What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
The high altitude and people's reaction to it is one of the difficulties to travel to Tibet. But it is not so serious as you imagined if you know it and get prepared for it.

What is High Altitude?
- High Altitude: 1500 - 3500 m (5000 - 11500 ft)
- Very High Altitude: 3500 - 5500 m (11500 - 18000 ft)
- Extreme Altitude: above 5500 m

When acclimatization lags significantly behind ascent, various symptoms occur. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) represents the body's intolerance of the hypoxic (low oxygen) environment at one's current elevation

What kinds of physiologic reactions will occur?
- Hyperventilation (breathing fast)
- Shortness of breath during exertion
- Increased urination
- Changed breathing pattern at night
- Awakening frequently at night
- Weird dreams

Who can not go?

ChinaYak.com may suggest whose clients who suffered from high blood pressure and severe heart disease not travel to Tibet.

The altitudes of different places in Tibet

How to avoid AMS?

Extremely high elevations such as those encountered on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau may present unique problems to people who are not accustomed to these high altitudes. Fortunately, the following are some tips to prevent or at least alleviate the uncomfortable feelings caused by altitude sickness.

First of all, a physical examination before the trip is necessary as people with heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, serious anemia, and other cardio and respiratory problems should not travel in the extreme altitudes encountered Tibet. Even if you do not believe that you have a health problem, the sudden change to a high altitude possibly make a latent one apparent. We strongly suggest that you had better take proper precautions. It is best to ask your doctor to advise you about precautions you can take and items to bring along on your trip that may assist you to adjust to the climate and altitude. It is also a good idea to pack some commonly used over-the-counter medicines, such as those used for cold, inflammation, insect bite, and sunstroke. But, even with these OTC items, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that the brands are safe in very high altitude environments.

Secondly, work out a reasonable itinerary. It is a favorable choice to travel from relatively low elevation to get used to the attitude sickness step by step. ?For example, you can travel firstly in Nyingchi Region , the average elevation of which is about 2,900 meters, then to higher places. It is better to travel by plane than by road or by railway. The latter ways will not help adapt tourists gradually to the plateau, but rather make tourists too tired to adapt.

Thirdly, take good rest after your arrival. People cannot feel altitude sickness until several hours after the arrival. If you are too excited in the first hours, you will suffer a lot when it comes. Do not eat too much. Your stomach may not work as well as it does on the plain. Besides, do not drink alcohol.

Fourthly, when altitude sickness comes, do not be panic. You can just sleep or take medicines following the doctor's advice. Tibetan doctors know too well procedures for curing it. Do not depend on inbreathing pure oxygen. It will only slow your adaptation process.

Fifthly, try to not catch a cold. On the plateau, a cold can easily turn into dangerous high altitude illness. Wearing warm and enough clothes for the plateau is usually extremely cold. Take special care when having a bath.

Sixthly, please keep a good mood and be optimistic all times. Fight your fear of altitude sickness. When you overcome it, it will do you no harm. Generally speaking, this process takes 2-4 days or a little longer depends on individuals.

Finally, some experts suggest that children younger than 10 years old should not travel to Tibet. Their lower immune resistance slows recovery from altitude sickness and the altitude can adversely affect their normal growth. Again, always check with your family physician about your decisions before your trip.