Medicine for High Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is the biggest health worry for most visitors to Tibet. Two kinds of remedy are used: Western medicines, which work quickly on symptoms or help your body adjust, and traditional Chinese and Tibetan remedies, which many local people and travellers take as a support.
Important: all medicines can have side effects. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before you buy or take any medicine for altitude sickness. This page is general information only.
Western Medicines
Diamox (Acetazolamide)
The most widely used medicine to prevent and treat mild altitude sickness. It helps your body adjust faster. Many travellers start it a day before they arrive in Lhasa. It needs a prescription in most countries, and your doctor will give you the right dose. Common side effects are tingling in the fingers and needing to pass water more often.
Dexamethasone
A strong steroid used in emergencies for HACE (fluid on the brain). It relieves symptoms but does not help your body adjust, so it is not a reason to keep going higher. Only take it under medical advice.
Nifedipine
An emergency medicine for HAPE (fluid on the lungs). It lowers the pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. Only take it under medical advice.
Vitamins & General Medicines
Bring painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen), cold medicine, throat lozenges and anything you take at home. Vitamins are not needed but do no harm.
Chinese Traditional Medicine
Chinese and Tibetan remedies are popular in Lhasa, and many guides and local travellers use them. They are meant to strengthen the body rather than treat a symptom directly. Scientific evidence that they prevent altitude sickness is limited, so don’t use them instead of the advice above. The most common are:
- Rhodiola (hong jing tian, 红景天) — the best-known herb for altitude, sold as capsules or tablets.
- Lingzhi mushroom (Ganoderma, 灵芝) — used to support general strength and immunity.
- Codonopsis (dang shen, 党参) — used for tiredness and breathlessness.
- American ginseng (花旗参) — used for energy and stamina.
- Jingtian Honghua capsules — a ready-made mix with rhodiola, sold in Lhasa pharmacies.
- Gaoyuan’an (高原安) — a common over-the-counter altitude remedy in Tibet.
Tip: rhodiola capsules, Jingtian Honghua capsules and Gaoyuan’an are sold in pharmacies all over Lhasa. Some travellers start rhodiola one or two weeks before their trip. Your guide can take you to a pharmacy on arrival.
We answer within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.