Altitude Sickness

When preparing for a trip to Tibet, many travelers come across advice on overseas forums such as Facebook Groups, Reddit, and TripAdvisor saying things like “it’s best not to shower in Tibet” or “you should be very cautious about showering.” We also frequently receive questions from travelers such as, “Is it really unsafe to shower in Tibet?” or “What if I feel uncomfortable without showering?” In fact, this is not a strict prohibition, but rather a natural response related to high-altitude climate and how the body adapts. With the right precautions, you can shower safely without risking discomfort.

Every year on the 15th day of the fourth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, Tibetan Buddhism observes its most sacred festival — the Saga Dawa Festival. This auspicious occasion commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni.

Thinking about traveling to Tibet, Qinghai, Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan, or Garzê Seda in Western Sichuan, but worried about altitude sickness? Before setting off, one of the biggest concerns for many travelers is:“Will I be able to handle the high altitude…?”

Tibet not only has magnificent snow-capped mountains and mysterious religious culture, but also breathtaking glacial wonders. If you're planning a different kind of trip to Tibet in 2026, here are four [...]...