Tibat Travel Basics for Foreign Tourists: Must-Know Pre-Trip Info

This article is packed with useful information for first-time travelers to Tibet. It's carefully compiled to clear up common misunderstandings and guide you toward a more authentic experience.

Tibet Isn't Just Snowy Plateaus

You might picture Tibet as nothing but vast, cold, barren highlands—but let's flip that script! In southeastern Tibet, there's a spot called Nyingchi, often nicknamed "Tibet's Little Switzerland." Thanks to its lower elevation (compared to other Tibetan regions) and warm, moist winds from the Indian Ocean, Nyingchi stays mild and lush year-round. Think dense forests, the thundering Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, and in spring, hillsides covered in soft pink peach blossoms. It's where Tibet swaps its "wild plateau" vibe for something gentle and vibrant—perfect if you want to ease into high-altitude travel or just chase stunning nature photos.

Sky Burial: A Sacred Ritual, Not a Spectacle

Here's a big one to get right: sky burial, a traditional Tibetan funeral practice, is often misunderstood as "scary" from the outside—but it's actually one of the most sacred acts in Tibetan Buddhism. For Tibetans, the body is just an empty shell once the soul leaves, so giving it to vultures (seen as messengers to the gods) is the final, greatest "gift" to nature. It's a quiet, private ceremony—no photos, no gawking, and definitely no interruptions. As a visitor, your job is simple: respect. Stay away from known sky burial sites, don't ask locals to take you there, and honor their belief that this moment is for the deceased and their families, not tourists.

Mobile Payment Works Almost Everywhere

In cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, even small tea shops, street food stalls, and monastery donation boxes have WeChat Pay or Alipay QR codes. It's so common, locals barely carry cash anymore. This is a huge win for you—no need to haul around piles of yuan or worry about exchanging money in tiny towns. Just link your international card to a mobile payment app and you'll be good to go for most meals, souvenirs, and even taxi rides. The only time you might need cash? Super remote villages—but those are rarely on first-time tourist routes.

Number 13 Is Lucky Here—Forget the Western Taboo

If you cringe at the number 13 back home, let that habit go in Tibet! In Tibetan Buddhism, 13 is a sacred, lucky number—think "completion" or "spiritual perfection." The Potala Palace has 13 floors, Buddhist stupas often have 13 rings on their spires, and even prayer flags are sometimes strung in sets of 13. So don't hesitate if a hotel gives you a room on the 13th floor or a tour group has 13 people—it's a good sign, not a bad one! It is said that pilgrims must complete the outer kora thirteen times around Mount Kailash before they are eligible to attempt the inner kora.

The Potala Palace's Walls Are Sweet

The Potala Palace's iconic red and white walls aren't just pretty—they're made with sugar! The white walls get their smooth, glossy finish from a mix of local lime, milk, honey, and even a little sugar. This isn't just for looks: the sweet ingredients make the paint stick better and resist rain damage. Every year after the monsoon, Lhasa holds a "Painting Festival" where locals gather to mix fresh "sweet paint" and splash it on the walls.

Everest Base Camp: Get Up Close to the World's Tallest Peak

Everest Base Camp (EBC) is where you can stand eye-to-eye with the 8,848-meter giant. Located at 5,200 meters, the base camp is where you can watch the sunrise turn the summit pink at dawn, or gaze at stars so bright they feel close enough to touch at night. Just remember: high altitude can hit hard here, so take it slow, drink plenty of water.

Tibet's Monasteries: More Than 1,000 Spiritual Gems

Tibetan Buddhism is at the heart of local life, and that means there are over 1,000 monasteries scattered across the region (once there were 7,000!). Among Tibet's foremost religious sites are Lhasa's Jokhang Temple, the region's holiest sanctuary, and Sera Monastery, where monks engage in captivating daily debates. Not to be missed is Shigatse's majestic Tashilhunpo Monastery. There's even Rongbuk Monastery, at 5,009 meters—the world's highest monastery, right near Everest Base Camp. If you're into off-the-beaten-path spots, just reach out to us.

The Tibetan Lunar Calendar: Plan for Festivals Like Losar

Tibet uses its own lunar calendar, and it's key to knowing when to visit for big cultural events. The biggest one? Losar, the Tibetan New Year, which usually falls between late January and early March. During Losar, streets are decorated with colorful prayer flags, families feast on traditional dishes like "khapse" (fried pastries), and you'll see locals dancing and singing in squares. If you time your trip right, you'll get to join in the celebrations—but even if you don't, knowing the calendar helps avoid missing other events, like the Shoton Festival in August. Just ask us for a yearly Tibetan festival guide—we'll help you align your trip with the fun!

Conclusion
With these insights in hand, you're all set to embark on a Tibetan adventure that is well-prepared, culturally respectful, and deeply meaningful.