By: Beth Rush
Managing Editor at Body+Mind
Every mountaineer dreams of conquering the Himalayan mountain range. While it's a paradise for those looking for the next big climb, Tibet's altitudes can feel overwhelming even for seasoned climbers. However, backpackers can beat the summits with the right preparation and strategy.
Lhasa is the highest city in Tibet, towering at 11,995 feet above sea level. Being here means standing in one of the highest cities in the world, which many climbers consider a huge achievement.
Lhasa Altitude:
The average elevation in Tibet is 14,370 high, which is the highest region in the world.
Tibet Altitude:
While people travel to this part of Asia for several reasons, many do so to see its natural landscapes. However, be prepared to beat the elevations when visiting. Tibet's altitude averages around 14,000 feet. The famous Mount Everest stands at 29,031 feet, which is the highest point above sea level. Many mountains throughout the country exceed 20,000 feet high.
The oxygen concentrations in Tibet are up to 40% lower than the sea level.¹ Can you survive in this place?
The body depends on oxygen for proper functioning and needs an adequate amount of this gas. Consider this when visiting since breathing thin air can make you sick.
Most people will survive great heights, but only for a short time. How? If you're way above the sea surface, your body raises your hemoglobin levels, allowing it to carry oxygen in the blood. However, it can be risky if these protein volumes stay consistently high.
Tibetans have adapted to their environment, allowing their bodies to thrive in high altitudes without getting sick. Scientists believe they’ve evolved genetic mutations that help them use oxygen more efficiently without raising their hemoglobin levels.
That said, you must take extra precautions when traveling to Tibet to minimize the stress of elevated altitudes on your body.
It's common for visitors to experience altitude sickness. You're at a higher risk if you're not used to elevations. Anyone traveling to locations 8,000 feet above sea level is likely to get sick.²
With some Tibetan cliffs over 20,000 feet high, there's no such thing as being over prepared for beginner climbers.
Acute mountain sickness is the mildest type of altitude illness, which is at very high risk in Tibet.
You may experience headaches, tiredness, nausea, vomiting and reduced appetite from 8,000 feet above sea level.
Tibet altitude sickness symptoms:
If coming from sea level, Tibet altitude sickness can be extreme, and tends to start within 6-24 hours of arrival. Read our tips below to best prepare for you Tibet trip.
The Society of Mountain Medicine sets three altitude regions.
Since Tibet's average elevation is approximately 14,000 feet, it falls within the category of very high altitude. Ranges and peaks over 20,000 feet are classified as extremely high.
Most people need medication for altitude sickness when going to Tibet. This medication should be part of your travel medical supplies, along with bandages, wipes, pain relievers and allergy medicine. Professional highlanders may be less affected by the elevations, but it's still ideal to take altitude sickness pills.
You may need several weeks to months of high-altitude training to conquer Tibet's majestic landscapes.
Athletes often train at least 7,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, slowly exposing their systems to the lack of oxygen in the surroundings. It improves their performance when they compete at sea level.⁴ The best approach for this training is "live high, train low," which means acclimating by living in high elevations and doing light exercise. This will increase your maximal oxygen intake, the highest amount of gas your body can consume during exercise.
Here are some tips to make mountain climbing in Tibet enjoyable instead of stressful.
Taking Zaca chewables that hydrate and revive your body is your best bet for helping yourself perform and recover in the mountains. Whether you're trekking through the Himalayas or exploring remote Tibetan landscapes, these delicious berry flavored chewables will fuel you with what you need to thrive. Each chewable tablet is packed with essential antioxidants, amino acids and herbs to support and fortify you body. Making it easy to take on the go—just pop 1-2 in your mouth, no need for sugary sports drinks or messy powders. Try Zaca's chewable supplement today and and take your mountain journey to the next level.
SOURCES:
1. Adaptation
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/adaptation/
2. Travel to High Altitudes
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-to-high-altitudes
3. High Altitude Oxygenation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539701/
4. All About High Altitude Fitness Training
https://www.healthline.com/health/altitude-training
5. Altitude Sickness
https://doelreed.okstate.edu/documents/leisure-learning-altitude-sickness.pdf
6. How Sleep Affects Immunity
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/how-sleep-affects-immunity
7. Mountain Vacation? 5 Tips to Cope With Your Altitude Sickness
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-altitude-sickness-5-best-tips-for-your-next-mountain-trip
8. Essential Supplements for High-Altitude Hikes
https://blogs.uoregon.edu/articles/2024/05/02/essential-supplements-for-high-altitude-hikes/
9. Tibet Altitude
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet
10. Lhasa Altitude
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lhasa
