In the majestic Himalayas, Tibet holds numerous ancient traditions rooted in its Buddhist beliefs. Despite the rapid pace of modernization, Tibet has successfully preserved the majority of these customs, drawing tourists from across the globe.

In this article, we'll explore Tibetan traditions: where they come from, why they matter, and if they're still important today. Come along as we explore the mysteries of Tibetan culture and see if these special customs are thriving in today's world.

No.1 Tibetan Traditions: Tibetan Traditional Clothes - Most of Us Still Wear them

Tibetan traditional clothing stands as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. The distinctive features of Tibetan clothing include the chuba, a long robe worn by both men and women, is characterized by big garment front, long sleeves, loose waist, and a large lapel.

To shield against wind and cold while looking stylish, chubas are typically crafted from leather or silk, adorned with vibrant patterns and intricate embroidery. They are quite long, requiring them to be pulled up at the waist and fastened with a band. In hot weather, wearers may bare one or both arms. At night, the sleeves can be removed, and the robe can serve as bedding.

Today, young Tibetans opt for jeans and T-shirts for everyday work comfort. Yet, older generations continue to favor Tibetan clothing for its warmth. Nonetheless, everyone will wear their Tibetan cloth for special occasions like festivals or family birthdays. As you wander the streets of Lhasa, you'll often encounter people dressed in chuba spinning prayer wheels.

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Tour Route: Lhasa

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No.2 Tibetan Traditions: Kora - Most of Us Still Do it in Every Morning or Evening 

Our daily lives are deeply entwined with traditions. One such integral practice is the Kora, where individuals walk around sacred sites like temples and monasteries as an act of devotion, often undertaken during the early morning when the atmosphere encourages contemplation.

Check for detailed information about: What is Kora in Tibet? The Most Popular Kora Tourists Can Join in during a Tibet Trip.

During the kora, we Tibetans engage in activities such as spinning prayer wheels, reciting mantras, and offering prayers as they progress. It's believed that this practice accumulates merit and purifies negative karma, nurturing spiritual evolution and enlightenment. Among these rituals, the kora around Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa festival stands as one of the grandest.

The daily kora in Tibet not only serves as a religious practice but also fosters a sense of communal unity, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. Spinning prayer wheels around Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace forms a unique scene, with Tibetan Buddhist devotees and numerous tourists participating.

Our client is following the local pilgrims to experience the holy Barkhor Kora.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

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No.3 Tibetan Traditions: Singing and Dancing - Most of Us are Still Good at it 

In Tibet, singing and dancing are integral to our culture. We sing not just during festivals but also while working. Singing infuses rhythm into our labor, easing fatigue and preventing monotony. Farmers sing in groups while tending to their fields, and nomadic herders have their own songs for every aspect of their daily lives.

Tibetan dance is equally captivating. It emphasizes the synchronized use of feet, knees, waist, chest, hands, shoulders, head, and eyes. Male dancers display refined upper body movements akin to a majestic lion, exuding strength and vigor typical of plateau men. Conversely, female dancers exhibit graceful and reserved upper body motions, evoking a sense of health and beauty.

Men perform Tibet traditional dance.

To immerse tourists in the enchanting world of Tibetan culture, we arrange special performances, such as the one featured in our 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour. Following your return from EBC to Shigatse, you'll be taken to a local Langma Hall for a traditional Tibetan dance performance and celebratory dinner with fellow travelers.

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Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

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No.4 Tibetan Traditions: Vegetarian - Most of Us Still Don’t Eat Meat on Good Dates

In our Tibetan culture, there are certain auspicious dates and festivals where it is common for people to refrain from eating meat. The Saga Dawa Festival, in particular, is a significant occasion in Tibetan Buddhism. During this time, many Tibetans observe a vegetarian diet as a form of spiritual practice and compassion towards all sentient beings.

Similarly, on the 15th and 30th days of the Tibetan lunar calendar, which correspond to the full moon and new moon respectively, some Tibetans also abstain from consuming meat. These days are considered spiritually significant, and adherents may choose to engage in various religious practices such as offering prayers, performing rituals, and observing dietary restrictions.

