Tibet, the 'Roof of the World,' is a land of breathtaking beauty - but its high altitude can leave even the fittest travelers feeling the effects of altitude sickness. With the right foods and drinks, you can ease these symptoms and thrive in Tibet's stunning landscapes.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to nourishing Tibetan foods and drinks to help you stay energized, hydrated and acclimatized, ensuring you can fully enjoy your Tibet adventure.

Tibetan Butter Tea and Sweet Tea Could Ease the Altitude Sickness

Beyond being iconic Tibetan drinks, butter tea and sweet tea could also help ease the altitude sickness in Tibet.

Tibetan butter tea, made with yak butter, strong tea, and a pinch of salt, has a rich, savory flavour similar to a light soup. Its combination of high calories, protein, and lactose helps boost metabolism, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the immune system. For the ultimate experience, pair it with Tsampa, a staple food that enhances the tea’s altitude-easing effects.

Tibetan butter tea and Tsampa.

Sweet tea, on the other hand, provides a refreshing alternative. Made with black tea, milk and sugar, it provides a high-calories and refreshing energy boost. With its light, sweet flavor, it often appeals more to foreign travelers than the distinctive, salty Tibetan butter tea.

Insider Tips: Additionally, when you travel with us, our tour guides will take you to teahouses across Tibet to savor Tibetan butter tea and sweet tea. In Lhasa, popular spots include Guang Ming Gang Qiong Sweet Teahouse or Cang Gusi Nunnery. Drink them regularly throughout your day to stay energized and acclimatized in Tibet’s unique environment.

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour: Explore the Heart of Tibet and Mingle with the Locals

Tour Route: Lhasa

Price from USD509 p.p

This tour in Lhasa offers a unique chance to connect with locals and savor authentic delicacies in traditional Tibetan teahouses.

Tibetan Yak Meat and Noodles are the Best Choice to Fuel Your Trip

When traveling through Tibet, fueling your energy is crucial to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here comes the Tibetan yak meat and noodles for a quick refueling.

Tibetan Noodles for a quick refueling.

With lower fat and higher protein than regular beef, Tibetan yak meat is rich in essential trace elements such as iron, zinc, and calcium. These nutrients enhance blood circulation and strengthen the immune system, fueling your trip wherever you are.

Tibetan yak meat is often served as stew, grilled, or dried as jerky, it provides the energy needed for Tibet’s demanding environment. It’s also a key ingredient in noodle soups like Mokthuk and Thukpa that often enjoyed in the morning or afternoon. Tibetan yak hot pot is another must-try dish you can’t miss.

Mokthuk blends a rich broth with tender yak meat-filled momo (dumplings), offering both protein and carbs for effective altitude adjustment. Thukpa, a flavorful noodle soup, is perfect for warming up in Tibet’s chilly mountain air, and yak meat adds a hearty and nutritious boost.

Tibetan Yak meat-filled Momo.

To support local community, we exclusively partner with Tibetan-owned restaurants. Your journey with us is not only offers the perfect opportunity to savor authentic Tibetan cuisine but also directly contributes to local Tibetan community.

Insider Tips: Yak meat and noodle dishes are are widely available across Tibet. On your journey with us, we’ll treat you to these iconic dishes during both your welcome and farewell dinners, an unforgettable highlight of any Tibet tour from us.

Tibetan Yak Yogurt that Help With Digestion on the Plateau

After a hearty meal, Tibetan yak yogurt is the perfect snack to soothe your stomach and aid digestion.

Made from yak milk, it’s richer, creamier, and lower in lactose than cow’s milk yogurt. Packed with active lactic acid bacteria that can enhance digestion to replenishes your body after a day of adventure. With its high butterfat content, it’s both indulgent and functional. You can also add some sugar or honey for sweetness - perfect for breakfast or a midday energy booster.

Tibetan Yak Yogurt.

Insider Tips: While Tibetan yogurt is available in many restaurants in Tibet, for a truly deeper authentic experience, be sure to try homemade yogurt at local Tibetan guesthouses - most of our Tibet tours include a special visit of a local family, where you can savor this traditional treat.

Popular Drinks Like Coke and Coffee that Could Comfort Your Journey

While traditional Tibetan drinks like butter tea and sweet tea are essential for acclimatization, we understand that for many of you, coke and coffee are comforting companions on any journey. Luckily, both are available in Tibet.

Scientifically speaking, coffee and cola may worsen your altitude sickness because they contain caffeine, which may cause dehydration or elevate your heart rate, potentially intensifying the symptoms. However, science doesn’t always apply universally. Many of our guests have found that drinking cola or coffee actually helps them feel better overall and eases altitude sickness.

