Drive your own car to Tibet is fun and adventurous since instead of flying directly to Lhasa you have the chance to see the hidden gem of Tibet and other region of China. Good preparation can help you face less challenges and inconveniences. Here below are some suggestions for you to pack.
1. Driver's license, Vehicle license, Vehicle inspection certificate
Just like your passport, these papers are a must-have for your self-drive tour to Tibet.
2. Car charger
This might be the most important device needed for a road trip since you need it to charge your phone to keep contact with your family or make emergency call and ensure your camera have enough power to shoot the sweet moments on the way.
3. Comfy clothes and windproof jacket
You will stay in your vehicle for lots of time, so a suit of loose sweatshirt and pants will make you feel more comfortable. Because of the high altitude of Tibet, there might be strong wind in the mountain passes. It is wise to take a windproof jacket.
4. GPS APP
Since Google is blocked in China so does the Google Maps. If you only trust it and do not want to bother installing other map APP, you need to use a VPN to make sure your Google Maps can work in China.
Autonavi Navigation(高德导航) is one of China's most popular GPS and now it supports English language. Besides, Apple Maps is also recommended if you use iPhone.
5. Water bottle, Coffer to-go mug
Taking enough drinking water is always very important while traveling to make yourself staying hydrated or refresh yourself with a cup of coffee after a long driving. With a reusable water bottle or maybe thermal bottle, you can refill at gas stations or restaurants for free and save yourself some money.
6. Trash Receptacle
When you drive all the way to Tibet, please do not leave anything behind except of a great memory. Put all the trash in a receptacle and throw it to the garbage can wherever you can find. Thanks for been a sustainable traveler.
7. Anti-wrinkle spray
Your clothes might get wrinkled after been squeezed in the trunk for days. An anti-wrinkle spray will help you to look as decent as you were when you left your home.
8. First aid kit
Do remember to pack your daily vitamins, melatonin, Aspirin, allergy medicine and bandages as well as Diamox in case of altitude sickness.
9. A fabulous driving playlist
Although you will enjoy the great view along the way while you drive to Tibet, a great album of music will add on more fun.
10. Sunglasses, sunblock
Tibet has very high altitude thus strong sunlight. A pair of sunglasses can keep your eyes protected from UVA/UVB rays and from light fatigue.
11. Cash in Chinese Yuan
Credit cards are accepted only in big cities. Suitable amount of cash is necessary for your driving tour to Tibet. Taking debit card and withdraw can in Bank of China is also doable.
12. Emergency car kit
Nobody knows what might happen on a long drive. Taking the car kit will help you out of the trouble or even save your life.
13. Walkie Talkie
It there are more than one vehicle, it will be convenient to bring a walkie talkie to be able to communicate between several cars
