FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the weather like?
Summer in Tibet can be pleasantly warm. In the river valleys, day time temperatures are often in the mid to low twenties (70s Fahrenheit). Night time temperatures can be chilly. At higher altitudes the temperatures will be cooler and winds can sometimes make it quite cold. But remember: weather in Tibet can change without notice. So plan for extremes of temperature.

What rivers do you recommend?
This totally depends on the type of experience you are seeking. If you are fit and a confident swimmer and looking for BIG whitewater action then you should consider the Tolung Canyon , the Kongpo Chu or Drigung Chu. In high water these runs can be very challenging. If you are looking for something a little milder, then the lower Tolung Chu or one of our float trips would be more suitable. Remember to let our staff know exactly what type of trip you want and they will do their best to help you choose the right trip.

What about the effects of high altitude?
If you have only just arrived in Lhasa and are not acclimatized, please choose an easy float trip like the Lhasa River . To participate in any of our whitewater trips you must have spent a minimum of 2-4 days in Lhasa or at high altitude to ensure you are sufficiently acclimatized.

How safe are the trips?
Here at High Asia , we take your safety very seriously. On every rafting trip, safety is our top priority. We employ international guides to ensure that international safety standards are met on every trip. The wetsuits are designed to keep you warm and your life jacket will keep you afloat even if you cannot swim well. You will be asked to wear a helmet on all river trips (except the Lhasa River , because it is quite easy!).

Before we embark on any rafting or kayaking trip, you will be given a comprehensive safety talk. The safety talk can be given in English, Chinese or Tibetan. It is most important that you ask questions if you do not understand.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit and rescue equipment on every trip. All our international staff are trained in first aid and river rescue.

What does the safety kayaker do?
We use expert safety kayakers on all trips (except the Lhasa River ) to ensure no-one takes an unintentionally long swim. If you fall out and cannot get back to the raft the safety kayaker will paddle up to you, ensure you are OK then point out the safest direction to swim. The safety kayaker may direct you climb on the back of the kayak and paddle you to the raft or to the shore.

Do I need to know how to swim?
This depends on the style of trip you intend to undertake. If you are booking on a float trip such as the Lhasa River , you do not have to be able to swim. If you want to undertake the Tolung Chu Classic, you also do not have to be able to swim but it is recommend that you are at least comfortable in water. If you want to undertake one of the more challenging rivers such as the Tolung Chu Canyon or the Kongpo Chu then it is recommended that you be able to swim reasonably well. On high water trips on the harder runs it is essential that you are a strong swimmer and very confident in the water.

Do I need to be very fit?
Again, this depends on the style of trip you intend to undertake. To undertake the Lhasa River of Tolung Chu Classic, you do not have to be very fit. If you want to undertake one of our harder trips, then you should be reasonably fit. You should be at least physically active every weekend. You should be able to walk up 2 flights of stairs in Lhasa without discomfort.

If you are planning on undertaking a harder run in high water, you should have rafted before and be very fit.

What sort of camera should I bring?
We provide water resistant containers for your camera so you don't have to bring a waterproof camera. If you are hoping for some casual pictures then a small point-and-shoot camera will be adequate. Modern digital cameras are a luxury and enable you to take many more pictures and edit on the spot! If you are a serious about photography then bring your SLR camera. Ensure you have a protective camera bag and bring plenty of lense cleaning material. (it can be quite dusty in Tibet ) A wide angle lense is useful. You will have limited access to your camera while actually rafting and a tripod cannot be carried on the raft. On multiday expeditions, there will be plenty of time for photography particularly in the evenings. Bring plenty of film as film is often not available outside of Lhasa .

When is the best time to go?
Basically any time between the beginning of May and the end of September is a good time to go rafting in Tibet . In April the weather settles down and begins to warm up. We start rafting in May and run trips until the end of September when the weather begins to cool down again. The monsoon reaches parts of Tibet from June to August, however, unlike south Asia , the rains are short lived and rarely affect our rafting itineraries. We welcome the rain as it swells the rivers to high water levels. This can mean huge rapids and exciting rafting if you are up for it!

How are rivers in Tibet graded?

We use the internationally accepted river grading system, which begins at 1 and ends at 6. We do not exaggerate our grading!

Grade 1: Easy, flat water with very small waves.

Grade 2: Easy, moving water with small waves and ripples and the occasional rock to maneuver around.

Grade 3: Swift moving water with fast currents, narrow channels and moderately physical paddling is required.

Grade 4: Difficult whitewater with powerful currents, big waves, steep drops and the possibility of the raft overturning. Paddling is challenging and at times strenuous.

Grade 5: A big step up from grade 4. Very difficult and dangerous whitewater. Definite possibility of injury if the raft overturns and/or someone swims the rapid. For experts only.

Grade 6: The absolute extreme. By definition, un-runnable. Definite risk of death!!

What about insurance?

High Asia requires travel insurance for all clients. You will be asked for the name of your insurance company and your policy number when you make your reservation.