High-altitude sickness is mainly caused by a rapid decrease in the availability of oxygen due to lower air pressure at high altitudes.
When you ascend to a high altitude too quickly, your body doesn’t have enough time to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels. The lungs take in less oxygen with each breath, and this leads to a series of physiological responses. For example, the body tries to increase its breathing rate and heart rate to compensate for the lack of oxygen. This can result in symptoms such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue.
General altitude in Tibet above Sea Level (M)
As illustrated in the graph, the average altitude in Tibet is approximately 4000m above sea level, posing a significant challenge for those traveling directly to high-altitude areas such as EBC. Consequently, in every Tibet tour, clients are provided with a 2-3 day tour in the lower altitude area of Lhasa. The primary objective of this arrangement is to enable our clients to acclimate or adjust to the altitude. Subsequently, they can venture to higher altitudes as they become accustomed to the environment.
Here are some useful tips to prevent Altitude Sickness in Tibet
Acclimatize Slowly:
For each Tibet tour, we schedule a 2 – 3 day exploration of Lhasa city for our international travelers. This initial experience helps them acclimatize to the altitude. Then we gradually introduce higher altitude attractions, allowing for a smoother adjustment to the changing conditions.
Stay Hydrated:
Staying hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water is a crucial factor in preventing dehydration at high altitudes. Besides, dehydration can give rise to symptoms alike those of altitude sickness, although it’s hard to confirm there is a direct relation but try to stay hydrated.
Eat well:
During your journey in Tibet, maintaining a good diet is essential to keep yourself energetic. It is advisable to focus on consuming high-carbohydrate foods, which play a significant role in replenishing and sustaining your energy, enabling you to fully enjoy the tour.
Avoid cigarettes and alcohol
Consumption of alcohol at high altitude regions will increase the risk of dehydration and cigarettes will interfere with your body’s ability to acclimatize.
Take Medication:
Taking prescribed medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox) and dexamethasone can potentially assist in the process of acclimating to high altitudes. However, it is crucial to consult a medical professional before using any such medications to ensure their appropriate and safe use, as they may have potential side effects and individual responses can vary.
Conclusion:
As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” Before facing the risk of high altitude sickness, we should be well-prepared with practical preventive measures, anticipating the worst while hoping for the best. It should be noted that not all international clients will experience this illness, as it largely depends on an individual’s physical fitness and ability to adapt to the new environment in Tibet.