Retracing the Ancient Tea Horse Road: How Beautiful Is Tibet? (Lhasa–Chamdo Route)
What is the Tea Horse Road? About This Journey
Since the Tang and Song dynasties, the Tea Horse Road was a major trade route connecting Han and Tibetan areas through the exchange of tea and horses. From Ya'an in the east, it went via Kangding, all the way west along National Highway 318 to Lhasa, and then on to India and Nepal. To the south, from Pu'er, Dali, and Lijiang, it followed today's National Highway 214 northwards, merging with the 318 at Chamdo. For over a thousand years, this ancient road bustled with traffic, serving as a vital link between ancient Tibet and the interior of China.
Our Tibet Joytour journey along the Tea Horse Road covers the Lhasa–Chamdo section, to truly experience the hardships and the magnificent scenery that travelers endured in ancient times. Looking at the endless, rugged switchbacks carved through the Hengduan Mountains today, it's hard to imagine how those mule caravans ever blazed such a trail.
The average altitude on the Tibetan Plateau is three to four thousand meters. Most crops grown are highland barley; fresh vegetables are scarce. The local diet consists mainly of tsampa, yak meat, mutton, and various dairy products. Consuming so much high-fat food, people need tea to help break down the fats. Butter tea is an indispensable part of everyday life for Tibetans, but tea doesn't grow in Tibet. Meanwhile, the northern frontiers were often in turmoil, and warfare required large numbers of mules and horses. With demand outstripping supply, the interior regions badly needed the fine horses from Tibetan areas. This complementary need for tea and horses gave rise to the "Tea-Horse Trade," and the Tea Horse Road came into being.
Year after year, traders trekked along this dangerous and arduous route, gradually forming a thriving trade network. Later, both the Yunnan–Tibet and Sichuan–Tibet highways were built largely following the main arteries of the Tea Horse Road.
Itinerary:
D1: Lhasa – InterContinental Hotel
D2: Lhasa – Basong Tso Lake – Nyingchi
D3: Nyingchi – Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon – Namcha Barwa – Sosong Village
D4: Sosong Village – Lulang Town – Guxiang Lake – Bomi – Tongmai – Rawu
D5: Rawu Lake – Midui Glacier – Nujiang 72 Turns – Zogong
D6: Zogong – Yanjing – Markam
D7: Markam – Chamdo
Starting from the Potala Palace, the place closest to heaven, we journeyed over mountains and ridges, through highlands, forests, grasslands, glaciers, and lakes. I imagined the mules and horses of old, laden with tea, salt, and medicinal herbs, their bells jingling as they threaded along this ancient path. Every element—the thrilling switchbacks and the grueling long hauls—stirred my imagination.
Nyingchi, Bomi, Rawu Lake, Chamdo, Yanjing, and even further south to Shangri-La, Lijiang, and Dali; further east to Litang, Ya'an, and Kangding—these are all popular destinations. The Tea Horse Road strings them together like pearls, giving them new soul.
In the past, the mere mention of Tibet might have seemed daunting. Now, with travel restrictions, many people are exploring domestically, and Tibet and Xinjiang, the two stunning frontier regions, are often on the list. Tibet is far, but flights are convenient nowadays; from most cities, you can reach Tibet within a day.
For many travelers to Tibet, Lhasa is the final destination, but for me, it feels like coming home. Our journey began in Lhasa, so of course we couldn't miss the sacred Potala Palace and the bustling Barkhor Street.
"Dwelling in the Potala Palace, I am the greatest king in this snow realm. Wandering the streets of Lhasa, I am the most beautiful lover in the world."
My first impression of the Potala Palace came from this line by Tsangyang Gyatso, which gave Lhasa's streets a romantic aura and the palace an aura of towering majesty. Every time I pass by the Potala Palace, I gaze at it with deep affection. I've never doubted that in a past life I was Tibetan; I still don't understand why a girl from sea level loves high altitudes so much. But if I can't figure it out, I just follow my heart and come back often—that's my attitude towards life.
The stately, dignified Potala Palace stands at the heart of Lhasa. From almost any rooftop in the old town, you can watch sunrise and sunset over the palace. That's one of the biggest reasons I love Lhasa. Looking out across the vast land, aside from the new district, there are hardly any high-rises—just ever-changing cotton-candy clouds and blue skies.
