Equipment and Clothing for Trekking in Tibet

If you plan a trekking tour in Tibet, you may wonder what equipment and clothing you need to bring. This guide will tell you how to prepare the equipment and clothing before your trekking tour. When planning your clothing needs for a trek, think in terms of layers. Layers of clothing will keep you warm, but can be removed gradually to prevent overheating. During spring and autumn, the night temperatures in the mountains often dip below freezing, making warm gear essential. In summer, the days can be hot, requiring light cotton. Good wet-weather gear is recommended during rainy summer months. The mountainous regions of Tibet can receive snow any month of the year; be prepared for cold weather if you plan to trek at elevations above 4,000 meters. Below is a list of suggested equipment, clothing, and accessories for Tibet.

Equipment

Footwear: Hiking boots should have thick soles and be high enough to provide adequate ankle support. Consider rain shoes for treks during the rainy summer months, for example, a pair of sandals or sneakers for crossing rivers and wearing in camp.

Packs: If you plan to backpack, use a pack with a wide, cushioned waist belt and thick shoulder straps that will comfortably support weight. On simple treks, you only need a day pack to carry your daily essentials. This pack should have padded shoulder straps, a wide waist belt, and a volume of about 1,500 to 2,000 cubic inches.

Duffel bag: A long, heavy-duty canvas or nylon bag that can be secured with a padlock. Waterproof by lining it with one or two thick plastic bags.

Sleeping bag: A three-season (spring-summer-autumn), mummy-style down or fiber-filled bag rated to about 10 to 15℉.

Inner sheet: A silk or cotton inner sheet minimizes the need to wash your sleeping bag.

Rain gear: Raincoat should be roomy, preferably mid-thigh in length, and have a waterproof hood. Rain pants can double as wind pants. High-quality coated nylon materials are best.

Tent: A sturdy, lightweight, waterproof nylon tent with collapsible aluminum poles is best.

Fuel stove: Choose an efficient lightweight camping stove that can burn kerosene, the most readily available liquid cooking fuel in Tibet.

Water bottle: One or two plastic or metal leak proof quart or liter bottles.

Toilet paper: Stock up before the trek.

Flashlight: A headlamp is ideal for camping. Prepare batteries in advance.

Sunglasses: For Tibet’s bright, high-altitude sunlight.

Sun creams and lip balm: Sunblock rated 30 SPF or higher is the best.

Camera: You’ll regret not bringing one, and please remember to charge up before trekking.

Snack foods: Nuts, chocolate bars, dried fruit, hard candies, meat or fruit jerky, and flavoured drink mixes are much appreciated trail treats.

Clothing:

Thermal underwear: One or two pairs of long-sleeved tops and bottoms made from wool, silk, polypropylene, or a similar synthetic fiber. Short-sleeved thermal tops are good on cool days while trekking. Avoid cotton long underwear.

Underpants: Four or five pairs.

Socks: At least three pairs of wool socks, and several pairs of cotton socks. Hand-knit wool socks are available in Lhasa.

Shirts: One long-sleeved shirt made of wool, flannel, or chamois; one or two long-sleeved cotton shirts. And two or three cotton T-shirts.

Pants: Men should plan to take one pair of loose fitting wool or fiber pile pants and one pair of lighter weight cotton or polyester blend pants. Women can also bring several pairs of lighter cotton pants. Shorts are not appropriate at any time in Tibet for men and women.

Sweater: Wool or wool mix with a high neck for extra warmth.

Jacket: A fiber pile jacket is ideal for trekking and evenings in camp.

Headgear: One wool or fiber pile ski style cap or balaclava for warmth. A lightweight brimmed hat is good for sun protection. Inexpensive broad brimmed felt and straw hats are sold in Tibet’s markets.

Scarf: Wool or silk is best, or use a fiber pile neck gaiter.

 
Trekking equipment

 
Trekking equipment