Mt. Kailash Tour in Saga Dawa Festival is based on a fixed departure as the festival lies on the specific date i.e. 11th June 2025.
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual adventure to Mt. Kailash during the sacred Saga Dawa Festival—one of the most important and deeply revered celebrations in Tibetan Buddhism. Held on the full moon of the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, Saga Dawa honors the life of Lord Buddha—his birth, enlightenment, and passing into nirvana—all of which are believed to have occurred on this single, holy day.
This 10-day journey is designed to align perfectly with the festival’s fixed date: 11th June 2025. It offers you the rare opportunity to witness vibrant religious rituals, prayer ceremonies, and ancient traditions at one of the holiest sites on earth.
Experience the spiritual energy of Mt. Kailash, considered the sacred center of the universe by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bon followers alike. Walk alongside thousands of pilgrims from across the Himalayas as they perform the Kora—a powerful ritual of circumambulation around the mountain believed to cleanse sins and purify the soul.
During the festival, you’ll see Tibetans hoist towering prayer flags, release animals in acts of compassion, and gather in joyful devotion around sacred sites such as Barkhor Street and the Potala Palace in Lhasa. This is more than just a tour—it’s a spiritual immersion, a cultural awakening, and a personal journey of transformation.
10 days / 9 nights Mt. Kailash in Saga Dawa Festival trip
Explore the Sacred Roof of the World
Highlights
- The tour coincides with the Saga Dawa Festival, marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana on the full moon of the fourth Tibetan lunar month.
- Participate in the sacred circumambulation (Kora) around the holy Mount Kailash, a deeply spiritual Tibetan Buddhist practice.
- Experience rituals such as raising prayer flags and releasing animals, symbolizing compassion and devotion.
- Visit historic monasteries and sacred locations linked to Tibetan Buddhism and local traditions.
- Witness the high energy and devotion during the festival, especially at Mount Kailash and Barkhor Street in Lhasa.Offers a transformative journey blending inner awakening, cultural insight, and stunning landscapes.
- Witness the high energy and devotion during the festival, especially at Mount Kailash and Barkhor Street in Lhasa.
- Well-planned logistics include experienced guides, comfortable vehicles, proper acclimatization, and carefully chosen accommodations.
Itinerary
- Early morning departure from Kathmandu
- Drive 6–7 hours to the Nepal-Tibet border
- Complete border crossing formalities
- Arrive and overnight stay in Kerung
- Focus: Begin altitude acclimatization
- Full day for rest and acclimatization
- Light walks and local exploration
- Altitude sickness briefing and trek overview
- Overnight in Kerung
- Drive 230 km (approx. 6 hours) across the Tibetan Plateau
- Enjoy scenic landscapes en route
- Arrive and overnight stay in Saga
- Continued altitude acclimatization
- Drive 370 km (approx. 7 hours) to Lake Mansarovar
- Explore the lake and surrounding area
- Overnight stay near Lake Mansarovar
- Drive to Tarboche
- Participate in the Saga Dawa Festival, including the flagpole raising ceremony
- Return to Lake Mansarovar area for overnight stay
- Drive to Darchen (Valley of the Gods)
- Begin Kailash Kora trek
- Trek 18 km (approx. 7 hours) to Dirapuk (Kailash Kora)
- Overnight in Dirapuk
- Trek 19 km (approx. 9 hours) via Drolma La Pass (5634m)
- Descend to Zuthulpuk
- Overnight in Zuthulpuk
- Trek 16 km (approx. 3 hours) to finish the Kora
- Drive to Darchen, then continue to Saga
- Overnight stay in Saga
- Drive back across the Tibetan Plateau to Kerung
- Overnight stay in Kerung
- Drive 7–8 hours from Kerung to Kathmandu
- Complete border crossing
- Return to Kathmandu
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- All transfers by private or tourist van/bus
- Twin-sharing accommodation on a bed and breakfast (BB) basis as per itinerary
- Sightseeing in Tibet with an experienced English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Entrance fees to monasteries
- Emergency oxygen cylinder in the vehicle
- Tibet Travel Permit and Alien Travel Permit
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and dinner (approx. $5–$15 USD per meal, depending on menu choice)
- Airfare or train tickets for any sector
- Any type of insurance
- Nepal and China visa fees
- Nepal visa: $30 for 15 days, available on arrival
- Tibet visa fee varies by nationality – let us know your passport for exact cost
- Personal expenses (drinks, tips, porter charges, etc.)
