As you travel in Tibet, one of the unique spectacles you will see is the colorful Tibetan prayer flags fluttering on the high mountain passes. The vibrant colors and gentle swaying of the Tibetan prayer flags create a striking contrast against the rugged Tibetan landscapes.

So, what are the meanings of Tibetan Prayer flags? What do the colors of the Tibetan prayer flags stand for? What are the best places to see and hang the Tibetan prayer flags? In this travel article, we will offer you a complete guide to auspicious Tibetan prayer flags to enrich your Tibet travel experiences.

What Are Tibetan Prayer Flags and Their Origin? Unique Tibetan Way to Spread Blessings through Winds

Tibetan prayer flags, also known as “Lungta” in Tibetan, refer to the colorful rectangular cloth banners, often hung on high mountain passes or sacred Buddhist sites in Tibet. “Lung” means wind, and “Ta” refers to a swift horse, which is why Tibetan prayer flags are also known as “Wind Horse Flags”.

The magic of Tibetan prayer flags lies in that sacred Buddhist prayers, mantras, and symbols are written on the prayer flags and whenever the wind blows through the Tibetan prayer flags, it is as if the sacred mantras are being chanted. As a result, blessings, compassion, and good luck will be spread to all beings.

The beautiful Tibetan prayer flags fluttering at the Gawula mountain pass in Tibet.

As to the origin of Tibean prayer flags, it is said to date back more than 2,000 years ago when Tibetans planted prayer flags to honor all nature spirits and mountain gods, an old Tibetan practice steeped in Tibet’s native and primitive religion--Bon.

By the 7th century, Buddhism spread to Tibet from India and inland China, Tibetans began to adapt traditions from both Bon and Buddhism by embroidering Buddhist scriptures, mantras, images of deities, and sacred horses on the cloth of Tibetan prayer flags and hanging them on mountaintops, bridges, and even homes. Over time, Tibetan prayer flags eventually become what they look like today. Learn four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

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What Are the Meanings of Symbols, Mantras, and Colors of Tibetan Prayer Flags?

Looking closely, you will find that the rectangular Tibetan prayer flags are made from cotton, hemp, or silk and typically come in five vibrant colors: blue, white, red, green, and yellow. The order of these five colors is not randomly mixed but is highly symbolic as follows:

Blue symbolizes the sky, the infinite openness, and the boundless wisdom.
White represents auspicious clouds and good luck for all beings.
Red stands for fire and passion. It shows the power and resilience to overcome all obstacles.
Green means rivers or water and represents harmony, balance, and the flow of life.
Yellow indicates the earth and symbolizes stability, a solid foundation or nourishment we need for spiritual growth.

Our travelers take photos with vibrant Tibetan prayer flags on mountain passes.

In addition to five distinctive colors, symbols and mantras on Tibetan prayer flags also carry deep spiritual meanings.

The images of Buddhas or deities on the horse symbolize wisdom, peace, and protection whereas the protective animals (four dignities in Tibetan Buddhism), such as lions, tigers, dragons, and eagles, will protect you from evil spirits or harm and bring you courage, strength, and blessings. Also, learn the top 9 Tibetan Buddhist demons & deities.

Symbols and Buddhist mantras on Tibetan prayer flags.

Of all the Buddha’s teachings and scriptures on Tibetan prayer flags, a key mantra you will find is “Om Mani Padme Hum”. It’s all about compassion and kindness. Here’s a breakdown of what it means:

Om helps connect everything in the universe.
Mani means "jewel" and represents kindness and the wish to make everyone happy.
Padme means "lotus flower," which stands for wisdom and growing strong through tough times.
Hum represents togetherness and understanding how things really are.

Each time, as the wind blows the Tibetan prayer flags, the mantras for compassion, peace, and wisdom will be chanted and spread to all beings.

Where to Hang Tibetan Prayer Flags as a Traveler? Mountain Passes & Holy Buddhist Sites

There are two best spots to hang Tibetan prayer flags. One is where the wind can blow them easily, like hilltops and mountain passes; the other is around holy lakes & mountains, and sacred Tibetan monasteries.

