Tibet Medicine Tour

Tibet Medicine Tour Faqs

• 1. What’s the origin of Tibetan medicine?

  With a history dating back approximately 2500 years, Tibetan medicine, known as Sowa Rigpa, is one of the world’s oldest medical systems. It originally developed during the pre-Buddhist era when Tibetan people used local herbs to benefit people’s health and thus accumulate rich knowledge of their various usages. Later, Yuthok Nyingma Yonten Gonpo treated patients and taught Traditional Tibetan medicine to new doctors. In the 8th century, Gonpo traveled to India to study medicine and brought back an expansive knowledge of Indian and Chinese traditional medicines as well as Buddhist medicine, which in kind expanded Tibetan medicine. It was inherited and further developed throughout the ages and now is studied and practiced by many scholars and physicians.

• 2. Do you know that there are almost 3,000 kinds of Tibetan medicines available?

  Approximately, 360 medicines are commonly used. Among them 70% are extracted from herbs and plants, and mainly coming from Compositae, Leguminosae, Ranunculaceae, Papaveraceae, Umbelliferae, Gentianaceae, Rosaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Cruciferae and Liliaceae. 14% is from minerals and 12% is from animals.

  Tibetan medicines have been veiled in mystery for a long time, but have gained worldwide popularity and acknowledgment. It is a kind of medical humanities that fuses ancient philosophy, astronomy, biology, physics and chemistry altogether, and closely connects with Tibetan Buddhism, which truly reflected Tibetan history and culture in the field of medicine.

  Tibetan medicine system emphasis on:
  1) A human body has three vital factors: long (breath & move), chiba (internal heat in liver and blood) and peigen (water and soil in spleen and stomach) ;
  2) A human body has seven material bases: blood, flesh, fat, diet essence, bone, bone marrow, and spirit;
  3) A human body has three types of excreta: faeces, urine and sweat.

• 3. What is the best time to join a Tibet medicine tour?

  The best time to join a Tibet tour to know Tibetan medicine is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for visiting historical and cultural sites. Summer and winter are also suitable for Tibet medicine tours. In summer, the weather may be rainy, but the temperature is higher and tourists can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. In winter, the weather is cold but tourists can enjoy a lower cost of transportation and accommodation and feel less crowded as there are fewer tourists. Also, Losar, the Tibetan New Year, often falls in February or March.

• 4. What permits are needed to join a Tibet medicine tour?

  To visit Tibet, you typically need the following permits:

  Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.

  Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).

  Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

  Our Xizang (Tibet) tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet medicine tour.

• 5. What about the accommodation during Tibet medicine tours?

  Lhasa, as one of the major tourist destinations in Tibet, offers more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. They provide basic to luxury facilities, all ensuring a comfortable stay. For private travelers, you can choose according to your standards.

• 6. What to eat during Tibet medicine tours?

  We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees for our clients. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Sichuan, Nepali, and Indian cuisines along the way. Specialties include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, barley wine, stone pot chicken and spicy diced chicken. Nepali and Indian dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes in Tibet. Also, if you have any special dietary requirements, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes.

• 7. How to deal with possible altitude sickness when traveling in Tibet?

  Traveling on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

  To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. It is also recommended to take a slow path in the first two days after entering Tibet. The itineraries of our Tibet medicine tours are hassle-free, taking you to the landmarks in Lhasa and allowing you to explore the stunning sites and cultural splendors on a slow path.

  If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. We have prepared oxygen tanks in our vehicles. You can inhale oxygen and take medication when necessary. If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, we’ll help transfer you to the hotel or hospital to seek medical attention immediately.