What Should You Prepare Before Departure to Tibet

In order to have fun in Tibet, please pay attention to the following tips.

Identification

Travel Tibet Permit: It is suggested you apply for Travel Tibet Permit ahead of time, because you have to show your Travel Tibet Permit when you enter Tibet. It usually takes about 10-14 days to process Travel Tibet Permit. Please note that Tibet Travel Permit can't be applied for individually, but can be applied for on behalf of a qualified local travel agency in Tibet.

Passport: Please ensure that the valid period is more than 6 months.

China Visa: Foreign tourists who are not from visa-free countries should apply for China Visa at the local Chinese embassy or consulate.

Clothing

Tibet's climate is mostly a plateau monsoon climate, with a large temperature difference between day and night. It is necessary to bring warm clothing whenever you enter Tibet throughout the year. We recommended you prepare the following four-season clothing: Down jackets are essential for keeping warm. Even in summer, you need to be protected from cold at high elevations. Due to the strong winds in Tibet, we suggest wearing windproof trousers. Moreover, hats can protect you from solar radiation.

In addition to the four-season clothing, some other exclusive clothing are needed when traveling to Tibet in different season.

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-October)

The weather in spring and autumn is changeable. You can put on multiple pieces of clothes and  adjust the number of pierces of clothes to adapt to changes in temperature. Altogether, you can bring long-sleeved shirts, hooded sweaters, light down jackets, and windproof and warm clothing to Tibet in spring and autumn.

Summer (June-August)

Tibet in summer is relatively cool with moderate temperatures. Short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts are suitable during the daytime. You can also bring long-sleeved shirts against sunshine. It is slightly cooler in the morning and evening, so prepare a windproof jacket. July-August: It is the rainy season with more rainfall in Tibet. In addition to regular summer clothes, waterproof jackets, raincoats, waterproof sports shoes, and hiking boots should also be prepared.

Winter (11-April of the following year)

Tibet is colder in winter, especially in Lhasa and Shigatse areas. It is crucial to keep warm. Therefore, it is recommended to bring thermal underwear, thermal sweater, windproof warm clothes and fleece jacket when visiting Tibet in winter. Choose high-top, waterproof and warm snow boots for shoes. In addition, wool hats, scarves and gloves are essential items to protect the head, neck and hands from the cold.

Medicine

Altitude sickness medicine: Due to Tibet's high altitude, some tourists may have symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, etc. Please bring some commonly used altitude sickness medicine such as Rhodiola rosea, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, etc., to relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

Cold medicine: Carry some cold medicine, such as fever medicine, cough medicine, nasal congestion medicine, etc., in case of emergency.

Gastrointestinal medicines: Eating irregularly or not adapting to local foods can cause  indigestion or diarrhea. Carry some digestive medicines, such as stomach medicines, diarrhea medicines, etc., to help relieve discomfort.

Trauma medicine: Trauma or abrasions may occur while climbing or hiking outdoors. To deal with these situations, prepare some trauma medicine, such as Band-Aids, disinfectant, gauze, etc., for simple wound management.

Other personal medicine: According to personal needs, bring commonly used medicine, such as headache medicine, painkillers, allergy medicine, anti-inflammatory medicine, etc.

Personal Items for Travel

Thermos: You have to drink hot water regularly to stay in good health.

Small amounts of cash and bank cards: Although mobile payment methods are becoming increasingly popular in Tibet, cash payments may still be required in remote areas.

Electronic products and charging equipment: Carry chargers, power banks, cameras, earphones and other electronic products and ensure that there are adapters and charging cables.