- Trekking equipment
FAQs
Tibet lies in southwestern China, sharing borders with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Burma. Historically, it comprises three provinces: U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. Although people from these regions all identify as Tibetan, they speak distinct dialects and maintain strong regional identities.
Today, Tibet is administratively divided under Chinese governance. The Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) includes U-Tsang and part of Kham. The rest of Kham and Amdo have been merged into neighboring Chinese provinces such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Qinghai. Covering about 1.22 million km²—12.8% of China’s landmass—Tibet offers stunning alpine scenery, a rich Buddhist culture, and easy access from Nepal, making it a popular destination for trekking and spiritual journeys.
Tibet follows China Standard Time (GMT+8), which is 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
To travel to Tibet from Nepal, you need both a Chinese Group Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. Your travel agency in Kathmandu will assist in arranging both. If you already have a Chinese tourist visa, it will be canceled when applying for a group visa.
Travelers entering Tibet from mainland China must obtain a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. Additional permits may be required for regions outside Lhasa, which your travel agency will help arrange.
- By Road: Tibet is accessible via five major highways:
- Sichuan–Tibet Highway (Chengdu–Lhasa)
- Qinghai–Tibet Highway (Xining–Lhasa)
- Yunnan–Tibet Highway
- Xinjiang–Tibet Highway
- China–Nepal Highway (the only international highway)
- By Air: Flights to Lhasa require a stop in China or Nepal. The only international route is between Kathmandu and Lhasa.
- By Rail: The Qinghai–Tibet Railway connects Golmud to Lhasa, covering 1,142 km.
Tibet has a high-altitude climate. Lhasa enjoys sunny, cool days and cold nights. Winters are cold but dry and sunny, while summers can be warm during the day but chilly at higher elevations. Pack appropriately for temperature fluctuations.
The ideal time to visit is from April to early November, with peak seasons in May, June, and September. Lhasa, known as the “Sunlight City,” can be visited year-round due to its milder climate.
- A valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Chinese Visa or Group Visa (depending on entry point)
- Tibet Travel Permit (issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau)
- Additional permits may include:
- Aliens’ Travel Permit for restricted areas
- Military Permit for sensitive regions
No. Due to strict regulations, independent travel is not permitted in Tibet. Travel must be organized through a licensed tour agency, which will handle all permits and documentation.
Yes. Tibet’s high elevation may cause symptoms like headache, fatigue, or loss of appetite. Most travelers adjust within a few days. Consult your doctor about preventive medication (e.g., AMS pills), and allow time to acclimatize in Lhasa.
ATMs are available in major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse but may be scarce in remote towns. Carry sufficient cash for your trip.
The Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the official currency. Banks and major hotels in cities can exchange foreign currency. Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are not widely accepted outside of Lhasa.
As long as you avoid political discussions and demonstrations, political issues are unlikely to affect your visit.
Recommended vaccinations include:
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus & Diphtheria
- Rabies (if traveling to rural areas)
- Influenza
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Chickenpox
- Polio
- Yellow Fever (if traveling from an affected area)
Not usually. Guides speak English, and many hotel staff in cities like Lhasa and Shigatse are also English-speaking. Common languages in Tibet include Tibetan, Chinese, English, and Nepali.
Yes, but availability is limited. Internet is accessible in hotels and some cafés in cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsedang.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey with the Mt. Kailash Tour in Saga Dawa Festival – 10 Days, a carefully curated pilgrimage that aligns with one of the most sacred events in Tibetan Buddhism. This exclusive tour offers the unique chance to witness and participate in the Saga Dawa Festival, celebrated on the full moon day of the fourth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. Held at the base of the holy Mount Kailash, this festival draws thousands of devoted pilgrims each year.
