Saga Dawa Festival Tour with Kailash Kora
Biggest Buddhist Festival in Tibet

Saga Dawa Festival with Mount Kailash

  • Duration: 12 Days
  • Diffculty Level: Moderate 
  • Destination: Nepal and Tibet
  • Best Time: May - Sept
  • Activity: Tour and Festival
  • Max. Altitude: 5613m

Highlights

  • Embark on a spiritual journey with Saga Dawa Festival Tour and Mount Kailash trek.
  • Witness traditional rituals and festivities at Saga Dawa Festival.
  • Trek through the valley of God and begin the Kailash Kora pilgrimage.
  • Marvel at stunning natural landscapes including high-altitude lakes and snow-capped mountains.
  • Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and spiritual traditions of the Himalayas.

The festival of Saga Dawa commemorates Sakyamuni's enlightenment and takes place on the full moon day of the fourth Tibetan month. The festival is anticipated to endure for a month, during which time numerous pilgrims will attend religious celebrations.

We at Yolo Hike are thrilled to spread this invitation to you as we embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Tibet to experience the Saga Dawa Festival and walk around Mount Kailash. This is an exceptional chance to witness the Tibetan people's rich culture and traditions, and the holy mountain's profound spirituality. This tour is the most alluring of which is the circling of Mount Kailash for worship.

We will start the Tour from Kathmandu and pass through Langtang National Park to reach the Nepal-Tibet border. We will Drive through Saga and Mansarovar Lake to reach Tarboche where the Saga Dawa Festival is held.

What is Saga Dawa Festival?

Saga Dawa Festival is one of the primary festivals for Tibetan residents and a fortunate holiday observed by visitors over the globe. This festival takes place during the Full moon day of the fourth Lunar month as in Tibetan Calendar. This occasionally falls in the month of May or June. This festival is celebrated in tribute to the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Tibetan Buddhists across Tibet gather at the honored Mount Kailash to participate in the numerous rites and ceremonies that mark this festival.

Due to its profound importance, the Saga Dawa Festival is among the most significant celebrations in Tibetan culture. As per the Legend, during the period the spiritual cosmic energy is at its pinnacle, and prayers and kind deeds will have a profound effect on their future. Tibetan and visitors participate in religious practices and rituals to create positive Karma and grant prosperity.

The occasion of the Saga Dawa Festival is the most revered manner for them to express their ultimate respect for Buddhism. You can observe profound Buddhist practices including chanting, singing and dancing, playing musical instruments, worshiping, etc. at that time. Visitors may have the opportunity to observe the Kailash Kora (a procession around holy locations), join Tibetans in prayer, give alms to the needy, visit monasteries, and do other activities.

What to Expect during Saga Dawa Festival Tour

Visits to some of the most important religious and cultural sites in Tibet, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery in Lhasa, are a part of our 13-day Saga Dawa Festival Tour with Mount Kailash. A three-day hike around Mount Kailash will then begin once we arrive in the city of Shigatse and visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery.

We will come across numerous Tibetan pilgrims who are circumnavigating the mountain as part of their spiritual pilgrimage as we climb through breathtaking mountain landscapes. We will make several stops at holy places en route and engage in customary

Join us on your Saga Dawa Festival Tour

At Yolo Hike, we are committed to giving Kailash Pilgrims the best possible service and knowledge. Our trip packages are created to provide a full genuine Tibetan experience, with knowledgeable, fluent Tibetan and English-speaking guides, with an emphasis on sustainability and cultural immersion.

Also, we take care of all the logistics so you can concentrate on enjoying your vacation, including arranging visas and permits, lodging reservations, and transportation. Don't pass up this fantastic chance to experience Tibet's breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and profound spirituality, as well as the Saga Dawa Festival.

Contact us today to book your spot on the Saga Dawa Festival Tour with Mount Kailash. If you are still confused or have more queries kindly send us a mail at info@yolohike.com or WhatsApp us at +977 9851055040 for instant query.

Date for Saga Dawa Festival

Kathmandu Arrival

Visa Application

Departure from Kathmandu

Kathmandu Return

01 June 2025

02 June 2025

05 June 2025

16 June 2025

Itinerary

  • Altitude2380m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After an early breakfast, we begin our journey towards Kerung, which is located on the Nepal-Tibet border. The drive will take us through the stunning landscapes of Langtang National Park and picturesque villages, and we will cross the border of Rashuwagadhi to reach our guest house in Kerung. We will drive 155 km and will last for 6 to 7 hours

  • Altitude2774m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today, we will cross Nepal Tibet Border on a Tourist Bus through Rashuwagadhi and Enter Kerung on a blacktopped road. This route will last for 1.5 hours. Freshen up and explore Kerung city. Overnight at Kerung.

  • Altitude2774m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Acclimatization is a Key to the successful Saga Dawa Festival and Kailash Tour. As we will be traveling to higher altitudes and has plain land for distance, lowering cannot be an option. so, you have to acclimatize at Kerung for a day and proceed ahead. During the day, you can simply stroll around, explore culture and traditions, and try some cuisine.

  • Altitude4640m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We will drive to Saga today, which is located at an altitude of 4400m. The drive will take us through scenic landscapes and along the banks of the Brahmaputra River. We will drive in pleasure on a black-topped road and climb across Thong La and La Lung hills to reach Saga. We will travel 230 Km approx. for 6 hours and accommodate at the Guest House.

  • Altitude4590m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will drive to Lake Mansarovar, which is considered to be one of the most sacred lakes. The lake is located at an altitude of 4590m as the world’s highest-altitude freshwater lake is surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks. We will explore these pristine waters of the glistering lake and also see a Raksal Tal believed to be cursed. We will spend the night at a guest house near the lake. Today's drive will be 370 km and last for 7 hours.

  • Altitude4670m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will have some free time in the morning to explore Mansarovar lake and if you believe to perform rituals you can do so in the morning. After this, we will drive to Darchen, the starting point of Mount Kailash kora. You will also be blessed with a view of Mount Kailash during the journey as Darchen is located directly in front of Mount Kailash.

  • Altitude4600m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will join the Saga Dawa Festival, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, and we will attend the festivities at Tarboche, which is located near Mount Kailash. you can attend the festival with Tibetan residents and other visitors and join in rituals, singing and dancing, chanting, and receiving blessings and prosperity.

  • Altitude5210m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today we will begin Mount Kailash kora, which is a 52 km trek around the sacred mountain. We will drive to the valley of God and start the trek towards Dirapuk, which is located at an altitude of 4800m. The trek will take us through stunning landscapes along the banks of the Lha Chu River. Today we will see the north face of Mount Kailash. Total travel time today will be 18 km which will be a 7-hour journey.

  • Altitude5634m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today is the second day of Mount Kailash kora and the longest and hardest during circulation. We will first pass through the Jarok Donkhang, a small Tibetan settlement, and trek to Shiva Tsal and reach Zuthulpuk via the Drolma La Pass which circles Gauri Kunda from the outside and is also regarded as Outer Kora. Drolma La Pass is also the highest pass in Kailash. Today we can see the eastern face of Mount Kailash. Today we will cover a 22km distance and trek for 9 hours.

  • Altitude4640m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today is the final day of the 3-day Kailash Kora. The morning will be spent discovering the caves and temples that surround the Milarepa grotto. After breakfast, we'll climb for three to four hours to complete our Kora and head back to the town of Darchen. There, we'll have lunch before heading back to Saga village. (16km walk with 3 hrs and Drive to Darchen then to Saga)

  • Altitude2700m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After the completion of the Saga Dawa festival and Kailash Kora, we will start our return journey toward Kerung Border. We will return to the same route back with a comfortable drive on a black paved route. You will have some leisure time in Kerung to stroll around and have a relaxing time in Tibet before heading back to Kathmandu.

  • Altitude1310m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We will drive to Kathmandu through the Tibet-Nepal border and reach to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will pass through some of the scenic landscapes in Nepal. Yolo Hike will organize the farewell dinner at a Nepalese cultural restaurant. Stroll around Kathmandu valley or Thamel at night.

What's Included
  • all ground transportation by private vehicle
  • group sharing guesthouse in Kailash part as per itinerary
  • Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Pure Veg prepared by our Nepali Cook)
  • transportation by bus/van 
  • Nepali Team Leader
  • Nepali Sherpa for your support (5 travelers: 1 Sherpa)
  • Tibet permit and Tibet Group Visa
  • all necessary entrance fees in Kailash Region
  • All service charges and taxes
  • Down Jacket (Refundable Basis), Duffel Bag, Day pack Bag
  • Appreciation Certificate from Yolo Hike after the Yatra
What's Excluded
  • Kathmandu accommodation
  • Airport Pick up and Drop off
  • Personal Horse and Helper during Kailash Parikrama/ Kailash Round/ Kailash Kora
  • Using extra nights in a hotel/guesthouse (except the hotels mentioned in the itinerary)
  • Rescue/ evacuation or all the extra costs incurred due to split from the main group or serious health condition
  • Travel Insurance 
  • Expenses of Personal Nature
  • Any extra expenses due to flight delay/cancellation with a valid reason
  • Tipping to staffs
  • Upgrade of Hotel and Guest House during the trip
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