What to Pack in a Trip to Tibet
When you are packing for Tibet, be prepared for high-altitude conditions and unpredictable weather. Layered clothing, a warm down jacket, waterproof gear, and sturdy trekking boots are essential. Don’t forget sun protection, AMS medication, and plenty of water. A versatile packing list ensures you're ready for everything, from mountain treks to cultural visits.
Let's see in details what you will need to pack on your trip to Tibet.

Things You Need to Know Before Packing Your Bag!
Pack the minimum wherever you go!
Planing a trip to Tibet is just the same as in any other places. But remember Tibet is on the roof of the world and most parts of it are remote areas. What to pack should be in your consideration beforehand.
Things That Need to Be on Your Packing List
1. Documents
- Passport & Tibet Travel Permit: You’ll need both to enter Tibet and visit restricted areas.
- Visa (if applicable): Ensure you have the necessary visa for China.
- Copies of Important Documents: Keep a copy of your passport, permits, travel insurance, and emergency contacts.
- Travel Insurance: With coverage for high-altitude trekking and medical evacuation.
2. Clothing
The weather in Tibet changes greatly, so it’s essential to pack layers that can adapt to changing conditions.
- Warm Base Layers: Thermal tops and leggings for layering in cold weather.
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts: Quick-dry and breathable to prevent sweat buildup during daytime hikes or walks.
- Fleece Jacket: Essential for warmth during chilly mornings and evenings.
- Waterproof and Windproof Jacket: Protects from rain and wind, especially if visiting during the rainy season (July–September).
- Down Jacket: Vital for cold nights or high-altitude areas like Everest Base Camp or Namtso Lake.
- Lightweight Sweater: For moderate weather or layering under jackets.
- Quick-dry Pants: Comfortable, durable, and ideal for trekking.
- Comfortable Hiking Pants: Versatile for hikes or walks around town.
- Waterproof Pants: Good for wet or snowy conditions.
- Hat/Beanie: Essential for warmth at high altitudes.
- Sun Hat: Protects from strong sun exposure at high elevations.
- Gloves: Insulated gloves for warmth during cold weather.
- Scarf/Buff: A multi-purpose item for warmth, wind protection, or dust shielding.
- Socks: Thick, moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and warm.
Other essentials to pack include four or five pairs of cotton or woolen underwear, four or five pairs of woolen socks, long sleeve cotton or lightweight wool shirts and T-shirts. Women should avoid skirts or dresses.
3. Footwear
- Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and comfortable boots for trekking or walking on uneven terrain.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: For casual strolls around towns like Lhasa or Shigatse.
- Sandals/Flip-Flops: Useful for showering or walking around your hotel or guesthouse.
4. Accessories
- Bags: A large backpack and a smaller one. The smaller one can be used for daily activities and can also be put into the big one when necessary. And a waist pack to put property and important documents.
- Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from the strong sun at high altitudes.
- Sunscreen: High SPF (30+ or 50+) sunscreen to protect your skin from intense sun exposure.
- Lip Balm with SPF: Dry air and sun can lead to chapped lips.
- Travel Towel: Quick-drying and compact for use in guesthouses or hostels.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential to combat altitude sickness. Bring a large water bottle or hydration bladder.
- Daypack: For carrying essentials like water, snacks, and camera during day trips or hikes.
- Trekking Poles: Helpful for balance on uneven terrain or long hikes.
- Headlamp/Flashlight: Power outages are common in some remote areas.
- Camera & Spare Batteries: Tibet’s landscapes are incredibly photogenic; you’ll want to capture them!

5. Medical Kit
Take an adequate supply of any prescription medication you use regularly, including inhalers for asthma. Most over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin and anti-diarrheal pills, are available in Lhasa, but are more difficult to obtain outside of urban areas. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to bring enough cleaning solution for the term, since this is hard to find, and expensive. Please consult your doctor prior to your travel to Tibet.
- AMS Medication (Diamox): Consult your doctor before traveling and consider taking AMS medication for high altitude.
- Prescription Medication: If you take prescription drugs, bring enough for your trip, plus extras.
- Pain Relievers: For headaches or muscle soreness (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin).
- First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister pads, etc.
- Electrolyte Tablets: To help with hydration, especially if you're exerting yourself at high altitudes.
- Anti-diarrheal Medication: In case you experience digestive issues.
- Antibiotics: For treating common infections (consult a doctor for advice on the right kind).
- Cold and Flu Medicine: The high-altitude cold can make you prone to colds.
- Motion Sickness Pills: If you’re sensitive to long drives on winding mountain roads.
- Eye Drops: For relief from dry, dusty conditions.
- Hand Sanitizer: Clean your hands frequently to avoid illness.
6. Toiletries
- Toilet Paper: Not always available in remote areas.
- Biodegradable Wet Wipes: For personal hygiene when showers are unavailable.
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Basic hygiene.
- Shampoo & Soap: Travel-size or solid bars to save space.
- Moisturizer: Tibet’s high altitudes and dry air can be hard on your skin.
- Feminine Hygiene Products: If needed, bring a supply as they may not be available in remote areas.

