• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Tibetan Trekking Travel Co

Tibet tour operator

  • Tours & Treks
    • Amdo tours
    • Kham tours
    • Tibet tours
    • Festival Tours
    • Tibetan treks
    • Bhutan tours
    • Nepal tours
  • How to Travel
    • Tibet Permit
    • China Visa
    • Tibet Travel FAQs
    • Customize Tour
    • Hotels
      • Qinghai hotels
      • Sichuan Hotels
      • Tibet Hotels
  • Destinations
    • Amdo Destination
    • Kham Destination
    • Tibet Destination
    • Amdo Attraction
    • Kham Attraction
    • Tibet Attraction
  • Resource
    • Tibet Plateau
      • Amdo
      • Kham
      • Tibet
    • Tibet Maps
    • Bon Religion
      • Primitive Bon Religion
      • Shenrab Miwo
      • Yungdrung Bon Religion
    • Tibetan Buddhism
      • Gelug pa
      • Nyingma pa
      • Kadam Pa
      • Kagyu pa
      • Sakya pa
      • Buddhism Icon i
      • Buddhism Icon ii
      • Esoteric Buddhism
      • Exotoric Buddhism
    • Tibetan Culture
      • Tibetan people
      • Tibetan Dance
      • Tibetan Festivals
      • Tibetan Food
      • Tibetan Language
      • Tibetan Music
    • Tibet History
      • Guge Kingdom
      • Ngari Three Lands
      • Sumpa Kingdom
      • Thoughts on Tibetan History
      • Tibet History Structure
      • Zhang Zhung
      • Zhang Zhung Territory
      • Zhang Zhung Archaeology
    • Tibet Video
  • Shop
    • Cart
    • Checkout
Home » Shop » 2026 Aba Festival
2018 Aba Festival
Aba Monlam Festival
Aba Monlam Festival
Aba Monlam Festival

2026 Aba Festival

$1,070

Single Supplement: USD $254 | Group Size: 3–12 people

Experience Tibetan culture and spirituality at the 2026 Aba Festival with prayer rituals, masked dances, and stunning highland scenery.

12 in stock

Categories: Kham tours, Tibetan Festival Tours
  • Description
  • Reviews (0)

Overview

The 2026 Aba Festival, also known as the Monlam Festival (meaning “Great Prayer Festival”), is one of the most significant religious celebrations in Tibetan Buddhism. It was first established in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school. According to legend, it commemorates the time when the Buddha overcame and converted six heretical teachers in the first lunar month.

The festival features two main elements: monastic chanting of scriptures and public religious ceremonies. Visitors can witness large-scale events such as masked cham dances, rituals to dispel evil, and vibrant prayer gatherings. The atmosphere is rich with Tibetan cultural treasures — from colorful costumes and traditional instruments to intricate thangka paintings, butter sculptures, and sacred relics.

The highlight of the festival is the Thangka Unfolding Ceremony, during which a massive embroidered Buddha thangka — normally kept rolled up for preservation — is ceremonially unveiled for pilgrims to worship.

This immersive journey takes you into the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, offering rare access to the spiritual heart of Aba County during this sacred event.

Important Notes

  • Due to the high altitude and remote location, this trip requires a reasonable level of physical fitness.
  • Weather can be cold in early March — please pack accordingly.
  • Final festival dates may be confirmed closer to the time, depending on the lunar calendar and monastery announcements.
  • This itinerary is subject to adjustments based on road, weather, or local religious events.
  • Respect for local customs and religious practices is essential. Please follow your guide’s instructions, especially at monasteries.

Tour Facts

  • Festival Dates: March 1–4, 2026
  • Trip Start: February 26, 2026 (from Chengdu)
  • Trip End: March 5, 2026 (back in Chengdu)
  • Experience Type: Tibetan Religious Festival, Cultural Discovery
  • Group Size: Min. 3 – Max. 12 people
  • Single Supplement: $254 (applies if occupying a private room)

What’s Included

  • ✔ Licensed English-speaking guide
  • ✔ Double-occupancy accommodation
  • ✔ Private vehicle with experienced driver
  • ✔ Airport/train station transfers (arrival & departure)
  • ✔ All entrance fees as listed
  • ✔ Meals as specified in the itinerary

What’s Not Included

  • ✘ International and domestic airfare
  • ✘ China visa fees
  • ✘ Personal expenses
  • ✘ Travel insurance and medical expenses
  • ✘ Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • ✘ Single room supplement (if applicable)

Itinerary

Click each day to view detailed program

Day 1 – Feb 26: Arrival in Chengdu

Meet your guide at Chengdu Airport or train station and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Minshan Lhasa Grand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast – Included | Lunch & Dinner – Not Included

Day 2 – Feb 27: Chengdu to Miyaluo Town

We begin our journey by driving to Lixian County, with a stop at the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System en route. Continue to Miyaluo Town for the night.

