Tibet Insider

When packing for Tibet, there are two main ideas to keep in mind. One, pack light. Two, layer your clothes. Tibet sits atop a plateau, and when the sun is shining during the day, it heats up. After sun set, it cools after very fast, especially at altitude. See the table below the packing list for seasonal temperatures.

Clothing

Your clothing should be lightweight, hand-washable, breathable, and quick-drying.

• Shorts, mid-thigh or longer (but generally not to be worn in monasteries)
• Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Undergarments, socks
• Sport bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
• Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
• Warm jacket (esp. if you are traveling during off-season or going to EBC, Namtso, or Kailash)
• Hat and gloves (optional, for cold/high altitude locations)
• Rain racket or rain poncho
• Sun hat
• Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
• Pajamas
• Swim suit (for hot springs)

Footwear

While it’s not necessary to wear hiking boots for most Tibet trips, you will want to bring comfortable shoes that you’ll be able to walk around in all day.

• Sturdy, comfortable shoes
• Sandals
• Breathable socks

Electronics

Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags. Keep in mind that at very high altitude, some electronics might fail, so check the specifications of your gear.

• Headlamp or flashlight
• Camera, lenses, filters, memory cards
• Video camera, tapes
• Tripod
• Batteries
• Battery chargers
• Alarm clock
• Adapters and/or converters

Toiletries

• Soap, shampoo, conditioner
• Shaving supplies
• Nail clippers
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Baby wipes (moist towelettes)
• Hand sanitizer
• Lotion
• Hairbrush, comb, mirror
• Small towel
• Toilet paper
• Facial tissue
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Q-tips
• Feminine products
• Cosmetics
• Sewing kit

First Aid

Coordinate with your group members, as you will only need one first-aid kit.

• Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, or Aspirin
• Band-aids
• Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
• Gauze bandages and tape
• Throat lozenges
• Vitamins
• Diarrhea medicine
• Antihistamines
• Ace bandage
• Melatonin or other sleep aid
• Diamox (talk to doctor)
• Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
• Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)

Other

• Sunglasses with strap
• Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
• Binoculars
• Pocket knife
• Notebook, pencil and pen
• Playing cards, games, books, frisbee, football, kite
• Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
• Cash, travelers checks, credit cards ($500 or more in cash and/or travelers checks, including some small U.S., Euros, or local currency)
• Money belt (waterproof is nice)
• Ziplock bags (useful)
• Travel documents & emergency contacts
• Maps, guidebooks
• Water bottles and Camelback (useful on bumpy roads)
• Sleeping bag (only necessary if you are camping or headed to Kailash)
• Sleeping bag liner (a good idea if you will be staying in rural village accommodation)

Gifts for Locals

• T-shirts
• Shoes
• Hats
• Nerf football, frisbees
• Pens
• Postcards from your hometown
• School supplies
• Any warm clothing

Please do not hand out medicines or candy!

Tibet – Temperature and Altitude