Emergency Procedures for Tibet Travelers

Tibet's blue skies and snow-capped ridges may look gentle in photographs, but sometimes the plateau can flip from postcard-perfect to perilous in minutes. Thin air, sudden storms, rockslides, and patchy signals turn small mistakes into life-threatening emergencies. Investing several minutes now to absorb the following advice is far sensible than carrying regret later.

Altitude Sickness: Core Risk Management

Altitude sickness is the single greatest threat to all visitors, and the speed of your response determines the outcome. At the first hint of a mild reaction—headache, fatigue, or dizziness—stop all exertion, sit or lie semi-reclined, sip water mixed with glucose, and start inhaling oxygen; a dose of Rhodiola extract can aid acclimatization. If symptoms escalate to severe pulmonary or cerebral edema—marked by pink frothy sputum or altered mental status—dial 120 immediately, descend to the low-altitude region without delay, switch to high-flow oxygen. Prevention, however, beats reaction every time: ascend gradually by spending the first two to three nights between 2,000 m and 3,600 m—Lhasa, Nyingchi, or Gyirong Town—before venturing above 4,000 m, and prepare a medication kit that includes Rhodiola started one week before arrival and dexamethasone tablets for rapid suppression of cerebral edema, after consulting your physician about any existing prescriptions.

Natural Hazards & Accidents  

The plateau's beauty conceals powerful natural forces; knowing what to do in the first thirty seconds can save lives. During an earthquake, drop under sturdy furniture or brace inside a doorframe, shield your head, and stay clear of windows; if you happened to be in open areas, you also need to stay away from mountains. When encountering an avalanche, run perpendicular to the slide path, discard heavy gear, and if caught, swim to stay on top, close your mouth, create an air pocket around your face, and push one arm upward so rescuers can spot you. Besides, if you become lost while trekking, stay where you are and activate your satellite phone to call your guide.

Contact Back-Up  

Remember the emergency numbers in China—110 for police and 120 for medical.

Pre-Trip Preparation

Travel Insurance: Choose a policy covering high-altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation—essential for remote areas like Ngari or Everest Base Camp, where ground transport is slow.

Health Checks: Undergo a cardiopulmonary exercise test one month before departure. Individuals with severe hypertension or heart disease are strongly advised against traveling to high altitudes.

Communication Tools: Activate international roaming for your phone or purchase a local SIM card (available in Lhasa airports/shops). For remote regions like Ngari, rent a satellite phone. Share your daily itinerary with a trusted contact and check in at agreed times.

Conclusion

Your safety is our top priority—every route, vehicle, and guide is chosen to ensure you travel Tibet with confidence and peace of mind.