Tibet is a unique destination due to its political situation, stunning landscapes, Rich culture,  and deep spirituality. Traveling to Tibet is indeed a great opportunity to explore this uncharted destination. Yet this privilege comes with responsibility for ethical travel to Tibet. In this guide i will write on how you can ensure your visit to Tibet is respectful and beneficial to the local community.

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The Land of Snows is the travel blog of Jamin “Lobsang” Lee. I have lived and worked in various areas of Tibet for over two decades and Travel extensively greater Himalaya region in Bhutan, Nepal and Ladakh, I have decades of experience traveling, climbing and trekking the Himalayas. Here i have shared Travel informations of Tibet and other region from his own direct experiences. I hope these information will help you make your Tibet travel plan. For direct Travel consultation and Tibet Travel Agency Recommendation,  Contact us via  contact page.

Support Local Businesses

The most impactful ways to practicing ethical travel to tibet is by choosing a local Tibetan-Owned Business. It all started with choosing a local Tibetan Owned travel agencies to arrange your tours in Tibet. Beside your Tibet travel permit, they will also arrange Tibetan tour guides, Tibetan drivers, Tibetan hotels and restaurants. This way you can ensure your money directly benefiting local economy.

Additionally you can also choose to by directly from Tibetan artisans, which will help greatly preserving traditional skills through fair income. Most Tibetan travel agency can arrange a guided tour to see their workshop and shops.

Environmental Responsibility

The Eco-system in Tibet is fragile and it is very hard for recover due to the high altitude. Travelers must be mindful to minimize their environmental footprint.  Hence adhering to the principles of leaving no trace is important.

• Packing out trash: Be sure to carry all your trash and dispose of them porperly. All Tibetan driver will have trash bin in their cars.
• Staying of designated trails: Specially during your trekking tours. To prevent soil erosion and damaging the vegetation, stick to designated trails.
• Reduce waste: you can reduce waste by using reusable water bottles, bags and other container to minimize waste.
• Respecting wildlife and natural habitats: Please keep a safe distance from animals, don’t try to go near them. If they are close to you, never feed them. Don’t do anything which would disturb they natural behaviors.

Cultural Sensitivity

When you travel to Tibet, you will find Tibetan culture to be unique, Though Tibetans have very a big heart in accepting traveler unaware about their culture. Yet they really appreciate when a foreign travelers respects and be sensible about their culture and situation. Hence please follow following culture ethics in Ethical Travel to Tibet.

•  Avoiding political discussions: Please avoid discussing politics with locals, Political issues are sensitive in Tibet and it is potentially risky for locals.  Also do not bring any prohibited items like religious photographs and books. If you are not careful about it, you will be risking your travel agency, Tour guides, Drivers, hotel and every one working so hard to make you dream tour to Tibet.
• Respecting local privacy: If you would like to take a picture of locals, Please ask before taking their picture. If you want to talk to locals, please do not ask any questions that will make them uncomfortable or put them at risk.
• Observing and adhering to local customs: it is always good idea to learn about Tibetan culture in advance. In future i will write about Tibetan culture, which i have found interesting as an outsider. While you are in Tibet, Your tibetan tour guide will tell you to do this and that, follow them. Such as like dressing modestly to show respect around religious sites.

Respect religious and cultural sites

In Tibet, there are plenty of scared sites and there are lots of cultural norms associated with the sacredness of those sites. I will try to write about all those in time. Please follow following ethic of ethical Travel to Tibet.

• Follow the guidelines: Your Tibetan Tour guides are expert in Tibetan Culture and spirituality. Please follow the guidelines given by your tour guide. You can also follow what other locals are doing, like removing hat in the temples, dressing appropriately and being quiet and respectful.
• No Touching or Climbing: Please avoid touching or climbing the religious monuments.

General Etiquette

While you are traveling in Tibet be a mindful traveler to enhance your interactions and experiences with locals.

1. Be patient and polite: Since there is a huge gap in cultural and languages barriers. when interacting with locals be patience and polite.
2. Show gratitude: You can say thank you by saying  Thug-je-che  to express gratitude for services provided and hospitality. I have always encourage travelers in Tipping the Guide and Driver for their service to say thank you for their wonderful services.

Conclusion of Ethical Travel to Tibet

You can be sure that your visit to Tibet is respectful, enriching and Beneficial to local communities by adhering to above ethical travel principles of Ethical Travel to Tibet. Traveling ethically helps preserving the natural beauty and unique culture of Tibet, to ensuring similar accessibility for future generation.