7. Tech & Gadgets
- Portable Charger/Power Bank: Electricity may not be reliable in some areas.
- Adapters & Converters: China uses Type A, C, and I plugs with a voltage of 220V. There are numerous different plug types used in Tibet , so it might be easier to purchase an adapter once you get there.
- Phone and SIM Card: Consider getting a local SIM for data and calls if you plan to stay connected.
8. Other Essentials
- Travel Pillow: For long road trips or flights.
- Earplugs & Eye Mask: For better sleep in noisy environments.
- Plastic Bags or Dry Bags: For storing dirty clothes or protecting gear from moisture.
- Notebook & Pen: To document your journey or jot down important information.
9. Optional
- Water Purification Tablets or Filter: Water quality can be poor in some remote areas.
- Oxygen tanks: Available in many Tibetan cities; handy if you need a boost at high altitudes.
- Books or Kindle: For entertainment during long trips or in areas with limited connectivity.

If you Are Planning Trekking in Tibet, here are the items you should pack
Trekking-Specific Gear
- Trekking Boots: Ensure they are well-broken-in, waterproof, and provide ankle support for rough and uneven terrain.
- Gaiters: Protects your lower legs from snow, mud, or dirt, especially in wet conditions or snowy passes.
- Extra Socks: Bring several pairs of thick, moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters and keep your feet dry and warm.
- Insulated Jacket or Vest: A lightweight, packable down or synthetic jacket for extra warmth during breaks or in colder high-altitude areas.
- Trekking Poles: Essential for balance on uneven terrain and reducing the impact on your knees during descents.
- Microspikes/Crampons: If trekking in snowy or icy conditions, these will help with traction.
- Backpacking Tent: If you plan on doing multi-day treks in remote areas, a lightweight, durable tent is crucial (if not using local lodges or campsites).
- Sleeping Bag: A good-quality, four-season sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures, as nighttime temperatures can drop significantly.
- Sleeping Pad: Lightweight and insulated to keep you warm from the cold ground.
- Water Filter or Purifier: In remote trekking areas, clean water can be scarce, so a reliable water filter or purification tablets will be essential.
- Portable Stove and Cooking Gear: If you’re camping, consider lightweight cooking equipment for boiling water and preparing meals.
- Trekking Map and Compass/GPS: Navigational tools are critical, especially in remote areas where marked trails are less reliable.
- Guidebook/Local Maps: Have detailed maps of the region and routes you’ll be trekking.
- High-energy Snacks: Carry enough energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit to keep your energy levels up during the trek.
- Multi-tool or Knife: Useful for various tasks during the trek, from fixing gear to meal preparation.

Health and Safety
- Oxygen Canister: High-altitude treks like those around Everest Base Camp may require supplementary oxygen if you experience severe altitude sickness.
- Portable First Aid Kit: Include items like blister pads, antiseptic, pain relievers, and bandages specifically suited for trekking injuries.
- Altitude Sickness Medication: If trekking at high altitudes, make sure you have sufficient AMS medication, as symptoms can intensify during strenuous hikes.
- Waterproof Dry Bags: To protect important items like electronics, documents, and extra clothes from rain or river crossings.
Weather and Environmental Protection
- Sun Protection: Stronger sun exposure at high altitudes means you’ll need extra sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed sun hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Balaclava or Face Mask: Useful for wind protection or during particularly cold, snowy conditions.
- Rain Cover for Backpack: Sudden rain showers are common, so a waterproof cover for your backpack is essential to keep your gear dry.
- Emergency Bivvy or Space Blanket: Lightweight but useful for emergencies to stay warm if conditions deteriorate.

Extra Comfort
- Camp Shoes: Lightweight shoes or sandals for when you’re at the campsite, allowing your feet to rest.
- Hand and Foot Warmers: These can provide quick warmth in extreme cold conditions.
- Wet Wipes: For personal hygiene when there’s no access to showers during longer treks.
- Extra Batteries or Solar Charger: Trekking in remote areas often means no access to electricity, so pack extra batteries or a portable solar charger for your devices.
- Journal/Book: If you have downtime during your trek, something for entertainment or reflection can help.
Optional for Advanced Treks
- Climbing Harness and Rope: If you’re planning on doing more technical or challenging treks that involve climbing or glacier crossings.
- Ice Axe: For extreme trekking routes with steep, icy conditions.