Tibet is a unique and fragile land should be visited with a high level of consciousness for the impact of those travelling through it. At Royal Mountain Travel we encourage all travellers to be aware of the responsibilities of Travelling in Tibet; to understand social and political concerns; to respect cultural differences; cause as little impact as possible and to make a positive experience for you, your travelling companions and the local people you come into contact with.

Respect:
This is the basis of every great travel experience, and its lack the cause of the bad ones.
Showing respect for everyone around you, travelling companions and locals alike is essential. This applies to behavior, attitudes, religious beliefs, actions, concepts of personal space and cultural differences – many of which you may find alien or unpleasant.

In Tibet we expect this respect to extend to ethnic Chinese living in Tibet. Whatever your personal views on the political situation, remember that bus drivers and restaurant owners are not responsible for government policy. Be aware that many of Chinese you will meet have been born in Tibet and it is their home – in many cases either they or their families have been sent or exiled here or moved for economic reasons much the same as Siberia or the American West were populated.

Religion:
Tibetan Buddhism is absolutely central and essential to the lives of all Tibetans. There is little ceremony surroundings visit to Buddhist temples and they are generally open and welcoming places. Smaller places may be locked but often a caretaker will be around & can let you in. Basically show respect and watch how local devotees behave. You might see other tourists inappropriately, but there is no reason for us to follow them. Tibetan offerings include incense, prayer wheels to invoke the gods. The basic rules for visiting temples are:

» Don't take photos inside monastery buildings – outside is ok unless there are the signs prohibiting it; many monasteries charge a fee to take photos inside. Views on the appropriateness of this vary. If you decide to take photos please pay the advertised fee.
» There is no need to remove your shoes, but please do not cover your head inside the buildings.
» Don't turn your back to Buddha.
» Only walk clockwise around the halls in template.
» Always keep your voice low in and around the temple.
» Do not touch the monks.
» Always dress in long trousers and shirts covering the shoulders.

Appearance:
It is highly offensive and inappropriate in Tibet, especially in monasteries, for women to wear skimpy string tops. Not wearing a bra or wearing tight , body-hugging attire is also not acceptable. Men should always wear shirts and long pants (shorts below knee length are ok).

Environment:
Tibet is a relatively pristine and unpolluted environment that should be preserved. There are problems though which need to be addressed – particularly litter and waste around the cities and towns. we can not change this, but can set an example, try not to add to problem and help locals develop awareness that will benefit the future of the environment.

Photography:
Many Tibetans won't mind having their photo taken, but some in rural areas are not happy to be photographed, particularly older generations. Please respect their right to not be photographed. Never take photos inside monastery buildings unless you have paid for it, or of / near Police and Military structure/ personnel.

Begging, Gifts and Donations:
The practice of begging will only increase if it is encouraged and children and poor people may see it as an easier option than working. Never give money or sweets to children – they do not all have access to dental care and poor parents may see it as more beneficial for children to collect money than attend school. There are a large number of pilgrims around the Barkhor in Lhasa, many begging for money to assist them in their pilgrimage. In these cases you should only give very small amounts that locals would give – no more than a few jiao.

If you have brought pens or school supplies we can donate them collectively to a small rural school so teachers can sort out the neediest children to receive them. Royal Mountain Travel supports a small school at Samye by purchasing school supplies in Lhasa and delivering them into the head teacher. Other worthwhile projects are run orphanage in Lhasa and a vocational training center teaching blind children from all over Tibet Braille and giving them a chance to make living for themselves. By visiting these and making donations you are assisting not only the child, but a whole family.

Politics and Human Rights:
These subjects are well documented and covered by a large number of publications and websites. While we encourage all of our travellers to be as fully aware of these issues as possible before travelling to Tibet, we cannot permit and political activity by our clients while inside Tibet.

Remember that political issues may have affected your guides and drivers personally, please be sensitive – if they avoid discussion of personal politcal or sprituals beliefs please respect their privacy and do not push the issue. Question of a sensitive nature should not be directed at local guides or other Tibetans in monasteries or public areas. Political discussions can lead the local into a lot trouble if they are overheard. Similarly distributing  photographs of  Dalai Lama or Tibetans flag is illegal and can lead to serious consequences for a local found receiving or in possession of such items and may result in the detention and possible deportation for a foreigner. Please always be conscious of these problems when talking about these subjects with your local guide for their own protection.