Tibet travel facts

July,28 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

Content

Tibet is a land with rich and unique culture that is quite different from Chinese culture and Western culture, so do be aware of the cultural differences the western and Tibetan. Knowing some Tibet travel facts will help you avoid embarrassment.

If you want to take pictures of religious sites or people, ask for permission before you do it. Like anywhere else, some people in Tibet may be uncomfortable with the idea of having their picture taken, while others may be enthusiastic about having their picture taken with a foreigner. Also, a majority of the temples and monasteries charge a fee for taking pictures.

When you are visiting a monastery, don't smoke in the monastery and don't touch Buddha statues, religious objects or prayer flags.

Walk around monasteries, temples, dagobas, Mongolian cairns (Mani piles) and other religious structures in clockwise order with the exception of the Bon sites.

If you see a lovely Tibetan child, don't touch his/her head. The head is considered as a sacred part of the body for Tibetans.

If you visit a sky burial site, don't drive away or hurt eagles. Eagles are considered holy birds in the hearts of Tibetan people.

In addition, Tibet is a politically sensitive place, so be careful about sensitive discussions in public. The current political environment is unlike that of many travelers’ home countries. Political discourse is a healthy part of daily life for many societies around the world, given the current situation, these kind of conversations may make some Tibetans feel uncomfortable and should be avoided.

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About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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