In addition to abstaining from consuming meat, we Tibetans refrain from killing animals on these significant dates. We believe that by doing so, we demonstrate reverence for our Buddhist beliefs.

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No.5 Tibetan Traditions: Tibetan Languages - We Speak Tibetan Languages

To this day, Tibetan languages remains widely spoken and deeply ingrained in our daily lives. Standard Tibetan is widely used in education, administration, and media across Tibetan-inhabited regions.

For instance, presently in Tibet, the educational curriculum mandates that every student engages in a comprehensive study of the Tibetan language and structured Tibetan language classes are integrated into their daily schedules. Additionally, students are evaluated through a series of rigorous exams designed to assess their proficiency in the Tibetan language.

While traveling in Tibet, tourists have the opportunity to learn basic Tibetan language skills. Armed with a handful of essential phrases and expressions, they can initiate meaningful conversations with the local Tibetans they meet along their journey. This proactive approach not only promotes cultural exchange but also unlocks doors to genuine experiences.

No.6 Tibetan Traditions: Festivals - All are Well-Preserved

The traditional Tibetan festivals provide opportunities for cultural expression and most of them are well-preserved. Some of the most important Tibetan festivals include Losar and Saga Dawa festival.

Tibetan New Year, known locally as Losar, is the most popular and biggest festival in Tibet. It is similar to the Chinese New Year, and is always held on the first day of the New Year in the Tibetan calendar. Losar is a celebration of new beginnings and fresh starts, of praying for a bountiful and prosperous year, and of being with family at the most important days of the year.

Tibetan Opera during the Losar.

The Saga Dawa Festival, an annual event of profound significance in Tibetan culture, commemorates the life of Buddha by honoring his birth, death, and enlightenment. Throughout the festival, pilgrims flock to sacred sites such as the Jokhang Temple and Mount Kailash to offer prayers, light butter lamps, and perform kora as acts of devotion and merit-making.

Joining our Tibet festival tour to experience the most thrilling festivities with locals presents a remarkable opportunity to delve deep into the heart of our cultural heritage!

No.7 Tibetan Traditions: Tibetan Teahouses - We Enjoy Teahouses Time a Lot

For us Tibetans, teahouses are equivalent to coffee shops for Westerners. Tea is an essential part of the daily Tibetan diet, as reflected in our saying: "It's better to go three days without food than one day without tea."

Teahouses hold a special place in Tibetan culture, where people gather to connect, converse, and unwind over steaming cups of butter tea. Tibetan tea houses offer a diverse selection of beverages, including the famed Tibetan sweet tea and traditional butter tea called "po cha." They also serve snacks like tsampa, pastries, and Tibetan noodles.

In the bustling streets of Lhasa or the remote mountain villages, teahouses serve as focal points of community life. Imagine yourself sitting in one, indulging in sweets with locals after a day of sightseeing. This experience will rejuvenate both your body and mind, preparing you for your next adventure.

Tibetans enjoy tea in traditional teahouse.

No.8 Tibetan Traditions: Linka - We Enjoy Linka in Summer

During the summer in Tibet, Linka, the Tibetan picnic, is highly favored among us. Despite the short duration of summer in Tibet owing to its distinctive geography and environmental factors, people eagerly embrace this fleeting moment of tranquility.

Linka is also an emotional bond, a gathering of loved ones to express emotions and attitudes, to commune with nature, and to enjoy the leisure and contentment of summer. With a pot of butter tea, a cup of barley wine, a basket of dried beef, and a group of friends who are skilled in singing and dancing, these moments will definitely be the highlights of summer days.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, we also engage in card games and various other games during the Linka period. There are also performances such as Tibetan dance performances, archery, and horse riding competitions. Moreover, in certain locations, religious ceremonies take place at the height of the Linka gatherings.

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No.9 Tibetan Traditions: Dietary Habit - We Still Regard Tibetan Barley as our Daily Food

Tibetan barley holds a revered status in our culture and is indispensable in our daily lives. Even today, we still consider Tibetan barley our staple food. Cultivated in the high-altitude regions of Tibet, this resilient grain not only sustains livelihoods but also symbolizes our cultural identity.