Overnight: 4-Star Hotel
Meals: Breakfast – Included | Lunch & Dinner – Not Included

Day 3 – Feb 28: Miyaluo to Aba County

Drive across winding roads and into expansive highland grasslands dotted with yaks and nomadic herds. As we approach Aba County, the scenery transforms into a vast Tibetan landscape.

Overnight: Paldzom Hotel
Meals: Breakfast – Included | Lunch & Dinner – Not Included

Day 4 – Mar 1: Aba Festival – Thangka Unfolding Ceremony

Rise early to witness the sacred Thangka Unfolding Ceremony at Langmu Si Monastery — the highlight of the entire festival, attracting thousands of pilgrims and monks.

Overnight: Paldzom Hotel
Meals: Breakfast – Included | Lunch & Dinner – Not Included

Day 5 – Mar 2: Aba Festival – Masked Cham Dance

Attend spectacular Cham Dance rituals performed by monks at Kirti Monastery and Gomang Monastery, featuring elaborate masks and symbolic movements.

Overnight: Paldzom Hotel
Meals: Breakfast – Included | Lunch & Dinner – Not Included

Day 6 – Mar 3: Aba Festival – Monlam Rituals

Today you’ll witness Monlam prayer ceremonies, where monks and devotees gather to recite sacred texts and engage in large-scale public blessings.

Overnight: Paldzom Hotel
Meals: Breakfast – Included | Lunch & Dinner – Not Included

Day 7 – Mar 4: Aba County to Chengdu

Depart from Aba County, enjoying a scenic drive (approx. 550 km) back to Chengdu, passing rivers, forests, and Tibetan towns.

Overnight: Minshan Lhasa Grand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast – Included | Lunch & Dinner – Not Included

Day 8 – Mar 5: Departure from Chengdu

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station for your departure.

Overnight: Not Included
Meals: Breakfast – Included | Lunch & Dinner – Not Included

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the altitude of Aba County?

Aba County sits at approximately 3,300 meters (10,800 feet) above sea level. Visitors should be aware of possible altitude effects and are encouraged to acclimate gradually.

Do I need a special permit to visit Aba during the festival?

No special permits are required for Aba, but a valid Chinese visa is necessary. We handle all local registrations and monastery entry arrangements as part of the tour.

What kind of clothing should I bring?

March weather is cold, especially in the early morning and evening. Pack layers, thermal undergarments, a down jacket, gloves, and a warm hat. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes, vegetarian meals can be arranged upon request. Please inform us of dietary preferences when booking.

Is this trip suitable for elderly travelers?

Yes, provided they are in generally good health and capable of handling high altitudes. We recommend consulting a doctor before traveling.


📅 BOOK NOW – Limited Spots Available

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “2026 Aba Festival” Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related products

  • Kangding trek

    Kangding Scenic Trek in Eastern Tibet

    $999 – $1,099
    Book Now This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Katok Festival

    2025 Katok Festival

    $1,699
    Book Now
  • 2021 saga dawa festival

    2025 Saga Dawa Festival

    $1,999
    Book Now
  • Mt Gongga Trek

    Mt Gongga Trek – Kham Tibetan Adventure

    $1,599 – $1,799
    Book Now This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Footer

Blog

Chakra Monastery

April 11, 2025 By Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Bantsang Gonpa

March 11, 2025 By Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Ngacho Monastery

March 9, 2025 By Tibetan Trekking Travel Leave a Comment

Emails News Letter

Join Us Green Travel Community

Privacy Policy
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Vimeo

Search here

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Tibetan Music

Tibet music

Kham Travel Video

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use & Disclaimer
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Chengdu
  • Site Credits

Copyright © 1996–2025 · Tibetan Trekking Travel Co.