Detailed List of Equipment for a 20-Day Self-Drive Trip to Tibet

Let's sort out the equipment for this 20-day self-drive trip to Tibet—what did we actually bring in the car?

It includes the following: (excluding snacks and personal items)

A full trunk, stuffed with many things.

First, after finalizing the departure date, we replaced all four tires a week in advance to reduce potential tire issues on the road.

The old tires had already run 35,800 kilometers. We kept two of the old tires for future routine replacement, while the other two had been patched and were not kept.

If space permits, it's best to bring a spare tire in the car. (After all, my biggest worry on this trip was tire problems—getting stranded on a mountain or in a no-man's land after a blowout, unable to go forward or backward—haha, my imagination ran wild.)

2. Tire chains

After reading various guides about September and October, we learned that snow is possible on the Sichuan-Tibet or Qinghai-Tibet routes, so tire chains are a must.

I used to think tire chains were just thick, rough iron chains, but this time I learned something new: there are now portable, simple tie-down straps, which are more suitable for DIY travelers like us.

Indeed, it snowed during the trip, but we were lucky to avoid it. On Zheduo Mountain, it had snowed heavily two days before we set off, but the road had already opened the day before. On the Qinghai-Tibet route, there was also a section where temperatures stayed at -5 or -6°C, but it didn't snow.

3. Portable table

During the long drive into Tibet, we needed a portable table for recharging and eating along the way. It was handy to find a scenic spot for a break or to sit together with fellow travelers for a meal and some tea.

Chairs were also necessary—ideally ones that fold up small, light, and sturdy. This time we forgot to bring them, and since the trunk couldn't seat many people, everyone couldn't gather around the table for meals. When standing got tiring, we had to go back to our seats.

So the table sat alone outside, haha.

4. Custom 15-meter charging cable

The air conditioner outlet can provide up to 21A charging, comparable to home charging. (We didn't use it much during the trip due to tight schedules, but it's better to have it and not need it.)

At one point, we tried charging at a hotel in Tingri using an air conditioner outlet. Due to the high altitude, charging took longer. The old 84A 8 model needed 12 hours to fully charge—basically overnight—but since we arrived in Tingri in the evening and had to leave before dawn, the car wasn't fully charged. To drive to Everest Base Camp, we needed to fully charge in Tingri County first. It takes 2.5 hours from Tingri County to Everest Base Camp, and another 2.5 hours back to Tingri County to recharge.

So if you can spare an extra day for charging, self-charging is quite hassle-free.

5. 500W power station

It powered the rice cooker, car refrigerator, and oxygen concentrator on the road.

It was very convenient, and we basically brought it back to the hotel every night to recharge.

6. 15-liter dual-use car and home refrigerator

It can reach a minimum temperature of 20°C (depends on weather, generally fine but not in extreme summer heat).

We bought it earlier this year and kept it in the car. It's cost-effective, and the 15-liter capacity is enough for daily needs.

Before departure, we stocked it with pre-portioned dumplings, cooked beef, and washed rice for making porridge. These lasted us until the Qinghai-Tibet route, and we also added various cold drinks along the way.

7. 2.8-liter electric pressure cooker

Enough for four adults and one child (generally, we could cook a meal in one go, saving time).

Disadvantage: low power—230W—so cooking rice takes 45 minutes.

In high-altitude areas, you must use a pressure cooker to cook food thoroughly. In restaurants, I often ordered noodles, but they were also cooked in a pressure cooker and turned out somewhat hard.

8. Oxygen concentrator

Very useful. We brought a few oxygen bags to use in the car or hotel at night.

But throughout the trip, I never actually used oxygen. I only had occasional headaches (one ibuprofen fixed it). For mild discomfort, I suggest not using oxygen to avoid dependency; if the discomfort is strong, half an hour of oxygen helps.

9. Gas stove with pot

Used to cook dumplings. It took longer because we worried about them being undercooked. Initially, we cooked dumplings in the electric pressure cooker, and they turned into a mush.

We also had a pan for grilling steak during outdoor activities.

To add some nutrients, we added vegetables to the dumplings.

Various vegetables could also be added to the rice.

10. Disposable paper bowls

Bought 50 sets, and almost all were used.

11. Electric kettle

Foldable for easy travel. In the morning at the hotel, we boiled water and poured it into a thermos for the road.

12. Thermos

Check the insulation before departure. We tested it for 24-hour insulation; we had to replace it once after purchase.

We didn't use it much for drinking water because we had insulated mugs and mostly drank bottled water. The thermos was mainly used for cooking and boiling dumplings.

13. Car electric mosquito repellent

Mosquitoes love me, so I was the one getting bitten in the car. It's essential in summer, but now that it's cold, it's less useful.

14. Car humidifier

Essential for Tibet. Spending long hours in the car, the air is extremely dry. From Chengdu into Tibet, I had blood in my nose all the time, breathing was uncomfortable, lips were peeling—even lip balm didn't help. The only cure was drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fruit. I wished I could bring a big humidifier, haha.

There were also various small tools and a flashlight that we didn't use, so I won't list them all.

Self-driving travel is all about enjoying the scenery along the way—keep your eyes open for beauty.

What you bring depends entirely on the traveler.

Just for reference. Thank you.