ALTITUDE IN TIBET
Tibet is often called The Roof of The World due to its high elevation. The average altitude on the Tibetan Plateau is 4,500 meters/ 14,750 ft. In this article, we will cover the elevation of the main high-altitude areas in Tibet, how elevation affects the oxygen level, tips on gaining elevation safely to avoid altitude sickness, and answer all frequently asked questions.
Navigate the page:
TOPOGRAPHY MAP OF TIBET
The lowest elevation is in the Eastern part of Tibet, in the Nyingchi province. The area is famous for its stunning landscapes and is often compared to Switzerland.
Dense forests, alpine lakes, and vast rivers surround Nyingchi. The town becomes very popular in Spring, as the Peach Blossom festival is celebrated there in March, and the trees bloom throughout April.
The highest altitude area is in Ngari, the Western part of  Tibet. This area is famous for its rigorous climate and distinct landscape: muddy mountains with lots of caves that Tibetans used for meditation
One of the main attractions of Ngari is the sacred Mount Kailash 6,638m/ 21,778 ft high. Every year, thousands of pilgrims challenge themselves walking the kora or circumlocution route around Kailash, with the highest point of the trek reaching 5,640 meters/ 18,000 ft.
Some of the most important sites in Western Tibet are the sacred Manasarovar Lake and the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom, with Tholing and Tsaparang monasteries.
HOW HIGH ALTITUDE AFFECTS TRAVELERS
With an altitude gain, the air becomes thinner and the level of oxygen in the air decreases. At an elevation above 3,000 meters / 10,000 ft, most people will need some time to acclimate to it. The level of oxygen at sea level is 20.9%, at 3,000 meters it is 14.3%, and at 5,000 meters it drops to 11.2%. If you spend a night at the Everest Base Camp (5,050 m / 16,560 ft), there is only 11% of oxygen in the air, hence, the term “thin air” that many have heard.
On the chart below, you can see how the level of oxygen decreases in the areas at higher elevations:
The good news is that visitors usually fully acclimate in a couple of days and are ready to ascend higher. The higher you plan to go, the more time it will take for your body to adjust, and the slower you should move.
The main destinations in Tibet with altitude
See how different areas in Tibet compare to the sea level, 20.9% oxygen count:
Nyingchi: 3000 meters / 9843 feet: 16.1% oxygen
Lhasa: 3658 meters / 12001 feet: 15.0% oxygen
Shigatse: 3836 meters / 12585 feet: 14.8% oxygen
Guge kingdom: 4280 meters / 14042 feet: 14.1% oxygen
Mount Kailash area: 4575 meters / 15010 feet: 13.6% oxygen
Namtso Lake: 4718 meters / 15479 feet: 13.4% oxygen
Everest Base Camp (Tibet side): 5050 meters / 16568 feet: 12.6% oxygen
Mount Kailash – the highest point on the trek: 5640 meters / 18504 feet: 11.9% oxygen
Mount Everest height: 8848 meters / 29029 feet: 6.7% oxygen
Deep blue sky because of the lower oxygen levels
There is one beautiful outcome of the lower oxygen levels in the air: the sky color appears deeper blue. When you are traveling during the months with mostly clear skies, especially in winter when the sky is almost always clear, you will notice the intense blue color of the sky in Tibet. And the higher you go, the deeper blue color you will see.
Together with the strong sunshine, it makes all colors appear brighter. That’s why many landscape photographers prefer visiting Tibet between late fall and early spring to capture the stunning natural beauty of Tibet.
How Your Body Adapts to High Altitude
High-altitude areas (defined as 2,500 meters above sea level) have lower oxygen levels in the air, higher UV radiation, and lower humidity.
How does your body adapt to areas with less oxygen, and what does this adaptation mean for you?
Predicting who will have a higher risk of altitude sickness is difficult because it largely depends on genetics. However, gradual acclimatization can significantly mitigate the risk.
When you travel to a high-altitude area, your body needs time to adapt to it. Studies and research have uncovered that to adapt to areas with low oxygen levels, physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes occur (BioMed Central)​.
When you arrive at high altitudes, the body undergoes various short-term adaptations to cope with the decreased oxygen levels, including increased production of red blood cells to improve oxygen delivery throughout the body. Additionally, there’s an increase in breathing rate and heart rate, enabling more oxygen to be taken in and transported to where it’s needed most​ (UF Medical Physiology Online)​.
Interestingly, Tibetans have over 30 genetic adaptations, allowing their blood to absorb oxygen better and release oxygen to the tissue more efficiently.
SUN PROTECTION TIPS FOR HIGH ALTITUDES
As we mentioned, the sun’s radiation is stronger in high-altitude areas. That’s why it is essential to protect yourself from the sun all year round. We always suggest packing:
I would highly recommend using this company if you are looking for a seamless, culturally rich, fun and safe experience.
