What are the precautions for traveling to Tibet in an RV?
2 Answers
There are 3 key precautions for RV travel to Tibet: 1. Selection of parking locations: Avoid parking at high-altitude areas at night. Resting at high altitudes can significantly impact the human body, making it difficult to sleep and potentially causing vomiting. 2. Driving safety: Pay special attention to vehicle rollback when starting on steep slopes - this is particularly dangerous on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Additionally, traffic jams frequently occur during self-drive trips to Tibet, often caused by improper overtaking or landslides. Many cars attempt overtaking by borrowing lanes, leading to congestion at narrow or curved sections. 3. Crossing uninhabited areas: Refuel whenever you see a gas station, as the next one might be hundreds of kilometers away. If facing fuel shortage or vehicle breakdown, plan to cross the area within a single day without overnight stays. Start your journey before dawn and ensure you exit the uninhabited area the same day regardless of distance. Many RV travelers depart around 3 AM and reach their destination by approximately 10 PM.
Last time I went to Tibet in an RV, the high altitude there makes it easy to get altitude sickness, so some preparations are needed before departure. Take anti-altitude sickness medications like Rhodiola at least a week in advance, and bring enough oxygen bottles for the journey—don’t skimp on them. Health-wise, get plenty of sleep, avoid overexertion, and drink more water while cutting back on alcohol. Keep a first-aid kit in the vehicle with common cold medicine, pain relievers, and the like. Safety first—don’t forget communication devices, as some areas have poor signal, so a satellite phone or walkie-talkie can be very useful. If you feel dizzy or short of breath, stop and rest immediately—never push through it. Also, it’s advisable to acclimatize in semi-high-altitude areas first rather than rushing straight up—this way, you can enjoy the trip with peace of mind and better appreciate the scenery.
