NO "TOUR GROUP" LIMITATIONS
ANYWHERE
YOU WANT TO GO
WE TAKE YOU!
CHEMI
TIBET ALTITUDE SICKNESS IT'S THE TOP, THE
ROOF, THE HIGHEST PLACE ON EARTH! BE PREPARED FOR ALTITUDE SICKNESS!
BEST
TREATMENT
GO BACK DOWN!
The pleasures of trekking or
even vacationing in the world's highest mountain ranges
cannot be overstated especially when we are talking about
Tibet. Neither can the dangers! Altitude sickness can occur
in some people as low as 8,000 feet, but serious symptoms do
not usually occur until over 12,000 feet, however exceptions
are the rule. No matter your age or your shape, there is no
way to tell if you will get it until you go. Even then it is
not the height that is important, rather the speed in
which you ascended to that altitude.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
High Altitude Defined
When acclimatization lags significantly behind ascent, various symptoms
occur. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) represents the body's
intolerance of the low oxygen environment at one's current elevation. There are
many degrees of AMS. See below
High Altitude:
1500 - 3500 meters (5000 - 11500 feet)
Very High Altitude:
3500 - 5500 meters (11500 - 18000 feet)
Extreme Altitude:
Above 5500 meters (18000 feet)
TIBET ALTITUDE
CHART
Place
Altitude
Place
Altitude
Lhasa
3658 m
12001 ft
Nyingchi/Bayi Town
3000 m
9843 ft
Nagqu
4507 m
14787 ft
Shannon/Tsetang
3500 m
11483 ft
Qamdo/Chamdo
3205 m
10515 ft
Shigatse
3836 m
12585 ft
Nam-tso/Damshung
4200 m
13780 ft
Gyantse
4040 m
13255 ft
Pome, Nyingchi
2750 m
9022 ft
Tingri
4300 m
14108 ft
Amdo
4800 m
15748 ft
Rima/Zayui
2325 m
7628 ft
Helpful Hints to Avoid Altitude Sickness
Exercise before going to Tibet - get fit as possible. Even
fit people experience AMS.
Take "pearls" and vitamins. Best not to have a cold in high
altitude environments.
Get a full nights rest before flying to Lhasa.
You may acclimate easier by taking the long fast train from
Beijing.
Plan one full day in Lhasa to acclimate before heavy
sightseeing or side trips.
While acclimating, take it easy, walk slowly, rest, drink
water.
Gradual assertion is the key. If you start to feel odd, wait
or descend. DO NOT GO HIGHER.
Bring a prescription for Altitude Sickness with you, as well
as a first-aid kit.
Take oxygen along. You can buy a supply in any sporting
goods store.
Symptoms of
High Altitude Issues
Headache
Light headedness
Feeling like you can't get enough air
Hyperventilation (breathing fast)
Shortness of breath during exertion
Decreased coordination
Increased urination
Nausea or vomiting
Swelling of face or hands
Changed breathing pattern at night, gasping
Awakening frequently at night
Feelings of panic, heart palpitations
Strange and vivid dreams
Study about
AMS Before You Go
There are
various degrees of AMS not covered on this page. It is very
important that you know the signs and symptoms of altitude
sickness and the degrees. AMS can cause death and has many
times. Print out some information about AMS to take with you
in your medical kit. You will not remember all the details
about AMS when you are in the middle of a journey. Keep this
handy, it WILL come in useful for you and/or another. Here
are some good links:
DISCLAIMER: The data
on this website is the collaborative experience by both travel
professionals and non-professionals, contributions, and research of
various websites, books, documents, research, articles, associates,
attorneys, etc. The information on this site may or may not be accurate
or up to date. The primary purpose of this site is education and service.
We do not advocate any specific course of action, but offer ideas to think
about. What you do with this information and any course of action you
decide to take, if any, is entirely your responsibility. We wish you happy
travels.
