Common Misunderstandings about Family Tours with Kids in Tibet

Tibet remains an offbeat tourist destination for reasons more than one. The destination is often viewed as an adventurer's lookout rather than a family tourist destination. It seems that Tibet with its amazing scenic beauty appeals only to the mountaineers and trekkers and not families with kids and age old folks. This happens mainly because of several misunderstandings about family tours with kids in Tibet. These misunderstandings must be cleared to open Tibet for all the family tours with kids since Tibet is way too beautiful and deserves to be explored by all.

Travel Tibet with child

Misconceptions about Family Tour with kids in Tibet

Tibetan climate is too harsh for kids

A belief goes that Tibet has a harsh environment and may not be suitable for the children. However, it must be noted that Tibet has an unpredictable climate but that cannot be called harsh. During summers, the average temperature remains above 10 degree Celsius and it is way more pleasant here to have a trip. There may be variations in temperature between day and night but with proper garments, it isn't a big deal. Tibet is known to have an awesome summer which is tourist friendly to say the least.

Tibet family tour to Everest Base Camp

One another misunderstanding goes that Tibet is too chilly for family people to travel during winters. But Tibet's thin air prevents it to get that cold. Tibet receives a greater amount of solar radiations, thus, you may enjoy a warm sunshine in winter and your kids may bask in it while treating themselves with the sightseeings.

>> Further Reading: What’s the Weather Like in Tibet

Altitude sickness will ruin the trip in Tibet

The two young kids are very fit to the altitude of Everest Base Camp(5,200m).

Altitude sickness is a common occurrence to all places in high altitudes. Tibet is no exception. Most of the tourists irrespective of their ages may have altitude sickness. It may range from dizziness, nausea, vomiting to insomnia and diarrhoea. But this sickness can well be avoided with certain medical help. Families with kids are thereby advised to acclimatize themselves a day or two in Lhasa. It is a concern for all hilly places and you kids will well be able to fight it with proper precautions.

>> Further Reading: How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness in Tibet

Ultraviolet radiation is too strong to bear

Tour Potala Palace, the landmark of Tibet

Tourists travelling with kids strike off Tibet from their list for a common misunderstanding that the UV rays in Tibet are staunch enough to cause altiplano red to their kids. It is true that Tibet receives high amount of solar radiations but that is not the real reason behind the altiplano red. The Tibetans are exposed to oxygen deficiency on a long-term basis and therefore altiplano red is common to them. Tourists using sun polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and hats are immune to any such harm to the skin.

Other Misbliefs about Family Tour

Families with kids often negate venturing out in Tibet because they have a misbelief that Tibet is not safe for families especially with kids. But Tibetan folks are very hospitable and friendly. Lhasa is perhaps the safest place to trip around.

Make friends with local Tibetan family

Tours with kids also vest on some of the dining issues. Common misunderstandings about Tibetan food and dining issues there prevent many tourists from travelling to Tibet. But good hotels and accommodations will make you feel at home here. Moreover, authentic Tibetan food will charm your kid's bored tongues as well.

Enjoy foods at local restaurant in Lhasa

There are misbeliefs that Tibet lacks outdoor activities. But it is actually the opposite. There are so many things to see in Tibet, to explore and cherish. Things like trekking, cycling and horse-back riding and mountain climbing, etc. It is a treasure house of landscapes, culture and traditions. You and your kids will simply love it.

Visit Tibetan nomads’ family on the way to Mount Everest

While Tibetan Buddhism may seem too boring for your kids, its traditions and rituals surely won't seem boring. Pilgrims prostrating, majestic monasteries, legends and histories related to each place will surely engulf and enthrall your kids in a Tibetan aura and magic. A proper plan will give your family tour an exceptional experience. It's just you have to chart out the right itinerary and pack well.

Never Miss the Educational Purposes for Your Young Kids

Tibet is a land of vast topography and geographical divisions. Tibet can offer a great educational tour to your kids. They have learnt enough about Tibetan peaks and their culture. It was high time to witness them by their own eyes. Tibet displays a range of amazing Himalayan peaks - Mt Everest being the topmost attraction. Kids have heard and read about the highest peak in the world but now it is time to rest their eyes on it for the first time. Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar should also be visited by kids to acquaint them with the mythological and geographical purposes associated with it.

Roam along the turquoise Yamdrok Lake

Tibet has so many sacred lakes with such scenic beauty. Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake are the two among the many which account for half of Tibetan beauty. Amidst the backdrop of mountains, the turquoise coloured Yamdrok Lake appears like a painting on the canvas. The holy Namtso Lake, on the other hand, is the highest salt lake in the world. It really provides heavenly scenery very true to its name. The kids can enjoy the all round view of the lake from Tashi Do island. The cattle graze in the grasslands adjacent to the lake. Tibetan yaks can also be spotted here. The bank is adorned with multitudes of migratory birds. Black necked cranes, mamot all hover around the place and enwrap all the members of your family specially your kids. Local guides shall keep on educating the kid with necessary information about each of the place.

