A lot of materials were originally on my personal website - "On the Road": Http://www.keehom.cn, where there are records in the travel notes of Tibet. I have excerpted and re-edited them as follows:
Firstly, make sure whether the place you are going to requires a border defense certificate. If so, be sure to apply for it in advance at the Public Security Bureau where you live. The following does not mention sleeping bags, tents and other equipment, as well as photography skills, which I will write about separately.
Regarding bank cards, prepare credit cards from Bank of China and Construction Bank of China. In large cities such as Lhasa, Shigatse and Nyingchi, you can handle ATM intercity withdrawals. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China boasts the most business outlets nationwide, but it has only been conducting business throughout Tibet in recent years.
1) Baggage Composition:
* First: backpack. Due to the long journey and harsh conditions in Tibet, there are more things to prepare. It is recommended to choose a 45-liter backpack that can hang (tie) things on the outside. This big backpack must be of good quality and have a certain degree of waterproofing. Spending hundreds of yuan on a brand name is not excessive, and this cost really cannot be spared!
* Second: shoulder bag. A shoulder bag for carrying essential items (such as food, camera, notebook, emergency medicine, etc.). Because if you take a car, your luggage will generally be bundled separately. At this time, you need to take out your small bag so as not to be passive. Moreover, it is very convenient to carry a small bag when touring in the urban areas of Lhasa, Shigatse, or leaving the car to enter the scenic spots. Gui Xiong does not recommend using a waist bag, because it is too conspicuous and can carry too few things! Also, it is not recommended to use a backpack for the small bag, because the backpack is behind the person, making it inconvenient and unsafe to take things. Moreover, if the small backpack is placed in the big backpack, it wastes space. Therefore, it is best to use a shoulder bag.
* Third: waterproof small hanging bag. You need a small wallet hung around your neck, inside which you put your ID, credit (savings) card, and backup cash. Remember, these things must be close to your body.
* Fourth: multi-pocket vest. Your clothes should have as many pockets as possible, so whether or not you are a photography enthusiast, it is recommended to buy a photography vest. However, large pieces of photographic equipment should still be placed in the small bag. When wearing it, you can wear an outer jacket over the vest, which is both safe and convenient. After all, with more pockets, you will find endless practical uses!
* Fifth: water bottle. Don't forget to have a sturdy water bottle, as the high-altitude climate is dry and it's easy to get thirsty. Moreover, you won't always find places to replenish water when you need it.
* Seventh: toiletry bag. Towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, laundry soap, sewing kit, razor, nail clipper, clothesline, hanger.
* Sixth: pay attention to waterproofing. All items should be packed into separate plastic bags. Remember this! Because all items must be completely waterproof!
2) Clothing:
* Basic configuration: Waterproof detachable down jacket + waterproof windbreaker pants + waterproof hard-soled mid-cut hiking shoes. In high-altitude areas, rain can come unexpectedly during the day, and it usually rains at night. Moreover, hail can strike at any moment at beautiful mountain passes (Daban).
* Down Jacket: Unless you plan to fly directly to Lhasa in July and August, and only tour around Lhasa and Nyingchi for a few days before flying away immediately, you should still prepare one! High-altitude rain (hail, even snow) comes unexpectedly, and the daily temperature difference is large! So this down jacket must be waterproof, and the outer layer and down part should be separable.
* Shoes and Socks: High-cut hard-soled hiking shoes, and they must be waterproof. Roughly estimate that they can step through shallow water up to the ankle, and prevent small stones from falling inside (don't underestimate their harm). This way, you won't be stuck when crossing muddy terrain, and it keeps your feet warm and dry! Staying dry and warm while traveling in Tibet makes the journey more enjoyable. Additionally, choose thick elastic cotton socks, which provide cushioning when walking, increase foot comfort, and keep your feet warm.
* Underwear: Choose warm, highly breathable pure wool underwear. My habit is to wear the underwear under the down jacket, without needing to wear a sweater, reducing the burden on the body and making it convenient. Of course, you should still bring a sweater in your luggage, one that can cover your neck. This sweater can be used to keep your shoulders warm at night, or when you don't want to wear the down jacket but it's slightly chilly.
* Hat: This is a must-have, don't underestimate the ultraviolet rays on the plateau. I once lost my hat on the Sichuan-Tibet South Line, and by the time I reached Lhasa, my face looked like a Tibetan's. And my nose became like cured meat. So you must have a hat, and one that can fully shield your neck is best.
* Gloves: They don't need to be too thick, just thin ones with rubber on the palm for anti-slip function.
* Sunglasses: If you don't wear glasses, then you must bring a pair of sunglasses with darker lenses. If you do wear glasses, it's recommended to bring one that can hang dark lenses, which is very convenient. Alternatively, bring tinted prescription glasses, and alternate between them. It's not recommended to wear contact lenses, as you would also need to bring care solution, which is troublesome! If you lose them, it's not easy to replenish in Tibet. Besides, the climate in Tibet is not suitable for wearing contact lenses.