Review on TripAdvisor
LHASA ALTITUDE
The Lhasa altitude is 3,650 meters/ 11,995 ft. When visitors arrive in Lhasa, it is not uncommon to experience some light effects of the high altitude sickness: shortness of breath, a light headache, and insomnia.
However, it only takes a few days to acclimate to Lhasa’s altitude. After that, visitors are prepared to go to the higher areas of Tibet. That is one of the reasons why most of the tours in Tibet begin in Lhasa.
If you are planning to visit some areas above 5,000 meters or trek in some high-altitude areas of Tibet, you can spend more time in Lhasa. You can go on a day trip or a short hike to areas near Lhasa above 4,000 meters to prepare for high-elevation treks.
Everest Base Camp Altitude
Everest Base Camp in Tibet altitude is 5,050 meters / 16,568 feet
It is essential to acclimate properly before traveling to this altitude. That’s why most tours to Everest start in Lhasa, where you will spend a few days exploring the capital of Tibet while also acclimatizing to high altitude. On group tours, we spend the first three days in Lhasa. It is enough time for most visitors to acclimatize and continue the journey to higher areas. Along the way, we will be traveling through various high passes.Â
On the way from Lhasa to Everest, we will cross two high passes: Gyatso-la Pass (5248 m) and Gyawu-la Pass (5191 m). We will also spend a night by Everest at an elevation of 5,050 meters.
When we travel on a group tour, we spend a night in the Base Camp to have enough time to enjoy the magnificent view of Everest and watch the sunset that adds colors to the North side of the mountain.
If you have concerns about high altitude, instead of staying in the Base Camp, it is possible to arrange a private tour to only visit the Camp to enjoy the view. After your visit, we will drive back to the lower altitude areas of nearby settlements, Tashi Dzom or Basum. These small towns are significantly lower than the Base Camp at about 4,200 meters and have several good hotels.
These small towns are only about 40km away from the Everest Base Camp, making it possible to leave the EBC area quickly if high-altitude sickness symptoms worsen.
Mount Kailash area altitude
The average altitude in the region: 4575 meters / 15010 feet
The highest point on the trekking route: 5640 meters / 18504 feet
On a classic Mount Kailash tour, we begin in Lhasa at an elevation of 3,650 meters. At this altitude, some travelers can experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. We spend the first two days in Lhasa to acclimatize and continue the journey to higher areas. Along the way, we will be traveling through various high passes.
Traveling through high areas during the day and spending nights at lower elevations helps prepare for higher-altitude areas. We also stop at the Everest Base Camp (5,050m) and it also helps prepare for the journey.
By the time we reach Mount Kailash, most travelers will have acclimatized to trek around it. The highest point of the trek is 5,640 meters. We reach this high pass on the second day of trekking. If you want additional help while trekking, you can hire porters, horses, or yaks in Darchen before departure.
Experience this sacred mountain with our Mount Kailash Sightseeing and Trekking Tour
Our 15-day pilgrimage tour takes you on the traditional 52-kilometer kora circuit that Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims have walked for centuries. With gradually increasing elevations for proper acclimatization, experienced guides, and visits to Tibet’s most iconic sites including Potala Palace and Lake Manasarovar, you’ll experience the mountain’s power without disturbing its sacred nature.
There are alternative options for private tours, where you can start the journey in Nepal and cross the overland border to travel to Western Tibet. Because you gain altitude a lot quicker on this route, you need to add acclimatizing days to your itinerary.
SAFE ELEVATION GAIN
High altitude has a different effect on people. There is no way to tell in advance how you will feel in Tibet unless you’ve already traveled in high-altitude areas.
Luckily, there are some ways to speed up acclimatization and prevent altitude sickness. The general rule is to start at approximately 3,000 meters and acclimatize before going further. Below are some tips to help you acclimatize to high altitude:
Tips for safe elevation gain
USING DIAMOX/ ACETAZOLAMIDE TO PREVENT ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Diamox is a brand name of the tablet where the active ingredient is Acetazolamide. It is currently the most widely used medicine, and scientifically proven to work for altitude sickness. It can prevent altitude sickness or reduce its symptoms.
You generally need a prescription for Diamox, but rules can vary in different countries. It is essential to discuss the dosage with your doctor. The common side effects (especially with higher dosages) are dizziness and lightheadedness. In addition, you have to drink plenty of water when taking Diamox. It often causes dehydration, and dehydration can worsen symptoms of high-altitude sickness.Â
For some groups of people, especially those with certain pre-existing conditions (such as asthma, hypertension, and certain heart conditions), taking Diamox can be beneficial.Â
FLYING DIRECTLY TO HIGH-ALTITUDE AREA
There are 5 airports in Tibet:
Many travelers start their journey in Tibet in Lhasa. You can arrive at Lhasa Gonggar airport, located only about 1 hour’s drive from the city center. A few days’ stay in Lhasa allows you to acclimatize to higher-altitude areas.
