西藏 Tibet

Tibet sits at an altitude of over 3,600 metres, and most travellers will experience varying degrees of altitude sickness upon arrival, including dizziness, shortness of breath, or fatigue. But there's no need to worry too much—with rest and a light diet, you will usually adapt within 1 to 2 days. We recommend getting plenty of sleep for 2 to 3 days before departure to reduce discomfort, and you may also prepare glucose, energy supplements, or sweets to replenish your energy. If you are concerned about altitude sickness, you can take Rhodiola (a Chinese herbal medicine) or Diamox (Acetazolamide) in advance to ease the symptoms. Oxygen is available at hotels and on tour buses, and if needed, we can help arrange local medical support such as oxygen inhalation or an IV drip.

In Tibet, you need a VPN to access the internet! The Chinese government blocks websites and apps such as Facebook, Google, WhatsApp, and YouTube, so we recommend downloading a VPN (such as Surfshark) in advance in Hong Kong to ensure smooth usage. If you purchase a local SIM card in Hong Kong, some brands may allow you to access these apps normally without a VPN, so travellers can choose the internet plan that suits their needs.

To help your body adapt smoothly to the high-altitude environment, please be sure to avoid strenuous exercise, especially running or climbing stairs quickly, as this will worsen the feeling of oxygen deprivation. After arrival, eat lightly and avoid overeating to prevent stomach discomfort. At the same time, both smoking and drinking alcohol can affect blood oxygen levels and aggravate altitude sickness, so they should be avoided as much as possible. Be careful when bathing too—do not use water that is too hot, and do not bathe for too long, to avoid blood pressure fluctuations that could cause discomfort.

Tibetan cuisine is mainly based on beef and mutton, tsampa, and butter tea. Restaurants in tourist areas also offer options such as Sichuan cuisine and simple Western meals. We recommend bringing your own stomach medicine and avoiding raw or cold food and unboiled water (bottled water is recommended). The high-altitude climate is dry, so remember to moisturise and stay hydrated.

Tibet has good overall public safety, and the local residents are friendly. As long as travellers observe local laws and cultural norms, they can travel with peace of mind. Points to note include: respecting religious sites (for example, photography is prohibited inside temples) and dressing appropriately. Some Tibetan Buddhist rituals should not be disturbed, so we recommend asking your guide in advance whether photography or visiting is permitted.

Electronic payments are very common in Tibet, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. However, in some rural towns and villages, cash may still be the norm, so we recommend carrying a small amount of cash with you for emergencies.

Restrooms in major cities such as Lhasa are clean and tidy, but the toilet facilities at rest stops during long-distance drives are more basic. We recommend bringing your own wet wipes and tissues, along with hand sanitiser or waterless hand gel.

As long as you are in good health and adapt carefully to the highland climate, anyone can travel to Tibet. However, we recommend consulting a doctor first and bringing along everyday medications as well as remedies for altitude sickness. That said, some high-altitude areas (such as Everest and Ngari) are not recommended for first-time visitors to Tibet or those in frail health.

Bringing photography equipment is no problem, but drone regulations are stricter, and their use is prohibited in certain areas (such as near the Potala Palace and military facilities). If you wish to use a drone, we recommend applying in advance or consulting your local guide to avoid breaking the law or having it confiscated.