Here in Tibet, Coke is surprisingly popular with total coke sales across the region being quite high. It’s something we enjoy daily, perhaps because its sweetness offers a familiar sense of comfort. You can easily find it in restaurants and shops throughout Tibet. Meanwhile, coffee, though still relatively rare here, is steadily gaining popularity in the region.

If you're traveling with us and craving freshly brewed coffee, let us know in advance! Our guides will be happy to plan a stop at a café, so you can enjoy satisfying coffee moments during your Tibet trip.

Warm Coffee in Tibet.

Once you arrive in Lhasa, give coke and coffee a try to see how they make you feel. Just remember to balance your caffeine intake with plenty of water to stay hydrated and minimize the effects of altitude.

Additionally, packing your favorite instant coffee is a great way to ensure you have a caffeine fix no matter where your adventures take you. With these options, you can balance comfort and hydration while fully embracing your Tibet tour.

Fresh Fruits and Water Keep You Hydrated Along the Journey

At high altitudes, the thinner, drier air and lower oxygen levels can leave you feeling dehydrated and drained. To help your body adjust, staying hydrated is crucial while travelling in Tibet.

A simple way to stay refreshed and energized is incorporating hydrating fruits like apples, oranges, and pears into your daily routine. These fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals to support your immune system, making them a great addition to your diet.

Fresh fruits in Tibet.

We Tibet Vista also provide bottled water throughout the journey, allowing you can focus on enjoying the experience without any extra concerns. If you have specific fruits you’d like, feel free to let our tour guide know in advance, and they’ll have them ready for you. 

Insider Tips: Carry a reusable water bottle with you and take sips regularly, even when you don’t feel thirsty, especially during long hikes or explorations. For an extra boost, try electrolyte drinks like Pocari Sweat or Gatorade to replenish essential minerals.

Tibetan Foods like Tsampa and Momo are the Authentic You Must Try

Looking for authentic Tibetan food? You must try Tsampa and Momo. They aren’t just iconic staples of Tibetan cuisine; they are also the perfect companions for high-altitude adventures.

Tsampa is made from finely ground roasted barley flour, lightweight, calorie-rich, and easy to carry. The traditional way to enjoy Tsampa is by mixing it with Tibetan butter tea, then rolling the mixture into small, compact balls - a satisfying and unique snack.

Tibetan momo, another beloved classic Tibetan dish you can’t miss. These warm, dumpling-like treats that can be steamed, fried, or boiled, and they’re served with a tangy dipping sauce made from tomato and mustard, offering a flavorful alternative to Chinese-style dumplings.

Our Tibet small group tours include a visit to a local Tibetan family.

Most of our Tibet small group tours include a visit to a local Tibetan family, where you’ll have the chance to experience their warm hospitality and enjoy a meal prepared with traditional Tibetan recipes. This promises wonderful opportunity to taste authentic Tibetan cuisine and connect with local culture.

Insider Tips: Both Tsampa and momo are widely available in teahouses across Tibet. If you’re preparing for a long day of exploration, consider packing a few as a handy backup snack - nothing beats savoring these authentic Tibetan staples during your trip.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

This classic Lhasa-Mt.Everest tour offers not only breath-taking landscapes but also a unique opportunity to visit a local family at Lake Yamdrok to savor delicious local Tibetan cuisine.

Essential Tips about Enjoy Tibetan Foods And Drinks

Small and Frequent Meals: Opt for smaller portions throughout the day to support digestion and reduce strain on your body at high altitudes.

Prioritize Warm Foods: Embrace warm, comforting meals - they not only aid digestion but also provide much-needed coziness in Tibet’s chilly climate.

Limit Spicy and Oily Foods: Minimize heavy, spicy, or oily dishes, as they can upset your stomach and make altitude adjustment harder.

Eat Slowly and Mindfully: Take your time with meals to allow your body to properly absorb nutrients, helping with digestion and reducing discomfort at high altitudes.

Avoid Alcohol: Steer clear of dehydrating drinks like alcohol, as it can slow your body’s acclimatization process.

Conclusion

Savor these delicious and nutritious Tibetan foods and drinks, you’ll not only minimize the risk of altitude sickness but also enrich your Tibet Tour experience - fully prepared for the stunning landscapes ahead!

For the best results, start incorporating them into your diet a few days before ascending to higher altitudes. Ready to explore Tibet’s incredible landscapes? With the right foods and drinks, you’ll be fully prepared for an unforgettable journey.