Welcome to Tibet, a place unlike any other, with unique culture and deep religious beliefs. With thousands of monasteries, sacred mountains and lakes, our home is a special land of holiness and charm. To truly experience the spirit of Tibet, we encourage you to follow some local customs during your visit.

But there is no need to worry too much - Tibetans are all friendly and welcome to tourists. By showing respect for our traditions, you are sure to have a smooth and enjoyable journey. Read this guide to learn more about how to explore Tibet in good manners and make the most of your time here.

Dos and Don’ts When Visiting Temples in Tibet

Buddhist monasteries and temples in Tibet extend a warm welcome to international tourists, and even offer a place to stay overnight in remote areas. However, it is important to observe the following courtesies during your visit:

(1) Dress modestly. Avoid wearing exposed clothes such as too-short skirts and short shorts. Take off your hat and sunglasses when entering a chapel (although there’s generally no need to remove your shoes).

(2) Walk clockwise around stupas, prayer wheels, and other religious objects. Most temples, like Jokhang Temple and Tashilhunpo Monastery are Tibetan Buddhist temples, follow this practice. However, In Bon temples, we need to walk counterclockwise.

(3) Don’t touch or point at the Buddha statues. Do not turn over scriptures, ring bells or drums. Don’t touch religious objects such as amulets and rosary beads of lamas. It is also forbidden to touch scriptures directly with your hands in the hall.

(4) Do be quiet in the temple. Speak softly and avoid interrupting monks or worshippers during their prayers. Avoid being noisy in or near a temple and monasteries.

(5) Do not take pictures or videos without permission. Check for signs or ask for approval before taking photos. Larger monasteries may charge photography fees, though some monks will allow a quick picture for free.

(6) Don’t cross religious implements or braziers.

(7) Avoid eating garlic before visiting. There’s a saying: "Even if the temple is on fire, don't let people who eat garlic enter the temple." Let’s follow the locals’ religious customs.

(8) No smoking is allowed inside the monasteries.

Join our Mount Kailash tour to visit sacred temples and mountains in Tibet.

Dos and Don’ts When Exploring Mountains and Lakes in Tibet

During a Tibet tour, you will probably visit the mountains and lakes, like Mount Kailash and Namtso Lake. These are not only breathtaking attractions but also sacred sites to locals. To ensure a respectful and smooth visit, follow these guidelines:

(1) Avoid polluting the environment. Do not throw garbage anywhere, especially in the lakes. Consider bringing a plastic bag for waste, particularly when you visit remote mountains and lakes in western Tibet.

(2) Do ask for the price and permission if you want to take a photo with a Tibetan Mastiff or yaks at the lakeside or attractions. Most of them will be charged. If you are not interested, do not aim them at the lens.

(3) Stay quiet when crossing snow-capped mountains or passing lakes.

(4) Avoid swimming in Tibet’s sacred lakes, such as Lake Manasarovar, as they are considered holy. Swimming is viewed as disrespectful to the local beliefs and traditions.

(5) Climbing certain mountains, like Mount Kailash, is also forbidden for spiritual reasons. Follow the clockwise direction when kora around the mountains or lakes in Tibet.

(6) Do not touch or destroy the Mani stones. These stones are highly revered in Tibetan Buddhism and used to accumulate merit and blessings. Touching them is considered disrespectful and may disrupt the spiritual energy and intention behind them.

(7) Don't drive away or harm cattle and sheep, especially those with red, yellow, and green cloth in the countryside, as these animals are part of sacrifices to worship the gods.

(8) Do not disturb wildlife or pick plants, as the fragile ecosystem of Tibet deserves special care.

Dos and Don’ts When Dinning in Tibet

Most of us Tibetans follow Buddhism, so our dining culture is deeply influenced by our religion. When dining in Tibet, it’s important to respect our customs to fully enjoy the local flavors and gain a deeper understanding of our culture.

(1) Accept food and drink with both hands when you are invited to a meal. If you are invited to a Tibetan home, remember that it is considered rude to ask for tea or food - just wait for your hosts to offer it.

(2) If you are offered Tibetan butter tea or barley wine, take at least a sip, even if you are not accustomed to the taste. Leaving your cup or plate untouched might be seen as impolite.

(3) Don't stuff your mouth fully or make noises while eating.

