Tibet Packing List

When packing for Tibet, there are two main ideas to keep in mind. First, pack light. Second, layer your clothes. Tibet sits atop a plateau, and when the sun is shining during the day, it heats up. After sunset, it cools down very quickly, especially at high altitudes. 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
Sports bras for women (roads can be bumpy)
Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
Warm jacket (especially if you are traveling during the off-season or going to EBC, Namtso, or Kailash)
Hat and gloves (optional, for cold/high-altitude locations)
Rain jacket or rain poncho
Sun hat
Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Pajamas
Swimsuit (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 can wear all day.

Sturdy, comfortable shoes
Sandals
Breathable socks

Tibet trekking

Electronics
Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags. Keep in mind that at very high altitudes, 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 your doctor)
Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
Prescription drugs (talk to your 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, traveler’s checks, credit cards (bring $500 or more in cash and/or traveler’s checks, including some small U.S. dollars, Euros, or local currency)
Money belt (waterproof is ideal)
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 accommodations)