Saga Dawa Festival Tour in Tibet 2025

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3 June 2025
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16 days
Availability : June 03, 2025
Lhasa, Tibet
Lhasa
Min Age : 18
Max People : 6

Introduction to the Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet 2025

The Saga Dawa Festival is a significant celebration in Tibet, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha Sakyamuni. In 2025, this festival will hold special meaning for those who observe it, as it brings together communities and promotes Buddhist teachings through various rituals and festivities. Participants can expect vibrant ceremonies, prayer gatherings, and a spirit of reflection and devotion during this important event.

Significance of Saga Dawa

Saga Dawa commemorates three major events in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, and his passing into Nirvana. Devotees observe this day by performing various religious acts such as prayer recitations, almsgiving, and participating in religious processions. The festival encourages acts of kindness and generosity, including the release of animals into the wild and donations to those in need. It is a time for Buddhists to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings and strive towards greater compassion and understanding.

Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour Highlights

The Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in Tibet’s rich culture while experiencing the grandeur of Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world. This journey takes you through the spiritual heart of Tibet, visiting ancient monasteries, lakes, and breathtaking landscapes.

Key Highlights of the Tour

  • Lhasa City: Begin your journey in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and visit the Potala Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Jokang Temple, the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Drepung and Sera Monasteries: Visit the grand monasteries of Drepung and Sera, renowned for their historical significance and vibrant religious atmosphere.
  • Yamdrok Lake: Witness the stunning beauty of Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise water body surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
  • Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar: Embark on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, the holiest mountain in Tibetan Buddhism, and Lake Mansarovar, the sacred lake of purification.

What to Expect on the Saga Dawa Festival Tour

Cultural Exploration

As you journey to Mount Kailash, you will experience the spiritual practices and religious rituals of Tibetan Buddhists. The Kailash Saga Dawa Festival is a vibrant celebration where thousands of Tibetan pilgrims gather for the Kailash Kora (circumambulation around Mount Kailash), an essential pilgrimage that spans 52 kilometres around the sacred mountain. This challenging yet rewarding trek is an auspicious act that is believed to bring immense spiritual merit.

Scenic Landscapes

On your way to Mount Kailash, you will encounter stunning landscapes, including the majestic Noejin Kangsang Mountain and the beautiful Yamdrok Lake. The route is adorned with historical towns like Gyantse, home to the Kubum Pagoda, and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.

Participation in the Festival

You will also have the opportunity to participate in a grand prayer flag pole-raising ceremony in Tarpoche on the 15th day of the fourth Tibetan month, celebrated by pilgrims and tourists alike.

How to Join the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour?

Travel to Tibet

You can join the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour by either flying into Lhasa from cities like Kathmandu, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, or Xi’an. Alternatively, you can take a scenic train journey to Lhasa from various cities such as Chengdu, Beijing, and Xining.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

  • Arrival in Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual capital, known for its rich history and majestic sights.
  • Visit the iconic Potala Palace and the holiest Jokang Temple.

Day 2-3: Exploring Lhasa’s Heritage

  • Explore Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, two of the largest monasteries in Tibet, where you’ll witness monks debating and engaging in profound spiritual practices.
  • Stroll through Barkhor Street, where you’ll find vibrant Tibetan markets and ancient temples.

Day 4: Journey to Shigatse

  • Take a scenic drive to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, and visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama.

Day 5-7: The Spiritual Journey Begins

  • Continue your journey through the stunning Tibetan Plateau, passing serene lakes like Yamdrok Lake and charming towns such as Gyantse.
  • Reach Saga, where you’ll spend the night before heading to the sacred Mount Kailash.

Day 8-10: The Mount Kailash Pilgrimage (Kailash Kora)

  • Begin your sacred pilgrimage around Mount Kailash, one of the most revered mountains in Buddhism.
  • Walk the 52-kilometer Kailash Kora, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and devoted pilgrims.

Day 11-12: Visit to Lake Mansarovar

  • Spend time at the sacred Lake Mansarovar, believed to purify the soul and wash away sins.
  • Participate in meditation sessions beside the tranquil waters, soaking in the spiritual energy.

