Trip Info
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Private vehicle and coach transfers as per itinerary
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Flexible, from small private groups to large organized tours
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5613m (Dolma La Pass)
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Hotels, guesthouses, and local tea houses as per itinerary
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Moderate to high (suitable for those with good physical fitness)
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Kathmandu, Nepal
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Kathmandu, Nepal
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Experienced Tibetan and Nepali guides
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Festival Tour
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English and Tibetan
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Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek; breakfast in cities
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Required Tibet Travel Permit and Kailash Region Permit
Overview
Join us on an extraordinary odyssey with our Kailash Saga Dawa Special Tour, an immersive pilgrimage through the heartland of Tibetan spirituality. This unique journey invites you to witness the sacred trifecta of Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing, celebrated throughout the hallowed month of Saga Dawa.
Embark on a soul-stirring exploration that takes you through the ancient streets of Lhasa, where the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple stand as majestic symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. Traverse the spiritual trails around the revered Mount Kailash, engaging in the profound Kora pilgrimage, a timeless ritual embraced by devotees seeking blessings and enlightenment.
Experience the vibrant tapestry of Tibetan culture through visits to monasteries adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the Himalayan breeze. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic chants and prayers that echo through sacred halls, connecting you with centuries-old traditions.
As the full moon graces the heavens, participate in special ceremonies and festivities, uniting with locals and fellow pilgrims in a shared reverence for the teachings of Lord Buddha. This Kailash Saga Dawa Special Tour is not just a journey; it’s a transformative experience, an opportunity to connect with the spiritual essence of Tibet and carry the blessings of Saga Dawa in your heart.
Come, be part of a celestial odyssey, where every step is a prayer, and every moment is a celebration of enlightenment. This is more than a tour; it’s a sacred sojourn, inviting you to embrace the divine energy that permeates the breathtaking landscapes and ancient monastic sites of Tibet.
Saga Dawa, one of the most significant festivals in Tibetan Buddhism, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing) of Buddha Sakyamuni. In 2025, the festival’s peak falls on June 11. Here are ten highlights of the Saga Dawa Festival:
- Month of Merits: The entire fourth month of the Tibetan calendar is dedicated to accumulating merits. Tibetans engage in virtuous activities, believing that good deeds during this period are multiplied manifold.
- Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash: Thousands of devotees undertake the kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, considered the most sacred pilgrimage. This ritual is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual benefits.
- Tarboche Flagpole Ceremony: At the base of Mount Kailash, a significant ritual involves replacing and raising the Tarboche flagpole, adorned with new prayer flags, symbolizing world peace and harmony.
- Lhasa Celebrations: In Lhasa, pilgrims perform koras around the Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace, chanting prayers and spinning prayer wheels, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
- Cham Dances: Monasteries like Tsurphu and Drigung Til host traditional Cham dances, where monks in elaborate costumes perform ritualistic dances depicting Buddhist teachings and legends.
- Acts of Generosity: Known as “the Poor’s Day,” Tibetans practice generosity by giving alms to the needy, donating to monasteries, and engaging in charitable deeds.
- Animal Liberation: Many Tibetans refrain from eating meat during this month and participate in releasing captured animals, such as fish, back into their natural habitats, symbolizing compassion and respect for life.
- Butter Lamp Lighting: Devotees light butter lamps in temples and homes, offering prayers for peace and enlightenment, illuminating the sacred spaces with a serene glow.
- Saga Dawa Festival Tours: Special tours are organized during this period, offering participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in Tibetan culture, witness traditional rituals, and join pilgrims in sacred practices.
- Cultural Performances: Throughout the month, various cultural performances, including traditional music, dance, and theatrical presentations, are held, showcasing Tibet’s rich heritage and artistic expressions.
