i am counting down 4 more days before flying to Chengdu
which i will later take another flight into Lhasa, the capital of Tibet
or commonly known as The Roof of The World
i have never been this worried before in any other trips of mine
solely because i will be venturing into a place that has an average elevation of 4900m above sea level
and if i have not been to mount kk 2 weeks ago
i'd prolly won't even know that i have altitude sickness
so now, here i am
being really paranoid, i am drinking water brewed using the chinese herbs called HongJinTien (紅景天)
it is believe that if i start drinking it 10 days before my trip
it will help my body adjust to better acclimatization
tried to look for the capsules but apparently it is not sold here in malaysia
i feel like my trip is very much depending on chinese herbs and modern medicine to make it a better one
imagine the checklist of meds : viagra, lotsa paracetamols, fabricol, cinnarizine and a few other drugs that i am still looking for
here are some tips i found online, that claim to be able to help in curing altitude sickness
- 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.
- Seek advice from people who have similar experiences. The most important thing is that you should never be nervous or worried about your trip. Regard the trip to Tibet like a trip to any other cities. You should always be optimistic.
- You need to bring enough water or drinks and fruits. Snacks with high caloric content, like chocolate, will come in handy.
- It quite often happens that people feel short of breath. If it is not serious, please do not rely on oxygen equipment all the time so that you can acclimate yourself to the high altitude as early as possible.
- Do not take showers or bathes too frequently especially on your first night in Tibet. This will help you avoid catching severe colds.
despite all these, i am keeping my fingers cross
i hope that this tiny body of mine
can live up to it and let me enjoy the trip
i dont wanna be flying back to Chengdu within the first 3 days of the trip
Itinerary & Details Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa
Transfer to your hotel and get settled.
Day 2: Lhasa
In the morning, visit the Potala Palace , the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet . Also visit the Jokhang Temple , which is located in Barkhor square in Lhasa . The Barkhor is a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet , Nepal , and India . Pilgrims from all over Tibet visit the Barkhor to pray in front of the Jokhang.
Day 3: Lhasa
Visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.In the afternoon, visit Sera monastery, where you can watch monks debate in the courtyard.
Day 4: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse - – Shigatse (3800 m)
Beginning your adventure in the Himalayas , drive to Shigatse. Along the way cross over the Kamba la (4794m) and the Karo la passes (5010m).which boast spectacular views. After Kamba la, arrive at Yamdrok Lake , a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery. Stay the night in Shigatse.
Day 5: Shigatse – Shegar (New Tingri)
In the morning, see the giant Buddha in the famous Tashilunpo monastery. Then head to Shegar (4350m) over Tso-La pass (4500m and Gyatso-La pass (5252m). On the way, make an excursion to visit Sakya Monastery (4280m). In the afternoon arrive in Shegar. Overnight in Shegar.
Day 6: Shegar – Rongbuk monastery – Everest Base Camp
After passing through scenic valleys and driving over rocky mountains, you will reach Rongbuk Monastery, where you will have a fabulous view of Mt. Everest . Rongbuk monastery is the highest monastery in the world. Rongbuk Monastery to Everest is about 8km, and along the way you there are spectacular views of Mt. Everest . You can either take a two-hour hike or take a bus to Everest Base Camp. Stay the night in a Tibetan family-run tent guesthouse.
Day 7: EBC – Shigatse
Drive over two high mountain passes with great views of the Himalayas . Along the way, stop for pictures at any beautiful location that inspires you.
Day 8: Shigatse - Namtso
Drive up a mountain road to the holy turquoise lake Namtso . At the lake, enjoy tea with the nomads, try riding a yak, and walk around the rocky mountain on the lake shore. Stay the night in a tent guesthouse run by nomads.
Day 9: Namtso - Nakchu
Nagchu is a town on the edge of the northern Changtang plateau. On the western outskirts of the town are Zhabten Monastery & Samtenling Nunnery. There are also markets in town where you might see nomads trading.
Day 10: Nakchu Dolma Valley - Lhasa
Drive across the plateau, over the mountains, and back into Lhasa valley. Spend some time relaxing, walking around, or shopping.
Day 11: Depart Lhasa
Escort to the airport or train station in Lhasa .