* Sandals: It's suggested to bring a pair of lightweight soft-soled travel sandals, and they should be the lightest possible. These sandals can be used as slippers (don't count on having slippers where you stay!). If you're touring in the city during the hot noon, these sandals are very useful. Moreover, if water gets into your hiking shoes, these sandals can quickly replace them!
* Knee pads: Protect your knee joints, reduce fatigue from hiking, and most importantly, keep warm, especially when sitting in a vehicle, which is very beneficial.
* Raincoat: This is particularly important! Rain on the plateau can come unexpectedly, sometimes even hail. This raincoat should be thicker, with good quality, and can serve multiple purposes: padding on beds in poor hygiene conditions, padding your bottom when hitchhiking, or padding things in the wild...
3) Medicines:
* Glucose (or brown sugar): Whenever you add hot water, pour a little into your water bottle. Especially when you have no appetite or are tired, this helps replenish your energy. According to local Tibetans, brown sugar can reduce altitude sickness, so whether to use brown sugar instead of glucose depends on your actual situation.
* Saiga Cold Capsules: It's said to be the best cold medicine on the plateau. Do not underestimate catching a cold on the plateau; it's said that a small cold can develop into pneumonia, then pulmonary edema, and eventually be fatal.
* Huoxiang Zhengqi Pills and Baoji Pills: Prevent water and soil discomfort and diarrhea.
* Vitamins: Since there aren't many vegetables and fruits available on the plateau, you must bring vitamin pills. Someone suggests bringing synthetic vitamins (such as Jinshierkang), but considering the economy, it's recommended to bring a bottle of cod liver oil pills, a bottle of Vitamin E, D, and spend no more than ¥10.00 to solve the problem.
* Yunnan Baiyao Spray: To treat all kinds of bruises and sprains. Spraying some before sleeping can also relieve muscle fatigue.
* Band-Aids: Use the cloth kind, not the plastic kind. This is used to treat small wounds and blisters that may appear on your feet.
* Bandages: I always bring these whenever I go out, just in case. But they are often used as ropes.
* Vicks VapoRub: Apply on your sleeves in the wild to prevent bugs from entering, and it's very useful for exposed skin bitten by bugs. Additionally, Vicks VapoRub can refresh, cure stomachaches, and prevent heatstroke. Not only does it have multiple functions, but it's only the size of a nickel coin, making it easy to carry in your pocket when going out.
* Others: A small amount of Cefalexin, a small amount of stomach medicine, and a bottle of Buffalo Horn Detox Pills (Beijing Tong Ren Tang).
* Sunscreen: Carry according to your actual needs, but if you do, it must be the highest SPF.
4) Living Supplies:
* Headlamp: Use as a flashlight, remember to also bring spare batteries, preferably rechargeable ones.
* Others: Toilet paper, soft-packaged wet wipes.
* Sleeping bag: Generally, use a down sleeping bag. Remember to put a few camphor balls in the sleeping bag to prevent fleas from settling inside!
* Tent and moisture-proof mat: If you're not hiking, you don't need to bring them. But consider bringing a moisture-proof mat. Even if you're hiking, it's not recommended to camp in the wild. It's not people you're afraid of, but unexpected events in nature. Moreover, even in the hottest summer, Tibet's nights are very cold! Many places are below zero degrees Celsius.
* Food container: Replace the bowl function. Use a stainless steel food container with a lid, with good sealing conditions. Inside, there should also be a stainless steel spoon.
5) Others:
* Chocolate: Do not expect to eat meals on time while traveling in Tibet, because you never know what might happen on the road ahead, so it's better to bring some food just in case. High-calorie chocolate is the best choice! Compressed biscuits are not recommended, as the effort spent chewing them outweighs the energy they provide, and they can also hurt your stomach. If you have a stomachache, that would be troublesome.
* Throat Lozenges: Strongly oppose bringing chewing gum to Tibet, as it will pollute the land here. Instead, bring mint candies that don't need to be discarded.
* Binding Tape: Many times, luggage needs to be tied to the roof of the car. If you don't bring this, you'll regret it later.
* Transparent Tape: Choose the wide, large roll type, bring one roll, flatten it, and its uses are vast.
* Compass: Knowing the direction at all times gives a sense of security.
* Pocket Knife: Some people like to bring Swiss Army knives, liking their multifunctionality, but I think they are too small.
* Lighter: Helping someone light a cigarette when they're smoking is a useful gesture of friendliness, especially if you're a girl, it's even more recommended to bring one.
* Map: "Series of Maps of Provincial Administrative Units of the People's Republic of China - Tibet Autonomous Region Map" (China Cartographic Publishing House), "Tibet Autonomous Region Map Album" (Tibet Autonomous Region Surveying and Mapping Bureau, China Cartographic Publishing House)
* Books: "Antelope Self-guided Travel Handbook - Tibet" (Guangdong Tourism Publishing House), it's recommended to read thoroughly beforehand and bring along.
