The bearded vulture is the biggest raptor in Eurasia. This bird plays a unique role and is considered sacred in Tibet. Local people call it Dakini, which means sky dancer, something similar to an angel. Vultures take part in the traditional sky burial when the dead body is taken to special burial sites and offered to these birds. It is believed that vultures take the souls of the dead to the heaven, where they wait for new reincarnations. This ritual of donating human flesh is considered virtuous as it saves the lives of small animals that could be eaten instead.
To see these birds in Tibet you can visit sky burial sites, like the famous Drigung-Til Monastery or Larung Gar Buddhist Academy (near Larung), or hike to high elevations. The best time for this activity is from May to October, good months for hiking in the area. Usually vultures nests are found on high cliffs at an altitude of over 4,200 m. They live in pairs in small colonies that usually consists of five to seven pairs. One colony can have nesting grounds on the same cliff. The breeding season takes place in January. These birds usually feed on dead rather on living animals, and this is one more reason they are so honourable. They are so called nature protectors.
In Tibet every year a large number of animals die due to the harsh climate of the region. And thus all that corpses of animals lie on the snow. This can pollute the water, as the Himalayas are the main source of the drinking water rivers in all of Asia. Vultures save the environment from pollution in a very natural way.
Practical info
When can vultures be seen in Tibet and why?
The period from May to October is ideal for spotting vultures in Tibet. Vulture nests can be spotted on cliffs located over 4,200 m above sea level. Vultures live in pairs in small colonies, and their breeding season is in January, making the summer a good time to view them. Visitors can go hiking in the area to view these birds. Show more
What is the significance of vultures in Tibet?
Vultures are held in high esteem and considered sacred in Tibet. This is due to their role during traditional sky burials, where the corpses of the dead are offered to vultures who take the souls of the dead to heaven. This is an essential ritual believed to allow for reincarnation. In Buddhist culture, donating human flesh to these birds is considered good as it saves the lives of small animals that could otherwise be preyed upon instead. Show more
What are some locations to view vultures in Tibet?
Visitors to Tibet can view vultures in sky burial sites spread across the region, such as Drigung-Til Monastery and Larung Gar Buddhist Academy located near Larung. One can also hike up high elevations and find vulture nesting grounds on the high cliffs located 4,200 m above sea level. The summer season between May and October provides and ideal time to view these birds. Show more
What is the diet of vultures in Tibet?
Vultures feed on dead animals in Tibet, making them vital protectors of the environment. This is because the harsh climate results in many animal deaths and leaves their carcasses polluting the environment. By feeding on these dead animals, vultures keep the area's ecosystem clean and prevent pollution of rivers in the region. Show more
How do vultures help protect the environment in Tibet?
Vultures are pivotal in protecting Tibet's environment by consuming the dead animals in the region, thus keeping the environment clean. As a large number of animals die yearly due to the harsh climate conditions of Tibet, vultures help prevent pollution by consuming organic matter in and around the rivers which originate from the Himalayas. This makes these birds crucial in maintaining the quality of Tibet's drinking water source. Additionally,vultures are highly respected and held in high regard in Tibet due to their important role in preserving the environment. Show more
