What to Pack & Bring Clothing & Footwear: Mount Kailash

Season-Specific Clothing Recommendations

A layering system is for comfort and safety at high altitudes.

Layering Guidance

Base Layers: Moisture-wicking, thermal Base layers (tops/bottoms) of merino wool or synthetic fabric. Top example, Bottom example.
Mid-Layers: A Fleece jacket or lightweight down vest for insulation. Fleece example.
Outer Layers: Waterproof/windproof Shell jacket (breathable). Warm, Packable down jacket (high fill power). Down jacket example.

Headwear & Hand Protection

Protect your extremities from the cold and sun.

Essential Accessories

Headwear: Warm hat/beanie for cold, wide-brimmed hat or cap for Sun protection, Balaclava or neck gaiter for wind.
Gloves: Inner liner gloves and outer insulated/waterproof Gloves. Ski gloves example.
Socks: Multiple pairs of warm, moisture-wicking Trekking socks (wool/synthetic). Merino wool socks example.

Footwear Recommendations

Hiking Boots

Sturdy, waterproof, well break-in Hiking boots with good ankle support and grip. Men's example, Women's example.

For rocky, uneven, potentially snowy terrain.

Camp Shoes/Sandals

Lightweight, comfortable shoes for guesthouses or after trekking. Give your feet a break. Crocs example, General sandals.

Essential for comfort during downtime.

Gaiters

Suggested to prevent snow, mud, or debris from entering your boots on wet or snowy sections. Gaiters example.

Maintains foot dryness and cleanliness.

Essential Documents

Critical Documents for Travel

Prepare your documents carefully. Missing items can cause significant delays.

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates, 2 blank pages).
Chinese visa (original) and photocopies. Keep copies separate.
Travel insurance policy info (number, emergency contacts, coverage for high-altitude trekking/medical evacuation). Printed & digital copies.
Vaccination records and health documentation. List of medical conditions, allergies, current medications. Doctor's note for prescription meds.

Printed and Digital Copies of Reservations (tour itinerary, flight tickets, Lhasa hotel bookings).
Emergency Contact Information (next of kin, tour operator emergency contact, embassy/consulate in China).
Student/Senior/Press IDs for discounts (limited use in Tibet; discounts generally integrated into tour fees).
International Driving Permit: Not applicable for Kailash, as foreigners cannot drive in Tibet.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Charging opportunities are limited in remote areas.

Items

Power Adapter: 220V, 50Hz. China uses Type A, C, I. A Universal adapter is suggested. Outlets may be scarce/unreliable along kora.
Mobile Phone: Most modern smartphones are compatible. Purchase a Chinese SIM card in Lhasa (SIM example). Airalo for eSIM.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi in Lhasa hotels. Mobile data spotty around Kailash. Many international sites (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp) are blocked. A NordVPN or ExpressVPN is needed, downloaded and configured BEFORE arrival.

Photography & Power Management

Capture your journey and keep devices powered.

Camera & Chargers

Camera Equipment: Durable DSLR, mirrorless, or high-quality Smartphone. Extra batteries (cold drains quickly), memory cards, Lens cleaning kit. A sturdy Camera bag for protection (B&H Photo).
Portable Chargers: Critical for the kora where electricity is limited. A High-capacity power bank (e.g., 20,000 mAh+) is suggested. Anker example.
Backup Solutions: Use cloud storage (via VPN) or bring an External hard drive or USB drive for photos.

Recommended Apps for Travel

Translation & Communication

Google Translate (offline packs for Mandarin/Tibetan), Pleco (Chinese dictionary), WeChat (for messaging in China, as WhatsApp/others are blocked).

Navigation & Security

Maps.me (offline maps), Baidu Maps (in Chinese). A reliable VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) downloaded and configured Before arriving in China.

General Travel

Consider a generic travel planner or itinerary app to keep your schedule organized.

Health & Wellness Items

Destination-Specific First Aid

Assemble a comprehensive First aid kit tailored to high-altitude travel. Compact kit example.

Essential Kit Contents

Altitude Sickness Medication: Diamox (Acetazolamide) by prescription. Consult doctor.
Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for headaches.
Stomach Upset: Anti-diarrhea medication (Imodium), rehydration salts.

General Health Supplies

Address common issues and personal needs.

