What to pack for the plateau

The packing list for Tibet is shorter than people expect, and almost everything on it follows from two facts: the temperature swing over a single day reaches twenty-five degrees, and whatever you forget cannot be bought on the way.

Clothing: three layers and nothing spare

The standard three-layer system works: base layer, fleece or a light down jacket, windproof shell on top. On the pass it can be minus five in the morning and plus twenty in the sun by midday, and you will change layers several times a day.

• A down jacket is essential even in July: evenings and overnight stops are cold.
• Trekking boots, broken in beforehand. New boots on the kora mean guaranteed blisters.
• Hat, buff and gloves are the first things to go missing, so bring spares.
• A sleeping bag rated to zero: the guesthouses have blankets, but your own kit is more reliable.

The sun

At five thousand metres there is twice the ultraviolet of sea level, and the cool air hides it completely. Category 3–4 sunglasses, factor 50 cream and a lip balm are not about comfort but about not burning your face and lips in a single day.

The medical kit

The group carries an altitude-grade kit, oxygen and pulse oximeters. Your own part is what only you know about: regular medication, the painkiller that works for you, blister plasters, something for an upset stomach. All of it in original packaging.

The small things people forget

• A power bank: electricity in the guesthouses on the kora is not around the clock, and cold drains a battery faster than usual.
• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser — there will be no shower on the kora.
• Cash in small yuan notes.
• A thermos: hot water on the route is worth more than food.

What to leave at home

A drone: flying one in Tibet is not allowed, and the questions start at the security check. A large suitcase: on the kora personal luggage travels on yaks in a soft duffel. And anything packed "just in case" — every extra kilogram you will carry over a 5,630 m pass yourself, or pay a porter to carry for you.