Labrang Xiahe བླ་བྲང Labrang(Chi: Xiahe) town is sprawls along the banks of Shangchu River(see above picture). It’s an one street town and is predominantly Hui Muslims at the east side of the town and Tibetans at the west end. Labrang Monastery which is one of the Six great Monasteries in Tibet, lays […]
Every summer, the Shaman Festival is held in Rebkong, Amdo. This important ceremony honors the local mountain god and requests that he bestows good health on the villagers and a successful harvest on the community. All of the local villagers participate in the ceremony: women dance, men beat drums, boys perform dramas, and girls show […]
Every summer in June Saga Dawa Festival is held in Tibet. Saga Dawa is a holy month in Buddhism. During this month people do special efforts to bring happiness to others. Animal release safes thousands of lives, develops one’s compassion, loving kindness, equanimity and wisdom as well as environmental awareness. Thousands of fish which were […]
When packing for Tibet, there are two main ideas to keep in mind. One, pack light. Two, layer your clothes. Tibet sits atop a plateau, and when the sun is shining during the day, it heats up. After sun set, it cools after very fast, especially at altitude. See the table below the packing list […]
Xining, known as Siling in Tibetan, is the start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the gateway to the Amdo region of Tibet. Just outside the city are many famous monasteries, national parks, and nomadic grasslands worth visiting. Here are some of the best day trips from Xining: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Si) Kumbum, one of […]
Lhasa is most famous for its historic monasteries and temples. But what about the other sites that give you insight into the culture and life of Tibetans? While visiting Lhasa, take the time to check out these markets, schools, art galleries, handicraft workshops, and traditional nightclubs. They’ll give you an idea of what it means […]
Do you care about the places and people you visit? Discovering ways of connecting with locals and making a difference will greatly improve the quality of your trip. Here are some helpful guidelines for ecotourists and responsible travelers to Tibet.
Losar, or the Tibetan New Year, is the most important festival in the Tibetan calendar. In Tibetan, lo means “year” and sar means “new.” Losar is determined according to the lunar calendar, and often falls sometime in February or March. It is traditionally celebrated for weeks, but nowadays it is celebrated for three days.
An introduction to Tibetan food. Traditional dishes include noodle soup, yak jerky, yogurt, and a variety of breads. While Tibetan cuisine is not renowned for its spices and variety, it is hearty and healthy and sustains those living on the high plateau.
Ethnic Tibetan areas encompass a space much larger than the Tibet Autonomous Region. The map above shows all of the ethnic Tibetan entities (including the Tibet Autonomous Region and all Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures and Counties) set up by the People’s Republic of China.
