Some Do’s and Don’ts in Tibet

Tibet is a beautiful place to visit but like any other places this place also has many things a tourist should pay heed on. There is something people must do and there are things people mustn’t do. Likewise there are lots of things in Tibet a tourist shouldn’t miss to do and there are things people should avoid doing.

Do’s

People in Tibet are very peaceful and respect each other very much. Do try to be good with them and treat them with respect. Try to follow their culture when you are in Tibet.
Take your time to get acclimatized in the Tibetan altitude and climate before beginning your adventure.
Carry a bit of cash with you in Tibet. ATMs in Tibet are known to trouble the tourist some times and only from the Bank of China you can draw your money.
Always try and travel Tibet in between April to October. This time presents you the best of Tibet, because in this period the climate will be very pleasant and many festivals will be eagerly waiting to entertain you.
Always try and plan your Tibet visit from a travel agent in Nepal, China or Indian agencies near the Tibetan border. The accommodations and travelling in the Tibet are full of reservation throughout the year and you might get trouble finding accommodation and transportation services.
Bring a beautiful gift from Tibet when you return home.
Get your travel permit through your travel agency. Since they know how to help you accurately getting Visa or Travel Permit for Tibet will be easier for you if you approach through your Travel agent.
Always bring a first aid kid with you which includes few medicines for colds, headaches, stomach troubles or other minor ailments.
Always remember to bring sun block cream and sunglasses with you along with a wide brim hat. Due the high altitude and thin air, the sun glare and UV radiation in Tibet will be pretty high and these things will help you keep your skin and eyes safe.
At the emergencies, always the air route out of Tibet. On road routes are long, harsh and often blocked in weathers.
Visit Potala palace, Norbulingka Palace and other monumental places. This is a great opportunity to study the ancient architecture, beauty and art of preservation too.
Try and learn from Tibetans about how the ancient places and monuments should be preserved.
When you are rotating a temple or a monastery or a Stupa, always do it in clockwise fashion.
Donate a few Yuan to the religious beggars. This is considered an act of merit.

Don’ts

Tibetan people are very sensitive about their religion and beliefs. Please do not talk on the sensitive topics like Tibetan politics and Religion. Do not disrespect them.
Never address a Tibetan directly by his/her name. You can use suffix like “La”, “Agyi” or “Ajog”.
Don’t ever touch a Tibetans head. They believe god resides in your head and they might get offended if you touch them in their head.
Try and be a little civilized and give them their privacy. Don’t wander around taking photographs of Tibetan people without permission. Yes Tibetan people are beautiful and unique in many ways and people do get tempted to photograph them but at least ask them first.
Do not eat animals like FISH, DOG, DONKEY, BIRD and HORSE. Tibetan people think these are Scared animals and do not feed on them.
Do not push yourself in the high altitude. The level of Oxygen in the High altitude will be low and may cause you exhaustion too fast. Do not ignore the local’s and guide’s advice on these matter.
Never receive a gift from a Tibetan host with one hand. It’s considered rude, impolite and ignorant.
Chinese officials are very wary on matters like Tibetan freedom kind of stuffs. Avoid this topic in Tibet or else you might get in trouble.
There in a limitation on how much a tourist can buy in Tibet, especially if it’s an antique. Never buy more than that limitation. Chinese officials are known seize your stuffs if they find out you have bought too much.
Never take on road routes in winters and rainy seasons. Roads are flooded and blocked and you might get stuck in middle of nowhere.
Never carry prohibited materials like knife or a dagger in your travel; even if it’s a souvenir, you’re taking back to your place. If you have such items you can always mail it via airmail to your address.
Never give money to the non religious beggar. Just wave them off as the locals do.