Barley is the cornerstone of Tibetan cuisine and nutrition, providing sustenance in various forms throughout the day. Tsampa, a food made from roasted barley flour, is a dietary staple consumed by Tibetans from breakfast to dinner. Mixed with butter tea or yogurt, tsampa forms a nutritious and filling meal that fuels the body for the demanding tasks of high-altitude living.

Tibetans sing in the barley fields.

Tibetan barley also finds its way into the production of traditional barley wine, known as chang." This alcoholic beverage holds a significant place in Tibetan social gatherings, religious ceremonies, and festive celebrations. Brewed from fermented barley grains, chang is cherished for its robust flavor and intoxicating aroma, adding warmth and conviviality to communal gatherings.

Moreover, barley is central to religious rituals and ceremonies, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. Barley grains are offered as sacred offerings during religious festivals and ceremonies, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between Tibetan agriculture and spiritual beliefs.

No.10 Tibetan Traditions: Loyalty - We Still Show High Loyalty to Family

Familial bonds are regarded with utmost reverence in Tibetan culture, embodying a profound sense of loyalty. Family ties are not merely social constructs but are deeply rooted in spiritual and cultural values, shaping the fabric of Tibetan society.

From a young age, Tibetans are instilled with the importance of honoring their familial lineage and carrying forward traditions. This loyalty extends beyond immediate family members to encompass extended relatives. In times of need, Tibetans rally together to provide support and assistance. This fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity, where individuals find strength in the collective wisdom and support of their kin.

Tibetan Family with two Kids.

To help tourists gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan family life and our values, we organize special family visits during the journey. For example, in most of our Tibet small group tour packages, while strolling along the picturesque shores of Yamdrok Lake, you'll have the chance to visit a local family and share a lunch with them.

Lost Tibetan Traditions: It’s Hard to See Nomadic People’s Life Nowadays

In modern Tibet, while the traditional nomadic lifestyle is gradually giving way to modernization, North Tibet and the Amdo region still proudly uphold this distinctive way of life. These areas offer tourists the opportunity to immerse themselves in the nomadic culture.

Traditionally, nomadic herders roamed the vast Tibetan Plateau with their yak and sheep, embodying a unique way of life deeply intertwined with the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of generations past. Rapid urbanization significantly challenges the nomadic lifestyle, with many families shifting to permanent settlements.

Yet, in regions like Amdo and parts of Northern Tibet like Nagchu, nomadic traditions endure. These places are home to the unique nomadic culture and splendid natural scenery. Here, practices such as yak herding, traditional tent-dwelling, and seasonal migrations persist, showcasing a profound connection to the land and nature's harmony.

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Lost Tibetan Traditions: Most of us Can’t Ride Horse Any More

The art of horse riding holds a revered place in Tibetan culture, symbolizing skill, agility, and a deep connection with the rugged landscapes. However, in contemporary times, this cherished tradition is dwindling, with fewer Tibetans retaining the ability to ride horses proficiently.

As nomadic families settle into sedentary lifestyles or migrate to urban centers, opportunities for learning and practicing horse riding shrinks. However, there are grand festivals like the Nagqu Horse Festival, where tourists can witness breathtaking horse races and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere firsthand.

On the festival day, the herdsmen dress in magnificent ethnic costumes, adorned with uniquely Tibetan ornaments. Colorful tents are pitched around the racetrack, embellishing the lush grassland with vibrant hues. The opening ceremony features a grand entrance procession and captivating horse racing, accompanied by a spectacular musical and dance performance.

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Tour Route: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Yampanchen - Nagqu - Lhasa

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Conclusion

Tibet stands as a timeless bastion of cultural richness, where traditions are deeply rooted in the fabric of daily life and spiritual expression. As we traverse the landscapes of Tibetan heritage, we witness a tapestry woven with threads of reverence, resilience, and community spirit.

Many cherished traditions continue to flourish and others are resiliently adapting to the currents of modernity. The resounding echoes of horse hooves and the rhythmic chants of kora pilgrims serve as reminders of the enduring legacy of Tibetan culture, urging us to preserve and honor these timeless traditions.