"I'm Young and Fit"—Ends Up Carried Down for Oxygen at Midnight. Daocheng Altitude Sickness Isn't What You Think
A guy from Shanghai went with me to Daocheng last October. Before departure, I told him three times: buy oxygen cylinders, buy glucose, don't show off.
He laughed: "I lift weights at the gym regularly—this altitude is nothing."
At 10 PM the second night, he knocked on my door—his face was purple.
The most annoying thing about altitude sickness—it doesn't care if you work out or if you're young. Sometimes the stronger you are, the worse the altitude sickness, because muscles consume more oxygen. I've put 30 years of guiding experience into this—read it before deciding whether to tough it out.
🚙 Veteran's Straight Talk: Altitude Sickness Isn't a Disease, But It Can Ruin Your Entire Trip
The principle is simple—the higher the altitude, the less oxygen in the air. Your body speeds up breathing and heart rate to get enough oxygen. But if altitude rises too fast, your body can't adapt, causing headache, nausea, chest tightness.
Mild cases are fine—rest one night and recover. Severe cases—pulmonary edema or cerebral edema—can be fatal.
| Altitude Sickness Level | Symptoms | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Slight headache, some breathlessness, restless sleep | Rest, drink glucose, use oxygen |
| Moderate | Severe headache, nausea, chest tightness, purple lips | Use oxygen, stop activity, consider descending |
| Severe | Difficulty breathing, pink frothy sputum, confusion | Descend immediately! Call 120! |
🗺️ How to Handle Altitude Sickness, Step by Step
Before Departure: Preparation Beats Any Medication
Many start taking rhodiola before departure. Honestly—rhodiola's effect is very limited, mostly psychological comfort.
More effective than medication are three things: don't stay up late the week before, no strenuous exercise the day before, start drinking glucose water three days in advance.
- Itinerary tip: Don't believe online advice to "take rhodiola for two weeks before"—wastes money and gives false security.
- Veteran's advice: What actually works is glucose oral solution and ibuprofen. Glucose quickly replenishes energy and relieves mild altitude sickness; ibuprofen stops headaches. Both together cost less than twenty yuan.
On the Road: Adapt Slowly, Don't Rush
The biggest taboo going to Daocheng is rushing. From Chengdu's 500m to 4000m+ in one go—your body can't adapt.
- Veteran's advice: First night in Kangding (2560m), second night in Yajiang or Litang, third day to Daocheng. For every 1000m ascent, give your body a day.
- Special note: On the road, absolutely no alcohol, don't overeat, don't take hot showers. All three worsen altitude sickness.
After Arrival: Lying Down on Day One Is Winning
After arriving in Daocheng, day one is for resting. Don't rush to the scenic area, don't run around, don't get excited.
- Veteran's advice: Lie in the hotel for 2-3 hours, drink glucose water, slowly walk to town for a meal. If headache prevents sleep, take an ibuprofen, use some oxygen. Most people feel much better the next morning.
🎒 Practical List: My Plateau Essential Kit
⚠️ Don't say I didn't warn you: Portable oxygen cylinders aren't omnipotent. They relieve mild headache and chest tightness—for moderate or worse altitude sickness, oxygen doesn't help much—you need to descend. Also, oxygen cylinders can't be brought on planes—buy in Chengdu or Kangding.
- Glucose oral solution (5-10 tubes): The most essential item, a few yuan per tube at pharmacy
- Ibuprofen (one box): Stops headaches, one before bed helps you sleep
- Portable oxygen cylinders (2-3): For mild relief, 15-25 each at pharmacy
- Thermos: Hot water on the plateau is more comforting than anything
- Pulse oximeter (optional): A few dozen yuan—if blood oxygen drops below 85%, descend immediately
💡 Heart-to-Heart Truths
To say something controversial—portable oxygen cylinders are more psychological comfort. Those two puffs of oxygen barely raise blood oxygen levels. What truly works is descending. Lowering altitude is the only method that addresses altitude sickness at its root.
An easily overlooked detail—on the plateau, don't hold your urine. Many people avoid drinking water on the bus to avoid bathroom stops, becoming dehydrated. Dehydration thickens blood, slows flow, reduces oxygen capacity—worsening altitude sickness. Drink more water, use bathrooms more—don't avoid it.
If you have severe altitude sickness in Daocheng, the nearest hospital is Daocheng County People's Hospital. They have a hyperbaric chamber—very effective. Shangri-La Town also has a clinic for oxygen and IV fluids. Don't tough it out—I've seen people endure for two days and end up in the ER.
📸 Forget Photos—Coming Back Alive Is What Matters
Just kidding. But honestly, in an altitude sickness state, forget about photography. Put your body first—the scenery will still be there later.
💬 What RoamFun Travelers Say
"Personal experience—don't shower on day one in Daocheng! I figured I was fit and took a hot shower, ended up with a headache that made me cry at midnight. Later learned hot water dilates blood vessels, worsening altitude sickness." — Nanjing, Xiao Lu ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Bought glucose and ibuprofen before departure, zero altitude sickness the whole trip. My companion who prepared nothing was done on day one. Seriously—twenty yuan can solve this, don't make yourself suffer." — Xi'an, Lao Wang ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Your Body Is the Principal, Scenery Is the Interest
Altitude sickness isn't that scary—what's scary is not taking it seriously. Prepared travelers, 90% complete their trips smoothly. Those who get in trouble—80% because "I thought I'd be fine."
Remember: on plateau trips, being cautious isn't embarrassing—it's smart.
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Updated: July 2026 Author: RoamFun Senior Travel Consultant Questions welcome: vip@roamfun.com
RoamFun Senior Travel Consultant
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