Top Dos to Maximize Your Enjoyment in Tibet

Some simple yet powerful "dos" will help you avoid common hiccups, connect deeper with the local culture, and make your trip to this magical region one you'll never forget. Let's dive in!

Do Book Accommodations with Diffused Oxygen and Humidifiers

First things first: your comfort at night directly affects your energy for the next day's adventures. Tibet's high altitude can leave you feeling breathless or restless, even if you're used to traveling. That's why choosing a hotel or guesthouse with diffused oxygen systems and humidifiers helps a lot. Diffused oxygen gently adds extra oxygen to the air in your room, helping you sleep soundly instead of waking up with a headache. And since Tibet's air is super dry (it can leave your skin and throat feeling parched!), a humidifier keeps the air moist—no more waking up with a scratchy throat.

Do Learn Some Basic Tibetan Phrases to Show Respect

You don't need to be fluent in Tibetan, but picking up a few simple phrases will make your trip feel so much more personal—and locals will love you for it! It's all about showing respect, and small efforts go a long way. Here are the three most useful ones:

"Tashi delek": This means auspiciousness and joy and works for greetings, goodbyes, or even just a friendly smile.

"Thoo jaychay": Say this when someone helps you—like a guide pointing out a hidden temple or a vendor handing you a souvenir. It means "thank you."

"Kale shoo": Use this to say "goodbye" as you leave a shop or a local's home.

Imagine you're buying a handwoven scarf at a market in Lhasa. If you start with "Tashi delek," the vendor might light up, chat with you a little more, or even give you a small discount. These tiny interactions turn "tourism" into "connection"—and that's where the best memories live.

Do Bring a Neck Pillow (or Buy One in Lhasa!)

Here's a little secret about Tibet travel: once you leave Lhasa, you'll spend hours in a car each day. Whether you're heading to Namtso Lake, Everest Base Camp, or Mount Kailash, those long drives are worth it for the views—but they can leave your neck feeling stiff! A neck pillow is your best friend here. It supports your neck during the ride, so you can nap comfortably or gaze out the window without craning your neck. Don't worry if you forgot yours—Lhasa's markets (like Barkhor Street) sell affordable, soft neck pillows for just a few dollars. Grab one early, and your neck will thank you later.

Do Eat Tibetan Foods to Adapt to the Plateau

Tibetan cuisine isn't just delicious—it's designed to help your body adjust to high altitude. For the first 3 days in Tibet, stick to light, easy-to-digest foods to give your stomach time to adapt. Try "tsampa" (roasted barley flour, often mixed with butter tea) or "thukpa" (hearty noodle soup with yak meat). And don't miss "sweet tea" (made with milk, black tea, and sugar)—it's creamy, warm, and packed with energy, way easier for first-timers to love than salty butter tea. Avoid spicy or greasy foods at first—they can upset your stomach when you're already adjusting to the altitude. After 3 days, when you're feeling more settled, dig into a Tibetan hot pot! Filled with fresh vegetables, yak meat, and warming spices, it's perfect for fighting Tibet's cool weather and keeping you energized for hikes or temple visits.

Do Spin a Prayer Wheel and Join a Kora

Barkhor Street, the circular road around Jokhang Temple, is the heart of Lhasa's spiritual life. Locals walk "kora" (a clockwise circumambulation) here every day, spinning prayer wheels as they go. You don't need to be Buddhist to join in—spinning a prayer wheel is a beautiful way to slow down and feel part of the local culture. Each spin is said to be like reciting a prayer, so even if you don't know the mantras, you're still sharing in the peace of the moment. Buy a small, portable prayer wheel (they're cheap at Barkhor Street's shops) and walk slowly with the crowd. Listen to the soft whir of the wheels, watch the locals' gentle smiles, and let the calm of the place wrap around you. It's a moment of quiet magic you won't find in any guidebook.

Do Pack the Plateau Three Essentials

Even with the best preparation, mild altitude sickness can sneak up on you—and that's totally normal! Be ready with these three must-haves:

Glucose drinks: A quick sip of glucose gives you an instant energy boost when you're feeling tired from the altitude.

Oxygen canisters: Small, portable oxygen canisters (available in Lhasa's pharmacies) help with mild symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness. Use them sparingly—they're for quick relief, not all-day use.

Ibuprofen: This over-the-counter painkiller eases altitude-related headaches, one of the most common symptoms.

Conclusion

Go ahead, dive into the Tibetan experience with curiosity and respect, and let these tips be your stepping stones to a journey filled with wonder, warmth, and unforgettable moments.