The Tibetans are among the easiest people to get along with in Asia. But still there are some cultural considerations you should pay attention to when you travel in Tibet.
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Do not photo them without permission!
- Always circumambulate gompas and other religious objects clockwise, to keep shrines and chortens to your right.
- Don’t touch or remove anything on an altar.
- Don’t take photos during a prayer meeting. At other times always ask permission before taking photos, especially on using flash. The larger monasteries charge photography fees.
- Don’t wear shorts or short skirts in a monastery.
- Take your hat off when you go into a chapel.
- Don’t smoke in a monastery.
- Don’t eat dog, donkey or horse in Tibet.
- Be aware that Tibetans often gesture with their lips to show a direction. So if a member of the opposite sex pouts at you, they are just showing you where to go.
It’s very easy to get sunburnt in Tibet. Sunburn can be more than just uncomfortable. Among the undesirable effects are premature skin aging and possible skin cancer in later years. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are good means of protection. Calamine lotion is good for mild sunburn.
Those with fair complexions should bring reflective sunscreen with them. Apply the sunscreen to your nose and lip as well.
Lack of oxygen at high altitudes (over 2500m) affects most people to some extent. The symptoms include headache, dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and irritability. Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom, and many travelers have trouble sleeping for the first few days after arriving in Lhasa.
Prevention: the best prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness is to acclimate slowly. Don’t do too much exercises during the first few days in Lhasa. The following are the ways to help you acclimate to the AMS
- Drink extra fluids.The mountain air is dry and cold and moisture is lost as you breathe. Evaporation of sweat may occur unnoticed and result in dehydration.
- Eat light, high-carbohydrate meals for more energy.
- Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration, don’t smoke neither.
- Avoid sedatives.
- Don’t push yourself when climbing up to passes, rather take plenty of breaks.
- Avoid catching cold before entering Tibet.
Learning and speaking some useful Tibetan words when you are traveling in Tibet is a kind of respect you may show to Tibetans. The followings are some most useful and common words for the daily life.
| English | Tibetan |
| Hello | tashi dele |
| Goodbye( when staying) | Kale Phe |
| Goodbye( when leaving) | kale shoo |
| Thank you | thoo jaychay |
| Yes, Ok | la ong |
| Sorry | gonad |
| I don’t understand | ha ko ma song |
| I understand | ha ko song |
| How much? | Ka tso ay? |
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