Tibet is the dream of many travelers. It is also a mystery to travelers who have never been there. To have a nice and safe trip in such a high-altitude area, you should know what to bring.
To make your trip more convenient and more comfortable, China Highlights offers the following tips.
Clothing: The Warmer the Better
Due to the high elevation, Tibet is quite cold even in summer. The higher the elevation is, the colder it is.
And the temperature differs dramatically between daytime and night. So even if you travel to Tibet in summer, you'd better pack warm boots, a woolen sweater, thick pants, and a warm coat.
- If you want to see Mt. Everest or other high elevation areas, a down jacket with a warm hood is ideal.
- You Might Like to Read Tibet Weather
- 8-Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour: Enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of surveying Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp.
Footwear
Boots are a good choice to protect your feet from little stones and sand, as well as for keeping warm. A pair of slippers/sandals are useful in some simple hotels.
- If you want to climb mountains or go hiking in Tibet, a pair of trekking shoes is needed.
Bags: the Smaller the Better
Travel as light as you can but be prepared. Suitcases are not recommended. Just bring a large backpack and a smaller one for day trips. Ideally, they should be waterproofed.
- If you want to go camping, a large backpack with your tent, etc. in is recommended, and another bag to leave non-essentials in at your hotel / with your guide.
- Don't forget a warm sleeping bag (at least 4-season). You could also hire a tent, sleeping bags, etc. from us or in Lhasa to save you from carrying them. Arrange that before you go.
- Remember to select a high-altitude fuel stove for camping. Some fuels and lighters won't ignite in Tibet's low oxygen environment.
Food
There are no Western restaurants in Tibet, and only a few hotels offer Western food. Bring some food you like in case you don't like Tibetan food.
Tibetan Food - MomoIf you are going to visit remote and high areas, bring some food that can replenish energy quickly, like chocolate, nuts, and compressed biscuits.
Sunburn and Dry Climate Protection
Tibet enjoys a dry climate and strong sunshine all year round. To protect yourself from sunburn and drying out, bring a pair of sunglasses, sunhat, lip balm, moisturizer, and sunblock.
Bring snow glasses to prevent snow blindness if you're going where there is lots of snow for extended periods.
Toiletries
At some stops on your Tibet trip, there are toilets. However, they often don't provide toilet paper. So, if you have to go to the toilet, bring some in your pocket/bag.
Hotels in some areas may not provide toiletries. Bring shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a (quick-drying) towel with you. Wet tissues or disinfectants are helpful since it is inconvenient to wash your hands and face in many areas.
Medical Supplies
Medicine for altitude sickness: Before your trip, ask your doctor for suggestions, and bring some medicine in case of emergency situations, such as medicine for colds, headaches, stomach aches, and fever.
- Medicine for injury: band-aids, gauze, bandages, etc.
- Medicine for an insect: stings/bites.
>>Read more on altitude sickness and its treatment.
Tibet Entry Permit
A Tibet Entry Permit is the most important thing. You should leave at least 30 days to arrange it before your trip.
Tibet Entry PermitOther Things
Vacuum flask: Warm drinks help you keep warm on the plateau.
Enough water: Don't dehydrate.
Gifts for locals: Bringing some small gifts for local kids is a friendly act to show your kindness, such as pens, notebooks, and candy.
Flashlight or candles: These are helpful at night in some hotels (with poor lighting or power failure) or when you want to enjoy the night view of Tibet away from the street lights.
Extra batteries: You may not be able to charge batteries for your camera, phone, flashlight, etc., overnight in remoter areas, or if there is a power outage.
Light windproof raincoat: You won't want to wear your thick warm coat when hiking.
Preparing Well Is Recommended
If you don't want to pack too many things or forget something, most items above like warm clothes, food, daily articles, medicine, are available in Lhasa. Of course, it's better to prepare well and save your precious time in Tibet for things other than shopping.
See also our general list of things to pack for China.
If you are looking to go sightseeing in Tibet, check out our top Tibet tours. If they're not included. All our tours are customizable. We can also create an expert itinerary from your requirements.