Prepare your first aid kit before arriving in Tibet. In addition to the normal bandages, salves, etc. one should include medicine for diarrhea, giardiasis, hepatitis and other diseases tourists may encounter on the plateau. Medicine for respiratory tract infections, such as colds, influenza and bronchitis which may further diminish oxygen intake should also be included to prevent those diseases since they may result in serious consequences on the Tibetan plateau. Tourists should get vaccinations to ensure good health and an enjoyable tour. Consult your physician to find out the appropriate vaccinations before traveling to Tibet. Medicine can be obtained from pharmacies, most of them on Yuthok Lu in Lhasa.

You will be exposed to climate as well as altitude extremes in Tibet. The temperature variation between day and night is huge, so be careful not to catch cold, which, because of Mountain Sickness, could possibly be fatal in Tibet. The sun is much stronger at this elevation because there is little atmosphere to filter its rays. Therefore, it may injure your skin and eyes, so you'd better bring your sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Also, sunburn can easily occur even though you do not feel it at first. Use face and hand lotions to keep your skin moisturized, as the air at this elevation is very dry so the wind will rapidly dry your skin out.

Since the boiling point of water is somewhat lower in Tibet, it is better to boil water for a longer period of time. Drinking water should be purified with iodine or other purification tablets before consumption to prevent intestinal complaints.

Packs of wild dogs roaming around monasteries and villages are common in Tibet and also a potential threat. Get a rabies vaccination (human diploid cell vaccine or purified chick embryo culture vaccine) in advance and stay away from them. For details about the vaccination, consult your doctor.