
Safety Tips for Attending Tibet Winter Festivals
In Tibet, winter spans from November to February, a season brimming with vibrant festivals. On the 25th day of the 10th Tibetan lunar month, the Butter Lamp Festival commemorates the passing of Tsongkhapa, with monasteries and homes adorned with thousands of butter lamps. The Tibetan New Year, starting on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month, is a time for family reunions, traditional feasts, and lively celebrations. The Fairy Festival on the 15th day of the 10th lunar month honors the goddess Palden Lhamo, and women dress up, offer prayers, and receive blessings. Finally, the Butter Sculpture Festival on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month features intricate butter sculptures and illuminated displays. While these festivals offer unique cultural experiences, taking safety precautions is crucial to ensure an enjoyable and trouble-free trip.
Health Precautions in Tibetan Festival Tours
Tibet's winter brings harsh conditions: low temperatures, thin air, low pressure, and reduced oxygen levels, making altitude sickness more likely. Before arriving, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and consider taking altitude-sickness medications like Rhodiola to help your body acclimatize. In the first three days after arrival, rest as much as possible, limit physical activity, and refrain from bathing. Avoid venturing into areas above 5,000 meters immediately. If you experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, or breathing difficulties, seek medical help promptly. Maintain a light diet, drink plenty of water, and warm beverages like butter tea, sweet tea, and hot soups. Steer clear of raw, cold, and spicy foods, and opt for easily digestible meals rich in vegetables and fruits. With extreme temperature variations, especially at night, bundle up with thick coats, down jackets, warm hats, scarves, and gloves, especially during outdoor festivities to prevent frostbite. Given the intense sunlight and high UV radiation, wear sunglasses marked “UV400” or “100% UV protection,” especially in snowy or glacial areas to avoid snow blindness. It’s also a must to apply high-SPF sunscreen and use moisturizers to protect your skin. Also, be cautious around frozen lakes; even if the ice looks thick, it may not be stable enough to walk on, so stay away from the ice surfaces.
Cultural Respect Guidelines
When participating in festivals, respecting local customs is essential. In religious ceremonies, never photograph monks or locals without permission; this is a serious breach of etiquette. When entering temples, remove your hat and sunglasses, walk around halls in a clockwise direction, and never step on the door thresholds. During kora (circumambulation), follow the crowd and move clockwise, and avoid touching prayer flags, mani stones, or butter lamps. Instead of pointing at sacred mountains, holy lakes, or religious structures with your finger, gesture with your palm facing upward. When interacting with Tibetan people, greet them with a smile and a “Tashi Delek.” Accept gifts or food with both hands, and avoid discussing sensitive topics. By showing respect, you'll not only have a more harmonious experience but also gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture.
Conclusion
Attending Tibet's winter festivals is a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in rich traditions and witness unique celebrations. Prepare well, stay vigilant, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Tibet.
34 Comment ON "Safety Tips for Attending Tibet Winter Festivals"
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.