What is the Lifestyle of the Tibetans?

Learning about Tibetans' life and culture before traveling to Tibet will not only make your trip more colorful and meaningful, but also help you better integrate into the Tibetan atmosphere. Moreover, avoiding misunderstandings and conflicts is necessary. In fact, a trip to Tibet is not only a matter about taking pictures and clocking in, but also a process of establishing connections with Tibetans. This kind of tour in Tibet will make you touch a string.

What Do Tibetans Wear?

The Tibetan robe is the main clothing of Tibetans, usually made of thick wool or silk, with wide sleeves and ankle-length robes. Because the temperature difference between day and night is large and the climate is changeable, the design of Tibetan robes is both warm and easy to regulate body temperature. During the day, when the temperature rises, they can easily take off one sleeve to keep cool. When Tibetans graze and farm, they can take off one sleeve to work more flexibly due to the loose design of Tibetan robes, which is also a habit in their daily life. Tibetan robes are in a variety of colors, including black, brown, red and blue. The patterns are mostly geometric patterns or traditional religious symbols.

Tibetans like to wear a variety of hats, such as felt hats, leather hats, and monk hats. The shape and material of hats vary by region and season.

Tibetans usually wear long boots, which are made of leather. The waterproof and warm functions facilitate walking in the complex terrain of the plateau, especially in winter and rainy season.

Where Do Tibetans Live?

In rural and pastoral areas, Tibetans usually live in Tibetan style houses, built on higher and sunny places to adapt to the climate of the plateau. Their traditional Tibetan houses mainly consist of tents and adobe houses. Tibetans use tents as temporary shelters to deal with the changing seasons and pastures. Tents are usually made of cow hair or wool, which hold the properties of being good thermal. You can spend a night at Rongbuk Tent Guest House when you visit Everest Base Camp. In agricultural areas, Tibetans live in adobe houses made of building materials mixed with earth and grass, with thick walls that can withstand cold climates.

Tips on Meeting Tibetan People When Traveling in Tibet

When getting along with Tibetans, respect and understanding are the most important principles. The Tibetans are warm and hospitable, but their culture and customs are unique.

Tibetans tend to give "Hada" to their honorable guests. When you accept a gift like Hada, please accept it with both hands as a sign of respect. It is a taboo that pass something with your left hand. Do not step on the threshold of a Tibetan family or enter the bedroom at will. When taking photos of Tibetans or their life scenes, it is necessary to obtain the consent of the Tibetans to avoid invasion of privacy. When turning in monasteries or sacred mountains, walk clockwise. Besides, when drinking Tibetan butter tea, after the host pours the tea, you should dip your ring finger in the tea and bounce it three times to show respect and then drink it. When eating Tibetan tsampa, do not use your left hand. When entering the monastery, take off your hat and sunglasses, and do not step on the threshold. Do not make loud noises in the monastery or touch Buddha statues. And do not take pictures without permission. When watching religious ceremonies, keep quiet and do not walk around or interrupt the ceremonies.