Snow Lion Journeys

Climate & Health

The climate of Tibet is harsh. It is warm generally during the day, around 60°F but at night the temperature can drop to freezing or below. There is always the possibility of a little snow or hail along the way. Not much. just a taste. Therefore, you want a sleeping bag for 0°F or below.
Part of the harshness of the climate is due to the extreme dryness of the of the air. You want lip salve and lots of face and body cream if you can’t bring yourself to do as the Tibetans do and drink yak butter tea. This dryness may also cause difficulty with your eyes. Bring artificial tears and any other eye drops which you find useful. Drink lots and lots of water. More on that below.
Because you will be at at least 12,000 feet, higher than Denver or Aspen, for a month, it is important to use sunblock many times a day. You may also want to take diamox. You should consult your doctor before making this trip. The highest altitude we will achieve is 18,600 feet when we go over Dolma La as we circumambulate Mt. Kailash. We will only be at that height for about a half an hour.
Because of the radical change in temperature between night and day, there are very strong winds in the afternoon and evening.
DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH WITH THE TAP WATER IN KATHMANDU. DO NOT ALLOW ANY WATER TO ENTER YOUR MOUTH WHILE SHOWERING. THE E-COLI COUNT IS BEYOND BELIEF. In Tibet the water is considerably safer. While we are camping, our staff will boil our drinking water.
The most important action you can take to help your body acclimatize to altitude is to drink enough water . Three to four liters a day is a very good amount. Don't worry about having to pee, just drink it. It is very easy to become dehydrated at these altitudes and in this climate.