Overview
The 2026 Repkong Festival, also known as the Repkong Monlam Festival, will take place in Repkong (Tongren) County, located in Qinghai Province. Renowned as the “Homeland of Thangka”, Repkong is the spiritual and artistic heart of Amdo Tibetan culture. This annual festival is an extraordinary opportunity to witness stunning Tibetan Buddhist rituals, masked cham dances, large-scale Thangka unveilings, and other vibrant religious activities.
Key events are held in the monasteries of Wutun Village, famous for its exquisite Thangka painting tradition. Please note: due to the customs of the Bon tradition and specific monastic rules, female visitors may not be allowed to enter certain temples in Wutun Village during the festival.
Recommended Start Date
- 🗓 February 20, 2026 (Recommended starting day)
- 🗓 Festival Dates: February 21 – March 3, 2026
- The festival runs for 10 days, but specific programs vary daily. We recommend Contacting Us in advance to select the best dates that suit your interests and schedule.
Tour Details
- Start/End: Xining, Qinghai
- Type: Tibetan Cultural Festival & Amdo Region Tour
- Group Size: Minimum 3, Maximum 12 participants
- Single Supplement: $254 USD (applies to travelers occupying a private room)
What’s Included
- ✔ Licensed English-speaking Tibetan guide
- ✔ All airport/train station transfers
- ✔ Private transportation throughout the trip
- ✔ Accommodation (based on double occupancy)
- ✔ All entrance fees for listed sites
- ✔ Daily breakfast
What’s Not Included
- ✘ China visa fees
- ✘ Medical or travel insurance
- ✘ Lunches and dinners (unless otherwise specified)
- ✘ Personal expenses
- ✘ Single supplement (if applicable)
2026 Fixed Departure Dates
- 📅 February 20, 2026
- 📅 February 25, 2026
Itinerary
Note: Daily schedule may be adjusted according to the actual festival program and monastery announcements.
Day 1: Arrival in Xining
Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai. You will be welcomed at the airport or train station by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and rest.
Overnight: Enraton International Hotel
Meals: Not included
Day 2: Xining to Repkong (Tongren)
Depart for Repkong (Tongren), a 2.5-hour drive on well-maintained roads. En route, visit Wutun Village and the Lower Wutun Monastery, renowned for its vibrant Thangka paintings and monastery murals.
Overnight: Shengyu Tianlun Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 3: Repkong Festival – Thangka Unveiling
Attend the Thangka Unveiling Ceremony at Upper Wutun Monastery, a powerful spiritual display where a giant Thangka painting is ceremonially revealed on the hillside.
Overnight: Shengyu Tianlun Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 4: Repkong Festival – Monlam & Maitreya Procession
Travel to Gomar Monastery to observe the Monlam Prayer Festival. In the afternoon, return to Wutun Monastery to witness the symbolic Maitreya Buddha Procession, where a statue of the future Buddha is paraded through the village.
Overnight: Shengyu Tianlun Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 5: Repkong Festival – Cham Dance
Visit Upper Wutun Monastery again to view the Cham Mask Dance, performed by monks of the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect. This sacred dance is a blend of meditation, storytelling, and purification ritual.
Overnight: Shengyu Tianlun Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 6: Repkong to Xining via Kumbum Monastery
Return to Xining, stopping en route at Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Si), one of the six great Gelugpa monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school. Upon arrival in Xining, visit the historic Dongguan Mosque, the largest mosque in Qinghai.
Overnight: Enraton International Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 7: Departure from Xining
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast included
Important Notes
- Due to religious regulations, some temples in Wutun Village may restrict female visitors during the festival.
- Flexibility is required as schedules may shift based on monastic announcements or ceremonial timings.
- Participants are encouraged to respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting monasteries.
- High-altitude conditions may cause mild discomfort for some travelers. Please consult your physician if concerned.
- We recommend securing travel insurance and obtaining your China visa well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need prior experience with Tibetan culture to join?
No prior experience is necessary. The tour is designed for both first-time and seasoned travelers interested in Tibetan traditions.
What language does the guide speak?
Our licensed Tibetan guides are fluent in English and deeply knowledgeable about local customs and religious practices.
What type of accommodations are provided?
Comfortable, clean hotels with twin-share basis are used. Single rooms available with an extra supplement.
What’s the weather like during the festival?
February–March in Qinghai is cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Expect temperatures between -10°C and 10°C. Warm clothing is essential.
Is this trip physically demanding?
The trip includes moderate walking and some high-altitude locations. Participants should be in generally good health.
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