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Mount Kailash: Saga Dawa Festival

4.0Based on
18 days
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18 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
12 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Challenging
Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.
Select Date
Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

Highlights

Join Tibetan pilgrims on the sacred three-day kora around Mount Kailash, a powerful spiritual journey steeped in centuries of tradition

Witness the vibrant Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche, where thousands gather to honour the life of the Buddha in one of Tibet’s most sacred annual events

Traverse stark Himalayan landscapes on an epic overland route from Lhasa to Kathmandu via the wild reaches of the Tibetan Plateau

Explore the cultural icons of Lhasa, including the towering Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple - heart of Tibetan Buddhism

Itinerary

Circle sacred Kailash alongside thousands of pilgrims during Saga Dawa, Tibetan devotion at full voice.. Mount Kailash has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bonpo, and associated with the mythical Mount Meru, it remains one of Tibet’s most important pilgrimage destinations. This journey visits Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival, when pilgrims gather to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Beginning in Chengdu, we travel to Lhasa before continuing overland through Gyantse and Shigatse towards Mount Kailash. The route crosses the broad plains and high passes of the Tibetan Plateau, with visits to monasteries, historic towns and sacred sites along the way. As we approach Kailash, the presence of pilgrims travelling for Saga Dawa becomes an important part of the experience. At Mount Kailash, we join Tibetan pilgrims on the sacred kora, a three-day walk around the base of the mountain. For pilgrims, completing the circuit is an act of devotion, with prayer, ritual and ceremony forming part of the journey around Kailash. After completing the kora, we continue to Kathmandu, bringing to a close an overland journey across Tibet shaped by its landscapes, pilgrimage traditions and the significance of Saga Dawa.

day 1Arrive Chengdu, China (500m / 1,640ft)

On arrival at Chengdu International Airport, you are met by a World Expeditions representative and transferred to your hotel. As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is known for its teahouse culture, distinctive cuisine and relaxed pace of life. The remainder of the day is free for you to rest after your journey or begin exploring the local streets and neighbourhoods at your own pace. This is a gentle introduction before your journey towards Tibet begins.
Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel in Chengdu

day 2Fly Chengdu to Lhasa (3,670m / 12,041ft

day 3-4Explore Lhasa (3,670m / 12,041ft)

day 5Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3,900m / 12,795ft), 290km / 180mi, 8–9hrs

day 6Drive Gyantse to Shigatse (3,800m / 12,467ft), 90km / 56mi, 3hrs

day 7Drive Shigatse to Saga (4,640m / 15,223ft), 450km / 280mi, 9–10hrs

day 8Drive Saga to Darchen (4,575m / 15,010ft), 490 km, approx. 10 hours)

day 9Excursion to Rakshas Tal, Chiu Gompa and Lake Manasarovar. (4,575m / 15,010ft)

day 10Trek Shorsiun to Dera Puk (5,000m / 16,404ft), walk 6–7hrs, drive 5km / 3mi

day 11Trek Dera Puk to Zutrul Phuk via Dolma La Pass (5,630m / 18,471ft), walk 8–9hrs

day 12Trek Zutrul Phuk to Darchen (4,575m / 15,010ft), walk 3–4hrs

day 13Saga Dawa Festival at Shorsiun (4,575m / 15,010ft)

day 14Drive Darchen to Saga (4,640m / 15,223ft), 450km / 280mi, 9–10hrs

day 15Drive Saga to Kyirong (2,800m / 9,186ft), 270km / 168mi, 9–10hrs

day 16Cross border to Nepal, drive to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft), 160km / 99mi, 6hrs

day 17Explore Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)

day 18Trip concludes in Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft)

What's Included

Accommodation
Good quality accommodation in Chengdu, Lhasa, Shigatse and GyantseAccommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsites during the trek
Meals
17 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 11 dinners
Transport
Private transportation
Others
Two expert bilingual Nepali leaders, both trained in Wilderness First Aid, providing experienced guidance and support throughout the journey.All park entrance fees and trekking permitsSightseeing and site entry fees as listedAirport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 18Use of comprehensive group medical kitPortable Altitude Chamber and bottled oxygen for emergency useYaks to carry group equipment during the trekDaily supply of safe treated drinking water on trek to reduce single-use plastic waste

Customer Reviews

4.3

based on 3 reviews
2
1
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

I had a fantastic time on this trip. It was exactly what I was looking for - a completely different landscape, culture, religion and language. Our guides Pemba and Bir Singh were fabulous and so generous in sharing their knowledge and experience.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Amazing trip - tough at times but incredibly enjoyable. Great crew expertly guided by tour leader Bir Singh. Highly recommend.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
3.0 | Average

This is a very rugged trip! Be prepared for challenging accomodation, poor food and lack of basic amenities the further west you go! WE guides are the magic that held it all together though- Bir Singh was awesome!

Good to Know

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