The circle of commercial streets around the Jokhang Temple is what we usually call Barkhor Street, also known as the Octagon Street. This is where you can best experience Tibetan life. Day after day, pilgrims walk the kora path clockwise. After showing your ID and entering, you can join the crowd for a circuit and see what Barkhor Street looks like today.
Tibetan clothes, street stalls, hat shops, shoe stores, bookshops, souvenirs, and all kinds of daily necessities can be found along Barkhor Street. If you look closely, you'll notice many houses have flower pots on their window sills—Tibetans really love life. If you happen to make eye contact with a stranger, you'll usually get a smile in return. Even with a mask on, you can feel the warmth.
As our bus left Lhasa and got onto the Lhasa–Nyingchi Expressway, we officially started the Tibet Joytour Tea Horse Road journey (Lhasa–Chamdo route). We crossed the Mira Mountain—or rather, now a straight tunnel goes right through it—heading in the direction of Nyingchi.
After getting off the expressway at Bahe Town and enjoying a local specialty, wild Bahe fish, we set off for Basong Tso. In Tibetan, Basong Tso means "green water." With a surface elevation of 3,480 meters and surrounded by forest, the oxygen level here is high. Walking along the lakeside trails, I kept wanting to take deep breaths of the moist air, rare on the plateau.
In 2017, Basong Tso became Tibet's first National 5A-level natural scenic area. For a quick visit, don't miss these highlights: take a boat to the Forgotten Pier, walk clockwise around the island in the lake, and see the peach-embracing pine tree and the thousand-year-old oak.
We arrived at Basong Tso on a misty, drizzly afternoon. Even without blue sky and sunshine, the lake was a vivid emerald green. The moment we entered the area, we were captivated by the water. We couldn't wait to take a boat across the lake, with the overcast scenery drifting by frame by frame.
The boat ride took twenty minutes to the Forgotten Pier. In photos I'd seen online, the pier featured hot-air balloons and bubble houses; this time, it was all about glamping tents, the latest trend. The pier is in Jieba Village. If you have enough time, strolling through Jieba Village to experience an authentic Kongpo Tibetan settlement would be a wonderful thing.
Hustled by the boatman, we headed back. A short walk after docking, the long wooden floating bridge leading to the island came into view. It's said that the island in the lake is a "hollow island," literally floating on the water, not connected to the lakebed. We walked around the Tsodzong Monastery on the island, accompanied by the delightful sounds of pigeons and other birds, always trying to spot them through the dense trees.
Curiously, from every angle I photographed, the lake under the overcast sky kept shifting between shades of emerald, gray-green, bright green. How I longed to see it on a sunny day—I'm sure it would be a heart-melting green.
Reluctantly, we bid farewell to Basong Tso, but my mind was still on the hidden gem deeper inside—Xin Tso. One day, I'll make it there, to see the alpine scenery of meadows, rivers, yaks, snow-capped peaks, and forests all together.
Basong Tso Tips
📍 Location: Tso High Township, Bahe Town, Gongbo'gyamda County, Nyingchi, Tibet
📝 Entrance Fee: 120 RMB/person
🛳 Round-trip Boat: Island – Forgotten Pier 150 RMB/person
🌈 Must-Do: Tashi Island (the lake island), Jieba Village, boat ride, climbing to a high point to view the island
The next morning, I woke up and drew the curtains. Clouds clung to the mountainsides like puffs. The valley around Nyingchi is influenced by warm Indian Ocean currents and cold northern airstreams, so the air is moist and fresh; on mornings with no rain, this cloud phenomenon always appears. The weather was perfect, blue sky and white clouds, giving us hope that today we might see Namcha Barwa at Sosong Village.
After a bowl of porridge, we set off for today's Tea Horse Road stops: Benri Sacred Mountain and the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. At the glass-bottomed platform in Benri Sacred Mountain Scenic Area, the Nyang River meets the Yarlung Tsangpo. Beyond this point, going deeper into the canyon, it's all Yarlung Tsangpo.
The Nyang River's name means "tears of the goddess" in Tibetan. It rises from Mira Mountain and flows eastwards into the Yarlung Tsangpo, making it the mother river of the Kongpo Tibetans in Nyingchi.
The Nyang River's scenery is exquisite, gentle and graceful, like a maiden flowing quietly through the vast land. If you come in March, you'll marvel that such a fairyland exists: murmuring streams, blue sky reflected on the water, peach blossoms in full bloom, and highland barley and willows just budding with tender green leaves—a scene so beautiful it intoxicates.
