FAQ

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.

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.

People with serious heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe asthma or other serious respiratory conditions should not travel to the plateau, and travellers who are pregnant should consult a doctor before departure. A significant cold should be cured before setting out.

It is not advisable. Travelling to high altitude with a significant cold can trigger more serious altitude illness, particularly pulmonary oedema, which is dangerous if not treated promptly. Wait until the cold has cleared. If you catch a cold while in Tibet, treat it early and see a doctor; it usually resolves quickly.

A special medical check is normally unnecessary; people without serious heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions can usually travel. Deliberately increasing training is not recommended — higher oxygen demand after exercise can add strain at altitude. Regular sleep and avoiding colds matter more.

Take it easy: no strenuous activity on arrival, avoid a chill after bathing, skip alcohol, drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Save gentle city sightseeing for the second day and increase activity gradually.