Bathrooms
Norden Camp - All accommodations except the regular Yak Khullu Tents are equipped with ensuite, eco-friendly toilets and washrooms. The regular Yak Khullu Tents have private, eco-friendly toilets located adjacent to each tent.
Ritoma Village - All accommodations have western-style bathrooms and toilets.
Showers
Norden Camp - Hot showers can be taken in the Shower House (6 stalls are available; note the water tank is not unlimited, so please use the water kindly during your shower). The Shower House is centrally-located, and within a 1-2 minute walk of all accommodations. We provide eco-friendly soaps and shampoo, as well as hair dryers.
Ritoma Village - All accommodations have western-style bathrooms and showers.
Laundry
In order to minimize our environmental impact Norden Camp does not offer laundry services on-site. Laundry services are available if needed in Labrang.
Wi-Fi at Camp and Internet Access in China
Norden Camp is located in a very remote area of the Tibetan Plateau. Although the majority of the camp remains a Wi-Fi-free zone to allow for a deeper connection to the natural surroundings, Wi-Fi is available at the Welcome Center as well as the Norden Bar if needed. The staff can assist in connecting your device. Please note because of Norden's remote location, the Wi-Fi signal will not be as strong as in the city, and is susceptible to external factors (i.e. weather).
Also please note that certain websites are not available in China (Facebook, Google, etc.).
Wifi in Ritoma Village is also readily available at the Guesthouse and Norlha Textiles.
Credit Card Facilities
Union Pay, AliPay and WeChat Pay payments are available camp. International credit card payments may be made by online invoice (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and PayPal). ATM's can be found in nearby Labrang/Xiahe.
Currency
The Chinese Yuan (¥, CNY) is used throughout China.
Purchases On-Site
Any activities, bar food and drinks, or Norlha Textiles product purchases can be paid on-site during checkout using cash (CNY/RMB/¥ - kindly note no foreign currency is accepted) or one of the methods mentioned above.
What to Wear
The weather on the plateau can be unpredictable. A day that begins with warm sunshine can end in light snowfall. We suggest that you bring a sturdy pair of shoes or waterproof hiking boots and dress in layers to accommodate the changes in weather. We also suggest sunglasses, thick socks, thermals, t-shirts, and a good jacket (i.e. general mountain apparel).
If participating in yoga, massage, athletic activities, or using the hot tub/sauna, please bring appropriate activity-related attire.
Altitude
Norden Camp is located at an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500 feet). At such elevations it is essential to bring a water bottle and plenty of sunscreen. One may feel the mild effects of this altitude - we recommend drinking lots of water and taking time to relax on the first day. For those participating in physical activities be sure to take as many breaks as needed. We recommend consulting your doctor regarding any altitude related medication.
Flying into Lanzhou (1,500 meters; 5,000 feet) allows for a gradual acclimation during the 4.5 hour drive up to the plateau. Flying into Xiahe from Chengdu and Xi'an (both approximately 450 meters; 1,500 feet) is a more direct ascent to altitude, and more time will be needed acclimating.
Heating
Norden Camp - All Log Cabins and Khullu Tents are heated with wood burning furnaces. Members of Norden's staff are more than happy to prepare your furnace at any time.
Ritoma Village - All accommodations are heated by stove.
Drinking Water
All Log Cabins and Khullu Tents are supplied with drinking water as well as thermoses of hot water.
Power Outlets
Norden uses power outlets that are standard across all of Mainland China (type A and type I).
Transportation Times
Norden Camp is 30 minutes from Gannan Xiahe Airport (GXH), accessible worldwide via Lhasa, Xi'an, and Chengdu. The camp is a 4.5 hour drive from Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (LHW), accessible worldwide via all major Chinese cities. Comfortable private sedan and van transportation are available from both airports.
Ritoma village is a 4.5 hour drive from LHW and 1.5 hour drive from GXH.
Visas and Documents
A Chinese visa is generally required to enter China (please consult your country's embassy and China visa policy). No Tibet Autonomous Region (T.A.R.) special permit is needed to enter this part of the Tibetan Plateau.
Child Policy
Norden Camp is a child-friendly and family-friendly environment. We encourage children to connect with nature, run around, and be a kid! We do require children to be under the supervision of an adult at all times. Children's pricing is available for ages 2-12. Infants under 2 years of age are free of charge.
Safety, Health, Liability, and Insurance
Although the area surrounding Norden Camp is very safe, Norden employs security personnel around the clock. If guests venture too far from camp it is possible to encounter dogs protecting their nomadic owner's herd of sheep and yak. We advise caution and recommend a guide for walks and hikes outside of camp .
Please be aware that each guest assumes full responsibility and liability during their stay with Norden, including all activities, excursions, and transportation. A waiver must be signed before joining Norden Camp. We highly recommend traveler's insurance for all parties.
It is also recommended that all guests be in good health and physical condition when traveling to Norden.
Norden is equipped with standard first aid equipment on-site. If an emergency does occur, doctors and hospitals are available in Labrang.
Tibetan and Buddhist Customs
The Tibetan Plateau is home to hardworking nomads and pious monks; it is the land of compassion and kindness. At Norden we strive to exude these qualities. If there is ever an issue during your stay, please inform our staff and they will do as much as possible to help resolve it.
One may see monks visiting the camp, and will certainly see many at Labrang Monastery. If you do see a monk during your stay, please ask Norden staff before taking any pictures of them. The monks will be happy to hear your greeting of "Day-mo," which means "blessings" in Tibetan.
Glamping
Norden Camp is a "glamping" site fully immersed in the natural surroundings of the Tibetan Plateau, one of the most remote parts of the world. As such, there are many situations that could occur here that one would never expect to experience at a luxury hotel in the city. A guest that will enjoy Norden Camp and the Plateau is one that truly appreciates nature, remote areas, and discovering new cultures.