Having spent a long time in Lhasa, breathing the fresh air of Nyingchi, soaking in the gorgeous Nyang River views, and seeing lush green everywhere, my mood couldn't have been better. We lingered by the river for quite a while before moving on.
📍 Location: Near Daze Village, Bayi Town, Nyingchi, Tibet
🎫 Entrance Fee: 65 RMB/person
📸 Recommended Time: 2–3 hours
🌠 Tips: At Benri Sacred Mountain Scenic Area, you can take a boat to see the confluence of the Nyang River and Yarlung Tsangpo, enjoying the unique riverscapes of Tibet.
The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is the world's largest and deepest canyon. With that reputation, it's a must-visit if you come to Tibet. From Daduka Village in Pai Town, Milin County in the north, to Baxika Village in Mêdog County in the south, the canyon stretches 504.6 kilometers.
Entering the canyon, four sacred peaks greet you along with narrow roads, steep slopes, landslides, forests, and rivers. Several vertical natural zones unfold dramatically from high to low.
I've been to Tibet some twenty times, big trips and small. Each time I revisit a place, I first remember my most vivid experience there, then take in the new one. Early trips can be precious. My first time in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, I hitchhiked with a backpack and toured the canyon on the back of Mr. Zhou's motorbike.
This time, we had to take a shuttle bus to tour the scenic area. The shuttle has fixed stops and operating hours, so it felt less free. But looking at it another way, such regulated management is also good. After all, there's only one Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. If we all follow the rules and care for it, that's great.
Latest tips for visiting Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon:
The scenic area has four shuttle stops. The sightseeing buses are convenient, operating on a rolling schedule with no time limit. Just note the operating hours, which vary slightly by season.
1️⃣ First stop: Daduka Ruins, where stories of the ancient Kongpo Kingdom's tribal settlements are told. From the viewing platform, you can gaze up at 45 degrees toward Namcha Barwa. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, "nine out of ten visitors don't see it," and I still didn't see it this time.
2️⃣ Second stop: Love Square. Here you can book a hot-air balloon ride; ten minutes in the air gives you a unique perspective of the canyon.
3️⃣ Third stop: Mountain Viewing Platform, one of the best spots in the canyon to see Namcha Barwa. After our long journey, it started raining, which was really frustrating.
4️⃣ Last stop: Water Viewing Platform, where you can get up close to the surging Yarlung Tsangpo at the bottom of the valley and see a small bend in the river.
📍 Location: Pai Town, Milin County, Nyingchi
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30–18:30 (check seasonal closing times)
✏️ Tickets: 240 RMB/person (entry + shuttle)
📸 Tips: Namcha Barwa is only visible around 60 days a year—be prepared not to see it. Stay two days in the canyon; in Sosong Village you can wait for sunrise over Namcha Barwa. Sosong Village is the best location for viewing. Cars can drive in, but larger vehicles must transfer to the scenic area shuttle there.
This year, I passed Sejila Mountain five times, and on the final time, I finally saw the tip of Namcha Barwa. I consoled myself: even that is lucky. Known as "the spear piercing the sky," Namcha Barwa was ranked the most beautiful mountain in "Chinese National Geography's" beauty pageant of China.
At 7,782 meters, Namcha Barwa is called the "Father of Tibetan Mountains." Its massive triangular peak is notoriously hard to see, perpetually snow-capped and wrapped in clouds—likely 300 out of 365 days a year.
The second time I passed Namcha Barwa this year, I had cycled up. From Nyingchi to Sejila Pass is only 50 kilometers, but it took me nearly seven hours. I kept cursing myself for having a brain problem to cycle the Yunnan–Tibet Highway. Turn after turn, pushing, riding, walking; as the pass finally came into sight, I prayed to see Namcha Barwa, and it would all be worth it.
Of course, most of the time, it hides in the clouds. As darkness fell, I could only start coasting downhill dejectedly. But then, its small tip was kissed by golden sunset light—that day's ride became complete.
I used to look down on Nyingchi, thinking it was just all forest. Later I realized I was too hasty. Lulang is exquisitely beautiful: high mountains, meadows, forests, lakes, fences, snow peaks, cattle, sheep, horses roaming everywhere, and lovely people—all of these quietly form Lulang's charm.
