There are a number of wonderful books and websites should you be looking to learn about the unique culture of Tibet, with Wikipedia and Wikitravel being great places to start.

From a tour point of view being in Tibet and part of their mysterious culture is great any time of year, but a few points are worth considering if you are considering a tour.

Tibetan Festivals

Tibetan festivals are very important both from a religious and social point of view, and they offer some of the best opportunities and times to be in country.

Main festivals include Tibetan New Year (the same time as Chinese new year), the Butter Lantern Festival, the Shoton Festival of Lhasa (Kind of like their beer festival), the Horse Racing Fair, and the Archery Festival. All non western festivals in Tibet follow the Lunar calendar, and such change year by year. Tours and special activities can be arranged throughout the year to coincide with any festival. Following is the current timing for 2012’s events.

We currently have group tours to coincide with many of these events, please check out the group page for more details.

Trekking with Nomads

YP Tibet work exclusively with a local NGO that provides small sustainable trekking tours with local nomads, tours can be from anything from a night to two full weeks. This truly is an one of the most amazing things you can do in Tibet and something we highly recommend, for more info get in touch.

Visiting a local family

To know a place, you gotta know the people, and with Tibetans so famous for their hospitality it would be crazy not to do it here. Home stays or simple visits can be arranged for those inclined, with dinner, and performances your treat for visiting. This truly is a wonderful experience.

Dining

The best dining in Tibet can be found unsurprisingly in Lhasa. The old town offers a myriad of dining experiences from, Nepalese, Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, even down to good old fashioned western fare. A Yak burger, with Yak cheese being a particularly special fusion dish, and off course Yak butter milk being a must try. Outside of Lhasa, food tends to be a little more simple, getting much more influenced by India and Nepal the nearer you get to the border.

Nightlife

Lhasa is the nightlife capital of Tibet and two wonderful if not polar opposite experiences. The old town is where most hostels and hotels are. This is traditional Lhasa and it offers lots of cool little bars, traditional Tibetan shows, and beautiful scenery to while away the night. The old town also offers a wonderful night market where you can pick up many a Tibetan bargain, as long as you are well prepared to haggle!

The new town is where all the youngsters hang out, and the place you will find the more lively bars and nightclubs. And despite what many reviews tell you, the place where you are mostly likely to meet and make friends with everyday Tibetans (just don’t tell anyone, as it is still mostly foreigner free). It also offers many fusion bars with Tibetans crooning away either local, or Indian pop songs. Let us know if you would like us to pint you to our favourites!

Apart from Lhasa???

Whilst a tour that only takes you to Lhasa is still wonderful, if you have the time, you really should think about getting a little off the beaten track. Trekking with the nomads is a great option and can be done as a day trip from Lhasa, as can Lake Namtso (although we suggest an overnight). If you have a little extra time Shigatse, is wonderful town full of interest, but if you have the time, budget and endurance, going all the way to Everest base camp is out of this world. This also gives you the attractive option of either extending, or ending your tour in wonderful Nepal.

More questions? Then e-mail us… or join our next Tibet Tour!

About Post Author

Rowan Beard

Rowan’s a YPT co-founder with over 100 visits to North Korea (DPRK) and visited 100+ countries. You’ll most likely catch him leading group tours in Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East.

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