Top Tibetan Culture Facts to Know before Travelling to Tibet

Tibet has one of the most unique cultures in the world and knowing a few facts beforehand can help you to appreciate its beauty and complexity even more. Here are the top seven facts to know before traveling to Tibet.

Featured Tibetan Culture 1: Lhasa is the Heart of Tibetan Culture and Religion

Lhasa is the heart of Tibetan culture and religion and is the lifeblood of Tibetan civilization. It has been a sacred city for thousands of years and remains the most significant cultural and religious center in the Tibetan Plateau.

As the cultural and religious center of Tibet, there are a plethora of sacred sites and monasteries to visit for all faiths. A great way to experience the spiritualism and beauty of Lhasa is to take our classic 4-day Lhasa city tour.

You can take in the awe-inspiring architecture of Potala Palace, experience serenity in the Jokhang Temple, explore the cobbled streets of Barkhor Street and its vast array of souvenirs, and enjoy the indulgence of the many restaurants, cafes and teahouses in the city.

Whether it be sight-seeing, shopping or just soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, Lhasa has something to offer all visitors.

Featured Tibetan Culture 2: There are around 1700 Monasteries and Temples across Tibet

A trip to Tibet is not complete without a visit to one of its many monasteries and temples. Tibetan monasteries are considered important monuments for Buddhists and pilgrims and are a must-see attraction.

One of the top choices includes the Jokhang Temple – one of the oldest temples in Tibet and the holiest destination for pilgrims on their journey.

The Sera Monastery, set in a natural environment, is one of the three largest monasteries in the area and features extensive structures including chapels, and prayer halls.

The Pelkor Monastery is known for its unique architecture which blends Chinese and Tibetan styles.

Last but not least, the Tashilhunpo Monastery is an important landmark and is known for its collection of art, statues and icons.

All of these monasteries and temples will offer you a valuable insight into Tibet’s history and culture.

Featured Tibetan Culture 3: Doing Kora is the Daily Religious Practice of Tibetans

Kora is an essential part of the religious practice of Tibetan people. This daily practice is seen as an act of faith and devotion.

Kora is a popular pilgrimage route in Tibet, and those who engage in it will often wear special clothes and ornaments and carry prayer beads.

Tibetans kora can take different forms, such as walking walking and spinning cylinders of prayer wheels around mountains, lakes, or temples and monasteries. Along with spiritual significance, kora is also said to be a practice with health benefits, as it helps build stamina and strength.

One of the most famous kora routes is the kora of Mt. Kailash, which has been a sacred mountain for centuries. Similarly, Namtso Lake is also a popular kora route due to its spiritual significance.

A kora is always done in clockwise motion to signify that reality is always in progress and time is passing. When you join the locals to experience the kora, do remember this tradition and behave as them do.

Featured Tibetan Culture 4: Tea House is One of the Most Favorite Places for Tibetans

The Tea House is one of the most beloved places for Tibetans. It is a place where their culture, history and experiences blend together.

Without a doubt, sweet tea is an important aspect of Tibetan culture, and the tea house in Lhasa is the best place to experience that. Even those who don't personally enjoy sweet tea find that sitting in a tea house, surrounded by locals and tourists, is an unforgettable experience.

On top of that, the tea house is a great place to try traditional Tibetan food! From sweet Tsampa and Momo dumplings to salty yak butter tea, the Tea House satisfies the taste buds.

As far as activities, the Tibetans can interact with one another and get to know each other better in a tea house.

So if you ever find yourself in Lhasa, be sure to stop by the Tea House to experience true Tibetan culture and hospitality.

Featured Tibetan Culture 5: Many Tibetan Festivals are Unique to the Region

Tibet is home to many unique festivals throughout the year, all of which are important to Tibetans.

Perhaps the most well-known and important festival is the Tibetan New Year, which is celebrated in the first few days of the first lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar.

During this festival, Tibetans celebrate the New Year with traditional activities such as hanging new prayer flags on the rooftop and visiting friends and relatives.

The traditional Saga Dawa Festival takes place in the fourth lunar month. On this day, Tibetans congregate in monasteries to honor Sakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, while offering prayers and donations.

Lastly, from the end of the sixth lunar month to the beginning of the seventh lunar month, Tibetans celebrate the Shoton Festival with dances, theatrical plays and horse races.

During this period, the Buddhist scriptures commanded by Buddha himself are unrolled and displayed at the Drepung Monastery for the world to admire. This event is known to draw huge crowds from all over Tibet.

Featured Tibetan Culture 6: Monks and Lamas in Tibet are Allowed to Eat Meat

In Tibet, many monks and Lamas are allowed to eat meat as part of their daily diet.

The main reason for this is due to the scarcity of vegetables on the Tibetan Plateau, as well as the harsh climate and environment which make growing them difficult.

While there are meals that are vegetarian, it is not uncommon to see members of the clergy partaking in meat dishes.

Despite this, there are certain taboos that still exist and include refraining from eating certain animal-based foods such as fish, donkey, and horse meat.

Overall, while they are allowed to eat meat, there is still a great respect for those who stick to vegetarianism as a spiritual practice.

Featured Tibetan Culture 7: Most Tibetan Nomads are Still Living the Traditional Lifestyle

Tibetan nomads are a nomadic people who have sustained their traditional lifestyle for thousands of years.

They migrate seasonally with their herds of yaks and sheep, setting up vast tent settlements as they travel across the wide open grasslands of the Tibetan plateau.

Living in tents，these nomads live simply and with great respect for nature and the land they inhabit. The nomads keep herds of yaks and sheep, milk their animals and make butter and cheese from the milk. They also grow crops, such as barley and potatoes.

Tibetan nomads are an important part of Tibetan culture, and their way of life is still alive and well today.

If you’d like to learn more about this ancient way of life, you can visit a tent of Tibetan nomads by travelling with us.

There, you can watch the nomads go about their daily tasks of herding animals, milking them, producing dairy products, producing handicrafts, and making traditional clothing. You’ll gain a unique insight into Tibetan nomads and the traditional Tibetan lifestyle.

Conclusion

From the spiritual Tibetan monasteries to the traditional Tibet nomads, from religious practice of Kora to vivid celebration of Tibetan festivals, Tibet boasts its colorful and unique culture. For culture lovers, you will surely have a meaningful culture tour in Tibet. If you still have any question about Tibet culture or Tibet travel, please feel free to contact us for inquiries.