Qinghai + Tibet 2024 | 8 Days |

Before departure, learn more about altitude sickness, local customs and culture, and Tibet Travel. With these basic concepts in mind, you can quickly adapt to the local area, and you will definitely have a wonderful and unforgettable time!

◈ Information About Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness generally refers to the reaction of the human body in high altitude areas (8000-9000 ft above sea level). Because of low pressure, high radiation, lack of oxygen, high cold and other climate characteristics, each person may have different reactions. Common reactions are headaches, dizziness, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, exhaustion and weakness. Not to worry though, with proper preparation and precautions, these symptoms will gradually decrease or disappear after 1-2 days.

Populations at higher risk of developing high-altitude disease

Due to the special environment and the remoteness of most high-altitude areas, medical resources are less accessible. Those suffering from heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), myocardial hypoxia (angina), sickle anemia, any type of pulmonary dysfunction and high-risk pregnant women should first consult a physician if high altitude activities are safe.

Prevention and response to altitude sickness

• Get plenty of rest to adjust your optimal condition When entering the plateau, strenuous, heavy physical strength and high oxygen consumption should be avoided, which will accelerate blood oxygen consumption and increase pulmonary artery pressure; It is recommended to allow the body to rest enough and gradually adapt. Sleep can be in a semi-recumbent position to reduce the burden on the heart and lungs.
• Will I experience altitude sickness? If so, what should I do?
  Given the extreme altitude of the Tibetan plain, it's quite common for most travelers to experience mild altitude sickness. The best treatment for altitude sickness is to go slow and adjust with time. We design our tour to include time to acclimate at 8,000ft before ascending to higher elevations, but some guests may also feel more comfortable with preparing altitude sickness medicine such as Diamox in advance. Diamox requires a prescription, so please rememember to consult with your physician in advance.
  
• Other prevention methods and concepts
  • Keep your body warm, low temperatures will increase pulmonary artery pressure, and try to avoid bathing when you first arrive at the plateau to avoid lack of blood oxygen.
  • Do not smoke, smoking reduces the amount of oxygen inhaled and increases pulmonary artery pressure.
  • Do not drink, take sedatives or sleeping pills, so as not to inhibit the respiratory center and hypoxia ventilation response, in addition, drinking alcohol and taking sedatives will also change the state of consciousness, easy to confuse with high-altitude cerebral edema symptoms.
  • In terms of diet, when you first enter Tibet, you should not overeat, eat more vitamin-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits, drink a lot of water, choose high-calorie and easily digestible foods, and eat more high-sugar, high-quality protein foods, which is conducive to overcoming the adverse effects of hypoxia. Avoid foods that produce gas (such as soybeans, carbonated drinks, etc.).
  • Altitude sickness is a reversible reaction, for people who live in the plateau for a short time or travel, after leaving the plateau, these discomforts will disappear on their own and will not cause damage to the body.

◈ Local customs and culture

• When visiting Tibetan temples around the Buddha, you must travel in a clockwise direction. The prayer wheel must also follow a clockwise direction.
• The heavenly burial process and the heavenly burial platform are sacred and off limits to visitors. Please do not enter the sky burial platform area.
• Pointing is considered rude. If you are gesturing or calling attention to something, use your arm outstreched with an open palm instead of pointing. 
• Tibetans strongly believe in the sanctity of nature and every mountain has a representative god. To show respect for the sacred mountains, please do not point when gesturing toward them.
• By the same token, every lake is sacred. Avoid playing in water, which is considered blasphemous.
• The prayer banner is a strip of cloth with a six-character mantra, which indicates where the gods are located. They should not be trampled on or mistreated.
• If you encounter a monk or priest and would like to take a photo with them, it is polite to ask. Please avoid touching them when taking photos.
• Temple visits should be quiet and photos should not be taken without consent. Buddha statues, scriptures and other artifacts should not be touched; please remove hats and sunglasses when entering the temple
• When entering Tibetan temples avoid wearing revealing clothing such as backless or sleeveless tops, shorts or skirts above the knee, and open-toe shoes.
• Tibetans sticking out their tongues is an act of humility and respect for each other, and clasping their hands together shows blessings to their guests.
• Offering khata (Tibetan scarf) is the most common and solemn etiquette of the Tibetan people. When a Tibetan host presents a khata to the guest, the guest should bow down and gracefully accept.
• Tibetans do not eat horse, donkey and dog meat, and in some areas, they do not eat fish.

◈ Travel in Tibet

• What is the weather like in Tibet?
  Tibet's climate is dynamic, with a large temperature difference between day and night. The temperature in summer is about 75°F during the day and about 50°F at night. In winter, average temperatures are about 50°F during the day and below 30°F. Most activities are arranged during the day while the temperature is comfortable. Humidity is low, so using plenty of moisturizer is a good idea.

• What kind of clothing is suitable for traveling in Tibet?
  UV light is quite strong in the day, so make sure to bring sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. Short-sleeve T-shirts and shorts are not recommended. Bring warm all-weather or down jackets for the Everest area. Hiking shoes or sneakers are a must.
  
  

• Is bathing in Tibet convenient?
  The hotels we have selected are equipped with hot water and private bathrooms. However, it is recommended not to shower often when first arriving in Lhasa to avoid catching a cold. Bathing while exhausted may aggravate altitude sickness. Once the body adapts to the higher altitude climate, showering is generally not a problem. Keep in mind the air in Tibet is very dry so many people can skip showering for 1-2 days without feeling uncomfortable.

• Is it better to bring cash or credit card when traveling in Tibet?
  Tibet is quite safe and when traveling in the region, it is still more convenient to bring cash. Credit cards are not commonly accepted.

• What are the unique foods in Tibet?
  Rice dumplings, yak butter tea, beef, Tibetan noodles, sweet tea, barley wine are all unique foods in Tibetan areas. If you want to get closer to the life of Tibetans, you may go to the local sweet tea house, try authentic Tibetan noodles, sweet tea, while feeling the rich atmosphere.

• What souvenirs are worth buying in Tibet?
  Small trinkets such as yak bone bracelets, necklaces, and turquoise bracelets are excellent gift ideas. More valuable items include handmade Gyantse carpets, Medog stone pot, tapestries, Thankga, and Champlain wooden bowls. Tibetan medicines such as saffron, snow lotus, cordyceps are also a popular homeopathic specialty, but we do not recommend purchasing these items due to the possibility of fakes. Tibetan knives are currently a controlled item and cannot be brought back to your home country, so purchasing these are not recommended (please note: there is strict security in Tibet. Knives on planes and trains are strictly prohibited (including multifunction knives or fruit knives brought from home).