Highlights of the 10-Day Mt. Kailash Saga Dawa Tour
During the Mt. Kailash Tour in Saga Dawa Festival – 10 Days, you’ll not only explore the mystical landscapes of western Tibet but also engage deeply with its rich spiritual traditions. The tour includes the sacred circumambulation (Kora) around Mount Kailash, visits to ancient monasteries, and participation in symbolic rituals like raising prayer flags and releasing animals as acts of compassion. These experiences make the tour profoundly meaningful for spiritual seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Why Join the Mt. Kailash Tour in Saga Dawa Festival?
The tour is timed precisely to coincide with the Saga Dawa Festival, offering participants an authentic and immersive cultural experience. Whether you’re a Buddhist pilgrim or a curious traveler, this journey presents a powerful blend of spiritual awakening and adventure. The high energy and devotion seen during the festival, especially around the holy sites of Kailash and Barkhor Street in Lhasa, are unforgettable.
Comfort and Logistics in a Remote Setting
Although remote, the Mt. Kailash Tour in Saga Dawa Festival – 10 Days is designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Our experienced guides, well-planned itineraries, and carefully selected accommodations ensure a smooth experience even in Tibet’s rugged terrain. You’ll travel in comfortable vehicles, acclimatize properly to high altitudes, and be fully supported as you complete the sacred Kora around Mt. Kailash.
Book Your Spot on the 2026 Departure Today
With a fixed departure aligned with the festival on 11th June 2026, this is your chance to join a meaningful journey into the spiritual heart of Tibet. Whether you’re seeking inner transformation, cultural exploration, or scenic wonder, the Mt. Kailash Tour in Saga Dawa Festival – 10 Days promises an enriching and unforgettable adventure. Book early to secure your place on this popular spiritual tour.
Visa and Permit Information for Tibet Travel
Traveling to Tibet from Nepal or mainland China requires specific visas and permits. Regulations can change, so always confirm the latest requirements with your travel agency and relevant embassies before departure.
Key Entry Requirements
1. Chinese Group Tourist Visa (for entry from Nepal):
- Mandatory for travelers entering Tibet from Nepal.
- Issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu with the help of your Tibetan tour operator.
- Important: Any existing individual Chinese tourist visa will be canceled during the group visa application.
- Visa fees vary; your travel agent will provide current rates.
2. Tibet Travel Permit (TTP):
- Required for all foreign travelers entering Tibet.
- Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
- Your tour operator will handle the application.
- A guided tour and pre-arranged private transportation are mandatory, especially for travel beyond Lhasa.
3. Additional Permits (if applicable):
- Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP): Needed for restricted areas.
- Military Permit: Required for travel to military-sensitive zones.
Your tour agency will inform you and arrange these as needed.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Tibet.
Eligible Countries:
- Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Uzbekistan
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand
Note: If entering Tibet from mainland China, you still need a Tibet Travel Permit, arranged by your tour operator.
Weather Overview
Tibet’s climate varies by season and elevation:
- Summer: Warm days, cool nights; higher regions remain chilly.
- Winter: Cold but sunny, especially in Lhasa; light snowfall.
- Lhasa: Milder due to its lower elevation valley.
- Frost: Common for at least six months annually.
- Lakes: Typically frozen from October to March at higher elevations.
Safety Guidelines
Documents & Identification:
- Carry multiple copies of your Tibet Travel Permit.
Health & Acclimatization:
- Allow 2–3 days to acclimate in Lhasa before ascending to higher altitudes.
- Avoid strenuous activity upon arrival.
- Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and smoking.
- Carry altitude medication as prescribed by your doctor.
General Safety:
- Secure your belongings at all times.
- Avoid shopping for wildlife products or counterfeit goods.
- Do not carry materials related to the Dalai Lama or Tibetan independence.
- Avoid bringing guidebooks about Tibet.
- Carry sufficient cash; card acceptance is limited.
- Do not travel alone at night or without your guide.
Final Notes
Travel regulations for Tibet can change frequently. Work with a trusted travel agency specializing in Tibet tours to ensure you meet all current entry and permit requirements. Altitude sickness is a genuine risk, so proper acclimatization and preparation are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.