Explore Potala Palace, the landmark of Tibet

While you are in Tibet make sure to make a trip by Tibet trains. If possible travel from Xining to Lhasa by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The journey shall give you a memory for life. Your kids will have a chance to enjoy the superb ride on the world’s highest train and appreciate the rarely-seen alpine scenery and unique topography of mainland China.

Have a happy chat with Tibetan nomads’ family

Tibet is all about culture and traditions. Apart from the scenic treasures, children must know about Tibetan Kora, its unique festivals like Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival, Ganden Thangka Festival, Shoton Festival. Tibetan incense making is a must sightseeing for kids. In Nyemo Tunba scenic area, the craftsmen show the tourists the entire procedure of making Tibetan incense. This will appear appealing and interesting to your kids. Other handicrafts like Thangka paintings and rugs must also be explored by them.

Enjoy sweet tea at local tea house in Lhasa

Your kids will certainly crave for Tibetan dishes while they are here. Authentic Tibetan Noodles, momos yak wraps, Thenthuk and the staple diet of Tsampa and butter tea must be tasted for sure.

>> Further Reading: The Most Important Festivals and Celebrations in Tibet

Packing and Precautions

Since you are travelling with kids it is necessary that you pay quite a great deal of attention towards packing. Tibetan temperature varies from time to time and place to place. So all kinds of garments must be packed. Winter garments like beanie, jackets, woolen hats, gloves, sweaters should be taken along. Summer wears are also mandatory since the temperature may rise during day time. Raincoats and rain boots should be packed to be on the safe side.

It’s necessary to prepare down coat for visiting Everest Base Camp.

To protect yourself and your kids from solar radiations, pack doctor prescribed sunscreen, sun goggles and sun hats. You may consult your kid's doctor for medicated pills to fight altitude sickness if you are too worried regarding that issue. Your children may ask for refreshments in their journey so you can pack a few energy bars, chocolate bars and nuts to munch on.

Right Itinerary for the Kids

It is true that all the routes of Tibet may not be suitable for your kids. So it is your duty to choose the right itinerary for them so that they can enjoy to the fullest. The itinerary can be chosen according to your kid's interest and obviously his energy and stamina. Three routes which can be availed by all kinds of kids are Lhasa and its surroundings; Lhasa to Shigatse, Lhasa to EBC via Gyantse and Shigatse;Lhasa to Nyingchi.

Lhasa and its surroundings

Pay a visit to Norbulingka in Lhasa

There are a great many things to see and explore in Lhasa. Lhasa is historically, culturally and naturally so rich a place that it can offer a grand experience. Lhasa tour must start with the majestic Potala Palace. It exhibits a marvelous architectural grandeur. Moving to Jokhang Temple which houses 12 year old Sakyamuni Buddha, it is a spiritually uplifted ground of Tibet. Children may experience how pilgrims observe Kora around the Buddha hall. Barkhor Street is the top most attraction of Lhasa. Your children may absorb themselves in the spiritual air of this place. Sera and Drepung Monastery must be visited too which display ancient Buddhism telling the tales of legends.

>> Join in our classic Lhasa tours to explore the ancient city on the roof of the world

Lhasa to EBC via Gyantse and Shigatse

Tour Tibet Everest Base Camp with kids

It is a very interesting and beautiful trip with the best highlights of Tibet. The scenery along this route is breathtaking. You must do this trip while you are in Tibet. The highlights of this trip includes Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, Gyantse Dzong or Fort, Kharola Glacier and the most awaited Everest Base Camp and the sight of Everest.

>> Join in our Tibet Everest Base Camp tours to visit the world’s summit - Mount Everest

Lhasa to Nyingchi

Trek around Ganden Monastery on a sunny day

This route may appear another alluring one. Some of the highlights in this route are Ganden Monastery, Kading Valley, Lulang Forest, Basum Tso Lake and many others. Nyingchi Peach Blossom festival can be witnessed if you be here during March-April. All these routes reach their full glory during summer. The wide expanse of nature bewitches your kid's Tibetan trip.

>> Join in our Nyignchi tours to explore the most charming natural landscape in Tibet

Tibet can definitely be the next destination for your family tour. With proper precautions, well designed plan and the help of a well versed knowledgeable tour guide, the family tour would be the most pleasant one. So keep aside all the common misunderstandings and come to Tibet with your family. This place has so many things in store for you.

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