Asia is our home and at Tibetan Expeditions we are committed to sharing our would with you whilst maintaining and respecting the cultures, traditions and environment unique to each region.

We encourage all travelers to be aware of the responsibilities of traveling; understanding social and political problems; respect for cultural differences; causing as little impact as possible and making a positive contribution to the areas we travel in. All Tibet clients receive a booklet on arrival in Lhasa containing information on Tibetan history, religion, culture, sights and traveling responsibly in Tibet. This includes suggestions and discussion of some of the issues relating to respect, photography, appearance, visiting monasteries, politics, begging and the environment.

Your attitude is the most important way that you can contribute - respect local customs and traditions, dress appropiately, talk to people as equals, listen to their views and accept that their perspectives may be very different from your own. Remember - the view of Tibet presented by the western media is not the only view, nor necessarily the view of most Tibetans.

We support the local economies of the countries we travel in by using local guides and drivers, using privately owned hotels and guest houses and supporting endeavours that directly aid local people and communities, both through donations and included / optional visits.
Some of these endeavours include:
Dickey Orphanage, Lhasa - A privately run orphange housing up to 50 children at any time. Visits are always welcome as are contributions to school fees. In 2008 one of our travelers provided new bed sheets for many of the children.
Braile Without Borders, Lhasa - School for blind children and young adults. Massage is one of their career opportunities and a welcome relief from the rigours of Tibetan travel.
Samye Village School.
Dratsang Lhentshog, Thimphu - a private orphanage in Bhutan. Visits are always welcome as are contributions to school uniforms.

View our full Responsible Travel policy here

Sponsor a Tibetan child There are a number of children in Tibet whose families we have come to know personally and who are in need of assistancewith school fees - School in China is not free, the amount varies depending on the size and remoteness of the school - ie. small village elementary schools are quite cheap, city schools much more expensive. If you would like to contribute either fully, or partially, to assist these families provide an education for their child please contact us.
	Chime Drolma Born Lhasa 26 January 2000 School fees CNY600 per month (approx USD78) She receives no rebate on school fees as her father left Tibet and went to India for a number of years. Now working in Lhasa his salary is CNY1000 per month, and he works about 9 months per year.
	Namgyal Born East Tibet c. 1988 School fees CNY280 per month (approx USD35) Left at Samye Monastery in 2002 by his family who could no longer support him. He lives with a local villagefamily. Tibetan Expeditions has paid his school fees since 2002.

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To men (and women) traveling far and wide Confucius, the Venerable Teacher, had these wise words to say:

Expect not to find things as they are at home, for thou hath left home to find things different.
Take things not too seriously, for a carefree mind is the Way to a carefree holiday.
Let not other tourists get on thy nerves, as they are all here for the same reason as thou, and thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
Know at all times where thy passport lies, for one without a passport is one without a country or identity, and this is not good.
Always remember that thou are a guest in others' homes, and he that treateth his host with respect shall in turn be respected.
To learn to say "please" and "thank you" in thy host's tongue will make thee thy host's friend.
Judge not the entire people of a country by one who has been a poor host.
Remember that to err is human and to forgive is divine.
When in Tibet, prepare thyself to do as the Tibetans do.
Remember to reward good service if thou are lucky enough to receive it.