Tips To Avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

- Do exercise to improve your fitness before coming to Tibet.
- Try to avoid catching a cold (frequent hand-washing, etc.)
- Make sure to get a good night's sleep the night before flying to Lhasa.
- Avoid strenuous activity during your first day in Tibet.
- When arriving in the airport in Lhasa, walk slowly, take deep breaths. Take time to acclimatize.
- Ascend to higher altitudes gradually. DO NOT ASCEND ANY HIGHER if you begin feeling ill.
- Prepare AMS medication, in accordance with a doctor's advice.

About High Altitude Illness
Adverse reactions to the high altitudes of Tibet are one of the biggest challenges in traveling there. However, if you are properly informed and prepared, high altitude should not be an obstacle to safe and comfortable travel.

What is the definition of 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 high elevations.

What are the symptoms of AMS?
- Hyperventilation (fast breathing)
- Shortness of breath during exertion
- Increased urination
- Altered breathing patterns at night
- Frequent nighttime awakening
- Strange dreams