Day 13-14: Tarpoche Prayer Flag Ceremony

  • Experience the grandeur of the prayer flag pole-raising ceremony in Tarpoche. This special event takes place on the 15th day of the fourth Tibetan month and draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists alike.

Day 15-16: Return to Lhasa

  • Travel back to Lhasa, reflecting on your spiritually enriching journey. Spend the last day shopping for Tibetan souvenirs and engaging with local artisans before departing.

FAQs for the Saga Dawa Festival Tour

When is the Saga Dawa Festival in 2025?

The Saga Dawa Festival will be celebrated on June 11, 2025.

What is the Kailash Kora?

The Saga Dawa Festival will be celebrated on June 11, 2025.

Is the Kailash Saga Dawa Tour physically demanding?

The tour involves a challenging trek around Mount Kailash, but it is accessible to most people in good health. The highest point is at an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,400 feet), so proper acclimatization is essential.

What is the significance of Mount Kailash?

The tour involves a challenging trek around Mount Kailash, but it is accessible to most people in good health. The highest point is at an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,400 feet), so proper acclimatization is essential.

How can I participate in the prayer flag ceremony?

The prayer flag ceremony is held on the 15th day of the fourth Tibetan month in Tarpoche. You can join by taking part in the organized tour during the festival period.

Ready to experience the Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet?

Save this tour in your calendar to be part of this spiritually enriching journey to the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.

Tour Details

Departure & Return Location

Lhasa, Tibet

Departure Time

Between 7 – 9 am

Price Includes

  • Twin sharing accommodation at hotel/Guesthouses/tent as per the itinerary
  • 1 English speaking Local Tibetan travel guide
  • Breakfast for entire tour and full board during three days of Kailash trek
  • All entry fees to the sites and monasteries mentioned in the above Kailash trekking program
  • All necessary Tibet tour entry and road permits
  • Special Kailash permit
  • Yamdro lake conservation fee Karola glacier conservation fee
  • Mt. Kailash and lake Mansarovar conservation fee
  • Pack Yak and Yak men for Kailash trekking
  • Oxygen in the tourist vehicle incase needed
  • Tibet tour transportation by one good conditioned mini van or bus according to the group size

Price Excludes

  • Flight or Train tickets to Lhasa
  • Lunch and dinner for entire tour except three days Kailash trekking
  • China Tibet visa
  • Service of mainland China and Nepal site
  • Riding horses for Kailash trek
  • Sleeping bags and any trekking gears
  • Travel insuranceIncluding personal, medical, travel and evacuation insurance.
  • Personal expensesAlcoholic beverages, laundry, phone call, etc.
  • Any extra cost In the event of landslides and personal nature expenses need to be paid by clients themselves.

Complementaries

  • T-Shirt
  • Farewell dinner

What to Expect

The Saga Dawa Festival is a major religious event celebrated by Tibetan Buddhists in Tibet. It is particularly significant at Mount Kailash, considered sacred for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains. Here are some of the main highlights of the Saga Dawa Festival in Kailash:

  • Circumambulation of Mount KailashDuring the festival, thousands of pilgrims undertake the kora or circumambulation of Mount Kailash, a 52-kilometre trek. Completing the kora during the festival is believed to be particularly promising and can lead to spiritual liberation.
  • Prayer flags and offeringsPilgrims also make offerings and hang prayer flags at various sites around Mount Kailash, including the Dirapuk Monastery, the Dolma La Pass, and the Jhonger Monastery. The colourful flags and offerings are believed to carry the prayers and wishes of the pilgrims.
  • Cham dance performancesCham is a traditional Tibetan dance performed during the Saga Dawa Festival. The dance is believed to have the power to drive away bad spirits and bring good fortune. The performances usually occur at monasteries and other sacred sites around Mount Kailash.
  • The lighting of butter lampsAnother important ritual during the festival is lighting butter lamps at various temples and monasteries. The lamps symbolize the dispelling of darkness and the spread of enlightenment.
Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Welcome to Lhasa (3650m)!

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, whether by flight or train, a warm greeting awaits you from our Tibetan guide, who will present you with a traditional Hada (ceremonial scarf) and offer blessings.

The guide and driver will then transport you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa, where you can enjoy views of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River, the longest and largest river in Tibet, and the Lhasa River.

