Help Preserve Tibet’s Environment via Tourism!

It’s the mission of Tibet Eco-travel to provide quality and responsible Tourism. In Tibet Travel Expert Team (affiliated to Tibet Ctrip Travel Service-TCTS, Lhasa based Tibet travel agency), we have been trying everything in our power to support local community and protect local environment through our hard work in Tibet tourism. Here below are few of our guidelines and lets join together to protect the environment during our travel in Tibet.

• Responsible Tourism– Tourism that is mutually beneficial to the local population, the environment, and to the tourist while in accordance with the laws of the People’s Republic of China.
• Importance of Responsible Tourism– Preserving the native environment and local habitats insures the natural preservation needed for future generations of tourist to experience Tibet in real time. Furthermore, establishing meaningful relationships between tourists and local Tibetan people offers mutual understandings of both cultures which can enhance respect for both tourists and hosts thereby promotes future prosperity.
• Guide in Choosing a Tibet based Travel Agency- There are many competing travel agencies ready to accept your money, however their experience in offering an authentic and comprehensive tour may vary. Travellers who want detailed tours look for agencies that are based on the Tibetan Plateau because operators of these companies are more experienced working with both tourists and local Tibetan people. It is important for you to choose the right company because it can greatly impact both Tibetan people and Tibetan economy. In addition, hiring a reputable and experienced agency insures the longevity of Tibet’s natural infrastructures. 
• Explore Local Tibetan Markets– Tourism is the primary monetary source for Tibetan economy, therefore instead of buying goods from foreign retailers or even online, you will get more from local Tibetan owned businesses in the aspect of cultural and social experiences.
• Maximize your Travel Time by hiring Local Tibetan guides– Hiring local Tibetan drivers and guides guarantees that you fully utilize your travel time. They will personally navigate your trip, help you with your Tibet travel permits, and prevent you from missing culturally crucial monuments or sites. In the end of your trip, if you feel your experience with the local guide and driver is exceptional, tipping is very well appreciated (read more on Tibet tour tippingpractice). 
• Adhere to cultural and religious customs– Since you will experience numerous temples and religious sites in Tibet, please keep inquiring about the dress code and photo regulations before entering a religious or government building. When you are in such religious or government establishments, you should be mindful of your surroundings and avoid damaging surrounding relics or trespassing in sacred areas. Lastly while entering religious institutions such as temples, you will encounter many monks and nuns and all of the tourists should follow every walking protocol and avoid physical proximity with both. Read more on Tibet culture travel tips.
• Leave no Trace While Trekking– Before pitching your tent or determining your campsite, keep in mind to inform local residents of our stay because this will enhance your safety by preventing any rare encounter of the residents’ guard dogs. In addition, tourists should police their own trash, such as keeping their waste far from water sources, and use environmentally friendly products during the trip. Lastly tourists should only use well-established paths without creating new ones because this can prevent soil erosion.
• Adhere to Local Laws and Regulations– A series of permits are required for tourists to travel to Tibet. In most cases, permission and pre-approved travel documents are needed before tourists’ entry. Therefore it is vital to pick a local Tibet tour agency which is well experienced in permit application. If tourists are caught due to lack of necessary permits, fines can range from 500 CNY or more. Be mindful of not only the proper documentation when traveling to Tibet but also the current political “Do’s and Don’ts” because your actions could indirectly impact Tibetan people.
• Pictures and Medicine- Due to lack of modern infrastructure compared to the rest of the world, Tibetan people mostly still lead very traditional and simple lives and the common profession still remains in the field of agriculture. Therefore you might be tempted or persuaded to hand out pictures, money or even medicine. However your donations are best kept to official contributions to local Tibetan charities, orphanages, and local projects. By limiting your charitable contributions through official channels, you can prevent any situations of misunderstanding or misrepresentation and also guarantee your safety as a tourist. Photographs may be taken, however it is best to always seek permission from the person or caretaker of the desired image because people who has religious ideals or different views may find unauthorized photos offensive. Lastly if you wish to donate to local temples or religious establishments, it is best to ask your guide about how to follow the proper protocols.