Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour - 17 Days

Are you planning to travel to Tibet for the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour, happening on May 31, 2026. If so, get ready for an unbelievable adventure. It’s a tour between spirituality, culture, and breathtaking scenery that is an experience like no other.

Mount Kailash (Adi Kailash) at 6,638 meters is central to your journey. It is considered the most sacred mountain in the world. On this Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour, you’ll participate in the Kora (spiritual walk) around Mount Kailash. It is believed that this sacred trek will cleanse your soul and bring you peace of mind.

You will also visit beautiful Lake Mansarovar which is one of the highest freshwater lakes on planet earth. This holy lake is deep and spiritual power hiding under the calm crystal clear waters makes this place truly special. In fact, you can even take a holy bath in the lake, considered as a process to purify your soul and rejuvenate your spirit.

The main highlight of this trip is to explore and immerse yourself in the colorful Saga Dawa Festival. It is a special event commemorating the life of Buddha, enlightenment and teachings. And you’ll see colorful ceremonies, the raising of the Tarboche flagpole to which prayer flags are attached and the tremendous devotion of pilgrims who make the trip from all over the world.

The Saga Dawa Festival Tour: It’s not just a trip – it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, spirituality, and rich Tibetan culture as you witness the sacred rituals at Mount Kailash, experience the vibrant Tarboche flagpole ceremony, and join devoted pilgrims in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of enlightenment.

Take this amazing trip to Mount Kailash and the Saga Dawa Festival with Namaste Nepal Trekking. You should not miss this life-changing experience. So without delay, reserve your spot today for the Saga Dawa Festival Tour and look forward to memories that will last a lifetime!

Understanding the Saga Dawa Festival

Tibet is a spiritual and high-altitude country with a rich festival calendar that is frequently observed on a monthly basis. Some people believe that the region’s genuine attractiveness is found in its strong Buddhist culture and devoted Tibetan faith, which are the real sources of its vitality, rather than only in its stunning scenery or crystal-clear skies.

The Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the fourth month, which is known as the “Buddhist Month” in the Tibetan lunar calendar (31 May 2026). The ceremonies, which are known as the most important Buddhist holiday in Tibet, frequently stretch for a whole month, producing a magnificent and spiritually charged atmosphere that you shouldn’t miss.

On the fifteenth day of the month, which is considered the day of greatest kindness, offering charity starts at the early hours of dawn. Without hesitation, food or money is given to any monk or beggar that is encountered. Because of this custom, Saga Dawa is known as the “Poor People’s Festival.”

• Activities During Saga Dawa Festival

A highly respected event for Buddhists, the Saga Dawa Festival is also known as “Buddha Day” or “Vesak Festival” in Theravada Buddhist nations. It honors the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and nirvana—three significant moments in his life. As a result, it is a happy and holy day that has deep spiritual meaning. Throughout the month, people follow the teachings of Gautam Buddha, practicing kindness and offering charity to those in need.

Witnessing religious rites, launching prayer flags (also called “lungta”), burning incense, hanging banners of Buddhist scripture, and performing sacred circuit pilgrimages, such as circumambulating holy mountains (also called “kora”), are all part of the festival atmosphere.

• Origins of the Festival

Lord Buddha was born, enlightened, and attained mahaparinirvana on the fifteenth day of the fourth Tibetan lunar month, or Saga Dawa Duchen in Tibetan, which is named after one of the 28 lunar constellations in Tibetan astrology. Mass pilgrimage activities, especially circumambulation, developed from a variety of commemoration rituals across time.

• Customs of Saga Dawa Festival

The festival’s great pilgrimage along Lingkhor Road in Lhasa is among its most breathtaking features. Waves of believers begin the holy practice of walking, chanting, and spinning their prayer wheels on the first day of Saga Dawa month. By the fifteenth day, foot traffic peaks and becomes a never-ending stream from sunrise to sunset. Children of various ages, men, and women dress traditionally and stroll piously while reciting prayers.

The customs, the ceremonies, everything fills the space with the people. These spiritual rituals attract pilgrims from around the world. They are also significant each when the Tarboche flagpole is being raised close to Mount Kailash. Here an old prayer flagpole is replaced with a new one, bearing new prayer flags. But these flags are thought to be carrying prayers for health, happiness, good fortune into the wind — blessing wherever they go.

• Saga Dawa in Lhasa

For the Tibetan community, Saga Dawa is a traditional important holiday. The Dragon King Pool (Zongjiao Lukang), located behind the beautiful Potala Palace, is where the event comes to a close. In addition to being a religious event, they also celebrate this month for the coming of spring seasons and for a bountiful harvest in the lovely grounds of Dragon king Pool. You can witness local residents celebrating by gathering in large numbers and having picnics and taking part in the celebration.

• Not Just for People

Tibetans follow a number of religious practices during the entire month of Saga Dawa Festival such as kneeling, refraining from killing animals, and gathering spiritual merit. Although many of these customs may alter slightly among Buddhist sects and their calendars, Saga Dawa is regarded by the majority as the most important spiritual holiday.

The Saga Dawa Festival has meaning for Tibetan Buddhists and others. Yes, it’s a time you’ve got to be kind, reflect on your life and do good deeds. You’ll find people reciting prayers, lighting butter lamps, and offering. Indeed some even release the animals as a gesture of compassion.

• Evening Observances

Burning incense offerings remain in the air as the sun sets, and the crowds start to thin out. Devotees rush to finish their rounds of kora, which is another important part of the celebration, i.e. the sacred walk around Mount Kailash. These demanding treks are undertaken by thousands of pilgrims as an act of faith and devotion. But it’s believed that by completing the Kora you would wash away sins and receive great spiritual rewards.

• Saga Dawa Festival Etiquette:

• Avoid Killing animals during the festival time
• When someone offers you the butter tea make sure to wait for the host to serve it to you with both hands before you accept.
• Respect Prayer Wheels(Always spin prayer wheels clockwise)
• Avoid touching anyone’s head as it is considered disrespectful.
• When visiting monasteries, avoid smoking, touching statues, flipping through scriptures, or striking bells or drums

To be a part of this festival and watch or participate, is an incredibly moving experience. Awesome on all counts — it’s also about the strength of Tibetan Buddhist culture, the power of shared prayer, and how powerful faith and nature are. If you’ve been a pilgrim or a visitor at the Saga Dawa Festival, you find that it touches your heart and gives you something of a fresh sense of purpose in your life.

Why You Should Go on the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour?

• Witnessing a Profound Spiritual Event:

The Kailash Saga Dawa Festival is more than visiting Tibet to witness Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. In this festive tour, you will be part of it and it will give you opportunities to feel the collective energy of thousands of pilgrims. The Tarboche flagpole-raising ceremony, a colorful and symbolic celebration that calls for everyone to be blessed with prosperity and happiness, is a major feature.

• The Mystical Journey Around Mount Kailash (Kora):

The Kora, the holy circumambulation of Mount Kailash, is a spiritual activity for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Bonpo religion people. It will help you to connect with the outer world and find yourself on a deeper level.

This 52-kilometer hike, which takes you to the high altitude of Dolma La Pass is physically demanding and this Kore serves as spiritually enlightening. You will feel the heavenly energy of this sacred mountain (Adi Kailash) which is also thought to be the earthly embodiment of Mount Meru, the universe’s axis, with each step.

Witnessing the breathtaking scenery, ancient monasteries, and cliffs adorned with prayer flags offers a profound perspective on life, inspiring a shift in the way you view the world. Completing the Kora is seen as a great accomplishment that offers great spiritual benefits and purifies the soul.

• Immersing Yourself in Tibetan Culture:

In this Kailash Saga Dawa Festival tour you will get an opportunity to enter the core of Tibetan culture, which is full of lively traditions, rituals, and wisdom. Every second takes you to a different culture, from the otherworldly chanting resonating in gompas to the vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

You can taste traditional cuisine, watch centuries-old Tibetian practices, and experience the warm welcome of the locals. This tour is both enlightening and emotional because of the opportunity to connect with monks and pilgrims in person and observe their way of life in rural Tibet.

• A Journey of Personal Transformation:

The Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour isn’t just about visiting a place; it’s a journey that touches your heart and helps you grow. Whether it’s the challenge of completing the Kora, the peaceful moments among the mountains, or watching pilgrims from all walks of life show their devotion, this experience stirs something deep inside you. Many who take this pilgrimage return home with a lighter heart, a clearer mind, and a renewed sense of purpose.

• Unique Photography Opportunities:

In this Saga Dawa festival tour you can see Tibetan people happily celebrating a most awaited festival. This moment is filled with real emotions and personal connections, all waiting to be captured by your camera.

Imagine yourself taking snaps of pilgrims praying in monasteries, gompas, or during the Kailash Kora. Colorful prayer flags sway against the bright blue sky, and the unique shape of Mount Kailash stands tall, surrounded by its breathtaking landscape.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or just love taking pictures, this trip gives you endless chances to create memories that will stay with you forever.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience:

There are very few places on earth that offer such a perfect combination of spirituality, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. This place is not just a place to spend a holiday, it’s something extraordinary which can be felt only when you step in here. You will always cherish this opportunity, which serves as a reminder of how big and lovely our world is.

What to Expect on Each Day During Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour

On the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour, each day combines comfort, adventure, and a spiritual journey. You will wake up feeling energized and surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Tibetan region. Your crew will prepare a delicious breakfast for you to eat after you freshen yourself. You will then start traveling in the direction of your next destination. With its stunning scenery, the drive is an experience in and of itself.

In the middle of the trip, you will stop to eat a packed lunch that has been prepared by your team early in the morning. Then once you reach the destination you will have plenty of time to enjoy and explore. Then after that you will stay in the guest house and have dinner which will be prepared by your team.

The rhythm is a little different on trekking days, but it’s still extremely rewarding. Once you and your group enjoy a hearty breakfast, you will continue heading toward the exciting journey. Carrying a backpack and lacing your boots, you will walk for around 5-7 hours each day. Each step takes you close to the breathtaking base of Mount Kailash. During the trek you will be surrounded by the wilderness and the feeling is indescribable in words.

When your day’s hike is over, you will reach the location specified in the itinerary. You will stay in the cozy guest house and have a healthy dinner with a feeling of warmth and achievement.

Saga Dawa Festival Tour from Lhasa With Everest Base Camp (EBC)

The main itinerary we provide for the Saga Dawa Festival Tour is not much different from this one. The main difference is that it was created especially for those who are excited to experience the beauty of Everest Base Camp.

In this 19-day Saga Dawa Festival tour, you will cover all the essential highlights of the festival and the region. In this route, you will explore Lhasa and then continue your journey to the iconic Everest Base Camp to experience the breathtaking views of the world’s tallest peak.

After that you will proceed to Manasarovar Lake, enjoy and immerse in Saga Dawa Festival, complete Kailash Kora and conclude your trip by driving from Kyirong- Rasuwagadhi-Kathmandu.

If exploring Everest Base Camp has been on your bucket list, then choosing this itinerary will be the best option for you. Let’s see the Day to Day Itinerary of this Saga Dawa Festival Tour with Everest Base Camp. For the cost please contact us!

Why Choose Namaste Nepal For Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour

Let’s understand why Namaste Nepal can be your trusted partner for the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour:

• Experience and Expertise:

Namaste Nepal has been working in the Trekking/Tour And adventure field for more than 15 years. In this year we have conducted thousands of tours and Kailash Saga Dawa is one of our best-selling tours. From our vast knowledge of this region and experience we ensure that you will have an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

• Customizable Pilgrimage Packages:

If you are not satisfied with the provided itinerary and wish to create one based on your preferences, Namaste Nepal can make it happen. We will create a customized itinerary based on your interests and with the assistance of our expert staff.

• Seamless Logistics and Support:

Our team will help you to obtain all the necessary permits and the visa that are required for this Saga Dawa Festival Tour. Also we arrange all the transportation from the day you enter Nepal to make your journey hassle free. You don’t have to worry about anything like transportation, food, accommodation, Guide when you choose us.

• Focus on Health and Safety:

There are a few challenges that can be easily overcome when heading to the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour. However, neglecting these challenges could lead to potential problems. So we will implement safety measures, provide expert guidance, monitor health standards, and offer full support throughout the tour to make sure that you feel secure and cared for until you depart.

• Respectful and Ethical Tourism:

Namaste Nepal believes that it is everyone’s duty to respect the culture and traditions of people, regardless of their background. Also we must support local communities and help to preserve cultural traditions. We are committed to protecting the beauty and heritage of the Tibetan region.

• Personalized Attention and Care:

Namaste Nepal is proud to offer incredibly individualized service that is customized to meet your unique requirements and desires. We guarantee that anyone who travels with us will have a quality time, feel appreciated and cared for.

