Staying Connected & Planning Ahead: Mount Kailash

Mobile & Internet

Local SIM cards and mobile providers are available.

Coverage & Access

Providers: China Mobile and China Unicom are main carriers. Purchase SIM card at official stores in Lhasa with passport.
Coverage: Good in Lhasa/major towns, spotty in remote areas like Kailash.
Wi-Fi: Most hotels in Lhasa offer Wi-Fi. Extremely rare in Darchen and along the kora.

Internet & Translation

Internet restrictions are in place.

VPN & Language Tools

Internet Restrictions (Great Firewall): Many international websites are blocked. A VPN bypasses these restrictions. Download and test your VPN before arriving in China.
Language Barriers: Mandarin Chinese and Tibetan are local languages. Your tour guide speaks English.
Translation Apps: Google Translate (offline packs) and Pleco (Chinese dictionary) are helpful.

Language Learning

Basic phrases can enrich interactions.

Mandarin & Tibetan Phrases

Mandarin: Nǐ hǎo (Hello), Xièxie (Thank you), Shì (Yes), Bù shì (No), Duìbuqǐ (Excuse me/Sorry).
Tibetan: Tashi Delek (Hello/Greetings), Thuk Je Che (Thank you), La (Yes), Ma yin (No), Gong Dang (Excuse me).
Tibetan: Chu (Water), Zhimpo (Delicious).

Money & Banking

Plan your finances for remote travel.

Cash & ATMs

Banks: Agricultural Bank of China and Bank of China are common in cities. ATMs are available in cities.
Cash: Withdraw sufficient cash before heading to remote areas like Kailash, as ATMs are not available there.
Payment: Cash is predominant in remote areas; digital payments are common in cities but may need local setup.

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical Operating Hours

Banks/Post Offices: Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Shops: Cities 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM; remote areas variable.
Restaurants: Lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM), Dinner (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM). Remote guesthouses have fixed, often earlier, meal times.
Monasteries/Attractions: Typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; check specific hours.

Seasonal Considerations

Tibetan Festivals: Businesses may close; transport and accommodation are busy and cost more.
Chinese Public Holidays: Extremely busy and costly travel within China. Avoid if possible.
Winter (Nov-Apr): Kailash kora guesthouses close due to heavy snow. Travel generally not possible for tourists.
Monsoon (July-Aug): Travel possible, but prepare for rain, mud, potential road closures. Fewer crowds.

Staying Informed

Travelers can use services for communication and language. Portable Wi-Fi and eSIM options offer connectivity. Language learning platforms can aid in basic communication.

Airalo eSIMs | Solis Wi-Fi | Rosetta Stone

Getting Around & Amenities

Essential services for smooth travel.

Airport Lounges

Access comfortable lounges at airports.

Flight Delay Compensation

Assistance with flight disruptions.

Travel Insurance

Protection for unforeseen circumstances.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Honoring local traditions enriches your visit.

Respectful Practices

Greeting: 'Tashi Delek' (Tibetan) or 'Nǐ hǎo' (Mandarin) shows honor.
Attire: Modest clothing for religious sites. Shoulders and knees covered. Remove hats inside monasteries.
Dining: Slurping noodles is common. Do not waste food. Tipping is not customary in China, but tour guides and drivers in Tibet appreciate it.

Photography & Taboos

Awareness of restrictions.

Guidelines for Interactions

Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people. Never photograph police, military installations, or politically sensitive subjects.
Taboos: Avoid discussion or questioning of Tibetan politics, the Dalai Lama, or the Chinese government.
Feet: Do not point your feet at people or sacred objects.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure: Extremely limited for mobility challenges. Roads rough, guesthouses basic.
High Altitude: The altitude itself presents a barrier for many.
Kora: Not wheelchair accessible. Ponies can be hired, but still needs mobility.

Sensory Impairments

Hearing Impairments: No specialized services readily available. Trust your tour guide.
Visual Impairments: No specialized services. Communicate needs to tour operator.
Resources: Consult specialized travel agencies for feasibility assessment and support.

Airport Travel Services

Enhance your airport experience with lounge access and compensation for travel disruptions.

Priority Pass (Lounge Access) | Compensair (Flight Compensation)

Cultural Immersion

Dive into Tibetan life and traditions.

Religious Site Etiquette

Show profound respect at holy sites.

Practices for Pilgrims

Always walk clockwise around monasteries, stupas, prayer wheels, and sacred mountains.
Do not touch sacred objects unless invited. Do not step on thresholds. Remove hats.
Maintain silence or quiet conversation. Avoid loud talking. Do not eat or drink inside buildings.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Considerations

Respect local societal norms.

Societal Norms

Gender: Generally a conservative society. Public displays of affection are rare.
LGBTQ+: Public expression of LGBTQ+ identities is not common or widely accepted, especially in rural areas. Discretion is advised.
Awareness of local customs makes for a more harmonious visit.

Cultural Preservation & Ethics

Support Local

Support local traditions by engaging respectfully with people and their customs.
Attend cultural performances or visit artisan workshops where appropriate.
Do not give money directly to begging children. Donate to established charities or projects instead.

Ethical Shopping & Awareness

Purchase souvenirs directly from local artisans or small shops.
Be cautious of items made from endangered animal products. Avoid purchasing these.
Be wary of situations that seem exploitative of local people or animals.

Photography Ethics

Asking Permission

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially monks, nomads, or children.
A simple gesture or "photo?" often suffices. Respect a "no" immediately.
Never take photos of military installations, police, checkpoints, or politically sensitive subjects.

Mindful Photography

Be mindful of privacy, especially in crowded religious sites. Avoid intrusive photography.
Your respectful approach enhances cultural exchange.
Local guides can advise on specific photography rules.

Responsible Interaction

Always practice respectful interaction. Your guide assists in navigating local customs, ensuring a positive cultural exchange.

Staying Connected & Planning Ahead