When you first set foot on Tibet, a well-prepared itinerary can definitely bring you an amazing experience during your stay in Tibet, but negligence in getting the clothing gears ready can also trap you into embracement and ruin your whole journey. So, how to dress properly should be an utterly important thing you need to consider and put on your agenda.
Biggest Features of Tibet: Climate and Weather
Tibet, the dreaming sacred place in western China, has captured a large number of pilgrims’ hearts, attracting millions of visitors worldwide to come and worship. Travelers swarm to Tibet every year not only because it boasts the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism, but its location has made most visitors believe it’s the right pilgrimage next to heaven.
Located on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Tibet is the highest region on earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft) and the highest elevation of 8,848m (29,029 ft), the Mount Everest. Despite that the climate varies in different counties and prefectures, the climate in Tibet is featured by long duration of sunshine and instable temperature changing from morning to evening, accompanied by the intense ultraviolet and dry air. In rainy seasons, intense rainstorm happens but it typically occurs at night and won’t last for long. So dressing properly becomes the key point for travelers to enjoy a comfortable journey. If you haven’t done your homework before your visit to Tibet, then just follow us to see how to pick up your clothing gears.
Weather changes due to the variation of altitudes. Places with lower altitude such as Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Nyingchi Prefecture, have comparative moderate weather with less strong sunshine, easily adaptable temperatures, and abundant oxygen content. The climate varies abruptly from the lower land (scenic spots located in Nyingchi Prefecture, Shannan Prefecture and Chamdo Prefecture) to the higher land (spots located in Shigatse Prefecture, Ngari Prefecture and Nagqu prefecture). So, places you choose to travel directly decide your clothing gear packing.
Futher Reading about Tibet Weather and Climate
>> Namtso Lake Weather and Climate
>> Mount Everest Base Camp Weather and Climate
>> Best Time to Travel to Everest Base Camp
>> Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar
Recommended Clothes for Normal Day-to-Day Travel
Day-to-day travel is always short and not that tiring. But travel in Tibet, even one-day or two-day travel faces two different situations. The first is the travel destinations remain at a comparatively same altitude. If you plan to visit Lhasa city or strolling the Barkhor Street, short sleeves will do in most of the days, but don’t forget to wear a long sleeve lapel or a thin sweater when it’s cloudy. Put on a light jacket when it begins to rain. Stop sticking with tight leggings or the dresses, just try some slacks and loose jeans. For nippy morning and night, you need a sweater or an oversized coat.
“For seasons in a day” must be a vivid description for most of the areas in Tibet. If the travel destination which is on your day-to-day itinerary is located at a higher altitude, you need to care more about your wearing. Take Namtso Lake tour for example. Lhasa city, the departing place, only has an altitude of 3658m, but after 4-hour’s drive, the altitude rises abruptly to 4718m, causing a sudden drop in temperature air and a strong wind on the destination. So sweater is a must while you can also pack the hoodie or fleeces. Long sleeve jacket or light quilted coat is also good choice. Perhaps you need a windbreaker in case of the strong wind. Due to the high altitude, the sunlight and ultraviolet ray turn to be much stronger and intense, so a comfortable hat and sunglasses are within our recommendations. Try to avoid wearing tight clothes or trousers, for the oxygen content becomes a bit low and in case of altitude sickness. For shoes, sneakers and tourist shoes are the most popular.
How to Dress When Passing High Mountain Passes or in Everest Regions
So if you plan to go places like Namtso or pass high mountain passes, or even drive in Everest Regions, you are recommended to bring some more clothes like a sweater or a jacket with you even it’s just a one-day trip or few hours’ drive.
How to Dress for Trekking in Tibet
If you plan a trekking tour in Tibet, sweaters, winter jackets, gloves, sunglasses and trekking boots must be prepared in advance. A rain jacket can prevent you from the unexpected rain. A suitable hat is also recommended for not being hurt by the intense sunshine. Poles should never be out of your preparation for its undoubted convenience in the whole process. Trekking in Tibet is challenging, and it will cost most of your time moving forward, so a comfortable big backpack should really be essential for you.
Other Stuff to Pack
Besides the mentioned wearing you need to consider, some other helpful stuffs also worth your time to prepare. Due to the intense sunshine and dry weather, moisture and sunscreen can keep you from UV radiation. If you plan a stay at a high altitude spot, toiletries, medicine for high altitude sickness and a small first-aide kit are recommended to be packed in advance. Don’t bother to bring a marked map, a sports watch, a compass and even a GPS-enabled device with you, since it is indispensable on extreme conditions. Flasks, drinking bottle with hydration system functions a lot and you can drink while walking. The rain gear, moisture-proof appliance can help you cope with the changing weather.
Other Dressing Tips
When you visit the Potala Palace or monasteries in Tibet, do not dress low-cut clothes or mini shirts. Even the cap and sunglasses are not allowed to wear.
Our Tourist-Friendly Service for You
Getting all the stuff ready at home and bringing them all the way to Tibet seem impractical. In fact, to help you travel light in Tibet, we offer tourist-friendly rental service. Useful travel gears like trekking poles, camping lanterns, portable chargers, telescope, other multiple travel kits, are readily available for you. Do stop by our office in Lhasa Gang Gyan Hotel (first floor 1102) not far from Jokhang Temple, and get the stuff you need. Our friendly staff love to share their insider tips with you.
Futher Reading about Tibet Travel Dressing Tips
>> What to Pack for Everest Base Camp Trek
>> Ultimate Guide to Mt.Kailash Trek and How to Plan a Kailash Tour
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