Things To Do In Tibet

Tibet is a truly amazing place. It is mysterious and breathtaking, filled with history and culture. It is a trip one will never forget. There are so many things to do in Tibet that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.

Spend an evening with a Tibetan Family:
One of the most wonderful experiences of a visit to Tibet is to spend an evening with a Tibetan Family. Their hospitality is legendary and the family will go out of their way to ensure that their visitors have an incredible time. Tibetans feel that if their guests do not have a wonderful visit that it is a poor reflection on them. A visit will begin with a long chat, followed by a wonderful dinner composed of the best local dishes. After dinner the family will sing and dance for the guests and then ask the guests to join in. Their joy is contagious and even the shyest guest will soon find themselves dancing with the family.

Tibet Festivals:
An incredibly important aspect of Tibetan’s social and religious life, Tibetan Festivals are colorful and filled with excitement. Tibet has many unique festivals including; the Tibetan New Year, the Butter Lantern Festival, Lhasa’s Shoton Festival, and the annual Horse Racing Fair and Archery Festival.

* Losar - Tibetan New Year
Time: This religious festival is celebrated from December 29 through January 15 according to Tibetan calendar.
Venue:  Tibet or the Tibetan areas in Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces
Origin: The celebration of Losar (Tibetan New Year) predates Buddhism in Tibet and can be traced back to the pre-Buddhist period. In this early tradition, every winter a spiritual ceremony was held, in which people offered large quantities of incense to appease the local spirits, deities and protectors. This religious festival later evolved into an annual Buddhist festival because of the birth of traditional Tibetan calendar.

* Shoton Festival
Time: From the late sixth month to the eighth month by the Tibetan calendar (August every year)
Venue: Lhasa in the Tibet Autonomous Region
Origin: In the Tibetan language, shoton means "yoghurt". The Shoton Festival initiated before the 17th century. According to Buddhist doctrines, Monks are confined in the Monasteries for several dozens of days until summer is over. On the day when the confinement is ended, monks are entertained with Yoghurt by ordinary folks. As time went by, this religious activity gradually has become a folk festival. After the 17th century, the Shoton Festival is also called the "Tibetan Opera Festival."

What's On : A variety of activities are held during the festival, such as displaying the images of Buddha, putting on Tibetan Opera, drinking buttered tea, taking yoghurt, appreciating the Buddhist image on display, and watching theatrical performances.
Main Tourist Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Norbu Lingka, Drepung Monastery, Bhakor Street, etc.
Transport: Tourists can go to Lhasa by plane or train.

Tibetan Nightlife:
Lhasa is home to the best nightlife in Tibet. The bars and nightclubs in Lhasa have a unique flavor all their own and are more low key than those located elsewhere in China. Lhasa also has many night markets which sell local snacks, fruits, and handicrafts. It is a great way to mingle with the locals and try out the local cuisine and produce.

Special Snacks Street Tianhai Night Market
Tibetan singing and dancing show Yak Meat Barbecue

Lhasa Pubs & Bars
Some of the popular Lhasa bars are mainly on Beijing Donglu and Barkhuo Street in Lhasa.
Backpacker Frontier Perspective
National Music Country Shicao Hall
Mayke Ame (Maji A'mi)
Ganglamedo Cafe&Bar
Dunya Restaurant and Bar
"Nian" Fork Lord Music Restaurant
Traveler's Bar

Lhasa Theaters
* Xinshiji Langma Hall
Beijing Donglu, Lhasa
This is the largest and most popular Langma hall in Lhasa.

* JJ song and Dance Theater (JJ Gewu Juyuan)
On the right of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
The theater serves as a roller skating rink by day and has song and dance performances at night.

* Tanggulafeng Performing Center (Tanggulafeng Yanshu Zhongxin)
inside the couttyard of Tibet Plaza, Baerku Lu
Features: Tibetan traditional performances and fashion shows.

* Tibet Fengrongzhongerjia Performance Center
25 Niangre Lu, Lhasa
Features folk dancing, folk singing and pop music as well as Tibetan games.

* Folk Culture and Art Palace
1st Fl, Tibet International Hotel, 1 Minzu Nanlu, Lhasa
Features folk art performances.
Opening hrs: 10.00pm-3:00am

* Lhasa Theater
199 Minzu Lu, Lhasa
Features large scale performances.