High Altitude Sickness
Everything you need to know to stay safe and healthy on your Tibet trip — causes, symptoms, prevention, treatment and local hospitals.
Altitude sickness affects the majority of visitors to Tibet — Lhasa sits at 3,658m and many attractions reach above 4,500m. With the right knowledge and preparation, most travelers enjoy their trip without serious issues.
Lhasa Elevation
3,658m (12,001 ft)
Sickness onset
6–10 hrs after arrival
Key medicine
Diamox (consult doctor)
Main hospital
People’s Hospital of TAR
Altitude Sickness Guides
What is High Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness (AMS) is a pathological effect of high altitude on humans caused by low oxygen. It affects most travelers in Tibet — but it is manageable if you know what to expect.
The Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
From mild headaches and nausea to the serious HACE and HAPE conditions — learn to recognise the full spectrum of altitude sickness symptoms before trekking in Tibet.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness
Most altitude sickness is preventable with the right preparation. Here are 6 proven steps — from pre-departure health checks to how to behave on your first day in Lhasa.
How to Treat High Altitude Sickness
If you develop altitude sickness symptoms during your Tibet trip, here is exactly what to do — from first response and medication to when to descend and why travel insurance matters.
Medicine for High Altitude Sickness
A guide to both Western and Chinese traditional medicines used to prevent and treat altitude sickness — including Diamox, Dexamethasone, Rhodiola and more.
Tibet Medical Treatments & Hospitals
With significantly improved healthcare infrastructure, Tibet now has several well-equipped hospitals in Lhasa — including the world-famous Tibetan Traditional Hospital (Mentsekhang) on Barkhor Street.
Can Children Travel to Tibet? The Altitude Truth Every Family Must Know
The most important question Tibet families ask — answered directly from twenty years of guiding experience and the advice of Australian medical researchers who specialised in high-altitude illness.
Worried About Altitude Sickness?
Our experienced guides are trained to recognise and respond to altitude sickness. All our tours include acclimatization days, and our guides are trained to recognise and respond to altitude sickness.
Frequently asked questions
How common is altitude sickness in Tibet?
It affects the majority of visitors to some degree — Lhasa sits at 3,658 metres and many attractions are above 4,500 metres. Most people feel only mild effects and adjust within a day or two.
How can I prevent altitude sickness?
Acclimatise gradually, take your first days gently, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals at first, and consider Diamox in consultation with your doctor.
What are the symptoms, and when should I seek help?
Common symptoms are headache, breathlessness, poor sleep, nausea and fatigue. If symptoms worsen despite rest and oxygen, or you develop confusion or breathlessness at rest, descend and seek medical help immediately.
Do I need to bring my own oxygen?
We provide oxygen in the vehicle on all small-group tours, and oxygen is available at the hotels we use. If you have a pre-existing condition, please talk to your doctor before travelling.
Tours with a gentle start
Every tour below gives your body time: a slow first day, and the highest places later in the trip.
We answer within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.