What to Pack for Tibet Tours

Pack light wherever you travel! Many people found some of the stuffs they had put into their suitcases pre-trip kept untouched until arriving home. For a Tibet travel, it is advisable to take as little baggage as possible. But certain items are necessary. Here is a packing list of must-have items ensure you a safe and comfortable Tibet tour.

Bags

Back Pack/Suit Cas - Your main container to store your things. Something light weight and durable is best.

Day Pack - A book-bag or fanny-pack to use for daily excursions (to carry camera, water bottle, jacket, notebook, etc).

Stuff Sacks - Light-weight and compact, using stuff sacks to separate clothes, food, toiletries, and everything else, will bring order to your pack and make your life simpler.

Money Belt - A very important item to wear under your clothes daily would hides safely your passport, money, and keys, etc.

Clothing:

1. Tourists are suggested to bring layered clothes, which can be easily added or removed, for the temperatures vary greatly within a day in Tibet. 

2. Make sure to take warm clothing as it is quite chilly and cold during the nights and early mornings. A warm (down or leather) coat is necessary for those who are traveling beyond Lhasa and Shigatse into more remote areas, such as the Everest Camp.

3. Other essentials to pack include 1-2 more comfortable pants, woolen socks, underwear, long-sleeved wool shirts and T-shirts. Women should avoid skirts or dresses. And, do not forget a pair of durable and comfortable shoes

4. You’d better dress in dark-colored clothing as the roads outside of Lhasa are very dusty. Many local people and some tourists use masks to keep the moisture in the nose. If you don’t want to buy the local ones, you can bring 1-2 from home. 

5. Rain Coat - A water-proof wind breaker, ideally light-weight and breathable, very helpful during rainy season in Tibet from June to August.

Sun Protection

For the high altitude, sunshine is extremely strong in Tibet, and Lhasa gets the name "Sunlight City" for its intense sunlight. To protect your eyes and skin, don't forget to bring your sun hat, sun glasses, high SPF sun-cream, skin cream, and lip balm. 

Medications and Health

In the first few days after arrival, you may experience some degree of altitude reaction. Colds, insomnia and digestive disorders are common. Colds, insomnia and digestive disorders are common. Besides the normal medications (like Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Multivitamins, etc) for traveling, it is advisable to take diamox pills to prevent and lessen High Altitude Sickness. And, for the high elevation in most areas of Tibet, Oxygen bags are also necessary to avoid anoxic accidents. You can buy them from hospitals, hotels, and downtown markets in Lhasa. Before going traveling, you'd better ask your doctor for some advices. 

Cash

In Tibet, credit cards can only be used in big cities. We suggest that you may bring some pocket money like US$25-30 unless you plan on buying a lot of gifts. You can go to Bank of China to draw cash from major credit cards like Visa, Master Card and American Express as well as Traveler's check.

Other essentials

Travel document (passport and Chinese visa), emergency contacts, camera & film (battery charger if needed), flashlight (in case of power cut), Swiss army knife, towel (small, light and fast-drying), toiletries (toothbrush & paste, shampoo, minimal cosmetics, etc), notebook, and pen, etc

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