Although Nyingchi in Eastern Tibet is a less popular option, it is a great place to start your journey in Tibet. Flying into lower altitude areas in Tibet and gradually ascending to higher areas is a great way to acclimatize.
Due to its lower elevation, Nyingchi is famous for its incredible scenery with tall mountains covered with trees, gorgeous lakes, and magnificent peach blossoms in spring.
Flying to and from Shigatse is not a common option because there are very few available flights. Similarly, the airport in Bamda is not commonly used by travelers because of its remote location and high altitude.
Finally, flying directly to Ngari from sea level is not recommended and can be dangerous. Ngari airport is located near the Mount Kailash area, a very popular pilgrimage destination in Tibet. Most of the tours to the Mount Kailash area are longer than 10 days, and our classic itinerary to Mount Kailash is 15 days long.
It might be tempting to fly to Ngari airport, drive to Mount Kailash, and return the same way to save time. However, we never recommend it as it is extremely dangerous, especially if you are planning to trek around Mount Kailash, where the route reaches its highest point at 5,640 meters. It is impossible to safely reach this elevation without proper acclimatization first.
You can consider traveling to Mount Kailash overland, spending enough time along the way to ascend safely, and then fly from Ngari airport to Lhasa to save some travel time.
TAKING THE TRAIN TO LHASA TO ACCLIMATIZE
While taking a train to Lhasa is another popular option to reach Tibet, it doesn’t offer significant benefits for altitude acclimatizing.
You can take a train from many large cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Chongqing, and Chengdu. The city with the closest connection to Lhasa is Xining. Regardless of what train you take, you will travel through Xining, as this is currently the only entry point to the railway to Tibet. There are plans to build another railroad connecting Chengdu with Lhasa.
As you travel from any city to Xining, you will be going through non-high-altitude areas. After you reach Xining (approximately 2,200 meters), your journey through higher-elevation areas begins. The entire journey from Xining to Lhasa takes about 20 hours. And not all 20 hours are spent at high altitudes; a lot of the time, you will travel in areas below 3,000 meters.
When the train starts climbing higher, crossing mountain passes above 5,000 meters, the supplemental oxygen is pumped into the train. This additional oxygen creates an air pressure similar to elevation at 3,000 meters. That makes train rides safe for travelers. However, it is not very efficient for acclimatizing to high altitudes.
Taking a train to Lhasa can be a great way to see different scenery, as the train passes through a protected national park area in Eastern Tibet. If you have extra time for this journey and you like traveling by train, check more details about train rides here:
PREPARE FOR TOUR AT HIGH ALTITUDE
Here are a few steps to prepare for your tour in areas with high elevation:
Frequently asked questions about altitude in Tibet
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALTITUDE
Altitude sickness: symptoms and prevention
Learn how to recognize altitude sickness, its symptoms, and how to cope with high altitude.
7 Tips for Altitude Sickness Prevention
Learn about the seven natural ways to acclimatize to high altitude.
TOURS YOU MIGHT LIKE
10 DAYS EASY ACCLIMATIZING TOUR FROM NYINGCHI TO EVEREST
This tour starts in Nyingchi, at an elevation just below 3,000 meters. We will spend two days there, traveling through one of the most beautiful regions in Tibet. It is often called “Tibetan Switzerland” for its forested mountains, river canyons, and alpine lakes.
After that, we will head to Lhasa, where we will spend another two days acclimatizing. We will visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, and Drepung monastery.
Finally, we will drive to the Everest Base Camp through Gyantse and Shigatse. We make stops at Gyantse monastery and Kumbum stupa, Yamdrok Lake, Karola glaciers and many of the high mountain passes and viewpoints.
8 DAYS LHASA TO EVEREST BASE CAMP TOUR
A beautiful and exciting journey, starting in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and going to the Everest Base Camp. The tour visits Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera, Drepung, and Tashilhunpo monasteries, Kumbum Stupa, Yamdrok Lake, and Karola glaciers.
Both group and private tours are available.
10 DAYS EASY ACCLIMATIZING EVEREST TOUR
This slow-paced private tour takes you from Lhasa to Gyantse and Shigatse, where we spend the first few days acclimatizing. We will visit many of the historical and religious places, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Gyantse Monastery, and Kumbum Stupa.
We will make stops by the most beautiful natural spots: Yamdrok Lake, Karola glaciers, and many of the high mountain passes and viewpoints. Finally, we will reach Everest Base Camp, where we will stay for the night.
6 DAYS TIBETAN CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR
This private tour takes you from Lhasa to Yarlung Valley and Samye Monastery. Yarlung Valley is the birthplace of Tibetan civilization. You can see Yumbulakhang, an ancient fort and the first surviving building in Tibet. After that, you will visit Samye, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet.
CONTACT US TO PLAN A SAFE TOUR IN TIBET