After checking into your hotel, take time to rest and acclimate to the high altitude.

In the afternoon or evening, your guide will meet you again, offer travel information, and introduce you to your group members.

Overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2Lhasa Tour – Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B, D)

Today is dedicated to exploring Tibetan monasteries! Spend the day immersing yourself in the rich history of Tibetan Buddhism and experiencing the daily life of Tibetan monks.

In the morning, visit Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet, once home to over 10,000 monks. As you stroll through the Coqen Hall, your guide will explain the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce significant historical figures.

Next, visit Loseling College (or an equivalent), where you’ll learn about the academic life of Tibetan monks and get a glimpse into their living conditions.

In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery, one of Tibet’s ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries. Here, you’ll witness the famous Monk Debate (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday). Your guide will explain how monks engage in these debates to deepen their knowledge and earn academic degrees.

Conclude the day with a welcome dinner, where you’ll bond with your fellow travellers.

Overnight in Lhasa | Breakfast | Welcome Dinner

 

Day 3Lhasa Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

Today’s highlight includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. These landmarks provide insight into the daily lives and beliefs of the people of Lhasa.

After breakfast, begin with a visit to the Potala Palace, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa Old Town. Discover the stories of the Dalai Lamas and explore the palace’s treasure trove, including the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Next, visit Longwangtan Park at the base of the Potala Palace, offering a different perspective of the palace. Enjoy local Tibetan folk activities here.

In the afternoon, head to Jokhang Temple, the heart of Tibetan religion. Inside, you’ll see the Buddha Sakyamuni statue at the age of twelve. Outside, observe pilgrims prostrating in reverence. Around the temple, explore Barkhor Street, where you can walk in the kora with locals and pilgrims and browse the vibrant market.

Finish the day with a visit to a lively Tibetan tea house, where you’ll sip traditional sweet tea while learning about Tibetan culture and daily life from your guide.

Day 4Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse (360 km) (B, L)

In the morning, embark on an overland journey to Shigatse, passing by Tibet’s most scenic lake, glacier, and charming Tibetan village.

Drive over the Gampala Pass (4790m) for stunning views of Yamdrok-tso (4400m), a lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. In the distance, admire the majestic Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa. Stop at various viewpoints along the lake and visit a local family for lunch.

Continue to the Korola Glacier, Tibet’s largest, where the ice tongue stretches across the hillside.

As you journey toward Gyantse, stop at Simila Mountain Pass to hang prayer flags for world peace and health.

Arriving in Gyantse, take some time to photograph the ancient city before continuing on to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. After checking into your hotel, rest up for the next day’s journey to Mount Everest.

Overnight in Shigatse | Breakfast | Lunch with a Tibetan Village Family

Day 5Shigatse (3850m) to Everest Base Camp (5200m) (B)

Today, enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan range!

After breakfast, drive to Mount Everest Base Camp. First, pass through Gyatsola Pass (5280m), where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Everest, a magnificent sight behind the mountain range.

Continue into the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve and stop at Gawula Pass (5198m) for a panoramic view of the Himalayas, with Everest leading the way. This marks your second view of the mountain.

Proceed along the winding road to the foot of Everest (5200m), where the iconic white pyramid peak will gradually come into view.

Stand in awe before the towering summit. As dusk falls, witness the sun’s golden light casting warmth on the northern face of Mount Everest—your fourth view.

As night descends, the Milky Way sparkles above, and the snow-capped peak of Everest is illuminated—your fifth and final encounter with this majestic mountain.

Overnight in EBC Tent Hotel | Breakfast

For those seeking a more adventurous approach, you can opt for the Tingri to Everest Base Camp trek, offering an alternative route to reach the base camp. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more popular trek, the Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal offers a unique perspective from the south of Mt Everest.

Day 6Everest Base Camp to Saga via Pelku Tso Lake (B)

Continue westward into the Ngari Plateau, taking in the stunning grasslands, lakes, and snow-capped mountains.

In the morning, you may witness pink sunlight illuminating Everest’s summit. After breakfast, visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery at 5154m.

Journey toward Ngari, home to the sacred Mount Kailash and holy Lake Manasarovar. On the way, enjoy a close view of Shishapangma (8027m), one of the highest mountains in the world.

