Overview
Experience the most sacred spiritual celebration in Tibet — the 2025 Saga Dawa Festival, held on the 15th day of the 4th month in the Tibetan lunar calendar. This revered date marks three major events in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni: his birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana. Thousands of Tibetan pilgrims travel to Mount Kailash weeks in advance to participate in this deeply meaningful event.
The highlight of the festival is the raising of the Tarboche Flagpole, an important ritual held at the base of Mount Kailash. As monks from nearby Gyangdrak Monastery perform sacred ceremonies, the flagpole is replaced with a new one, adorned with layers of vibrant prayer flags. The ritual is accompanied by spiritual music from long trumpets, conch shells, and other traditional instruments. This powerful event draws pilgrims and travelers from around the world.
- Minimum booking confirmation required: 30 days prior to departure in order to process the Tibet Travel Permit.
- Due to the high altitude, travelers are advised to consult your doctor before booking. Acclimatization is essential.
- The itinerary may be adjusted depending on local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
- Weather at high altitudes can be unpredictable; appropriate gear and flexibility are recommended.
Tour Facts
- Festival Date: June 11, 2025
- Trip Start: Lhasa
- Trip End: Lhasa
- Main Activities: Cultural sightseeing, spiritual festival experience, high-altitude overland travel
- Group Size: Minimum 3 people – Maximum 12 people
- Single Supplement: USD $470 (for solo occupancy of a room)
Departure Date
- Start Date: June 4, 2025
- Duration: 11 days / 10 nights
What’s Included
- ✅ Licensed English-speaking Tibetan guide
- ✅ All entrance fees to listed attractions
- ✅ Double-occupancy accommodation at reputable hotels or guesthouses
- ✅ All required Tibet Travel Permits
- ✅ Arrival & departure airport/train station transfers in Lhasa
- ✅ Private vehicle transportation throughout the tour
- ✅ Meals as specified in the itinerary
What’s Not Included
- ❌ China visa fees
- ❌ Medical and travel insurance
- ❌ Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
- ❌ Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, tips, beverages)
- ❌ Single supplement charge
- ❌ Personal trekking gear (e.g. sleeping bag, mattress)
Itinerary
Click each day to view detailed program
Day 1 (June 4, 2025): Arrival in Lhasa
Arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Meet your local Tibetan guide and transfer to your hotel. En route, stop at Nietang Buddha, a large rock carving of Buddha on the hillside. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing visit to Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.
Overnight: Tashi Nota Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 2 (June 5, 2025): Lhasa Cultural Exploration
Begin the day at the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and the spiritual heart of Tibet. Continue to Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet. Conclude the day with a walk through the bustling Barkhor Street.
Overnight: Tashi Nota Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 3 (June 6, 2025): Monastic Sites of Lhasa
Explore three significant monasteries:
- Sera Monastery: Renowned for its monk debates
- Drepung Monastery: Once the largest monastery in the world
- Nechung Monastery: Seat of Tibet’s State Oracle
Overnight: Tashi Nota Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 4 (June 7, 2025): Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse
Travel southwest to Shigatse via Gyantse. Enjoy panoramic views of Yamdrok Lake from Kamba La Pass and marvel at the Karola Glacier. Visit Palcho Monastery and Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse.
Overnight: Tashi Choeta Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 5 (June 8, 2025): Shigatse to Saga
Cross into the highlands of Western Tibet. Reach Saga, a modern outpost with ancient roots as a pilgrimage stop.
Overnight: Local hostel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 6 (June 9, 2025): Saga to Lake Manasarovar
Journey to Lake Manasarovar, a sacred site in both Hinduism and Buddhism. This high-altitude lake is believed to cleanse one’s soul and is the source of several major rivers.
Overnight: Local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 7 (June 10, 2025): Lake Manasarovar to Darchen
Drive to Darchen, the gateway to Mount Kailash. Spend the day acclimatizing and preparing for the spiritual event.
Overnight: Local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 8 (June 11, 2025): Saga Dawa Festival Day
Attend the Saga Dawa Festival. Walk to Tarboche to witness the raising of the prayer flagpole—a central ritual filled with vibrant spirituality, color, and sound.
Overnight: Local guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 9 (June 12, 2025): Darchen to Shigatse
Return to Shigatse via the southern route through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes.
Overnight: Tashi Choeta Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 10 (June 13, 2025): Shigatse to Lhasa
Drive back to Lhasa. Free time in the afternoon for exploration or relaxation.
Overnight: Tashi Nota Hotel
Meals: Breakfast included
Day 11 (June 14, 2025): Departure from Lhasa
Transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Farewell and Tashi Delek!
Meals: Breakfast included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special permit to visit Tibet?
Yes, all foreign travelers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit in addition to a Chinese visa. We will assist you with the permit application.
What is the altitude of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar?
Lake Manasarovar lies at about 4,556 meters (14,947 ft) and Mount Kailash stands over 6,600 meters (21,654 ft). Acclimatization days are included in the itinerary.
How physically demanding is this trip?
While no trekking is required on this itinerary, high-altitude travel and long driving hours can be physically taxing. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
Can I join the Mount Kailash kora during the Saga Dawa Festival?
This itinerary focuses on the festival experience and includes a short walk to Tarboche. If you wish to do the full kora, we can arrange an extension. Please Contact Us for detail
What kind of accommodations are included?
We provide comfortable, reputable hotels in cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. In remote areas like Saga and Darchen, accommodations are basic guesthouses or hostels.
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