Nowadays, more and more travelers are choosing to visit Tibet in winter. The bright sunshine spills freely, warming every corner of the region; the weather is clear, and China’s most beautiful mountain, Mount Namjagbarwa, sheds its mysterious veil, proudly showcasing its breathtaking charm; black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, and ruddy shelducks fly back to the warm embrace of Tibet for the winter… Beyond these stunning sights, the Tibetan New Year is an unmissable highlight of winter travel.
(Exquisitely crafted and eye-catching Tsampa boxes Photo by Lu Mingwen)
Every year in the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar, Tibet kicks off its “festival mode,” with celebrations happening one after another. The Nyingchi Region’s Gongbu New Year kicks things off, followed by the Ngari Purang New Year, then the Shigatse New Year, with New Year’s Day and the Spring Festival soon after, and the grand finale is undoubtedly the Tibetan New Year.
(Residents shopping for New Year goods Photo by Lu Mingwen)
Similar to celebrating the Lunar New Year inland, as winter arrives, Tibetan people start preparing New Year goods, and the streets come alive. Many shops selling fried pastries appear on the streets—these delicate and charming treats are called “Kasa” and are one of the essential foods for the Tibetan New Year. Kasa comes in a variety of shapes and bright colors, and it tastes great too. Friendly shop owners will often offer you a piece, inviting you to sample a taste of Tibetan “New Year flavor.”
(Butter sculptures and “sheep heads” are must-haves Photo by Lu Mingwen)
During this time, more people also come to select Tsampa boxes, butter sculptures, prayer flag trees, and fragrant cloth. These are all essential items for celebrating the Tibetan New Year.
Even just walking through the streets and alleys in winter in Tibet, you can feel the strong festive atmosphere.
(Merchants displaying exquisite New Year goods Photo by Lu Mingwen)
Since you’re visiting Tibet in winter for the Tibetan New Year, you definitely should experience the customs of the Tibetan New Year.
The Tibetan New Year begins on the evening of the 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar with the “Guthuk” and “exorcism” ceremonies, also known as the “Guthuk Night” of the Tibetan New Year. Guthuk is a type of dumpling porridge eaten by Tibetans on the 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, and every household partakes. Eating Guthuk is a family affair, with everyone sitting together, much like the Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner.
On that day, the women of the household gather to make Guthuk, mixing in small items like stones, chili peppers, wool, and salt into the dumplings. Each item carries a specific meaning—for example, a stone symbolizes a hard heart, chili means a sharp tongue, wool represents a soft heart, and salt signifies laziness.
When someone bites into a dumpling containing one of these items, they must spit it out on the spot. Usually, everyone bursts into laughter upon seeing what comes out, playfully teasing each other, turning the simple Guthuk into a source of endless fun.
(Decorated Tsampa box Photo by Lu Mingwen)
The “water grabbing” ritual on the first day of the Tibetan New Year is also a significant event. It is believed that the person who scoops up the first bucket of water will have the best luck in the new year. Visiting and New Year greetings generally begin on the second day, as family and friends go door to door, exchanging blessings for the new year.
On the third day of the Tibetan New Year, people pay homage to the “roof god.” On this day, people climb onto the roofs of their homes, place new prayer flags on the roof, then burn juniper branches and scatter tsampa into the air. The fluttering prayer flags and the rising “sang smoke” carry people’s prayers skyward.
(Five-colored barley Photo by Lu Mingwen)
Throughout the Tibetan New Year, the greeting “Losar Tashi Delek” echoes in every corner of Tibet, as warm and heartfelt as the Tibetan sunshine.
(Elderly man selling “sheep heads” Photo by Lu Mingwen)
A earthly paradise, a heavenly Tibet !
When traveling to Tibet in winter, you absolutely must not miss the joyful Tibetan New Year. After experiencing the “Happy New Year” of the Spring Festival, immersing yourself in the “Tashi Delek” of the Tibetan New Year makes the trip to Tibet in winter even more meaningful.
Carry the blessings from Tibet, and the new year will surely be full of vitality—Tashi Delek !
Tips: The Tibetan New Year in 2017 falls on February 27. During the Tibetan New Year period, train and flight tickets to and from Tibet are not in high demand, and travelers can choose to enter Tibet by train or plane. At the end of February, Tibet experiences large day-night temperature differences, with lower temperatures in the early morning and evening, so it’s advisable to prepare windproof and warm clothing such as down jackets and windbreakers. Understand altitude sickness, stay relaxed, take appropriate precautions, and have medications ready to combat high-altitude effects.