Tibet, a pearl on the snowy plateau, is a place that countless people yearn for and are captivated by. With the development of transportation, traveling to Tibet has become much easier; whether by direct flight or car, it's readily accessible. This has led many to pursue their dreams, attracting countless admirers. Everywhere in Tibet is a perfect photo opportunity, but there are certain skills and considerations to taking photos there. This article aims to help you avoid common pitfalls before your trip to Tibet.
Book your Tibet tour ▶▶
1：No photos of soldiers, military facilities, equipment, or troops are allowed.
In Tibet, you often see handsome soldiers; their charm is as radiant as the sun. Especially their unwavering stance protecting the country is truly captivating, and you'd certainly want to capture this beautiful moment with your camera. However, it's not permitted to photograph soldiers in Tibet. Tibet has a unique geographical environment, and regardless of whether your photos are for commemorative purposes or other uses, photographing soldiers, military facilities, equipment, or troops is strictly prohibited in Tibet.
2: Do not take photos of checkpoints.
There are numerous checkpoints in Tibet, large and small, which generally only check ID cards, entry permits, and vehicle information. These places explicitly prohibit photography. If you are caught, you will be asked to delete the photos on the spot; in serious cases, your camera will be confiscated. Please don't let taking photos ruin your mood.
3. Temples should not be photographed casually.
When traveling, you might want to take photos of beautiful temples to use as wallpapers, but some temples in Tibet prohibit photography. Be sure to read the signs carefully or consult your tour guide to avoid unnecessary embarrassment and trouble!
Book your Tibet tour ▶▶
4. Photography is not allowed inside the Potala Palace:
When you go to Tibet, you'll definitely want to take a picture of the iconic Potala Palace. The Potala Palace is divided into the White Palace and the Red Palace (the one currently open to the public is called the White Palace). Taking photos outside is allowed, and the Potala Palace Square, as well as the Chakpori Hill viewing platform, is packed with people all day long. However, taking photos inside the White Palace is strictly prohibited; you must respect the rules! This is the most sacred temple in the hearts of the Tibetan people, and you cannot tolerate the slightest disrespect.
5. Do not take photos of pilgrims indiscriminately:
While traveling in Tibet, you can see devout pilgrims everywhere. There are pilgrims at the entrance of Jokhang Temple every day. If you want to take pictures of them, please ask in advance and be sure to get their permission.
Book your Tibet tour ▶▶
6. Tibetan mastiffs and yaks cannot be photographed casually;
Around Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, and other lakes in Tibet, some small animals are dressed up beautifully, especially Tibetan mastiffs and yaks. If you want to take pictures of them, be sure to ask the local Tibetans about the price first. The price is generally around 10-20 RMB.
7： Stone tablets should not be photographed casually:
There's a toilet halfway up the mountain at the Gambala Pass near Yamdrok Lake, and it's a paid service! Next to the toilet is a stone tablet inscribed with "Yamdrok Lake," which also charges a fee. So be careful not to take pictures near the cattle, sheep, stone tablet, or with adults and children, especially inside the scenic area. The Tashi Peninsula near Namtso Lake, the vicinity of Yamdrok Lake, and other well-known mountain passes (such as Gambala Pass, Gyatsola Pass, Mila Pass, Sejila Pass, and Nagqula Pass) are relatively concentrated in these areas.
Book your Tibet tour ▶▶
8: Children from Tibet:
In Tibet, you'll encounter adorable children with such clear, bright eyes. If you really want to take a picture with them, you must get their parents' permission.
Nowadays, people online are engaging in sensationalist acts such as bathing in Tibet's "sacred lakes" and vandalizing scenic spots with graffiti. Please don't let your ignorance tarnish the beauty of Tibet! The lakes of Tibet are sacred to the Tibetan people, like divine beings, and inviolable. Each lake is a gift from nature to humankind; please do not damage them!
In addition to the above-mentioned special precautions: Tibet is so vast and beautiful, with boundless skies and seas for you to photograph. Traveling in Tibet is a very enjoyable experience. We should respect local customs and habits. We hope this information will be helpful to everyone before your trip!
Book your Tibet tour ▶▶
Recommended Itinerary
Lhasa-Shigatse-Mount Everest-Namtso 8-day tour ▶
Lhasa - Mount Everest - Sacred Mountain and Lake Manasarovar (Kora) - Namtso Lake - Lhasa 16-day tour ▶
Personalized itinerary ▶
