Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of one million Tibetan 'serfs'. Don't expect much in the way of celebration among the ex-
serfs.
Many Tibetan businesses, restaurants, shops and travel agencies are closed on the days
of Losar and Saga Dawa. Tibetan festivals like these are held according to the Tibetan lun-
ar calendar, which usually lags at least a month behind the Gregorian calendar. Ask around
for the exact dates of religious festivals because monasteries often only fix these a few
months in advance. Check Tibetan lunar dates against Gregorian dates at
The following are politically sensitive dates, as are 5 March, 27 September, 10 December
and 1 October, which mark past political protests. It may be difficult for travellers to fly into
Tibet for a few days before these dates.
10 March
Anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising and flight of the Dalai Lama
23 May
Anniversary of the signing of the
Agreement on Measures for the Peaceful Libera-
tion of Tibet
1 September
Anniversary of the founding of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR)
Safe Travel
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
The following government websites offer travel advisories and information on current hot
spots.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
(
www.smarttraveller.gov.au
)
British Foreign Office
(
www.fco.gov.uk/travel
)
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs
(
www.voyage.gc.ca
)
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
(
www.safetravel.govt.nz
)
US State Department
(
http://travel.state.gov
)
Dogs
If you are exploring remote monasteries or villages on foot, keep an eye open for dogs, es-
pecially at remote homesteads or nomad encampments, where the powerful and aggress-
ive mastiffs should be given a very wide berth. Travelling with a walking pole or stick is re-
commended. Keep this between you and the dog should one come near and remain calm,
