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Lhasa, Tibet
Overview
This awesome tour takes you to the holy Mount Kailash during Saga Dawa Festival, one of the biggest festivals of the year, which celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. It is a particularly big draw for thousands of pilgrims from Tibet, India, and beyond.
The unique opportunity to see the greatest diversity of Tibetan national dress as everyone wears their finery will be yours. This also includes a 3 day trek around Mount Kailash as it is considered a pilgrimage route every Buddhist must experience at least once in their life.
On the first day we reach main celebration area where the pole and prayers are changed; on the second we go across Dolma la Pass (5,650 meters); and on the third we stroll along mountain streams through a breathtaking valley.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Lhasa, the Gonggar Airport is 62 km away and the train station is within the city. Making the journey to the hotel can take up to one hour and you will be rewarded with some beautiful views of the mountains as you make your way.
After checking into your accommodation, feel free to proceed to explore Bakhor Street and Jokhang Temple with their masses of pilgrims, local Tibetans and monks. Alternatively, you could opt for shopping trips to local stores or sample Tibetan cuisine from a nearby restaurant.
Most importantly on your first day in Tibet, ensure that you have adequate rest and relaxation - we will devote another 2 days here before we begin our journey towards Mount Kailash for Saga Dawa festival so that everyone has a chance to fully adjust to the altitude.
Our tour for today will begin with the Potala Palace, winter home of the Dalai Lama since the 7th Century. Inside are several remarkable items, such as the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the Meditation Cave of the 33rd Great King of Tibet.
Then we shall have lunch before visiting Jokhang Temple, which was constructed by the same king in its namesake century. In addition to being able to view a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at age 12, visitors may observe pilgrims prostrating themselves around it on the outside.
Then, Taking a spin in Barkhor street is also recommended, allowing one to take part in kora with locals and partake in some old market exploring. What's more, guests have the opportunity to sample Tibetan tea with locals in tea houses for an added cultural experience.
This morning, we'll have the opportunity to explore Drepung Monastery, Tibet's largest and the world’s largest Gelugpa school. Home to over 7000 monks centuries ago, its majestic ambiance is best seen close up.
Later in the day, you'll get to witness the mesmerizing debates of Sera Monastery. Here monks engage with much enthusiasm in philosophical discussions and intellectual exchanges. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
In the morning, we will leave Lhasa and make our way to Shigatse. Along the route, you can take in the sights of Gampala Pass (4790m) and enjoy a view of Yamdrok-tso (4400m), which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and provides spectacular views of Nyenchen Khangsar (7191m).
We will also get to admire the Korola Glacier from our car window before stopping at Manak Dam Lake, where visitors can hang prayer flags at Simila Mountain Pass.
The next destination on this journey is Gyantse - Tibet's third largest city after Lhasa and Shigatse - where we will visit Pelkor Monastery and the famous Gyantse Kumbum as well as admire Gyangtse Fortress in the distance.
After just one and a half hours' drive, we will arrive in Shigatse - Tibet's second largest city - with time to explore its traditional Barley Mill and glimpse Barley Fields (in summer).
Today, our journey will take us through majestic mountains and over multiple high passes with spectacular views of Mount Everest. We'll arrive at the tent camp near Base Camp in the evening, and if time allows we can visit Rongbuk Monastery - home to the world's highest monastery - including a meditation cave said to have been used by Padma Sambhava way back in the 8th century!
We can take a few moments there to relax and unwind after such a long day. Once at the tent camp, you can order dinner and breakfast as an English menu is provided.
We will pass the Phelku Tso lake surrounded by snow peaked mountains on the way to Saga.
Afterward, we will drive up to the high pass to see the grasslands.
We see Shishapangma mountain, one of the mountains over 8,000 meters (8027 meters).
Enjoy the stunning view of the Saga Valley, which is situated between the Gangdise Range and the Himayala Range, while passing through beautiful grassland and local villages along the way.
We will cross the Mayumla Pass (5112m) and see the spectacular view of Mt. Nemo Nanyi (7694m). Finally, we will arrive at the southern foot of the most holy mountain in Tibet, Mt. Kailash.
After we pass the Manasarovar Lake, we will drive to Darchen to overnight. Darchen is located at the foot of Mount Kailash, where we will begin our trek around the holy mountain.
In Darchen, you can hire a horse to assist you on the trek (for an additional fee).
We will drive 7km to Dharpoche, where there is a big pole and prayer flags.
Our first stop will be at an area of religious significance where Tibetans come together to celebrate Saga Dawa Festival, commemorating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.
