Tibetan Culture has traveled wide and far in multiple subforms and variants all around the world. However, authentic art, tradition, culture, heritage, and lifestyle is well-preserved on the world’s highest plateau. Due to the geographical location and comparatively late insertion of modernization, Tibet is a small world separate and distinct from anywhere else in the world. Multiple leads and misconception has been out for the strict code of conduct here. However, travelers and visitors can still have a magical cultural experience on a brief visit. The vibrant colors, architecture, centuries-old sculptures and paintings, magical festivals, and unique experiences make Tibetan culture an obvious pick for originality.
Religion
The main religion of Tibet is Buddhism and almost 80% of the total population here follow several variations of it. Tibetan Buddhism is the defining part of the major Mahanaya type with most population of Buddhist residing here than anywhere else in the world. A number of major monasteries and shrines have made Tibet a spiritual destination for Buddhists around the world. Bon or folk religion is the second largest religion with slightly over 10 % of the population. Rest are other Chinese religions, Islam and Christianity.
Customs, Festivals, and, Cultural Processions
Tibetan tradition and customs are closely woven with Tibetan Buddhism and unique Topology here. In a short period here travelers can clearly witness a recognizable difference. Tibetans love to wear their traditional dress and ornaments which are made from local materials and differ depending on different seasons. Festivals here are the time to be for witnessing majestic dress and ornaments as a part of dances, rituals, or general celebration.
Now about the customs, here are few to-know tips which might prevent you from being rude or sometimes embarrassing from cultural differences. For the local houses and lifestyle, it is relaxed and you can hardly offend anyone. Be careful to at least be polite while accepting the foods and drinks here when provided. Language barriers can sometimes create confusion but it is often humorous than more. In the monasteries and stupas is where you have to be well-behaved.
Photography might not be allowed in few places. Make sure to take permission from monks if you want to take their pictures. You are allowed to enter and explore most sites and premises as a traveler but be humble if some sections of them are not permitted for outsiders. Similarly, one has to keep the show public affection to a minimum. For dressing protocols, be simple and avoid flashy stuff. As a place in high elevation comfort will be the most important factor replacing fashion. Apart from these most cities here are familiar with tourism, travelers are fine with their guide’s help here.
The streets and local houses make are alike with Tibetan architecture. In every successive distance, there are small and big Stupas, Monasteries, or Chhortens. All encapsulated with prayer flags, vibrant Thangkas, and Murals, that feeling of being a part of something special remains with you here in Tibet.
Food Drinks and other Culinary Delights
Tibetan Food is unique. It might not be diverse but they fit the geography and culture perfectly. Three major ingredients you can find here used are butter, Yak, and Barley. Similarly, with the Tibetan way of cooking and Himalayan herbs, there are some dishes you shouldn’t miss. Tibetan Dumplings (momos), Tsampa, Yak curry and Jerky, Thukpa, Lhaphing, and Tibetan Yoghurt or Sho are our top picks here. For the drinks, you have the popular Butter tea which you can have multiple times a day. For alcoholic beverages, nothing comes closely popular to Chang, a tangy drink made out of fermented barley. Similarly, a different variant of Tea and local beers are also common here.