Further Supplies

Bandages & Antiseptic Wipes: For cuts and blisters. Blister treatment like Moleskin.
Antihistamine for allergies or insect bites. Cold/Flu Medication: Decongestants, cough drops.
Prescription Medications: Carry in original packaging with doctor's letter. Bring extra supply. Over-the-counter meds: Antacids, laxatives, Motion sickness medication.

Environmental Protection & Hygiene

Sun & Insect Protection

Sunscreen: High SPF (30-50+) for intense UV radiation. Apply frequently. Lip balm with SPF.
Insect Repellent: With DEET or picaridin, especially for lower elevations. Repellent example.
Water Purification: Portable water filter bottle or Sawyer Squeeze. Sawyer example. Purification tablets: Katadyn example.

Personal Hygiene

Hand sanitizer, wet wipes/travel washcloths (showers are basic).
A Quick-drying travel towel.
Travel-sized toiletries. Toilet paper (often not provided).

Activity-Specific Equipment

Trekking Gear

The Kailash kora needs specialized gear for safety and comfort.

Backpack: Comfortable trekking backpack (40-60L). Osprey Men's, Osprey Women's.
Small Daypack: (15-25L) for daily essentials.
Sleeping Bag: Rated for sub-zero temperatures (comfort -10°C to -15°C). Sub-zero example.
Trekking Poles: Highly suggested for stability. Black Diamond example.

Power & Protection

Keep your devices powered and gear dry.

Headlamp/Flashlight: With spare batteries. Electricity is intermittent. Petzl example.
Dry Bags/Pack Liners: Protect electronics and clothing from moisture. Sea to Summit example.
Prayer Flags (Lungta): Optional, can be purchased locally.
Duffel Bag: For main luggage vehicle transport. Yaks/ponies carry kora luggage.

Rent vs. Buy Gear

Consider what to bring from home versus what to acquire locally.

Bring: High-quality, critical items like hiking boots, your own sleeping bag, trekking poles, and warm layers.
These are personal comfort and safety items; quality should not be compromised.
Rent/Buy Locally: Basic blankets or extra layers might be available in Darchen, but quality is variable.
It is advised to bring all necessary gear from home for reliability.

Cultural & Trekking Attire

Cultural Dress Code

Tibet is a conservative Buddhist region. Modest dress is suggested, especially when visiting monasteries, temples, or religious sites.
For Men and Women: Shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Long pants or skirts are appropriate.
Footwear: Easy-to-remove footwear is useful for entering temples, where shoes are often taken off.

Activity-Specific Attire: Hiking/Trekking

The layering system described above is ideal for trekking.
Durability, warmth, and weather protection are critical.
You need clothes that allow for a full range of motion.
Durable, quick-drying trekking pants are suggested. Avoid cotton jeans.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Items

These items enhance your comfort and security during the journey.

Travel Comfort & Safety

Comfort: Neck pillow (Example), Eye mask & earplugs for sleeping. High-energy snacks (granola bars, nuts) for kora.
Security: Money belt or neck pouch for passport/cash (Example). Small padlock for bags/guesthouses. RFID-Blocking wallet.
Reusable Items: Reusable water bottle (Nalgene example), Reusable shopping bag, Travel mug.
Region-Specific: High-quality sunglasses (UV protection). Power bank. Personal medications.

Items Difficult to Purchase Locally

It is best to bring these from home, as options and quality are limited in remote areas.

Items to Bring

Good quality cold-weather trekking gear (sleeping bags, specialized boots, down jackets).
Specific medications, including prescription drugs and unique over-the-counter remedies.
Western-style snacks or specific dietary supplements.
Specialized maps or guidebooks not readily available locally.

Sustainable Travel Items Optional

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

Minimizes plastic bag use.

Travel Mug/Cup

For hot drinks, reduces disposable cup use.

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Biodegradable options for minimal impact.

Cultural Attire & Footwear Notes

Cultural Modesty

Modest dress is suggested, covering shoulders and knees.
This is notably important when visiting monasteries, temples, or religious sites.
Consider long pants or skirts for appropriateness.

Footwear for Sacred Sites

Easy-to-remove footwear is beneficial for temple visits.
Shoes are often removed before entering religious spaces.
Simple slip-on shoes can make this process easier.

Packing Pro Tips

Categorize your packing by activity (trekking, rest, cultural visits) to ensure you have everything needed without overpacking.

Consider using packing cubes to organize your layers and keep clothes compressed and tidy.

What to Pack & Bring Clothing & Footwear