What to pack.
Packing Advice
This packing list is just a recommended guideline for your reference. Everything is optional for you to choose from.
Extra luggage can be left at your hotel or our office.
It’s best to leave all unnecessary valuables and jewelry at home.
Print a copy of your reservation and place it inside your checked baggage for identification purposes while you are traveling.
Clothing
Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying, preferrably moisture-wicking and non-cotton.
Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
Short-sleeved shirts
Long-sleeved shirts
Undergarments
Socks
Sweater, jacket, windbreaker
Rain jacket and/ or rain poncho
Sun hat with brim and chin strap
Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
Footwear
Your daily activities may get your shoes dirty or muddy. Streets can be uneven. Light sandals are not good for daily tours and hikes, but they are nice for relaxing at your hotel.
Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, closed toe, preferably waterproof
Tennis shoes, sandals, dressy shoes, and/or flip flops
Comfortable, breathable socks
Baggage
Suitcase or duffel (check weight restrictions for internal flights)
Day pack for daily activities and easy access (rain cover is nice)
Waterproof plastic bags for organizing gear and dirty clothing (ziplocs and garbage bags work)
Packing cube, compression bag, stuff sacks, clear toiletry bag for airplane
Money belt, security pouch, document organizer
Electronics
Store electronics in sealed water-proof bags (double bagged if possible).
Headlamp or flashlight
Camera, lenses, memory disks
Video camera, tapes/disks
Tripod
Batteries
Cell phone
Alarm clock
Calculator (for currency conversion)
Electricity converter/adapter
Plugs and Sockets in Tibet
Before packing for your tour, it’s necessary to understand the electricity in China (Tibet), its plug and socket system as well.
Electricity in China/Tibet
Basically there are two main standards for voltage and frequency in the world. One is the standard of 120 volts at a frequency of 60 Hz, and the other is the standard of 220–240 volts at 50 Hz. China/Tibet runs 220V, 50Hz, AC (Hong Kong is 200V; Taiwan is 110V) with a variety of plug types.
Plugs and Sockets
At present, there is no global standard for plugs and sockets. Traditionally the plugs and sockets are classified into several regional standards in the world like American standard, European standard, British standard, South African standard and Chinese standard.
A standard socket in China has two pins on the upper part and earthed three pins on the lower part. You may buy a portable plug adaptor at your home country or here in China/Tibet.
Adaptors and Converters
Make sure you understand the difference between a plug adapter and a power converter. If your plug is not the right shape but rated for 110 to 220 volts, you just need an adaptor to get your plug to physically fit in the wall. If your appliance is rated for 110 volts only and you want to plug it in, you will need a power converter which gives you the right voltage and amperage for your appliance.
Most consumer electronics will be rated at 100 to 220 volts, read the details on your appliance’s power supply. Generally cameras, phones and computers may need an adaptor to fit in the plug but not a power converter.
However, if your appliance is not rated for 220 volts, such as a hair dryer using 110 volts, do not plug it in or you will ruin it. Most hotels have hair dryers or will loan you one.
Toiletries
Soap
Shampoo, conditioner, gel
Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Deoterant
Moist towelettes (handi-wipes)
Hand sanitizer
Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
Sunscreen
Lip balm with sunscreen
Small towel and washcloth
Toilet paper
Facial tissue
Shaving supplies
Nail clippers, file, brush
Insect repellent
Q-tips
Sewing kit
Feminine products
Cosmetics
First Aid
You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.
Ibuprofin, Aceteminophen
Bandaids/plasters
Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
Gauze bandages and tape
Throat losenges
Vitamins
Diahrea medicine
Antihistemines
Ace bandage
Melatonin, Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
Malaria pills (if necessary, talk to doctor)
Antibiotics (talk to doctor)
Prescription drugs (talk to doctor)
Documents
Document organizer
Passport (make sure it is valid 6 months after your trip)
Visas for all countries as necessary
Airline tickets, e-tickets (make sure name on ticket matches name on passport)
Copy of TWT travel itinerary
Medical insurance card
Address book
Business cards
Make copies of passport, visas, drivers license, airline tickets/schedule, travel itinerary, credit cards (front and back), travelers checks’ numbers, frequent flyer numbers, travel insurance, and emergency contact information. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a travel companion’s luggage and email them to yourself (or store in Cloud).
Other
Sunglasses, straps
Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
Binoculars
Pocket knife
Notebook, pencil and pen
Books, playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, frisbee, football, kite
Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
Duct tape (can be wrapped around water bottle)
Matches or lighter
Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
Guide books, maps, language books
Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
Gifts for guides and local children
Banner/flag/sentimental item to hold up in an important place, santa hats for your holiday photo
Cash, travelers checks, credit cards (including some small bills, U.S. dollars must be newer than 2002)
Guide books, maps, language books
Small umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season
Salt, pepper for bland food, flavoring for coffee
Gifts for guides and local children
Water bottles and/or Camelbak
Steripen, water filter, or purification tablets
Bottled water is also available for purchase at hotels and stores
Packing for the flight
Passport, flight e-tickets, travel itinerary
Books, magazines, e-reader
Music player and headphones
Cell phone
Toiletries (3 ounces/container, 1 quart clear bag)
Snacks
Water bottle (empty through security)
U-shaped neck pillow
Eye shades, ear plugs
Melatonin or other sleep aid
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