Shalu Nartang Trek - 12 Days

Things to Consider before Tibet Trekking:

If you’re going to Tibet for the first time, for tour or trek, don’t miss out these points to enhance your Tibet travel experience.

Travel Permits

• Foreigners cannot travel independently in Tibet without issuing a travel permit.
• We will arrange Alien Travel Permit and Tibet Travel Permit along with other regional permission.
• You only need a valid Visa and we will guide you through the process of Visa application.

Altitude Sickness

• Since Lhasa is at 3,650m you need to acclimatize two days from your arrival day in order to avoid altitude sickness.
• We have planned two to three days of acclimatization in Lhasa so that your body doesn’t get shock and gets used to the higher altitude terrain.
• Hydrate yourself a lot, rest and avoid any sort of heavy physical workout during your first days.

No Trekking Experience is Mandatory

• No, you do not need any prior trekking experience to travel to Tibet and do Shalu- Nartang adventure.
• It is a beginner-level, low-altitude trek.
• While your experience is beneficial, Shalu- Nartang trek is done with daily walking of 4 to 6 hrs in gentle terrain and minimal elevation change.
• Basic fitness and being comforatable while walking are enough to complete this journey.

Simple Lodge-based and Camping Accommodation

• You’ll stay on three-star Tibetan-style hotel in Lhasa and Shigatse, whereas on trekking days, you’ll stay at local teahouses and camps. Facilities are limited so prepare yourself for wilderness experience.

NO public Transportation

• All ground transportation in Tibet are private. You’ll travel in private and licensed vehicle with an experienced driver who will make stops at beautiful sights on your request.
• You’ll have the company of a Local guide who gives you necessary information about the place you’re travelling through.

Solo is not Allowed

• You cannot do solo trekking in Tibet as it is highly restrictive area.

Limited Facilities

• Brace yourself because the connectivity to mobile network is weak and often unavailable during remote areas trekking. Having a guide is highly mandatory and useful in such situations.
• You can also make use of this opportunity to get disconnected from mobile and technology and live freely into the wild.

Food Options are Limited

• There aren’t many food options available during the trek. In major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, there are availability of Tibetan, Chinese and Nepali cuisines. But during the trek, Tibetan food like soup, Tibetan bread, noodles and vegetables, rice are provided.

What to Pack

• Sunscreen
• Hiking boots and poles
• Warm layer of jacket and thermal for colder nights
• Snacks with rich carbs are highly suggested
• Personal first- aid kit with essential medicines for cuts and wounds
• Power Bank to charge your phone.

Use local Currency and Always have Cash

• The local currency used in Tibet is Chinese Yuan.
• Always carry cash while trekking.
• Most rural parts of Tibet do not accept fonepay or cards or mobile payment.
• Tipping your guide and driver is always appreciated.

Always Respect Local Culture and Tradition

• Rotate clockwise while you’re walking in a religious shrines or monasteries.
• Don’t touch or sit on the stupas and sculptures.
• Ask for permission before clicking pictures of the local people.
• Dress modestly and always respect the local people.