(4) Respect Tibetan’s dietary taboos. They don't eat horse, donkey, mule, dog meat or fish.

(5) Don’t cross over the cooking equipment or food, especially when some Tibetans are seated on the ground.

(6) Always express gratitude for the meal, and avoid wasting food, as it is highly valued in this high-altitude region.

Join our Mount Kailash tour for a smooth experience.

Dos and Don’ts When Visiting a Tibetan Family

When touring Tibet, you can also have a chance to visit a local Tibetan family, such as during our Yamdrok Lake tour. On this occasion, follow these etiquettes:

(1) Do not step on threshold when you enter a house or a tent. This act is regarded as disrespectful to the household and its traditions.

(2) It is customary to bring a small gift when visiting a Tibetan family, such as butter tea or barley beer. If the family returns part of your gift or gives you something else in return, please accept it as this is their tradition.

(3) Allow the host to pour the tea or food instead of serving it yourself. When offered tea, accept it with both hands and leave a small amount in your bowl to signify lasting abundance. The host will refill the cup as needed to ensure your cup is never empty.

(4) Cross your legs rather than stretch your legs towards others when you are asked to sit down. It is viewed as rude to show the soles of your feet at people.

(5) Do politely refuse food when you are full. Tibetan hosts are known for their generosity and will keep serving food until there is none left. To politely refuse more, press your palms together and bow slightly to the host as a gesture of gratitude and respect.

(6) When walking together, always let the oldest family member go first. Also, avoid touching the heads of children.

(7) Don’t say any unlucky words or curse in a Tibetan home.

Dos and Don’ts When Buying Souvenirs in Tibet

Barkhor Street is the most popular place to shop for souvenirs, and here you can find kinds of traditional Tibetan handicrafts, prayer beads, and traditional jewelry, etc. When shopping in Tibet, check the following tips:

(1) It’s normal to bargain but always do so respectfully. Avoid over haggling as the artisans and shopkeepers work hard to create their goods.

(2) Do not buy any wild animal fur, wild Tibetan antelope horns, wild yak skulls, etc. to help save wild animals. If you are found carrying these items when leaving Tibet, you may be in big trouble.

(3) You can buy Tibetan knives. But since they are not allowed on the plane back home, you can send them by parcel post before you leave Tibet.

(4) Please verify the authenticity of products such as Tibetan jewelry, thangka paintings or handicrafts before purchasing.

(5) Also remember you need to use RMB when you pay money in Tibet, or you can use mobile payment such as Alipay or Wechat pay.

Do’s and Don’ts When Talking with Local Tibetans

Local Tibetans are friendly and hospitable to international visitors to Tibet. Many of them are willing to talk with you, learn about new things or share their own lives. Communicating with locals can be a rewarding part of your trip.

(1) Do greet Tibetans with a friendly “Tashi Delek”, a traditional Tibetan greeting. Add "la" after the name for politeness when you call or address somebody by name. It’s an equivalent of "Mr." or "Sir" and “madam”.

(2) Don’t put your shoulder casually on the local Tibetan or touch their head even if you have become friends.

(3) If you wish to take a photo of someone, always ask for permission.

(4) Avoid asking questions that invade privacy or are politically sensitive. Respect their traditions and you will find interactions with Tibetans to be warm and enriching.

(5) The locals you will probably interact with the most are your guides. When you arrive in Lhasa, they will greet you with a Hada, which you can kindly accept with both hands.

Join our Lhasa to EBC tour for a hassle-free trip

What If I Accidentally Violent Some Social Rules in Tibet?

Mistakes are inevitable, especially when adjusting to unfamiliar customs. If you accidentally break a social rule, a simple but sincere apology is usually enough. Tibetans are generally tolerant and understanding of tourists who respect their traditions and make an effort to learn.

In addition, when you tour Tibet with us, our local Tibetan guides will provide valuable assistance. They are thoughtful, capable of resolving misunderstandings, and will offer advice to help you avoid similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion

All these Dos and Don’ts reveal the local history and customs of Tibet. Whether it is for environmental protection, personal blessing, or religious beliefs, following these manners will ensure you a more pleasant travel experience in Tibet. If you still have any questions about traveling to Tibet, please contact us for inquiries.