Tibethas an averagealtitudeof roughly4,380meters(14,370 feet) above sea level. Thelowestelevation city in Tibet isNyingchiin its southeast, at around3,000meters (9,842 feet) above sea level, while itshighestarea isNgariin west Tibet, with an average elevation of4,500meters (14,763feet).
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Tibet Altitude
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What is High Altitude?
Air at higher altitudes is colder, less dense, and less richin oxygenmolecules. Every 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) ascended leads to an average temperature drop of about 6°C (11°F) and 10% oxygen density.
Thehigherthe altitude, themore difficultit is to breathe sufficient oxygen. We cancategorizehigh altitudes as follows.
High Altitude: 2,700–3,500 m (8,900–11,500ft)
Generally speaking, 50–75% of people have some minorhealth issueswhen they reach2,700 meters(8,858 ft) above sea level.Symptomsof this altitude sickness typicallybegin6–48 hours after reaching high altitude areas.
Very High Altitude: 3,500–5,500 m (11,500–8,000ft)
All humans experiencereduced functionin these altitudes, though acclimatization is possible by most given enough time.Severealtitude sickness is a risk and precautions should be taken.
Extremely High Altitude: Over 5,500 m (18,000 ft)
No humanslive continuously at these elevations, where the lack of oxygen isnot possibleto acclimate to fully. Generally, only extremely fitmountaineersascend to these altitudes.
Altitudes of Major Tibet Cities and Towns
| Altitude of city/town | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| City/Town | Elevation | City/Town | Elevation |
| 方面a | 3,650 m | Nagri | 4,500 m |
| 11,975 ft | 14,764 ft | ||
| Gyantse | 4,000 m | Burang | 3,700 m |
| 13,123 ft | 12,139 ft | ||
| Shigatse | 3,800 m | Nyingchi | 3,100 m |
| 12,467 ft | 10,171 ft | ||
| Tsetang | 3,580 m | Chamdo | 3,200 m |
| 11,745 ft | 10500英尺 | ||
| Dingri | 4,300 m | Pome | 2,750 m |
| 14,108 ft | 9,022 ft | ||
| 樟木的几率t | 2,800 m | Amdo | 4,800 m |
| 9,186 ft | 15,748 ft | ||
| Nagqu | 4,500 m | ||
| 14,764 ft |
Altitude of Major Tibet Attractions
| 高度的吸引力 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Attraction | Elevation | Attraction | Elevation |
| Potala Palace | 3,750 m | Ranwu Lake | 3,800 m |
| 12,300 ft | 12,467 ft | ||
| Lake Yamdrok | 4,500 m | Samye Monastery | 3,556 m |
| 14,764 ft | 11,667 ft | ||
| Tashilunpo Monastery | 4,800 m | Yumbulagang Palace | 3,700 m |
| 15,748 ft | 12,139 ft | ||
| Rongbuk Monastery | 5,100 m | Lake Namtso | 4,700 m |
| 16,732 ft | 15,420 ft | ||
| Mt. Everest Base Camp | 5,200 m | 凯拉什山 | 6638米 |
| 17,060 ft | 21,778 ft | ||
| Sakya Monastery | 4,300 m | Lake Manasarovar | 4,556 m |
| 14,108 ft | 14,947 ft | ||
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Is Tibet Dangerous Due to Its High Altitudes?
The answer is thatit is to some, especially without precautions.
Altitude sickness is characterized byhypoxia(lack of oxygen), a condition that causes headaches, tiredness, nausea, difficulty breathing, and in extreme cases, if not treated, death.
When people areexposedto high altitude forseveral daysor weeks, their bodies beginacclimationto the low-oxygen environment.
Highest Temple in the World-Rongbuk Monastery
Although altitude sickness will usually occur when you first arrive at a high altitude in Tibet, the symptoms will graduallydisappearafter3 to 7 daysof acclimatization.
Therefore, we usually suggest our customers spend3 daysin方面a cityto travel around and adapt to the high altitude before traveling to higher places.
Don't be scared of altitude sickness. Most people are ok withadequate preparationand wise responses.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness in Tibet?
1. Physical Examination
If you have any reason to doubt your fitness, you should have aphysical examinationbefore you enter Tibet. People with seriousheart diseaseshouldnotgo to Tibet, and people withlighter heart/lung troubles, etc. must follow theirdoctor's advice.
2. Make Good Preparations
Take regularexerciseand try tokeep healthyandavoid catching a coldbefore entering Tibet. Even slight illness can makealtitude sicknessmuch worse.
Please don't forget toprepare medicineto alleviate altitude sickness symptoms, such as Ibuprofen for headaches, Dexamethasone for breathing problems, or Acetazolamide (e.g. Diamox) for a range of symptoms.
3. Acclimate Gradually
Stay for one or two days inlower altitude placesin Tibet, such as Lhasa, to help your body adapt to the altitude.
4. Ask for Your Guide's Help
Do forget to ask your guide's help! If your medicine runs out during your trip, yourtour guidecan usually help you get some more.
If you feel uncomfortable, your tour guide can take you to nearbymedical services. Our vehicles usually carryoxygen cylinders.
>>See more on How to Deal with Altitude Sickness
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China Highlights can help arrange your Tibet tour, Tibet permits, and group visa from Nepal. You need to provide your passport to apply for a group visa, and Tibet permits, at least 15 days before departure.
We could also create your own individual journey.Contact our experienced travel consultants.
Also, we are confident that we cancustomize a tour for youto include a true Tibetan flavor, even if you can't get to Tibet for some reason (for example the current pandemic restrictions).
