Packing list

When packing for a Tibetan tour, there are two main ideas to keep in mind: pack light and layer your clothes.

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 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

Money belt (waterproof is nice)

Ziplock bags

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