Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Altitude

Jiuzhaigou altitude ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 meters and features the typical karst formation. Jiuzhai Valley is situated in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Covering an area of 620 square kilometers, Jiuzhaigou National Park lies between latitudes 30˚ and 34˚ N, and longitudes 100˚and 104˚ E, about 430 kilometers northeast of Chengdu.

Jiuzhaigou Valley is home to about 110 Tibetan and Qiang families.

Huanglong height in average is over 3,300 meters and seven mountains are 5,000 meters above the sea level. Huanglong National Park is just about 100 kilometers away from Jiuzhaigou Valley and famous for its colorful ponds,snow mountains, valleys and forest.

Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area was listed as as World Heritage Sites in 1992.

Every year, millions of travelers are drawn by the wonderful natural scenery of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. And some may concern about altitude sickness. Here are some useful information for your Jiuzhaigou tour.

Altitude Sickness in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong?

Jiuzhaigou altitude goes up from the entrance of 1,990 meters (6,529 feet) to the peak of Ga Er Na Feng Mountain of 4,764 meters (15,630 feet). It’s unlikely for tourists to suffer altitude sickness in Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park.

Major Jiuzhaigou Attractions and Their Altitudes

While Huanglong is on much higher altitudes from 3,200 to 3,600 meters and you should drive over a 4000-meter-high pass, AMS may strike some tourists visiting Huanglong National Park.

However, acute mountain sickness in Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong varies from person to person. You are still advised to consult your family doctor before visiting Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong.

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude Sickness is also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), which is common at high mountain areas or high elevations. It’s related with the rate of ascent and individual susceptibility.

When flatlanders arrive at a high place of over 3,000 meters above the sea level,50% to 75% of them would be affected AMS. To some extent, Jiuzhaigou is fine for most travelers and mild symptoms of altitude sickness would appear in Huanglong National Park.

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

As we all know that, atmospheric pressure and oxygen level decrease dramatically while the altitude rises. When you reach a certain high altitude,air pressure is much lower than the sea level and less oxygen would get to your body, requiring the heart and lungs to work harder. As a result, altitude sickness symptoms occur.

Above oxygen level data in major Huanglong attractions are just for your reference.

It does take time for your body to acclimatize, especially in Huanglong day trip. So please take it easy and have a good rest in Jiuzhaigou Valley-Huanglong National Park.

What Are The Symptoms of Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness symptoms can be mild or severe, including breathlessness, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, difficulty in sleeping, lack of coordination, confusion, high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and eventually unconsciousness, etc.

Usually, severe symptoms would follow mild AMS, but things would not always happen like that. Severe altitude sickness would also come out with little or no warnings.

Note:
You can either bring bottles of oxygen to tour Huanglong or buy some at oxygen stations inside the park to ease altitude sickness symptoms.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness?

1. Ascending slowly is the best way in altitude sickness prevention. Never try to ascents to high elevations too quickly and suddenly for your body cannot cope with low oxygen and air pressure in such a short time.It’s suggested to visit Huanglong from Chengdu by road. Please contact us for more Jiuzhaigou tours.
2. Take things easy and enjoy your Huanglong tour.Never push yourself to do the things you are not comfortable with.
3. Avoid strenuous exercise, like running and walk in a rush at the high altitude. Leisurely wandering around Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong is a better way to appreciate the beauties of nature.
4. It’s common sense to avoid alcohol and drink enough fluids at high altitude.
5. Eat foods of high protein and vitamins,fresh vegetables and fruits should bear in mind.

How to Treat Altitude Sickness?

1. Descending to a lower place immediately is the most effective method for treating altitude sickness in Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou.
2. Having a relax at the same altitude until your body get acclimatized.
3. Take paracetamol or acetaminophen for headaches.
4. Check with doctor and get some altitude sickness pills.

Note:
If you want to take some Hongjingtian for preventing altitude sickness, it’s recommended to do that at least ten days before Jiuzhaigou tour starts.