Saga Dawa Festival Tour in Tibet 2025

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overnight in Lhasa

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