When to Breathe Oxygen in Tibet: A Practical Guide for Travelers

Here are 3 common mistakes to skip, so your oxygen actually helps:  

First, don't "gulp" oxygen like it's a drink. When altitude sickness hits, your body needs steady oxygen, not a sudden rush. I've seen travelers press their portable canister nonstop for 10 seconds—only to feel dizzy or jittery right after. The right way? Slow, small bursts: press the canister for 2-3 seconds, pause for 10 seconds, and repeat. Do this for 10–15 minutes, and your blood oxygen levels stay stable, not all over the place.  

Second, don't wait for severe symptoms to breathe oxygen. So many people think "a little headache is no big deal—I'll tough it out." Bad idea! By the time you're vomiting or gasping for air, your body's already stressed, and it'll take longer to recover. If you feel that first twinge of a headache, or your steps get a little wobbly, grab your oxygen. A quick 5–10 minutes of breathing oxygen now keeps mild symptoms from turning into a trip-ruining problem.  

Third, don't rely on oxygen 24/7. Oxygen is a helping hand, not a crutch. Let's say you're at Namtso Lake—after breathing oxygen for 10 minutes, you feel great. That's the time to put the canister down, walk slowly, and let your body get used to the thin air. If you breathe oxygen all day, your body never learns to adapt. Then, when you head back to Lhasa, you might suddenly get a headache—because your body forgot how to handle even mild thin air.  

High-Altitude Spots in Tibet: When to Breathe Oxygen  

Here's what to expect at some of Tibet's most stunning, yet high-altitude, landmarks.

Potala Palace (Lhasa) – 3,767 meters  

This iconic red-and-white palace is the heart of Lhasa, but its hundreds of stone steps are a test for first-time visitors. Even if you feel fine in Lhasa's streets (around 3,650 meters), climbing those steps can make you huff. Breathe oxygen before or after your visit if you feel lightheaded—no need to push through a throbbing head just to take a photo.  

Namtso Lake – 4,718 meters  

Tibet's "Heavenly Lake" is stunning, but it's a big jump from Lhasa's altitude. The drive up takes you from 3,650 meters to nearly 4,800 meters in a few hours—your body won't keep up that fast. We always keep portable oxygen canisters on hand in our vehicles so our travelers have access to them whenever needed. If your headache sticks around while you're there, breathe oxygen in short bursts until you feel steady.  

Everest Base Camp – 5,200 meters  

Standing near the world's tallest mountain is amazing, but 5,200 meters is where most people feel altitude sickness. For most travelers, using low-flow oxygen overnight can dramatically improve the sleep quality.

Kailash Trekking – Up to 5,600 meters  

Trekking around holy Mount Kailash is a bucket-list trip, but the highest parts of the trail hit 5,600 meters (and the starting town, Tarchen, is already 4,600 meters!). If you're huffing so hard you can't talk, or your vision gets fuzzy, stop right away—sit down, drink water, and breathe oxygen.

Yamdrok Lake – 4,441 meters  

Yamdrok is lower than Namtso, but the drive there goes over Gangbala Pass (5,030 meters)—a quick altitude spike that catches people off guard. Breathe oxygen for 5 minutes at the pass (even if you think you don't need it!) to avoid a headache later.

Conclusion

As part of our service, your guide will give you a detailed briefing on the next destination—including the altitude—while you're on the road. This allows you to mentally and physically adjust and prepare!