Is It Easy to Get Altitude Sickness While Visiting Lhasa

Lhasa city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tibet and is always the first stop for all Tibet tours. The high altitude and remote location have not hindered tourism over the years. While tourists are prone to altitude sickness, preventive measures and medicines can mitigate its severity and alleviate symptoms. Since altitude sickness concerns many tourists, this article aims to alleviate some of your worries.

How High is Lhasa? Lower Than Many Cities Worldwide

Lhasa is situated at an elevation of 3,600m. In fact, most of Tibet lies above an altitude of 3,000m. Some cities around the world that exceed Lhasa in altitude include: La Rinconada, Peru, at 5,100m; El Alto, Bolivia, at 4,150m; Potosi, Bolivia, at 4,090m; Tuiwa, Tibet, at 5,070m; Rongbuk Monastery, Tibet, at 4,980m; Yashiping, Qinghai, at 4,720m; Wenquan, Qinghai, at 4,870m; and Shigatse at 3,860m.

As you can see, many cities worldwide are situated at higher altitudes than Lhasa. In fact, Lhasa is one of the lower cities in Tibet. Therefore, staying in Lhasa is a wise choice for altitude adaptation before visiting higher-altitude locations in Tibet.

Lhasa is located at an elevation of 3,650m, lower than many other cities worldwide.

Is it Easy to Get Altitude Sickness While Visiting Lhasa?

Altitude sickness affects individuals regardless of age, health condition, fitness level, gender, and other factors. Nearly all travelers experience some degree of altitude sickness while visiting Lhasa, though its severity varies from person to person. While some may only exhibit mild symptoms, others may experience more prolonged effects. Altitude sickness typically occurs due to rapid ascent to higher altitudes.

Common symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, general weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Severe cases may involve swelling, spasms, and nausea. Fortunately, these symptoms can be managed with appropriate medication.

Individuals with severe heart problems, respiratory issues, diabetes, severe colds, hypertension, and similar conditions are strongly advised against traveling to Tibet. It is crucial for such individuals to undergo a thorough medical evaluation and receive clearance from a doctor before embarking on the trip.

Tourits may experience altitude sickness with different degree of severity while visiting Lhasa.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Lhasa?

There are no foolproof ways to avoid altitude sickness, but there are steps you can take to reduce the severity of symptoms. Here are some tips and advice to follow:

(1) Prepare before starting the ascent. Visit your doctor to obtain all necessary medications for altitude sickness and its symptoms. Practice meditation and exercises to enhance lung capacity, such as running, swimming, or cycling, at least one month before your trip. Avoid alcohol consumption before traveling and consume plenty of fruits. Take precautions to avoid catching a cold, as it can exacerbate altitude-related discomfort.

(2) Be cautious upon arriving in Lhasa. Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities immediately upon arrival. Focus on acclimatizing during the initial days. Avoid alcohol and opt for calorie-rich foods like chocolates. Skip showering for the first couple of days to prevent catching a cold. Consume food only from hygienic places and drink plenty of butter tea.

Drinking Tibetan butter tea can help to avoid altitude sickness.

(3) Purchase your medications ahead of time. Carry them with you at all times and consider acquiring small oxygen tanks as a precautionary measure. These can be readily purchased at pharmacies and some hotels. If you experience worsening symptoms or discomfort, notify your guide promptly so they can assist you in locating a suitable hospital.

(4) Avoid rushing to visit Lhasa's attractions immediately upon arrival. Upon arriving in Lhasa, whether by flight or Tibet train from China or Nepal, it's crucial to prioritize rest. The journey can be exhausting, particularly if you've traveled quickly after a long-haul flight, which can exacerbate jet lag for several days. Insufficient rest increases the risk of altitude sickness upon arrival in Lhasa.

(5) Follow the gradual ascent rule, especially when journeying to higher altitudes. It's advised not to ascend more than 500 meters per day above 2,500-3,000 meters, and to include rest days after every 1,000 meters of ascent. Upon arrival in Lhasa, take a few days for light sightseeing in the city before venturing into higher altitudes like Gyantse, Shigatse, Lake Namtso, and Mount Kailash. Use this time to rest and acclimatize, ensuring you sleep at a lower altitude than the highest point reached during the day.

Follow the gradual ascent rule especially when you go to higher places such as Mount Kailash.

(6) Having the right mindset towards altitude sickness symptoms. Knowledge is key—understanding what altitude sickness entails, its effects, duration, and management strategies is more crucial than relying on unverified treatments found online. Symptoms can be uncomfortable and stressful, but knowing they are temporary and avoiding panic can significantly improve your mental outlook. Oxygen therapy can provide short-term relief, but it interrupts acclimatization. Repeated use at high altitudes may worsen symptoms upon cessation.

How to Treat If I Suffer from Altitude Sickness in Lhasa?

Treatment for altitude sickness varies depending on its severity. For mild cases, resting at the same altitude until recovery, typically for a day or two, is usually sufficient. Headaches can be managed with paracetamol or acetaminophen. If symptoms persist or worsen, immediate descent is essential; even a decrease in altitude of 500m can provide relief.

Severe altitude sickness requires the quickest possible descent to lower altitudes. In less severe cases, individuals may be able to descend with assistance, while in more critical situations, they may require assistance to descend. Delaying descent in any circumstance can potentially be life-threatening.

Note: Individuals suffering from altitude sickness may need to be evacuated from Tibet promptly, underscoring the importance of having adequate travel insurance.

Conclusion

Lhasa is located on the Tibetan plateau and is situated at a lower altitude compared to many other places in Tibet. With proper preparation, you can enjoy Lhasa without encountering any hassles or health concerns. Feel free to contact us for detailed information on how to prevent altitude sickness while exploring different regions of Tibet.