Ethical Saga Dawa Photography Guidelines for Foreigners
Saga Dawa is Tibet's holiest month; every clockwise footstep, every butter lamp offered, belongs to a believer's once-in-a-lifetime act of faith. The following scenarios spell out—plainly and without jargon—where your camera is welcome, where it needs permission, and where it must stay in your bag.
Dragon King Pond Park
The wide boardwalk facing the palace is public space: raise the viewfinder and shoot the mirrored red-and-white walls to your heart's content. If a family is picnicking on the grass, however, step to the side, lower your lens and ask softly for permission. A nod earns you the frame; no answer means the shutter stays still. Never lift the flap of a private lakeside tent—the interior is a living room, not a photo set.
Barkhor Circuit
From the rooftop cafés you may capture the river of robes and prayer wheels sweeping below. Descend to street level and the rules tighten: no matter which believer or Tibetan you want to take a close-up photo of, you must ask for their permission before doing so. A smile or slight bow is consent. Photographing police or security posts is strictly off-limits—aim your lens elsewhere.
Jokhang Temple
The golden eaves against cobalt sky are fair game from the square outside. Once you cross the threshold, look for discreet plaques: some courtyards allow images after a small donation, provided flash is off. Inside the main chapels—where butter lamps flicker in front of ancient statues—every camera, phone or GoPro must be pocketed. These are living sanctuaries, not galleries.
Drepung Monastery
Hours before the silk painting is hoisted, monks line up on the hillside; this procession may be photographed from a respectful distance. The moment the thangka billows open, wait for a senior monk's visible nod before edging closer. Behind the tapestry—where monks steady the cloth—is a restricted zone; step over the rope and you invite immediate confiscation.
Alms Lines
Wide shots of queues waiting for tea or bread are acceptable. Zooming in on an individual's weathered face or empty bowl demands one-to-one consent; group sweeps often feel predatory.
River Release
The broad scene—fish slipping back into water, ripples catching sunlight—is open to all. Move closer to capture a splash, but first ask the person holding the bucket. During chanting and blessing rites, follow the lama's raised hand: if it signals stop, lower the camera and simply listen.
Mount Kailash Kora
The prayer-flag plaza at Darchen offers sweeping panoramas you can shoot freely. Tracing a single pilgrim's journey requires explicit permission; many will agree, some will not. The sky-burial site, clearly marked by rope and signs, is a total no-fly zone—distance, angle and intent are irrelevant.
Conclusion
Saga Dawa photography is governed by one rule: observe without intrusion, record without disruption. When in doubt, choose respect over the perfect frame; the story you bring home will be richer for it.
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35 Comment ON "Ethical Saga Dawa Photography Guidelines for Foreigners"
Asked by Liliana Me** from N/A
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash