What altitude sickness feels like
Above roughly 2,700 m the body starts to adapt to lower air pressure and thinner oxygen. Common symptoms are headache, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, poor appetite, mild fever, dizziness and fatigue; some people develop bluish lips or cracked lips and nosebleeds from the dry air.
What to do if it happens
Rest, eat lightly, drink water and avoid exertion. Mild symptoms usually ease within a day or two. Severe symptoms — swelling, breathing difficulty, a heavy cold — need medical attention and, in serious cases, leaving the plateau; there are daily flights out of Lhasa.
How to reduce the risk
Keep a calm frame of mind, walk slowly, avoid running and heavy lifting, skip alcohol and smoking for the first days, keep warm and delay the first bath. Do not reach for oxygen at the first mild headache; let the body adapt unless a doctor advises otherwise.
Who should not go
People with serious heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe asthma, and women who are pregnant, should consult a doctor first. A heavy cold before departure is a reason to postpone the trip.
Air or land
Flying is quicker and lets you rest at your hotel shortly after arrival; overland routes climb gradually but involve long, rough drives and high passes with limited medical support. Both have trade-offs and neither is clearly better.
Are there health requirements for travelling to Tibet?
The plateau is high in altitude; travellers with heart disease, severe hypertension, respiratory conditions or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before departure. Rest well on the first day, avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol, and drink plenty of water.
Is altitude sickness milder if I fly or if I take the train?
Each has trade-offs. Flying is quick and lets you rest at your hotel soon after arrival, with easy access to medical care. Overland travel climbs gradually, which in theory helps acclimatisation, but long rough drives and high passes are exhausting and can trigger symptoms. Choose according to your time and fitness.
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
Common symptoms include headache, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, poor appetite, mild fever, dizziness and fatigue. Some people develop bluish lips or nail beds, drowsiness or insomnia from the thinner oxygen, and dry skin, cracked lips or nosebleeds from the dry air. Symptoms usually begin above about 2,700 m.
What should I do if I get altitude sickness?
For mild symptoms, rest is the main treatment: limit activity, keep eating, drink water and stay warm; they usually ease within one or two days. For severe symptoms such as swelling, breathing difficulty or a heavy cold, seek medical care and oxygen, and descend to lower altitude if necessary.