We will then proceed to the first tea shop for lunch and make our way to Dira Puk Monastery, stopping there for the night at a guesthouse which provides a breathtaking look at the northern side of the mountain.
Today, we'll be setting off early to traverse the highest point, the Dolma-La Pass (5670m).
Before that, we'll stop at a nearby tea house for breakfast then begin our ascent. At 18,600 ft., you can witness the extraordinary views of mountains and lakes below.
Along with this comes an abundance of colorful prayer flags blowing in the wind - carrying your prayers afar!
On our descent, we'll cross a river then head towards another tea shop for lunch and some rest.
Finally, we'll make our way to Zutrul Puk Monastery where we will spend the night in an accommodating guesthouse.
Our shortest and easiest day is today by trekking just 8km to Zongdu. Then driving to Dhachen.
We will be walking through a gorgeous valley following the mountain river. Throughout the day, we will see the east side of Mount Kailash.
Our overnight stay will be at the Darchen hotel (a hot shower is available for an additional fee).
Drive from Darchen to Saga via Lake Manasorovar.
Drive all the way to Sakya via Lhasatse county.
We will visit ancient Sakya Town and Sakya Monastery, which has amazing murals and a large collection of scriptures and statues.
Sakya Monastery is a breathtakingly beautiful Tibetan monastery that has been standing tall for over 900 years. It was founded during the Khon family reign in the 11th century and since then it has become one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in Tibet.
The monastery's walls are adorned with intricately painted murals depicting various stories from Buddha's life, while its interiors are filled with ornate statues and carvings made by skilled artisans centuries ago.
This awe-inspiring structure serves as a beacon of hope for all those who seek enlightenment through Buddhism, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to experience firsthand the rich history and culture of Tibet.
In the afternoon, we will drive back to Shigatse.
Our journey back to Lhasa will take us through Yalong Valley.
You will be transferred to the airport or train station by the guide.
What is Included
- All necessary Permits travelling in Tibet
- All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels, dormitory in guesthouses
- Breakfast when staying in hotels in Lhasa and Shigatse only
- Airport pick up and send off service
- Transportation: comfortable tourist vehicle
- English-speaking knowledgeable Tibetan guide
- Entrance fees to the attraction sights and monasteries per the itinerary
- First Aid Kit
- Oxygen supply
Cost Excluded
- International flight ticket
- Domestic flight/train (We can help booking domestic flight/train ticket
- Meals (Usually costs about USD3-15)
- Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver
- Personal expenses
FAQs
Saga Dawa Festival usually provides an array of memorable scenes. Hundreds of Tibetans can be seen circumambulating around the Barkhor, Tsekhor, and Lingkhor simultaneously, with many also releasing fishes and other animals in the Lhasa River (Kyichu).
At monasteries across the city, monks recite prayers in assembly halls and serve butter tea during intermissions. Elsewhere, lines of Tibetans form at Drepung Kitchen to make donations for those chanting in assembly halls.
On the 15th day of Saga Dawa, Tibetan traditions dictate that people abstain from eating meat and instead dine on vegetables at restaurants after completing their pilgrimage.
Elsewhere, generous individuals provide material help to those in need while others go on picnics to take a break after visiting multiple monasteries. Even during these leisurely moments, older Tibetans can be seen mumbling mantras with rosaries in left hands and small prayer wheels in their right hands.
At an astonishing 6714 metres, the mythical Mt Kailash has been a spiritual site since pre-Buddhist times. Considered one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Asia, a single kora around Mt. Kailash is said to absolve one of their sins, while 108 circuits grants them nirvana upon death.
The Saga Dawa Festival is an excellent opportunity to do kora as it’s when good deeds and prayers are multiplied many times over.
Furthermore, on April 15th, devotees can take part in the once-a-year ceremony where a new flagpole will be erected at Tarboche and those present can do thirteen circles around that holy pole – considered equal in merit to one kora around Mt. Kailash.
If you are planning to attend the Saga Dawa Festival at Kailash, 2023 is a great year to do so.
The festival takes place in Tibet during the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, which falls between May and June.
This month-long celebration commemorates Buddha’s enlightenment, birth, and death. During this time, thousands of pilgrims journey to Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion.
Tibetans perform circumambulation around this holy mountain as a way of purifying the souls and gaining merit.
The climax of the festival comes on the full moon day when devotees offer prayers and light butter lamps to honor Lord Buddha. With its colorful rituals and spiritual significance that draws people from all over Asia; attending Saga Dawa Festival at Kaialsh can be an experience like no other!
