Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hypothermia
Tibet's cold climate must be treated with respect. Subfreezing temperatures mean there is
a risk of hypothermia, even during the summer season when high areas around western
Tibet and the northern Changtang can be hit without warning by sudden snow storms. Ex-
posed plains and ridges are prone to extremely high winds and this significantly adds to the
cold. For example, on a 5000m pass in central Tibet in July, the absolute minimum temper-
ature is roughly -4°C, but regularly occurring 70km/h winds plunge the wind-chill factor or
apparent temperature to -20°C.
Always be prepared for cold, wet or windy conditions, especially if you're out walking at
high altitudes or even taking a long bus trip over mountains (particularly at night).
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and the core
temperature of the body falls. It is surprisingly easy to progress from very cold to danger-
ously cold through a combination of wind, wet clothing, fatigue and hunger, even if the air
temperature is above freezing.
Symptoms of hypothermia are exhaustion, numb skin (particularly toes and fingers), shiv-
ering, slurred speech, irrational or violent behaviour, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells,
muscle cramps and violent bursts of energy. Irrationality may take the form of sufferers
claiming they are warm and trying to take off their clothes.
To treat mild hypothermia, first get the person out of the wind and rain, remove their
clothing if it's wet and replace it with dry, warm clothing. Give them hot liquids (not alcohol)
and some high-energy, easily digestible food. Do not rub victims; instead, allow them to
slowly warm themselves. This should be enough to treat the early stages of hypothermia.
The early recognition and treatment of mild hypothermia is the only way to prevent severe
hypothermia, which is a critical condition.
Sunburn
It's very easy to get sunburnt in Tibet's high altitudes, especially if you're trekking. Wear
sunglasses, loose-fitting clothes that cover your arms, legs and neck, and a wide-brimmed
hat like the ones Tibetans wear (not a baseball cap).
Choose sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF). Those with fair complexions
should bring reflective sunscreen (containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide) with them. Apply
the sunscreen to your nose and lips (and especially the tops of your ears if you are not
wearing a hat).
