Tips For Tibet
 

In about ten days I leave on my second attempt to visit Tibet. However, with Tibet now more likely to stay open to tourists, I am feeling more confident about success than earlier in the year.

For about US$1000.00, I am doing a ten day trip from Beijing to Lhasa with an overnight at Everest Base Camp returning through Nepal. I am using Budget Tibet Tour for this trip and so far I have been happy working with them.

If you have done this trip before I welcome your input and suggestions especially for the train ride from Beijing. Our group does have “Soft Sleepers” booked but this will be the longest train ride I have ever taken and in some ways I hope the 44 hours pass quickly.

I haven't been, wishing you best of luck on this attempt and looking forward to your TR!

train to Tibet is overrated and exhausting. if i were u i ll fly in instead. save all the energy for the later actual tour.

Watch out for AMS at these altitudes

tintinwong,

That was my fear but tour already booked that way :(

Guess I have to bring a few good books.

Don't take a bath the first two days you are there
Eat plenty of veggies and carbohydrates
If you have any signs of acute ams head back down in elevation Immediately
Sounds like a great trip have a good time
Tell us all about it when you get back

Aloha!

HT,

Thanks for the tips. I hope the train ride will help with the altitude adjustment.

I think I might cause a "Smelly International Incident" if I don't take a bath for two days especially after a 44 hour train ride :(

First, riding the train up will not really help with acclimination. You still might feel the effects on the train and arriving in Lhasa. So, one should stick with all the precaution. And you don't need s shower for riding on an air-conditioned, and assuming you're taking soft-sleeper, it is neither crowded nor smelly. Lhasa is also very dry, so you also don't need a shower right away.

upon return what can you say about the train travel comfort and AMS? In your opinion would flying be a better option and if so why?

Have been to the Hymalayas several times. I always take Diamox to prevent altitude sickness and apart from tingling fingers and lips have no side effects. Suggest you ask your physician if this is appropriate for you. Will be doing a similar trip myself in August.

Don't wash your hair in first couple of days when you get there, unless you may get cold. That'd be really disaster.

Ladouca,

I will be posting a complete trip report at:

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...in-10-days.cfm

Overall, I would say the train ride was not a bad experience but it does require a sense of adventure and the ability to keep yourself busy when you get tired of the scenery.

The train is clean although in between bathroom cleanings you may have to pinch your nose a time or two if you happen to go into one of the wrong bathrooms particularly the non-western ones.

It is interesting to see the countryside from the train but I am not sure most people need to see 44 hours of it.

Have not flown the route but I am sure it is a better option in many ways especially if you can adjust to the higher elevation with the help of meds or other precautions.

Will share my experience in more detail in my TR :)

Icb315,

Fortunately, I don't have to worry about washing my hair :(