Travel guide
Dos, Don’ts & Cultural Etiquette in Tibet
Tibetan culture is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, respect for sacred spaces, and warm hospitality. Observing local customs and religious taboos ensures a smooth and rewarding travel experience.
Monastery & Religious Etiquette
Walk Clockwise: Always circle monasteries, stupas (chortens), mani stone mounds, and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction (the traditional Tibetan Buddhist circumambulation). Note: Only Bon religion shrines are circled counter-clockwise.
Dress Modestly: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. Avoid shorts, skirts above the knee, tank tops, and hats or sunglasses inside temple chapels.
Step Over Thresholds: Never step directly on the raised wooden threshold of a monastery gate, temple entrance, or private home; always step cleanly over it.
Use an Open Hand to Gesture: When referring to a sacred statue, thangka, or monk, gesture with an open, upturned palm rather than pointing with a single finger.
Do Not Touch Sacred Objects: Refrain from touching altars, Buddha statues, ritual implements, or religious scriptures. Never step over prayer flags, holy texts, or offerings.
Quiet & Decorum: Keep your voice low, silence mobile phones, and avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or public displays of romantic affection in monastic courtyards and prayer halls.
Social Interactions & Body Language
Greeting with Respect: The traditional greeting is “Tashi Delek” (meaning blessings, auspiciousness, and good fortune). If someone presents you with a Khata (a ceremonial white silk scarf), receive it respectfully using both hands and a slight bow.
Never Touch the Head: In Tibetan culture, the head is considered the sacred seat of the soul and spiritual energy. Do not touch or pat anyone’s head, including young children and monks.
Mind Your Feet: When seated on a carpet or low bench in a local home or teahouse, cross your legs or tuck your feet beneath you. Pointing the soles of your feet directly at individuals, altars, or monks is considered impolite.
Giving and Receiving: Always use both hands (or your right hand supported at the wrist by your left) when offering or accepting tea, gifts, business cards, or payments.
Photography, Environment & Safety
Monastery Interior Photography: Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside the main chapels and prayer halls of most monasteries (unless a specific fee is posted and paid with permission from the resident lamas). You may photograph exterior courtyards and architecture freely.
Ask Before Photographing People: Always ask for permission before taking portrait photos of monks, pilgrims, or local residents.
Sensitive Checkpoints & Infrastructure: Never photograph or record military personnel, police checkpoints, government administrative buildings, or border infrastructure.
Animal & Environmental Care: Do not disturb wildlife or domestic animals wearing red, yellow, or green ribbons, as they are dedicated religious offerings. Keep a safe distance from working yaks and Tibetan mastiffs. Practice a strict “Leave No Trace” approach on high-altitude trails and lakeshores.
Conversational Sensitivity: Refrain from initiating sensitive political discussions with your local guide, driver, or monks in public venues, as this can create significant security concerns for local hosts.