Lulang Town is a place everyone driving the 318 Highway passes through. The road runs right by the town; many just stop for a famed stone pot chicken and then hurry on. If you come in summer, you'll find a different Tibet.
Lulang has a high forest coverage rate. Find any stream and while away an afternoon—that's what leisure is for. The grasslands are dotted with a riot of colorful wildflowers, and cattle and horses are scattered here and there.
In addition to the newly built Lulang International Tourism Town, there are several old villages like Zhaxigang and Name Village, with traditional Nyingchi Tibetan-style architecture. The alpine pasture behind the town is also well worth a stroll.
The once-treacherous Tongmai section is now a breeze, just a press of the accelerator. Flying a drone up, with barely any signal in the canyon, you can see three bridges from different eras spanning the river over the surging Yigong Tsangpo.
Crossing the old Tongmai danger zone used to take at least half a day, sometimes even days if blocked. The old suspension bridge allowed only one-way traffic with limited capacity, and the soft soil around Tongmai was prone to mudslides and floods. Waiting to cross that iron bridge, we also had to worry about the road collapsing at any moment. Recalling those days genuinely sends shivers down my spine.
Now, the Tongmai Grand Bridge looks reassuring. What a powerful nation—roads that were once impossible are now smooth and safe. The old danger zone has become a safe route.
The most beautiful section of the 318 National Highway is from Nyingchi to Bomi. After passing the former Tongmai danger zone through tunnels, we entered Bomi County, rich in glacier resources. Mentioning Bomi, scenes of the Palong Zangbo, Midui Glacier, Gangxiang Spruce Forest, Guxiang Lake, and Peach Blossom Valley flash through my mind. The Bomi stretch of the 318 mostly winds through primeval forest.
Stopping at a slightly open area and sending up a drone, you discover a hidden world. Both sides of the road are blocked by lush forest. Take any side road and go deeper, and you'll find Tibetan houses scattered around, barley fields, and distant snow mountains towering above. Bomi's natural environment is exceptionally good by Tibetan standards, with rich forest resources and a warm, humid climate—a great place to live.
Driving on, a lake appeared. Misty mountains, slightly backlit water, and hints of blue sky trying to break through the clouds. Guxiang Lake is stunning in March and April, with peach blossoms, blue sky, white clouds, and majestic snow peaks. By comparison, the rainy-season lake is a bit less dazzling.
We stayed near Bomi Square. As night fell, the sound of circle dancing (guozhuang) started, and we couldn't help but go downstairs to join in. After the fun, we bought a few bottles of Lhasa Beer. The summer evening temperature in Bomi was just right; with a light jacket, we sat on the steps by the square, chatting about life and the journey.
The next morning, our destination was one of the more accessible glaciers in Bomi—Midui Glacier, rated one of China's six most beautiful glaciers in the "Chinese National Geography" beauty contest.
In a light drizzle, we bought tickets and shuttle bus tickets at the gate, then took the bus to the glacier area. From there, you can ride a horse to get close to the glacier or hike; the hike takes about 45 minutes one way, while horseback takes only 15. In the misty rain, I opted for the horse, worried that if the rain didn't stop, I might not see the glacier at all.
Midui Glacier is a temperate glacier. Usually in the rainy season it's covered by soil and rocks. To our delight, the drizzle stopped just as we arrived. Midui Glacier did not disappoint, revealing its deep blue ice. The lower part of the ice tongue is a mixed conifer and broadleaf forest—white snow above, lush forest below. It's a pity that in recent years, glacial retreat has been severe due to global warming; the snow lines of many Tibetan glaciers are receding. Travel while you can.
📍 Location: Mimei and Midui villages, Yupu Township, Bomi County, Nyingchi
🐾 Recommended Time: 2–4 hours
💳 Entrance + Shuttle: 85 RMB/person
📝 Tips: After the shuttle bus drop-off, it's a 2.5 km walk to the Midui Glacier viewing platform. The trail is undulating and takes about 45 minutes. Horse riding up and down is an option.
The 318 National Highway is full of twists and turns. Roadworks are frequent, and occasional traffic jams serve as breaks for the driver and passengers. Our bus wound through the mountains and finally reached the shores of Rawu Lake. Numerous glaciers dotted the valleys not far away.
