O2 Pillow

At some hotels in Lhasa, including the more altitude-savvy ones, you might find an oversized balloon filled with oxygen on offer. Yes, a literal lifesaver in latex form, designed for guests struggling with the high-altitude thin air. These O2 balloons are often kept handy at reception or even sent to your room if you’re feeling the pinch of low oxygen. They’re practical, portable, and a bit of a quirky addition to your mountain adventure – because who wouldn’t want to puff on a giant balloon while taking in the view of Potala Palace?

Altitude sickness is a funny beast – some people stroll into Lhasa like they’ve lived there forever, while others feel like they’ve been whacked with a lead blanket. There’s no rhyme or reason to it. One traveller might be bouncing around the Jokhang Temple, while their mate is curled up in the hotel room, hugging an oxygen cylinder like it’s their new best friend.

In extreme cases, when no amount of ginger tea, Diamox, or rest can save the day, there’s only one option: wave the white flag and catch the next flight back to Chengdu. A few hours later, you’re back at sea level, wondering if you imagined the whole ordeal. It’s humbling, really – the mountains reminding you who’s boss.

In our group of ten, two didn’t even make it past the airport – they were booked on the next flight back. One guy, a rugby player from Ireland no less, stayed pretty unwell for the entire trip. Meanwhile, the only ones who seemed completely unfazed were an elderly German couple, strolling around like they owned the altitude.