Overview
Join us for the 2025 Katok Festival at the historic Katok Monastery, one of the six great Nyingma institutions of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1159 AD by Katok Dampa Deshek, this monastery has produced many of Tibet’s most influential scholars. Nestled in a remote valley in the Kham region, Katok Monastery becomes a vibrant stage during the annual festival, featuring sacred masked dances, tantric rituals, and spiritual gatherings.
The highlight is the awe-inspiring Thangka Unveiling Ceremony, traditionally held on the final day. This sacred moment sees a massive thangka unrolled down the hillside—a rare and powerful spiritual sight. However, please note that this event is subject to local conditions and may be changed on short notice.
Important Notes
- The Thangka ceremony may be canceled due to weather or monastery decisions without prior notice.
- This is a high-altitude journey—acclimatization and physical preparedness are essential.
- We recommend purchasing travel and medical insurance before your trip.
- Itinerary adjustments may be necessary depending on road, weather, and local conditions.
Tour Facts
- Festival Dates: August 1–4, 2025
- Trip Duration: July 29 – August 7, 2025
- Start/End Point: Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Tour Style: Tibetan Cultural Festival, Overland Kham Region Tour
- Group Size: Minimum 3 / Maximum 12 participants
- Single Supplement: USD $295 (for solo room occupancy)
What’s Included
- ✅ Licensed English-speaking guide
- ✅ Comfortable accommodation (twin sharing)
- ✅ Private vehicle with experienced driver
- ✅ Airport pick-up and drop-off in Chengdu
- ✅ All entrance fees as listed
- ✅ Meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✅ Bottled water during the trip
What’s Not Included
- ❌ China visa and related costs
- ❌ Meals not included in the itinerary
- ❌ Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)
- ❌ Travel and medical insurance
- ❌ Tips for guide and driver
- ❌ Single supplement fee (if applicable)
Itinerary
Click each day to view detailed program
Day 1 – July 29: Arrival in Chengdu
Upon arrival at Chengdu Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest and recover from your journey.
Overnight: Minshan Lhasa Grand Hotel
Meals: Not Included
Day 2 – July 30: Chengdu – Kangding – Xinduqiao
Drive 7–8 hours through Ya’an and Luding, stopping at a local tea field (seasonal) and the historic Luding Iron Bridge. Cross Mt. Zheduo (4,324m) and reach Xinduqiao, a scenic Tibetan village.
Overnight: Jin Qiu Mu Ma Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 3 – July 31: Xinduqiao – Lhagang – Garze (Ganzi)
Visit Lhagang Monastery and meadows, then continue through Dawu and Luohuo. Cross Luoguoliangzi Pass (4,680m) and visit Garze Monastery and Den Gonpa.
Overnight: Tang Gula Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 4 – August 1: Garze – Pelyul via Yarchen Gar
Travel to Pelyul, detouring to visit Yarchen Gar Nunnery if accessible. Arrive in Pelyul, nestled along the Jinsha River.
Overnight: Cha Qin Song Duo Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 5 – August 2: Katok Festival (Day 1)
Attend the opening day of the Katok Festival at Katok Monastery. Enjoy traditional rituals, sacred dances, and monastic ceremonies. Return to Pelyul in the evening.
Overnight: Cha Qin Song Duo Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 6 – August 3: Katok Festival (Day 2)
Continue exploring the festival with deeper ceremonies and vibrant performances.
Overnight: Cha Qin Song Duo Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 7 – August 4: Thangka Ceremony & Drive to Derge
Early departure for the Thangka Unveiling Ceremony (weather permitting), followed by a scenic drive to Derge.
Overnight: Ying Jin Yuan Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 8 – August 5: Derge – Mt. Trola – Garze
Visit Derge Printing House, Gonchen Monastery, and cross Mt. Trola (5,050m). Stop by sacred Yilhun Lhatso Lake before reaching Garze.
Overnight: Tang Gula Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 9 – August 6: Garze – Garta Shangba Lin – Tagong
Drive east with a detour to Garta Shangba Lin Monastery. Continue to Tagong.
Overnight: Local Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 10 – August 7: Tagong – Chengdu – Departure
Drive back to Chengdu (7 hrs). Transfer to airport/train station. Note: Please book departures after 4:00 PM.
Overnight: Not included
Meals: Breakfast included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the altitude of Katok Monastery?
Katok Monastery sits at an elevation of approximately 4,800 meters (15,700 feet). Participants should be prepared for high-altitude conditions.
Is the Thangka Ceremony guaranteed?
No. The Thangka Unveiling depends on weather and monastery decisions. We’ll adjust the schedule accordingly if changes occur.
Can I join as a solo traveler?
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome, though a single supplement fee applies for a private room.
Is this tour suitable for elderly travelers?
Yes, but only if you are in good health and comfortable with long drives and altitude. We recommend consulting your doctor beforehand.
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