Preparations before departure to Tibet
Arranging Tibet Travel Routes
Decide on your travel dates, duration of stay, desired tourist attractions, mode of transportation, and budget for your trip to Tibet. If you intend to book a group tour with a Tibet travel agency, please schedule an appointment at least one week prior to your arrival. It is advisable to reserve a tourist vehicle in advance and specify whether you require a driver for pick-up at the train station or airport.
Book into the Tibet Train or Flight ticket in advance
If you don’t opt for travelling to Tibet by car, begin booking your train or air ticket to Lhasa at least one week prior to departure. Before entering Tibet, decide on your preferred mode of transportation for entering and exiting the region. Train tickets to Lhasa are in high demand from different locations, particularly during the peak summer season. If you plan to enter Tibet by train, it’s advisable to purchase tickets on the day of pre-sale. If you decide to fly to Tibet, it’s generally more cost-effective to book tickets in advance.
Book a hotel
If you travel to Tibet in the off-season, it is sufficient to book a hotel in advance for the night of arrival in Lhasa. However, during the peak season, particularly the summer vacation, it is necessary to book a hotel room online in advance. Finding a room upon arrival in Lhasa will be too late, and even if available, the price will be significantly higher.
Prepare the necessary items for Tibet
Medicine carry
Rhodiola rosea is an effective medication for preventing altitude sickness. It has a slightly bitter taste and should be taken 5-7 days prior to entering Tibet. It is recommended to soak the root in water instead of using capsules. Additionally, Suxiao Jiuxin Pills, Dextrose, and Gaoyuanan are other medications that can help alleviate discomfort caused by the high altitude in Tibet.
Protective Equipment
Lip balm is essential in Tibet’s dry climate to prevent chapped and bleeding lips. Alternatively, you can apply a thick layer of Vaseline before bed, resulting in moister lips the following morning. Water cream is a fundamental skincare product for hydration and moisturization. It is necessary to bring it when travelling to Tibet. If travelling by plane, it should be checked in.
Additionally, using a pure moisturizing mask nightly is recommended, while functional masks are not recommended. Due to Tibet’s high altitude, thin atmosphere, and proximity to the sun, it experiences intense ultraviolet radiation regardless of the season. Therefore, a high-power sunscreen with SPF50++++ is a must-have when visiting Tibet.
Clothing preparation
Disposable underwear is ideal for the inconvenience of changing and washing clothes in Tibet. While outer garments can be changed every few days, additional sets of underwear are still necessary. To simplify matters, disposable cotton underwear is highly recommended for its convenience.
Given the intense ultraviolet rays in Tibet, it is impractical to constantly rely on a sun umbrella for protection. Therefore, it is crucial to wear a wide-brimmed sun hat that not only shields against ultraviolet rays but also adds to one’s aesthetic appeal.
In Tibet, the temperature is generally cooler, with warmer daytime and colder, windy nighttime. Even in summer, nights can be very cold. It’s convenient to have a three-in-one jacket that allows you to remove the fleece lining during the day and put it back on when the temperature drops at night.
When visiting Tibet, it is advisable to wear comfortable, breathable shoes suitable for running and walking. They need not be highly specialized but should provide a comfortable fit without causing any discomfort to your feet. Opt for pure cotton socks of superior quality. Additionally, it is recommended to bring warm suits, sweaters, thick fleece sweaters or denim jackets, beanies, scarves, and gloves.
Documents to carry
You must present your ID card or passport to enter different scenic spots in Tibet, including Barkhor Street in Lhasa. Therefore, be cautious and not misplace it. Additionally, a border defence permit is required for entry to certain scenic spots in Tibet, such as Nyingchi Medog, Shigatse Everest Base Camp, and Ngari area.
Tibet Travel Permit needed for Tibet flight or train.
In addition to your passport and Chinese Entry Visa, ensure you have the necessary documents for Tibet or you will be denied entry. The primary permit for Tibet is the Tibet Travel Permit, acquired by your travel agency prior to your trip to Lhasa. Once you have confirmed your tour with us, we will use scanned copies of your passport and visa to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. Once approved, we will send the permit to your hotel in China for your journey to Tibet.
common equipment
In Tibet, the distances between scenic spots can be quite long, making it difficult to reach destinations or find places to rest. To address this issue, it is recommended to carry a large-capacity thermos cup. This cup can be filled with water during each outing. Additionally, it is advisable to pack some specially designed snacks to combat hunger.
Other essential items for travel include power banks, camera/mobile phone chargers, and camera memory cards. As mobile phones are indispensable for everyone, it is important to note that taking pictures in Tibet can quickly drain the battery. Moreover, mobile phone data cables are prone to damage, so it is wise to bring a few extras.
carry food
When taking the train, bring a variety of food such as instant noodles, ham sausage, fruit, bread, water, and drinks. If you’re concerned about adjusting to the diet in Tibet, bring foods you enjoy like chilli sauce, beef jerky, and pickled mustard. You can also bring a self-heating hot pot. Keep in mind that while many items can be purchased in Lhasa, they may be more expensive. This covers the necessary items and preparations for travelling to Tibet. Ultimately, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial when travelling to Tibet. Don’t be overly fearful of the plateau environment. By doing so, you can have a pleasant journey.
