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Ngari, Tibet Autonomous Region From $2600Join us on the Amdo Monlam Chemo Festival Tour 2025 and experience the deep spirituality and rich culture of Tibet. The Great Prayer Festival, also known as the Monlam Festival, is one of the biggest Tibetan Buddhist festivals where thousands of pilgrims, monks and visitors from all over the region gather. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see sacred rituals, colorful traditions and the breathtaking landscapes of Amdo.
The Monlam Festival was established in the 15th century by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Held every year, the festival is a time for prayers, ceremonies and cultural activities to promote world peace and spiritual harmony. Amdo is known for its strong Buddhist traditions and celebrates Monlam Chemo with great devotion and grandeur.
Pick up at 09:30 from your hotel in Xining and start the day with a visit to the famous Kumbum Monastery, a Gelukpa-sect monastery established in 1560 in Rushar County and one of the six big monasteries in Tibet. Then drive to Repkong and visit the historic Rongwo Monastery, originally a Sakya-sect monastery and later a Gelukpa-sect monastery.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
Start the day with a visit to Gomar Monastery, 10km from Repkong, where you’ll see a Tibetan breakfast gathering. Locals bring milk tea and breakfast to the monastery and share stories and wishes for the coming year. In the afternoon, attend the Sunning the Buddha ceremony where a big Thangka painting is displayed on a hillside, blessing all beings.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
Spend the day at Wutun Monastery and the surrounding village, the centre of Repkong’s Tibetan art. Watch the Cham dances and take photos of the festival. Visit a local artist’s home to learn about the process of making Thangka paintings and other traditional crafts.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
Spend the day at Wutun Monastery and the surrounding village, the centre of Repkong’s Tibetan art. Watch the Cham dances and take photos of the festival. Visit a local artist’s home to learn about the process of making Thangka paintings and other traditional crafts.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
Spend the day at Gomar Monastery watching Cham Dance. The sacred dances include masked performances, healing chants and symbolic hand gestures, with colourful costumes and traditional music. Learn about the centuries old traditions and get a glimpse into Tibetan culture.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
After a morning visit to Gomar Monastery for more Cham dance, drive to Labrang, a Tibetan town at 2,900m. Arrive and rest at your hotel.
Accommodation: Jiusheng Hotel
Attend the highlight of the Monlam Festival in Labrang—the annual Sunning the Buddha ceremony. Watch a giant Thangka being carried to a hillside and receive blessings from the crowds. Join the celebrations with singing, dancing and prayer sessions.
Accommodation: Jiusheng Hotel
Watch Cham Dance at Labrang Monastery in the morning where pilgrims and visitors receive blessings from high lamas. Then drive to Taktsang Lhamo and visit the monastery to see the festival.
Accommodation: Langmusi Hotel
Attend the morning ritual of Turning the Buddha at Labrang Monastery. Watch the monks carry a 3-meter high silk Maitreya Buddha during the kora. Then drive to Lanzhou or Xining for your for departure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of Amdo Monlam Chemo Festival Tour 2025.
The Amdo Monlam Festival, also known as the Great Prayer Festival, is one of the most important religious events in Tibetan Buddhism. Originating in the 15th century, it features sacred rituals, Cham dances, massive Thangka displays, and prayers for world peace, attracting pilgrims and visitors to the Amdo region each year.
In 2025, the Amdo Monlam Festival will be celebrated in February, with key events occurring in towns like Labrang, Repkong, and Taktsang Lhamo. These locations host vibrant ceremonies and cultural activities, making them prime destinations for experiencing the festival.
Highlights include the unveiling of giant Thangka paintings, Cham dances performed by monks in ornate costumes, pilgrim rituals like Turning the Buddha, and the yak butter sculpture exhibition. These activities reflect the festival’s deep spiritual significance and cultural richness.
Yes, tourists are welcome to attend and observe the festival. Many ceremonies, such as the Sunning the Buddha and Cham dances, are open to all. Visitors can also join locals in kora (circumambulation) rituals and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.
To prepare for the festival, ensure you acclimate to the high-altitude environment in advance. Dress warmly, as February can be cold in Amdo. Respect local customs, follow your guide’s instructions, and be mindful of monastery rules when visiting sacred sites. Booking with an experienced tour operator is highly recommended for an enriching experience.
