Tibet travel tips
Presenting Khada
Khada is a long narrow scarf made of silk embodies purity and good fortune. Present Khada is a common practice among the Tibetan people to express their best wishes on many occasions, such as wedding ceremonies, festivals, visiting the elders and the betters, and entertaining guests.
Proposing a Toast and Tea
Proposing a Toast and Tea When you come to a Tibetan family, the host will propose a toast, usually barley wine. You should sip three times and then drink up. To entertain guests with tea is a daily etiquette. The guest has not to drink until the host presents the tea to you.
Greetings
When you do Greetings, don’t forget to add “la” after saying hello to the Tibetan people to show respect. Try not to make any sounds while eating and drinking.
Things to keep in mind when you have contact with the Tibetans:
- Tibetan people are very kind and hospitable; you can feel free to talk with them. But there are some rules you should go by!
- Do not take photo of them without getting permission – please show respect!
- Do not talk about sensitive topics like the political and religious matters
- Do not eat the dog, donkey and horse in Tibet!
- Religious beggars are an accepted part of society in Tibet. Giving money or food to those people is considered as an act of merit, donations of five fen to two jiao (Chinese money) are appropriate.
- Tibetans will also appreciate tourists if they respect a few of their customs. These include walking clockwise around Buddhist temples, monasteries and religious sites. At these places Tibetans consider smoking and failing to remove hats disrespectful. Those wishing to leave a donation at a religious site (as most Tibetans will) should leave it on the altar or give it directly to a monk or nun.
- Tourists often encounter beggars at religious sites, usually pilgrims from rural Tibet. If u are kind hearted giving them a small donation that will help them reach their destination.