Since overseas travelers can only visit Tibet via guided Tibet tours, as you travel with our expert local Tibetan guides, you will have many opportunities to hang Tibetan prayer flags yourselves to spread blessings and good luck to your families and friends.

Our guests hang Tibetan prayer flags at Simila Pass.

For example, when traveling from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass (4,200m) or the famous Gawu La Pass (5,198m), where you can hang Tibetan prayer flags to pray for world peace and the well-being of your family. Our guide will prepare Tibetan prayer flags and demonstrate how to hang them correctly. Alternatively, you may also buy Tibetan prayer flags yourself in Lhasa and tell our guide where you wish to hang prayer flags as well.

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To travelers who plan to embark on the challenging 3-day kora around the Holy Mt. Kailash in Ngari, western Tibet. On day two of the trek, after you reach the Drölma-la pass (5,650m), it is also a popular and auspicious place to hang Tibetan prayer flags and let the sacred Mt. Kailash and magical winds carry maximum blessings and good luck to your loved ones.

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Best Times and Places to Watch Tibetans Hanging Tibetan Prayer Flags: Saga Dawa Festival & Tibetan New Year

Aside from hanging Tibetan prayer flags yourself, watching crowds of local Tibetans erecting massive Tibetan prayer flags (or flagpoles) during lively Tibetan festivals is another spectacle you can’t afford to miss out. The best times of the year for you to watch this impressive scene are during the Saga Dawa Festival and the Tibetan New Year.

Our guests witness the Tarboche prayer pole being raised during the Saga Dawa Festival around Mt. Kailash.

The Saga Dawa Festival (in May/June) is honored to mark the date of Sakyamuni’s enlightenment and entry into nirvana. During this festival, tens of thousands of Tibetan pilgrims will gather at the Tibetan Prayer Flags Square of Sarshung Valley around holy Mt. Kailash, witnessing the gigantic and colorful Tarboche prayer pole being raised each year. You can join locals to replace the old Tibetan prayer flags with the new ones to get blessings and good luck. Then, proceed with locals to walk the kora around Mt. Kailash.

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Another perfect time to watch the time-honored traditions of hanging Tibetan prayer flags is during the Tibetan New Year, also known as the Losar Festival.

On the third day of the Tibetan New Year, early in the morning, local Tibetans will dress in their finest clothes and hike to the mountaintops, where they perform rituals such as burning junipers, hanging Tibetan prayer flags, and scattering Lungta (wind horse papers) and toasting barley flour to send their blessings into the wind and honor the mountain gods. Besides, you may also see a Tibetan prayer flagpole being erected on Jokhang Temple Square in downtown Lhasa.

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Taboos and Etiquettes As You Hang Tibetan Prayer Flags in Tibet

Is it disrespectful to hang Tibetan prayer flags as an overseas traveler? Definitely, not. However, as the saying goes “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Certain taboos and etiquettes merit your attention as you hang Tibetan prayer flags in Tibet.

Respect the Tibetan prayer flags. Since Tibetan prayer flags are considered to be holy with Buddhist mantras and symbols. Please do not write your name on it, or scribble and vandalize it, and avoid stepping over, sitting on them, or putting them on the ground.

Follow the correct order of colors ( blue, white, red, green, and yellow ) to hang Tibetan prayer flags. Mixing up the order is considered improper and disrespectful.

Additionally, when hanging Tibetan prayer flags at treacherous mountain passes, make sure you have stable footing and be cautious to avoid slipping near the cliffs.

It’s best to hang Tibetan prayer flags on a clear and windy day. In Tibetan tradition, hanging them during storms or on overcast days is believed to reduce their ability to spread blessings.

Finally, if you’re unsure whether you can hang Tibetan prayer flags at a religious site, such as a monastery or a sacred mountain, it’s best to ask your guide for advice.

Conclusion

Hanging colorful Tibetan prayer flags is one of the best Tibetan travel experiences to spread your blessings and good fortune. If you have more questions about Tibetan culture and traditions and Tibet travel, don’t hesitate to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Looking forward to hanging Tibetan prayer flags with you in Tibet soon. Tashi Delek!