Many people worry about altitude sickness when arriving on the plateau for the first time. But, with proper precautions, altitude sickness is not as scary as it sounds.
Because most of us live in regions of lower altitude, it is sometimes difficult to adapt to the lack of oxygen on the plateau. This is different for everyone – some people adapt within a few days, but it may take others weeks.
Altitude Sickness: In altitudes higher than 3000 meters, people may feel headachy, dazed, lacking in strength, and experience sleeplessness. More serious symptoms include abdomen expansion, nausea, breathlessness, and purple face and lips.
If these symptom appear, stay in the same place for 3~5 days and take it easy or immediately go several hundreds meters lower, and you should be cured.
To prevent altitude sickness:
●Slow your movement on the plateau, especially when you have just arrived. Don’t eat too much and drink a lot of water.
●Keep your schedule flexible. Leave some time for relaxation and adaptation. If you want to hike and climb mountains, do not immediately attempt hiking over 1000 meters change in altitude.
●If you think you are prone to altitude sickness, you can purchase altitude sickness medicine and take it 3 to 4 days before you enter the plateau.
●Don’t go to Tibet when you have a cold. Being in good health will take you a long way.
● You may experience four seasons in one day of Tibet, so bring enough clothes, and you can wear them in layers to be ready for changes.
● Use sunscreen! The sun on the plateau can be unforgiving, and sunburn will only exacerbate any altitude sickness you may be feeling.
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