How to Participate in the Circumambulation in Tibet
Circumambulation is a practice of walking clockwise along a certain route and praying. It's also called kora. There are four most famous kora routes in Lhasa, namely Barkhor Kora, Nangkhor Kora, Tsekhor Kora, and Lingkhor Kora. The first three of the four kora routes are respectively centered around Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace. This also means that during your trip to Lhasa, you can easily participate in them, but there are some details that need attention.
Pay Attention to Dressing Appropriately
There are no specific religious clothing requirements for circumambulation in Tibet. Just be clean and decent: avoid wearing too revealing such as vest and miniskirt. Take off your hat and sunglasses in order to show respect for the religious places. It is recommended to wear sports shoes and avoid slippers.
No Photos Without Permission
I understand that you want to record your feelings at that moment, but you need to respect the privacy of those around you and not take close-up shots of other people's faces unless you have obtained permission from them. Besides, if you are circumambulating a monastery, many monasteries do not allow photography inside. There are usually clear signs. You can also ask your tour guide to get a certain answer.
How to Use the Tibetan Prayer Wheel
Sacred scriptures are filled inside each prayer wheel, and each smooth rotation is equivalent to reciting the scriptures inside once. The prayer wheels in public areas should be turned clockwise with right hand, and the small prayer wheels privately held by other people should not be touched at will. You can buy your own Tibetan prayer wheel at Barkhor Street. Believers often recite the scriptures while turning the prayer wheel. As a tourist, you can use a prayer wheel instead of reciting the scriptures.
Things You Should Never Do during a Circumambulation
Since the circumambulation is rather serious, it is necessary to avoid making loud noises and playing around. Don't point at anyone or a Buddha statue with a single finger. This is a very unfriendly gesture in Tibet. In Bon religion, the direction of the prayer wheel is counterclockwise. Most mainstream Tibetan Buddhist temples are clockwise, so it is necessary to be careful to distinguish them when arriving at a temple.
Conclusion
In fact, in my opinion, participating in the circumambulation of prayer is the least demanding way to experience local life for tourists. Since you don't need a specific festival to participate, nor do you need to know the local dialect, you just need to maintain a respectful attitude and follow the steps of the crowd to experience this sacred ceremony.
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39 Comment ON "How to Participate in the Circumambulation in Tibet"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
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.