Monastery Etiquette and Taboos in Tibet Tours for First-Time Tourists
Traveling to Tibet means traveling to completely different surroundings. For most tourists, especially those who come to Tibet for the first time, being aware of Tibet's etiquette and taboos is of great importance. Since almost all tourists who travel to Tibet will visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, the purpose of this article is to enable you to have a very smooth and enjoyable experience.
Pay Attention to Your Clothing When Visiting Tibetan Monasteries
As for the question about how you are supposed to dress, clothing that is too revealing, such as shorts, short skirts, and crop tops, as well as garments with overly bright colors and exaggerated styles, are not suitable for visiting Tibetan monasteries. You should choose clothing with appropriate style to show you respect for the monasteries. For women, the length of trousers or skirts should at least exceed the knee. When entering the gate of a monastery, remember to take off your shoes, hat and sunglasses. This is a basic etiquette rule in Tibetan Buddhism culture, showing your respect to the sacred place.
Pay Attention to Your Behaviors When Visiting Tibetan Monasteries
Please don't step on the threshold, when entering a monastery. Try your best to walk quietly and avoid making loud noises or joking around. It is a traditional Tibetan custom to walk in a clockwise direction. This rule originates from the religious concepts of Tibetan Buddhism, such as in the activities of kora and spinning Tibetan prayer wheels, which are all done in a clockwise direction. Therefore, when you visit the main buildings and corridors of the monastery, try to follow this direction. Please follow all the rules of the monastery, such as not entering restricted areas, adhering to the opening hours and visiting routes. Don't touch religious items such as Buddha statues, scriptures, and ritual implements. Photography is generally prohibited in monasteries, especially in the main halls and in front of the statues, to preserve the solemnity and sanctity and to avoid the destruction caused by flashlights and other equipment. Taking photos outside the monastery is permitted. Don't randomly trample, destroy, or move prayer flags and mani stones. Last but not least, smoking is prohibited to keep the air fresh and the environment clean.
Interacting with Monks When Visiting Tibetan Monasteries
If a monk gives you a gift such as a Hada, you should accept it with both hands and express your gratitude. This is a sign of respect for the monk and the religion. When communicating with monks, use honorific titles such as "Lama", rather than calling them their names directly. Avoid asking monks about their secular life, marital status, and other personal issues. When you encounter monks conducting religious ceremonies or preaching, do not interrupt them at will.
Talking with Local Tibetans When Visiting Tibetan Monasteries
If you want to photograph Tibetans, you must first ask for their permission. Avoid pointing at others with your finger. In Tibetan culture, this behavior is considered rude. Don't touch the heads of Tibetans casually.
Respecting Tibetan etiquette and taboos is also a guarantee for your own safety. Treat different cultures and customs with an open, tolerant, and respectful mindset, making your Tibet trip an unforgettable experience.
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34 Comment ON "Monastery Etiquette and Taboos in Tibet Tours for First-Time Tourists"
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.