Make a self-driving tour to Tibet has been the choice for a large number of domestic tourists. Though foreign visitors don't have the chance to make a self-driving tour in Tibet, it is also necessary to collect some information regarding the tips for travel to Ngari Plateau with your private vehicle and guide arranged by Tibet tour operators. Make a self-driving tour to Ngari Plateau is a pretty challenging behavior in consideration of the limited road condition and severe natural environment.
With an average altitude of more than 5000 meters, Ngari Plateau threatens the health of visitors from the plain areas. To better avoid and relieve the high altitude sickness symptoms, tourists planning to travel to Ngari Plateau are strongly suggested to prepare some necessary equipments.
According to the experienced travelers on the plateau, drinking the glucose injection is an effective way to relieve the high altitude sickness symptoms. For visitors have a snore habit, it is advisable to lie on the side rather than lie down while sleeping. Fresh fruits and some local Tibetan diets are very helpful in relieving the high altitude sickness. Tourists suffer a severe high altitude sickness are strongly suggested to go to see the doctor for professional treatment and advices. Some tourists are wondering whether the oxygen uptake is dependent, actually momentary oxygen uptake would not influence your adaptation on Ngari Plateau, on the contrary, it is the most effective way when you are attacked by sudden and severe high altitude sickness symptoms.
The asphalted Southern Ngari Route is pretty good. But tourists planning to pay a visit to Mt. Everest Base Camp before heading to Ngari Plateau should note that the section near the Base Camp, with a length of 100 kilometers, is only covered by gravels. Visitors who've been to the Base Camp describe this section as the "washboard road". The road condition of the Northern Ngari Route is pretty poor, especially in the rainy season. The soil covered road requires tourists to rent a good conditioned 4WD no matter you are visiting Ngari Plateau in which season.
Except for the bigger cities and towns, there is no oil station providing 97# petrol. Tourists traveling in Ngari Plateau along the Northern Ngari Route should prepare enough food and beverage for you will drive in the depopulated regions. It is very necessary to hire an experienced driver, or you will get lost in the depopulated regions easily. In addition, the mobile signal is very week in these regions. The dangerous road and changeable climate along the Southern Ngari Route require tourists to pay attention to the weather forecast before departure.
With high altitude, the ultraviolet radiation on Ngari Plateau is pretty strong. The sun-blocking staffs, such as the sun glasses, sun-blocking cream and sun bonnet are very necessary. A lip stick should also be prepared to protect your lip from the dry air on the plateau. In addition, the accommodation condition on Ngari Plateau is very poor, a warm sleeping bag could ensure you a better sleep.