It was summer, and the rapeseed flowers were blooming. Rawu Lake had turned murky due to the monsoon season, but the water flowing into the lake from the 318 highway was a vivid blue. From a drone, you could see two different-colored waters meeting. Open tunnels, rushing rivers, dense forest, and rapidly changing weather composed this beautiful landscape.
While the driver refueled at a roadside station, I quickly sent up a drone to take in Rawu Town and Rawu Lake. The lake is truly stunning in winter—snowy peaks, deep blue water, and occasionally, the reflection of snow mountains on the calm surface. Tibet is a painting at every step; its grand beauty is not just in destinations but along the way.
📍 Exact Photo Spot: Rawu Town, Chamdo
⏰ Recommended Time: About 3 hours to explore the lakeside villages and take photos
📸 Tips: If you have time, continue along the lake towards Zayul direction; there are several glaciers like Laigu Glacier and Ranlongba Glacier to explore.
Rain fell all day without stopping. Our bus powered up to the Nujiang 72 Turns viewing platform. To be honest, this is the part I feared most when cycling the Yunnan–Tibet Highway. With all the rain, worried about accidents on the descent, I had decided to put my cycling on hold and travel this Tea Horse Road by bus.
I've passed the 72 Turns many times, but this was the first time I encountered a roadside coffee stand at the viewing platform. Lately, traveling in Tibet, one often gets a pleasant surprise: a mobile coffee cart appearing when you're most tired. Whether it's a hot latte or an iced Americano, a sip is pure bliss.
I dread the 72 Turns partly because many mountains along the routes now have tunnels, and even when you have to climb, you only see one road ahead. But here at the 72 Turns, you can overlook the entire maze—mostly sharp right-angle bends, requiring constant braking downhill, which is nerve-wracking.
There are unwritten driving rules in Tibet, like uphill vehicles yielding to downhill ones. With so many sharp bends, it's also proper to give way to larger vehicles. Drivers familiar with Tibet know these unspoken codes and manage countless curves without fear.
After only a short while on the platform, the Nujiang 72 Turns, which had been faintly visible, was completely swallowed by thick fog, making the road invisible. We gave up waiting, boarded the bus, and continued to the next stop.
It rained all night in Zogong. Waking up in the morning, mist hugged the distant hills. Setting off from Zogong to Markam, we first had to cross Dongda Mountain. At 5,130 meters, Dongda Mountain is the highest pass on the 318 National Highway. At the foot, green shrubs lined the road; soon, thin white snow covered the edges, growing thicker as we ascended. Usually, when it's raining in the valleys, it's snowing on the peaks, and this snowfall seemed substantial.
As the altitude rose and the switchbacks multiplied, here we were in the middle of summer, encountering a heavy snowfall on Dongda Mountain. At the pass, my companions excitedly had a snowball fight. A few days later when we passed again on our return, the snow had melted, and the valleys were once again a lush green summer scene.
📍 Location: Markam County, Chamdo
🌈 Recommended Time: At 5,130 meters, even walking or running is strenuous; gauge your physical condition. About 1 hour is suggested.
Before visiting the thousand-year-old salt fields, we had to try Yanjing Jiajia Noodles. In Yanjing Town, every sign advertises "Yanjing Jiajia Noodles." If you don't eat jiajia noodles, you can't say you've been to Yanjing.
Jiajia noodles are a local specialty. It's said they originated as longevity noodles made for the elderly by the local Naxi people, later evolving into a dish served to tourists. A big pot is cooked, but each bowl is tiny—just a few strands of noodles, a little broth, a few bits of minced meat, finished in one bite. On the side, there are scallions and pickled sour radish as condiments. "Jiajia" means you add bowl after bowl.
Every jiajia noodle shop displays a record: "House Best: XX bowls." If you're a big eater and break the record, your meal is free. While eating, the staff keeps topping up your bowl the moment you empty it. This time, I ate 10 bowls. How about you?
The Color Palette: Yanjing Thousand-Year Salt Fields
People need to work to eat, and they need salt to have strength to work. Salt is a necessity. After the noodles, our Tea Horse Road journey came to the thousand-year-old salt fields in Yanjing, Chamdo. Along the banks of the Lancang River, salt fields supported by wooden frames are terraced layer upon layer. On one side they produce red salt, and on the other, white salt.
The white salt, also called snowflake salt, is rich in minerals and can be consumed directly. The red salt, known as "peach blossom salt," has larger crystals and is nice for bathing.