• Value for Money:

Namaste Nepal provides outstanding value for your investment with competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. You’ll have a well-planned, high-end experience that makes sure your money is well spent. There will be no hidden costs or surprise expenses. Value-added services and inclusions will help to enhance your overall experience.

Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour Trekking Routes: Inner Kora And Outer Kora

• Outer Kora

The Outer Kora is a sacred 56-kilometer pilgrimage trek around Mount Kailash which can be completed over 3-5 days. This Outer Kora route begins and ends at Darchen and it takes you through breathtaking landscapes and important religious landmarks.

Along the way, you’ll pass the serene Mansarovar Lake and the mysterious Rakshastal (Demon Lake), both holding deep spiritual significance. The trek leads through Dirapuk, up to the challenging Dolma La Pass—the highest point of the trail—and then descends to Zhulthulphuk before returning to Darchen.

Completing the Outer Kora is believed to cleanse past sins and bring immense spiritual blessings, making it a profound and unforgettable experience for both pilgrims and adventurers.

• Inner Kora

The Inner Kora is a 30-kilometer trek which can be completed in around 2-3 days, starting and ending at Darchen. Inner Kora route takes you through sacred sites like Selung Monastery, Mountain Pass, Thirteen Pagoda, and Gyangdrak Monastery.

You will get the opportunities to see the stunning view of Nandi Parvat, Saptarishi Caves, Ashtapad, Atmalingam, Kuber Kund from this Inner Kora. Though Inner Kora is shorter than the Outer Kora, it’s far more challenging, with steeper, rockier, and rugged paths.

Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour: Visa and Permit Update 2026, 2027

Tibet is a unique travel destination, and access for foreign nationals is carefully managed by the Chinese authorities. Independent travel is not permitted in Tibet. You must book your trip through a registered travel agency that is authorized to organize tours in Tibet. When you book with them they will handle all necessary travel documentation and obtain the following:

Chinese Visa: You will first need a valid Chinese visa to enter China. This is obtained through the Chinese embassy in your home country or your country of legal residence. The type of visa required will generally be a tourist visa (L visa).

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): This is the most crucial document for entering Tibet. It is not something an individual can obtain themselves. Your tour operator will secure this for you after your tour booking is confirmed. This permit is specific to your tour dates and itinerary, and you must travel with your designated guide. This means that you can not travel to Tibet without a pre-arranged tour group.

Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP): This permit is required for entering certain areas beyond Lhasa or the main tourist sites, which definitely includes the regions surrounding Mount Kailash. Your tour operator will obtain this for you as part of your package deal.

Military Permit: Though not always required, a military permit might be needed depending on the travel routes and destinations within the region. Your tour operator will advise you on whether this is required.

Tibet Travel Permit & Chinese Group Visa

What is the Registration/Booking Process For the Saga Dawa Festival Tour

It’s easy to reserve your place if you’re prepared to participate in Namaste Nepal’s fantastic Saga Dawa Festival Tour. Here is a detailed guide to help you make sure your reservation goes smoothly:

• Initial Inquiry about the Saga Dawa Festival Tour

To begin, contact Namaste Nepal via Email, Phone, WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, or our website to show your interest in the Saga Dawa Festival Tour. Comprehensive details regarding the schedule, cost, and available days will be provided to you. If you have any questions related to the trip then you can ask us. The Namaste Nepal team will be happy to answer them and make sure you are well-informed before committing.

• Filling Out Forms and Providing Information

You will need to fill out a registration form for the Saga Dawa Festival Tour from our website to make the decision to continue. Sharing personal information like your name, contact details, passport information, and any special needs or health issues is part of this.

Additionally, in order to guarantee adherence to travel laws, you could be required to provide copies of important papers such as your passport and travel insurance.

• Payment Process

To confirm your spot for the Saga Dawa Festival tour we require 25% of the total amount as the pre-payment. you can transfer this amount at our bank directly. You can pay the remaining amount upon your arrival in Nepal.

For your convenience, Namaste Nepal offers a number of payment methods, including online and bank transfers. To help you through this process, comprehensive payment instructions and deadlines will be provided.

• Final Confirmation

An official booking confirmation will be sent to you via email as soon as your Prepayment is received. This will contain all the necessary information, including the Pretrip information, itinerary, inclusions, and additional preparatory instructions. Your place on the tour is now guaranteed, so you can begin looking forward to your next journey!