At Pelku Tso Lake, the golden hue of the water below the peaks creates a breathtaking sight. After passing through grasslands surrounding the lake, reach Saga, the gateway to Mount Kailash. If needed, you can purchase essentials for your Kailash trek in Saga.

Overnight in Saga | Breakfast

Day 7Saga to Darchen via Zhongba

After breakfast, begin the journey through the Saga Valley, flanked by the Himalayan and Gangdise Ranges. Enjoy vast grasslands and stunning lakes along the way.

Pass by Gongzhucuo Lake, a stunning green lake, and then cross Mayum La Mountain (5211m), entering Ngari Region. At this point, you’ll catch your first view of the holy Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash in the distance.

Arriving in Darchen, a town at the base of Mount Kailash, settle into your hotel and prepare for the upcoming 4-day Mount Kailash trek.

Overnight in Darchen

Day 8Darchen to Dirapuk Monastery (Trek Day 1: 13km)

Start your Mount Kailash trek today by taking an eco-bus from Darchen to Sarshung Valley. From there, trek 13 kilometers through the valley, enjoying views of Kailash’s southern and western slopes.

Upon reaching the western slope, check into Dirapuk Monastery’s guesthouse. In the evening, visit this ancient monastery, and if the weather permits, enjoy a sunset view of Mount Kailash from the guesthouse.

Overnight in the local Guesthouse

Day 9Dirapuk Monastery to Western Slope of Mt. Kailash Trek (Trek Day 2)

This day is the most significant of your trek. Hike from Dirapuk Monastery to the glacier on the western slope of Mount Kailash at around 5800 meters. Here, you’ll have the chance to get up close to the sacred mountain.

If you’re in good physical condition, your guide may take you closer to the rocky walls of Mount Kailash for a more intimate experience.

Return to Dirapuk Monastery along the same path.

Overnight in the local Guesthouse

Day 10Dirapuk Monastery to Zutulpuk Monastery (Trek Day 3: 24km)

This will be the toughest day of your trek as you ascend to the highest point at 5630 meters. Begin the day with a 4-kilometer trek to 5430 meters, then continue to Dolma La Pass at 5630 meters.

After crossing the pass, reach the emerald-green Lake of Compassion, believed to purify one’s sins. From here, descend toward Zutulpuk Monastery.

Overnight in the local Guesthouse

Day 11Zutulpuk Monastery to Darchen (Trek Day 4: 12km)

Complete the Mount Kailash kora today and then journey to Lake Manasarovar to cleanse yourself in its sacred waters.

After the trek, enjoy the opportunity to visit hot springs before returning to Darchen for rest.

Overnight in Darchen

Day 12Darchen to Saga

Bid farewell to the Ngari Plateau and head back to Saga. Along the way, stop at pastures and lakes to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Overnight in Saga

Day 13Saga to Gyirong

Explore the Gyirong Valley, described as one of the world’s most beautiful valleys. Visit Sherpa villages, dense forests, and picturesque snow peaks.

Overnight in Gyirong

Day 14Gyirong to Tingri

Return to the highlands from Gyirong, enjoying the shift from lush forests to the stark beauty of the Himalayas.

Arrive in Tingri for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Tingri

Day 15Tingri to Lhasa

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the largest monastery in the area, before heading back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

Overnight in Lhasa

Day 16Depart from Lhasa (B)

Today marks the end of your Tibet adventure. Ensure your departure details are confirmed with your guide, who will escort you to the airport or train station.

End of tour

3 Reviews
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Maximilian S.

Group Traveller

The Saga Dawa Festival tour in Tibet exceeded all expectations. From the vibrant celebrations to the peaceful landscapes, it was a perfect blend of culture, spirituality, and adventure. A must-do!

10 July 2024

Janneke V.

Group Traveller

Spiritual and stunning! The Saga Dawa Festival was a highlight of our trip. Experiencing Tibet’s culture and nature was a life-changing adventure. Highly recommend this tour!

2 July 2024

David J.

Solo Traveller

An unforgettable journey! The Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet was a spiritual experience, and the landscapes were breathtaking. Highly recommend this tour for any traveler!”

29 June 2024

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