In Yanjing, you can still see traces of the Tea Horse Road's past prosperity. Bordering Yunnan, Yanjing was a key fortress on the route into Lhasa. Unfortunately, it was the rainy season, and no salt was being dried.
By the time we reached the salt fields, the light was dim, but from a drone, the ancient fields looked like a palette, remarkably beautiful. Thousands of salt pans cling to the cliffs above the Lancang River. If you come during the drying season, you'll see the millennia-old hand-process of salt harvesting, which is truly awe-inspiring.
📍 Location: Naxi Ethnic Township, Markam County, Chamdo
💡 Recommended Time: 2–3 hours
📸 Tips: Best reached by self-driving; public buses unlikely. Be careful walking on the salt pans for photos. We parked at the white salt drying area; wrong season, so no salt drying.
Yellow, purple, blue, pink, white—wildflowers of every color blanketed the hillsides. Being amidst a sea of blossoms felt incredibly romantic.
Driving across the Bangda Grassland, a must-pass on the Tea Horse Road, we marveled at the profusion of flowers on both sides and the cattle and sheep dotting the vast pasture. Our thoughtful driver found a place to stop, and we dashed into the meadow like liberated birds.
The plateau meadow is not as lush or as expansive as those in Xinjiang or Inner Mongolia, but it has a unique charm. In a Tibetan summer, the weather is fickle. Where we stood was bathed in sunshine, but looking out, you could see rain falling elsewhere—a very special experience.
📍 Location: Bangda Town, Chamdo, Tibet
⌚️ Recommended Time: Explore freely. The grassland is about 80 km long and 20 km wide. Stop wherever convenient to appreciate its beauty.
This Tea Horse Road journey (Lhasa–Chamdo route) largely followed the Tibetan section of the Yunnan–Tibet Highway. Eating and lodging are convenient all along. Meals are mainly Sichuan cuisine, with occasional local specialties like Lulang Stone Pot Chicken and Yanjing Jiajia Noodles. In Lhasa, you can try Tibetan food.
It's good to keep some snacks and drinks on the bus; the long stretches can make you peckish.
On this trip, we mostly stayed in very comfortable hotels. With better transport and infrastructure, guesthouses along the Sichuan–Tibet and Yunnan–Tibet highways are improving. In summer, accommodation along the 214 and 318 is not a worry, but in autumn and winter, water pipes may freeze, and occasional power or water outages are normal. Just be mentally prepared.
I especially recommend two lodgings from this trip:
1. InterContinental Lhasa Paradise Hotel: The golden roof and snowy peaks perfectly capture the essence of a sanctuary paradise. The modern glass lobby incorporates local Tibetan architecture. The hotel has a diffuse oxygen system. Walking through the corridors feels like a European palace. A five-star hotel needs no further praise; it's impeccable.
2. Sosong Village Heart to Tibet Guesthouse: I recommend it for its exceptional view. My room had floor-to-ceiling windows; if Namcha Barwa had cooperated, I could have watched the peak while lying in bed. Also, this guesthouse is in a Yarlung Tsangpo canyon village but gives off a Moganshan-style boutique vibe—truly superb.
Otherwise, as long as your budget allows, you can find comfortable hotels all along this Tea Horse Road.
We traveled in a bus with a "藏AL" license plate. Without a vehicle, traveling in Tibet is simply impossible. If you're uncertain about anything, be sure to charter or join a tour with a registered tourist vehicle to protect your rights. The easiest way to recognize a legitimate tourist vehicle is the "藏AL" plate.
Just as accommodation may face water or power outages, travel can encounter traffic jams, landslides, or mudslides. So don't pack your itinerary too tightly. The key to travel is to relax and enjoy the slow life.
Tips:
1. Altitude sickness: Fear often makes altitude sickness worse. Relax, pretend you're on the plains, and don't get overexcited by the scenery. On arrival, don't wash your hair or shower, and avoid alcohol. Remember to carry a thermal flask and drink hot tea—it can help.
2. Communication: If your work is critical, bring a China Telecom SIM card to ensure you don't lose signal. China Unicom often has no reception in Tibet. Mobile payment is widely accepted; you only need a few hundred yuan in cash as backup.
3. Respect local customs: For example, don't touch a child's head, don't remove stones from a mani pile, don't tread on prayer flags, and try to ask permission before photographing people. Things like that.
