6-Day Amdo Tibetan Family Homestay Tour
Xining, Qinghai From $890
3-Day Journey to Lhasa’s Spiritual Heart
Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region From $400
7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu via the Everest
Lhasa - Kathmandu From $999
8-Day Everest Small Group Tour
Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region From $850
17-Day Guge Kingdom Trip With Kailash
Ngari, Tibet Autonomous Region From $2600The Saga Dawa Festival, observed on June 11, 2025, is one of Tibet’s most significant religious events, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (death) of Buddha. This sacred occasion draws numerous pilgrims and travelers to Mount Kailash, a revered peak in Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon traditions.
Embarking on a Saga Dawa Festival Tour 2025 offers a profound cultural and spiritual experience. Participants can witness traditional rituals, including the replacement of the Tarboche Flagpole—a pivotal ceremony symbolizing renewal and spiritual ascension. The atmosphere is vibrant, with monks chanting sutras, pilgrims performing the ‘kora’ (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, and the landscape adorned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Participating in the Saga Dawa Festival Tour 2025 not only offers a unique travel adventure but also provides deep insights into Tibetan culture and spirituality, making it a memorable and enriching experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa – Welcome to the Roof of the World
Days 2-3: Explore Lhasa – In-depth sightseeing of iconic landmarks
Days 4-5: Journey from Lhasa to Shigatse and Tingri – Scenic landscapes and cultural encounters
Days 6-7: Tingri to Everest Base Camp and Saga – Experience the grandeur of the Himalayas
Day 8: Saga to Darchen – Gateway to Mount Kailash
Days 9-11: Kailash Kora – Embark on a sacred and transformative trek around Mount Kailash
Days 12-14: Return to Lhasa – Relive the journey as you head back
Day 15: Tour Ends – Departure from Lhasa with cherished memories
Start your mystical journey with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, renowned for its architectural grandeur. Continue to Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred shrine, where you’ll witness pilgrims prostrating in devotion. Later, join the locals on the Barkhor Circuit and stroll through the bustling streets of Lhasa’s old town.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Banak Shol Hotel
Begin with a visit to Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, offering panoramic views of Lhasa and surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery to observe the lively Buddhist debate session among monks.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Banak Shol Hotel
Drive through the stunning Kampa-la Pass (4794m), with breathtaking views of the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the majestic Mount Nyenchen Khangsar. Visit Pelkhor Monastery and the iconic Gyantse Kumbum, then continue to Shigatse.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Shiga Yangcha Hotel (4 Star)
Explore the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse before heading to EBC. On a clear day, enjoy views of four towering peaks over 8000m. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest monastery, before settling in for the night at the guesthouse.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Rongbuk Hotel
Wake up early to witness the majestic sunrise over Mount Everest. En route to Saga, pass by the stunning Peikutso Lakeand enjoy views of the Shishapangma Mountains.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Xibu Yihan Hotel or similar
Drive through the arid yet captivating landscape of Zhongba to reach the sacred Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet. Spend time appreciating its serene beauty before continuing to Darchen, the base for the Kailash Kora.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Stardard Hotel in Dharchen
Celebrate the Saga Dawa Festival at the Tarboch Flagpole, where prayer flags are replaced during an elaborate ceremony. Begin the Kailash Kora trek, following the Lha-chu Valley to Dirapuk Monastery, with stunning views of Mount Kailash’s west and north faces.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Drirapuk Monastery gueshouse
Trek to the Dolmala Pass (5640m), the highest point of the Kora and a spiritually significant site. The challenging climb is rewarded with awe-inspiring views. End the day at Zutulpuk Monastery, where legends of Milarepa await.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Zutrul Puk Monastery Guesthouse
Complete the final stretch of the Kailash Kora and return to Darchen. After a brief rest, drive back to Saga for the night.
Highlights:
Accommodation: Xibu Yizhan Hotel ir similar
Travel to the picturesque Gyirong Town, where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Accommodation: Phuntsok Khangsang Hotel
Drive to Tingri, where you can unwind or take in the vast beauty of western Tibet’s rugged landscape.
Optional: For those heading to Kathmandu, proceed to the Gyirong border for departure.
Accommodation: Roof of the world Hotel
Drive to Shigatse, visiting the Sakya Monastery along the way.
Accommodation: Shiga Yangcha Hotel (4 star)
Return to Lhasa along the scenic northern Friendship Highway, with stunning views of the Brahmaputra River.
Accommodation: Banak Shol Hotel
Your guide will arrange transfers to the airport or train station. Bid farewell to Tibet and take home unforgettable memories.
Thanks for traveling with Tibet Holiday.
The Saga Dawa Festival is one of the biggest Buddhist festivals in Tibet, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing of Buddha Shakyamuni. It’s a time when pilgrims come to Mount Kailash and other sacred sites to do rituals, prayers and replace prayer flags. It’s famous for its high energy, devotion and cultural importance.
The Kailash Kora is a 3 day trek, with the highest point being the Dolmala Pass at 5,640m. A good level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience is required. Acclimatization days in Lhasa and other stops along the way help to minimize altitude sickness. Please consult your doctor before the trip and train with regular walking or hiking.
In big cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, accommodations are in comfortable hotels on twin sharing basis and 4 star. In remote areas like during the Kailash Kora, accommodations are in dorm style guesthouses with basic facilities. The lodging is functional, clean and safe but may not have luxury amenities in remote areas.
Must bring warm clothing (down jacket, thermal layers, gloves), trekking boots, small backpack for the Kora, reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, toiletries and personal medications. Trekking poles, snacks and raincoat or umbrella are also recommended. A detailed packing list will be provided to you.
Yes, several permits are required to travel in Tibet, including Tibet Travel Permit, Alien’s Travel Permit and Military Permit for Mount Kailash. These permits will be arranged by your tour operator at Tibet Holiday. All international travelers must have a valid Chinese visa before applying for the Tibet permits. Please book your tour with a licensed travel agency to ensure you comply with the regulations.
