A Glimpse of Divine Light: Exploring Tibet's Enchanting Butter Lamp Festival

Tibet Travel Permit vs. Chinese Visa: Which One Should You Get First?

This isn't a trick question, but getting the order right is crucial for a smooth journey. Get this order wrong, however, and it can lead to significant delays and complications. My clear advice is to apply for your Chinese visa first. To understand why, you first need to understand the role of each document.

Tibetan Fairy Festival: A Day of Prayer and Celebration

Unlike Tibet's larger, more boisterous celebrations, such as Shoton Festival, the Fairy Festival, also called the "Women's Festival," offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Tibetan women and their traditions. If you're planning a Tibet winter tour, timing your visit to coincide with this festival will add a layer of depth to your journey.

Why You Should Avoid Mentioning Tibet on Your China Visa Application

The reason behind this advice is related to the procedural loop between two different government departments. To get your Chinese visa from an embassy or consulate abroad, the officers will often request a Tibet Travel Permit if they see "Tibet" or "Lhasa" on your application.

Is Everest Base Camp Safe and Suitable for Elderly Visitors and Children?

Healthy seniors and kids who can clearly express how they feel can safely visit Everest Base Camp with proper preparation. But young children under 3 (who can't communicate discomfort) and seniors with chronic health conditions should sit this one out.

Gyantse Damar Festival in Tibet

Gyantse is a charming town in southern Tibet, just a short drive from either Shigatse or Lhasa, that feels like a window into traditional Tibetan life. Every Tibetan lunar April, it transforms for the Damar Festival, Gyantse's biggest and most joyful event. The word "Damar" means "horse racing and archery," a tradition that has been bringing locals and travelers together for over 600 years.

Traveler's Guide to the Ancient Trandruk Monastery

Trandruk Monastery's story begins in the 7th century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo. The templeconnects to Princess Wencheng, the princess of Dynasty Tang whose architectural wisdom helped position many of Tibet's earliest Buddhist temples.

Tashilhunpo Monastery's Thangka Festival

If you happen to travel to Tibet in June 2026, you won't want to miss a spectacular celebration: the Tashilhunpo Monastery Thangka Festival, running from June 28 to 30. This iconic event draws tens of thousands of pilgrims, artists, and travelers—who flock from across the region and beyond—to witness the grand unveiling of colossal thangka scrolls.

Tsurphu Cham Dance Festival: The Masked Dance of Tibet

Mark your calendars! The Cham Dance Festival takes place annually on the 25th day of the fourth Tibetan lunar month. On this day, Tsurphu Monastery—nestled in a valley about 70 kilometers from Lhasa—is at its most vibrant. Monks in silk robes and elaborate masks move to the hypnotic rhythm of long horns and drums, all against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan sky.