9 Essential Tibet Travel Tips for Senior Travelers
Go touring the enigmatic land of Tibet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone, even the elderly. If you are looking for some advice for senior travel in Tibet, here are 9 essential Tibet travel tips for senior travelers you should pay attention to before traveling to Tibet.
Before going into detail about Tibet travel tips for the elderly, I’d like to answer one frequently asked question by our customers aged 50 and over, or who want to take senior parents to Tibet. Is There Any Age Limit for Tibet Tours?
The quick answer is NO. In fact, there is no age limitation for travel to Tibet by far. Elderly travelers can take a tour to Tibet as long as they are healthy enough. Many people above 70 years of age have been to Tibet. However, we would love to provide some guidance and useful tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth Tibet tour.
Before Departure
1. Consult your doctor
For senior tourists, the most important thing is to consult your doctor for advice on whether you can travel to Tibet before planning a trip to Tibet. Please see your doctor at least a month before your trip to Tibet, share your plans, and discuss health concerns. Better take a medical checkup as well.
If you are worried about altitude sickness, you might drink Rhodiola or take Diamox one week in advance for prevention. But remember to consult your doctor before using.
Important Note:
Senior travelers with the following health problems should avoid visiting Tibet, including heart diseases, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, severe anemia, chronic respiratory system diseases, etc.
2. Don’t Catch a cold
It’s also crucial to keep fit and don’t catch a cold before your departure to Tibet and during your stay in Tibet. The average altitude of Tibet is 4,500 m (14,750 ft) above sea level. High altitude sickness is one of the biggest concerns for travelers visiting Tibet. Having a cold or the flu would worsen mountain sickness.
3. Choose the right way to visit Tibet
(1) For elderly tourists, it would be a good idea to choose a private tour escorted by an experienced tour guide. A guided private Tibet tour will give you more flexibility.
(2) If time permits, take an overnight train ride to Tibet. It will help better acclimatize the high altitude of the Tibetan plateau. You’ll also enjoy a fantastic window view along the way to Lhasa.
(3) Plan an easy and leisure tour itinerary in Tibet according to your physical conditions. Remote areas in Tibet like Mt. Everest Base Camp and Mt. Kailash only have basic facilities, and some roads are rather bumpy.
(4) Spend 2-3 days in Lhasa (about 3,600 m / 11,800 ft) for acclimatization before proceeding to higher altitude places.
4. Pack properly
(1) The weather in Tibet may change radically between day and night due to its high altitude. It’s advisable to bring layering clothes and prepare anti-cold clothes even during summertime.
(2) Bring a medical kit with enough prescribed medicines and medicines for emergencies.
(3) Prepare copies of your medical records, contact list of your family, doctor, embassy, etc.
>> More travel tips for what to pack before visiting China and Tibet
5. Get travel insurance
Purchasing international travel insurance before travel to Tibet is necessary because sometimes unexpected issues might occur. Make sure you have a plan offering emergency medical benefits in case that you must visit a doctor.
>> More information about travel insurance for your Tibet tour
While Traveling in Tibet
1. Take it easy
(1) As mentioned above, it’s suggested to rest for a couple of days in Lhasa before visiting other destinations in Tibet. And try not to use an oxygen inhaler if you can handle it by yourself.
(2) Calm down and avoid running, jumping, or getting too excited.
(3) Travel at a slow and don’t get too tired every day.
(4) Keep a good mood and have good sleep are also helpful to better acclimatize the altitude.
2. Dress in layers
(1) The temperature in Tibet changes dramatically between day and night. Pay attention to the weather forecast, and make sure to dress in layers.
(2) Keep sunglasses and a hat handy to prevent intense sunlight and windy weather.
3. Keep yourself hydrated
Drink plenty of water daily because the climate on the Tibetan plateau could be rather dry. Do not smoke or drink upon arrival in Tibet.
4.Get health care
It’s very common to feel unwell (such as headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc.) when you first arrive in Lhasa. Normally, you’ll get better in one or two days ass your body adjusts to the change. However, If you really feel very sick, you should see a doctor.
If you have further questions about senior travel in Tibet, please feel free to leave us a comment. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Click to find out more helpful tips about senior travel in China.
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