Altitude sickness in China

Where altitude matters

Altitude can affect travelers in Lhasa (拉萨), Tibet (西藏), Qinghai (青海), western Sichuan (川西) and parts of northern Yunnan (滇西北).

Common symptoms

Mild acute mountain sickness can include headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and poor sleep.

Reduce risk

Useful habits include:

• ascend gradually where possible;
• avoid exhausting activity immediately after arrival;
• stay hydrated;
• limit alcohol initially;
• allow acclimatization time.

Do not ignore severe symptoms

Severe shortness of breath at rest, confusion, inability to walk normally or worsening symptoms despite rest can be dangerous.

Seek medical care and descend when medically advised.