Question: Do guides speak English? What is their experience/education attainment? Are they Tibetan or Chinese?

Answer: Yes, our guides are all English speaking. Though Tibetan guides know more about their culture, they are less proficient in English than their Chinese peers. Most of them are well-educated professionals. The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) conducts annual tests to maintain the quality of their services.

Question: Do you provide vegetarian meals?

Answer: Yes. The meals can be arranged as per our clients' requests.

Question: Should I tip?

Answer: Tipping is not customary in China. However as the tourism develops, tour guides, drivers, and the hotel staff do expect tips. If the service is satisfactory, a few dollars to the guide and the driver will be appreciated. However, in restaurants and on taxis, tips are not necessary.

Question: What are the do's and don'ts when visiting religious sites in Tibet?

Answer: All Tibetan are religious Buddhists, and respect for their beliefs is very important. Here are some tips for your reference. Your guide in Tibet will give you more information:

1) You need to walk clockwise in or outside of religious facilities, like temples, monasteries, pagodas, and mani stones.
2) You are not allowed to touch Buddhist statues, sutras or take pictures of them inside temples or monasteries. Smoking is strictly prohibited.
3) Prayer wheel can not be rotated contrarily.
4) You cannot step on the threshold of any tent, house, temple or monastery.
5) Do not touch the head of anyone.
6) Eating horse's, dog's or donkey's meat is strictly prohibited.

Question: Can I wear my contact lens in Tibet?

Answer: Wearing contact lens might make you very uncomfortable because of Tibet climate is usually dry and sandy.

More Tibet Travel FAQs: