoms usually start 12 to 24 hours after arrival at altitude and begin to decrease in severity around the third day. Generally speaking, if you lead a healthy and sporty life, the altitude acclimatization is fairly easy. It is not a problem at all!

The symptoms of Mild AMS include:

* Headache
* Nausea & Dizziness
* Loss of appetite
* Fatigue
* Shortness of breath
* Disturbed sleep
* General feeling of malaise
How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness in Tibet Travel

Before you go:
Get as fit and healthy as possible, both physically and psychologically. Don’t be too nervous.
A medical examination is necessary if you’ve never been to plateaus.
Avoid catching cold or respiratory problems before entering Tibet.
Prepare AMS medication with your doctor’s advice.
See what else you need to pack for Tibet travel.

After your arrival:

Avoid brisk walking or running immediately after your arrival, especially if you arrive by air.
Avoid strenuous activity or move higher during your first 24 hours in Tibet. After that, you can have some light activities during the daytime. Avoid exercise at night because respiration decreases during sleeping and the symptoms will be exacerbated.
Don’t take shower at the first day because it will be easy to catch cold.
Drink plenty of fluids (3 to 4 liters daily).
Eat high-carbohydrate food.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol and depressant drugs including barbiturates, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills.
Better not to take oxygen if your AMS symptoms are mild. It helps you acclimatize faster. If your symptoms become worse and worse, please take oxygen and go to hospital.
Take it easy and move to higher altitude gradually. Breathe deeply and take more rest than usual. Stop move higher if you begin feeling ill. If symptoms increase, move to lower altitude.

Who Can’t Go to Tibet
It is advisable to have a body check-up or have your doctor’s advice before visiting Tibet. Visitors having record of heart, lung, liver, kidney problems must seek medical advice before making the decision to go to Tibet. Generally speaking, the following persons should not go to Tibet:
Have already caught a cold;
Have severe anemia;
Have high blood pressure or severe heart disease;
Have pneumonia, tuberculosis, tracheitis, or bronchitis

The altitudes of different places in Tibet

Place	Altitude	Place	Altitude
Lhasa	3658 m	Nyingchi	3000 m
	12001 ft		9843 ft
Nagqu	4507 m	Tsedang	3500 m
	14787 ft		11483 ft
Qamdo	3205 m	Xigatse	3836 m
	10515 ft		12585 ft
Damshung	4200 m	Gyantse	4040 m
	13780 ft		13255 ft
Pome	2750 m	Tingri	4300 m
	9022 ft		14108 ft
Amdo	4800 m	Zayui	2325 m
	15748 ft		7628 ft