Tibet travel advice on adapting to high altitude

July,29 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

Since high altitude sickness is always considered as the first risk for travelers to Tibet, we would like to share someTibet travel advice on adapting to high altitude with you if you are planning a Tibet tour.

According to the suggestion from experts, visitors, especially the first-timers should adapt to the Tibetan plateau step by step in order to acclimatize themselves to the rise of altitude.

Before reaching Tibet, it is advised stop in Xining, capital of Qinghai Province with an elevation of 2,261 meter, to help them get initial acclimatization. In Xining, tourists can pay a visit to the famous Qinghai Lake, Taer Monastery and other tourist sites there. Tourists can take flight or train to Tibet. But by train from Xining to Lhasa is the most popular way among travelers.

The second stop should be Golmud with an elevation of 3,000 meters. Moderate hypoxia for two to three days will make tourists more adaptable to the highland environment. During their stay, they can pay a visit to some places of tourist attraction such as the Chaerhan Saline and Dulan Tumulus. However, according our over ten years’ experience in organizing Tibet tour for foreigners, few tourists would make a stop at Golmud due to the lack of tourist facilities and harsh climate there.

Having stopped twice along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, tourists will found themselves easier to get over the discomforts caused by the increasing altitude when passing the Tanggula Mountain. In this way, symptoms of altitude sickness will be greatly reduced or avoided when reaching Lhasa at an altitude of 3,600 meters.

If tourists do not make stops along the way, it is also OK. But you must stay at least two days in Lhasa for acclimation before going to other place with a higher elevation. During your first two days in Lhasa, no strenuous activities, no alcohol, no shower. For more Tibet travel advice on arranging your tour to Tibet, feel free to contact us at inquiry@tibettravel.org at your convenience.

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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