* Gifts: Bring cigarettes, which are very important for emotional communication during the journey. Getting help from others or hitchhiking, these cigarettes can be considered emotional lubricants. In Tibet, domestic cigarettes are more popular than imported ones. Popular cigarettes in Tibet include: premium "Xueyu", medium-priced "Hongta Mountain", "Yunyan", as well as "Honghe", "Wuniu", etc. Additionally, when traveling in Tibet, you will often encounter children asking for gifts, so preparing stationery such as pencils, erasers, exercise books is very useful, but never give them money! Also, you will often feel the urge to take photos with Tibetans, so having some candy as small gifts is very necessary.
* Small Change: Some people think it's for beggars, but actually, it's not. On the streets of Lhasa, giving alms to one person can easily cause endless trouble. When you've been to temples in Tibet, you'll understand the concept of "dripping water wears stone." Gradually putting one bill per hole, preparing two hundred one-yuan bills isn't excessive. Note that coins are frowned upon in Tibet, so paper bills are needed.
5) Customs and Taboos:
* The biggest taboo for Tibetans is killing. Buddhist monks who have taken vows are stricter in this regard. Although they eat beef and mutton, they cannot kill animals themselves.
* When encountering monasteries, Mani piles, stupas, etc., you must dismount and walk clockwise around them. Bon believers walk counterclockwise. Be sure not to confuse the directions! Therefore, remember, the prayer wheels in the monastery must not be turned counterclockwise!
* When entering a temple, refrain from smoking, touching Buddha statues, flipping through scriptures, or striking bells and drums. For religious objects such as amulets and rosaries carried by lamas, do not touch them. Maintain silence within the temple, sit upright, and under no circumstances sit on the throne of the living Buddha.
* Avoid loud noise, hunting, or killing near monasteries. Do not enter the hall without permission, especially in remote areas.
* Taking pictures inside temples is generally prohibited. Without consent, especially in the main hall or taking pictures of the Buddha statues being offered incense, you may encounter extremely rude interference and punishment. Nowadays, some temples allow photography after paying a fee, which usually depends on the influence and scale of the temple.
* Avoid dirtying paper or cloth with Tibetan script, and certainly do not use them as toilet paper or cleaning tools.
* Never touch or play with other people's hair or hats.
* Avoid passing or receiving items with one hand. When the host pours tea, the guest must hold the bowl with both hands and tilt it forward to show respect.
* Avoid sticking out your tongue at Tibetans, as this is considered mockery, while joining palms is a sign of politeness.
* Avoid relieving yourself near places where cattle, horses are tethered or sheep are penned.
* Pay attention to dining etiquette: "Drink silently, chew soundlessly, do not overfill your mouth." Avoid throwing bones into the fire.
* When entering a tent or house, men should sit on the left side, women on the right, and do not mix seats.
* If a Tibetan family has a sick person or a woman in childbirth, they usually mark it at the door. Some light a pile of fire outside the door, some plant branches or red ribbons at the entrance. Seeing such marks, do not enter!
* Tibetans generally do not eat fish, shrimp, chicken, or eggs, and you should not force them to try. (This dietary habit has changed significantly now.)
* When two friends who haven't seen each other for a long time greet or chat, do not put your hand on the other person's shoulder.
* Do not step over or tread on other people's clothes, nor place your own clothes on others, and do not cross over people.
* Do not whistle or cry loudly indoors.
* Do not sweep or throw garbage when family members are far away, guests have just left, at noon, or after sunset, and on the first day of the Tibetan New Year. Outsiders should not mention deceased names in front of their relatives. After noon, do not take anything from home outside.
* Do not shout loudly in the mountains and cliffs.
* Do not step over or tread on eating utensils, pots, bowls, ladles, etc. Bowls with cracks or chips should not be used for eating, nor should they be used to serve tea to guests.
* When two people leave home simultaneously and head in opposite directions, they cannot leave together; they must leave one after another with a time gap. Women should not comb or wash their hair at night, nor go out with loose hair.
* When using a broom and dustpan, do not pass them directly by hand; they must be placed on the ground first, and then picked up by another person.
* Everyone has auspicious and inauspicious days. On inauspicious days, nothing should be done except staying at home reciting scriptures or going out to worship Buddha. Tibetans believe that every earthly branch end in the Tibetan calendar is an inauspicious year, such as everyone's 13th, 25th, 37th, 49th... years, which are inauspicious years or "year ends" (similar to our zodiac year). Extra caution is required. During such years, more prayers and almsgiving are needed to avoid disasters.
Height, Air Pressure, Air Density, Oxygen Content, Boiling Point Comparison
Height
(meters)
Air Pressure
(millibars)
Air Density
(grams/m³)
Oxygen Content
(grams/m³)
Equivalent to Sea Level
(%)
Boiling Point
(°C)
7000
420
573
133
47
77
6000
481
644
149
52
80
5000
549
719
166
59
84
4000
624
802
186
65
87
3000
707
892
206
73
90
0
1013.2
1292
260
100
100