What is the Highest Point in Tibet

Tibet holds within itself some of the most spectacular destinations that many people might not have seen before. With its mysterious yet exotic appeal, Tibet will surely take your breath away. Tibet has got many high altitude places that are bound to attract the soul that loves to travel.

So which are the highest points in Tibet that you must visit?

The Highest Mountain in the World - Mount Everest

A Tibet tour can never be complete without visiting Mt Everest region, the highest mountain in the world. Viewing the summit of Mt. Everest, which is 8848 metres above the sea leave, in front of our eyes is a dream for nearly all people, who wish to witness the sheer majestic appeal of the Everest. In Tibetan dialect, Everest is known as Qomolangma which means “Goddess the Third.”

Photo at Everest Base Camp with the grand summit view of Mount Everest

Trekking to the Everest base camp will need travel of about 7 hours from the second largest town in Tibet, Shigatse. There are various routes for trekking up to the base camp and the ideal month would be during late September when the winds have started to dry up revealing clearer skies and breathtaking beauty all around.

The Highest Monastery in Tibet – Rongbuk Monastery

The Rongbuk Monastery that lies at an elevation of 4980 metres above sea level is not only the highest religious center in Tibet but also the highest monastery in the world. It has been built at the base of the North Side of Mt Everest. The Rongbuk Monastery is a very popular camping site for mountaineering expeditions who trek all the way up to the summit of Mt Everest.

Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in Tibet

This monastery was constructed long back in 1902 and has been the witness to various socio-political waves of change ever since. With its eye-catching location and the backdrop of the highest mountain in the world, the Rongbuk Monastery is a sheer sight of extreme tranquillity and pureness.

Apart from its religious significance, this monastery is also significant regarding the historical viewpoint. Moreover, tourists can also enjoy the vibrant cultural and festival performances that are held by the locals during various times of the year.

The Highest Airport in Tibet – Chamdo Bangda Airport

The highest airport in Tibet is Chamdo Bangda Airport at an altitude of 4334 metres above the sea level. It has go the longest runway in the world meant for civilians. The 5.5 km long runway had been constructed to enable aircraft to take off smoothly in the extremely high altitude.

Chamdo Bangda Airport is about 4334 meters above sea level.

However, for most travellers to Tibet, Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is the major airport to get into Tibet. No matter which airport you will land in, it is important to pay attention to the high altitude sickness when you take a flight to Tibet. It is suggested to spend one or two days upon your arrival in Tibet to get used to the high altitude in Tibet.

The Highest Railway Station along Qinghai-Tibet Railway

The Qinghai – Tibet Railway is the highest railway that connects Xining in the Qinghai province and Lhasa in Tibet. This railway is of an overall length of 1956 km and is the first railway connection between Tibet and any other province. There are nearly 45 railway stations located along the entire path of this Qinghai-Tibet route that stretches between Xining and Lhasa. Every station comes with its characteristic beauty that gradually unfolds as one proceeds from one station to the next.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest railway in Tibet, connecting Xining and Lhasa.

The Tanggula Station is the highest (located at an elevation of 5068 m above sea level) and is the best spot from where you can enjoy the panoramic beauty of the Tanggula Mountains. This station is located in Amdo County in Tibet, China. There are 3 railway tracks in this station with one full platform and another sub-platform.

But there is no need to worry about getting high altitude sickness while taking the train to Tibet. Because all the Tibet trains are equipped with the oxygen supply system onboard.

How to Prevent High Altitude Sickness when Visiting Tibet

Traveling to Tibet is surely bound to be very fulfilling and exciting. But to have a safe and pleasant tour, it is essential to bear in mind the possibilities of mountain sickness or high altitude sickness, which happens due to less oxygen saturation in the air, low air pressure, and dryness of the environment.

Traveling to extremely high altitudes brings about a certain feeling of nausea and light headedness that is typical of altitude sickness. And so that altitude sickness does not play the spoilsport, there are some necessary steps that you can follow to prevent it. Let us take a look at the fundamental points that need to be ascertained in this case:

1) It is critical to get a thorough medical check-up conducted before the trip, to ensure that you are medically fit to travel.
2) People who suffer from heart ailments, cerebrovascular diseases, respiratory troubles, epilepsy, schizophrenia, pulmonary and cerebral edema are advised not to go to Tibet. Even pregnant women should not travel to extremely high altitudes.
3) Always keep medication handy, so that the slightest symptoms of acute mountain sickness can be treated immediately to prevent aggravation.
4) Prefer ascending to high heights gradually, instead of landing right up there. It is especially helpful so that our bodies get the required time to get acclimatized to the high altitude conditions.
5) After reaching a particular place with a very high elevation, make sure that you get adequate rest to prevent high altitude sickness.
6) Always travel light and comfortable and never overstress yourself into doing strenuous activities while you travel.
7) In case of severe conditions, take medication immediately. If the symptoms are still visible, then make arrangements to descend to lower heights at the earliest.