Festivals and Customs

Major Festivals Celebrated in Tibet

• Losar (Tibetan New Year)

Celebrated in February or March, this is Tibet’s most important festival, marking the new year with prayers, dances, and family gatherings.

• Saga Dawa

Takes place in the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar (usually May or June), commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha with prayers and pilgrimages.

• Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival)

Held in August, famous for traditional Tibetan opera performances and the unveiling of giant thangka paintings.

• Monlam Prayer Festival

Celebrated in the first month of the Tibetan calendar, featuring large-scale prayer ceremonies in monasteries.

• Bathing Festival

Usually held in late summer, people perform ritual bathing for purification.

• Ganden Thangka Unveiling

Occurs during the Shoton Festival at Ganden Monastery, featuring the display of a massive thangka painting.

• Butter Lamp Festival

Celebrated on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, where thousands of butter lamps are lit for spiritual blessings.

• Horse Racing Festival

Common in pastoral areas, involving traditional horse races, archery, and folk music.

• Damxung Horse Festival

A lively event held in Damxung County, showcasing traditional Tibetan sports and celebrations.

Do's and Dont's

Tibet Do’s

• Do dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries and temples.
• Do remove your shoes before entering religious buildings.
• Do show respect to all Buddha statues and religious artifacts.
• Do be quiet and calm inside temples and sacred places.
• Do ask permission before taking photos, especially of monks or inside temples.
• Do try local Tibetan cuisine and drink butter tea.
• Do greet with a gentle bow or clasped hands (like a Namaste).
• Do carry your travel permits and identification at all times.

Tibet Don’ts

• Don’t touch anyone’s head, as it’s considered sacred.
• Don’t point your feet towards religious objects or people.
• Don’t shout or cause disturbances in monasteries or public places.
• Don’t photograph restricted areas or military zones.
• Don’t show disrespect to the Dalai Lama or Tibetan religious figures.
• Don’t enter a monastery or temple if you are intoxicated.
• Don’t litter or damage natural and cultural sites.
• Don’t forget to carry all necessary permits for travel within Tibet.

Activities

Activities to Do in Tibet

• Trekking and Hiking
• Visiting Monasteries and Temples
• Exploring Tibetan Markets
• Yak Safari and Horseback Riding
• Mountaineering and Climbing
• River Rafting on the Yarlung Tsangpo
• Cultural Festivals and Dance Performances
• Meditation and Spiritual Retreats
• Visiting High-Altitude Lakes
• Exploring Tibetan Villages and Countryside
• Photography of Stunning Landscapes
• Experiencing Traditional Tibetan Cuisine

VISA & Processing

Visa Services for Tibet Travel

• Visitors who wish to travel to Tibet must first obtain a valid Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. The Tibet Travel Permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and is mandatory for all foreign visitors.

Visa Application:

• Apply for a Chinese visa at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
• Submit your original passport with at least 6 months validity.
• Provide a completed visa application form, recent passport-sized photos, and supporting documents as required by the embassy.

Tibet Travel Permit:

• Must be arranged through a registered travel agency in Tibet or China.
• The permit usually takes 7-10 working days to process.
• It allows entry and travel within Tibet and must be carried at all times.

Important Notes:

• Solo independent travel in Tibet is not permitted; all travelers must book a guided tour with a licensed operator.
• Some regions in Tibet require additional permits (such as the Alien’s Travel Permit or Military Permit).
• Always carry your travel permits and identification documents when traveling in Tibet.