Tourism has already affected many areas in Tibet. Most children will automatically stick their hand out for a sweet, a pen or anything. Tibetans in some regions, eg around Mt, Everest, have become frustrated at seeing a stream of rich tourist groups but few tangible economic results. Please try to bear the following in mind as you travel through Tibet.
*Doling out medicines can encourage people not to seek proper medical advice. And don’t hand out sweets or pens to children---you will turn them into beggars. If you wish to contribute something constructively. It’s better to give pens directly to schools and medicines to rural clinics, or make a donation to an established charity.
*Don’t pay to take a photograph of someone, and don’t photograph someone if they don’t want you to. If you agree to send a photograph of someone please follow through on this.
*Always offer to pay for accommodation if it is provided. At monasteries leave a donation even if no payment is required.
*Try to patronize as many small local Tibetan businesses, restaurants and guesthouses as possible. Revenues created by organized group tourism go largely into the pockets of the Chinese authorities.
*Monastery admission fees go largely to local authorities. So if you want to donate to the monastery, leave your offering on the altar.
*Don’t buy skins or hats made from endangered animals such as snow leopards.
*Never disturb a collection of prayer flags or rock carvings. Similarly never buy artwork or relics belonging to a monastery or chapel, even if offered by a monk.
*Act respectfully when visiting temples and monasteries. Always circle a monastery building, statue or stupa in a clockwise direction, unless it is a bon monastery.