I am planning to travel overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa
later this year but can not afford to take more than 3 weeks
in total. I am particularly worried about AMS (Altitude
Sickness) and was wondering if anyone has some good advice
or anecdotes about AMS? Also, how easy is it to find some
travel partners in Kathmandu to share the trip costs with?
Would appreciate any tips you have.
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Hi Kristy. Exactly how high were you thinking of going??
If you are not climbing any mountains you have very little
to worry about with altitude sickness. At the same time,
if you are worried about it, here are a few tips, courtesy
of a Nepali mountaineering guide I met there.
Keep hydrated. You use more water at altitude, so plan on
drinking at least 3-4 litres a day if you are doing any
physical activity.
Try ginger and garlic. It's supposed to be a natural cure,
and the Nepalis swear by it. Because of that, if you end
up anywhere high enough for the altitude to be a problem,
they add it to all the food they cook, whether you like it
or not.
To prove this, my friend and I trekked up Annapurna, she
had altitude sickness and I didn't. I drank lots of water
and I love ginger and garlic, but she didn't, so she had
headaches for about 3 days.
Finally AMS is only something you need to worry about if
you have severe pain in either your chest or your head. It
is caused by fluid build up, and the brain seems to cope
pretty well, but if you experience it in your lungs, it can
be dangerous. The best cure, no matter what happens, is to
descend to an altitude you feel comfortable at.
As for going from Kathmandu to Lhasa, it could take a while
to meet up with someone if you wait till you get there, so
try to organise something beforehand.
Check the health section of Lonely Planet for good sources
of AMS
Check the health section of Lonely Planet for good sources
of AMS
KIRSTY,
There is a medical drug called diamox which is easy to buy
in the West which can apparently relieve some of the effects
of AMS in certain situations - however the best advice is to
descend rapidly - in terms of going from Kathmandu to Lhasa
if you want to avoid AMS I certainly advise flying in-
acclimatising in Lhasa and then going overland back to
Kathmandu because at least then you won't be sleeping at
4500 metres altitude on your first night in Tibet + if you
do have a problem even in Lhasa at least you are immediately
close to relatively good medical facilities and in an
emergency can be flown out
I hope this is useful
James
During July, I will be traveling around China for about one
month, but an most looking forward to visiting Tibet. I
have tried to find any travel tidbits besides ones found in
the Lonely Planet, etc, but have not had any luck. Can
anyone recommend any few great things to do, and would
appreciate any useful tips that I would benefit from
knowing beofre hand (ie:clothing, shots, etc.) Also, am I
better to focus my energies on Lhasa, or should I explore
other areas. Also, I am going to the province of gansu and
truely know very little about it. Any information would be
particularly useful. One last thing, Am thinking about
flying into Lhasa, any preference over taking the bus. I
appreciate any infomation you may give me. Thanks
Melissa
I agree with James. To fly to Lhasa is good idea.
I had twice problems with AMS in Tibet. Once in Litang (4
500 m) and second time around Madoi in bus from Xining to
Yushu (some 4 200 to 4 900m). On the other hand on treking
in Pakitan or Nepal it was always O.K. Do not uderestimate
this it is wise to go up as slow as possible.
I have seen guys in Nepal, that was nearly daying in 3 800
m. It have nothing to do with your condition back home.
Kristy
Last November, I spent 20 days trekking in Nepal - climbed
the Annapurna (4400m) and Macaphure. After that, I made
an overland trip to Lhasa from Kathmandu. I suffered AMS
towards the end of my climb to the base camp of Annapurna.
Bad headaches and much swollen face and limbs. Still I was
fit enough to make it to the base camp. I had a worse case
of AMS on my way to Lhasa. The reason being the quick
ascend. Got from an altitude of 1500m to 4800m within 7
hours. The much travelled Swiss and Americans in my group
too suffered AMS. We all had lots of ginger and garlic
soups. But the rate of ascend was to drastic. There is no
other option of getting from Kath to Lhasa. All tour
operators do a 4-5 day Kath-Lhasa ride. You'll reach your
highest altitude on the second day (5400+m). The AMS will
subside thru your travels. If you do not have a heart
condition, you don't have to worry. It'll take you
considerably more effort in walking long distances or
climbing steps. This is because the air gets a lot thinner
with altitude. The medicine Diamox will help you. Start
taking it a night before you begin your travel from Kath to
Lhasa. The 4 -5 day ride will be tedious and food shall be
very very basic and expensive. Stock up at Kath. But all
will be worth its while. There's so much more to see along
the way than in the capital (Lhasa) itself. Lhasa of
course is interesting. great food. you'll meet many co-
travellers there. Have a great trip. If you have any
questions, do email me at mlyong@lmgeo.com.sg
P/S : bring a good sleeping bag and down jacket. It gets
cold in the mountains in tibet.