Highest region on the Earth is Tibet with an elevation of 4380m (14000 ft.). Tibet is in a high plateu and the plateu is surrounded by many mountain. Surrounded by masses of mountain the Tibetans consider their land as Gangs-ljons or Kha-ba-can which means "Land of the snows", actually the climate is dry. These himalays are considered as the barriers to the monsoon winds from the south. Bon is considered to be one of the first known religion in Tibet, but there was some conflict during its establishment.
The culture in Tibet is Tibetan Buddhism. Saga Dawa Festival is one of the major festival for them. As already discussed about Saga Dawa festival that it is celebrated in the Full moon day of the Tibetan Lunar Month. This day is also consider as the Poor's man day becuase in this month every Tibetan become kindness and help the needy people. They also celebrate as the month of merits where they release the captured animals like fish. During this month they also do parikrama of the Mt. Kailash. On this day they also spend the late afternoon pickniking in Dzongyab Lukhang Park ate the foot of the Potala Palace.
When Buddha was dying he instructed on of his followers not to honor him with flowers, and lights but by striving to follow his teaching about living a noble life and being kind. In various countries where Buddhism is followed they celebrate this day in different ways and in different days. In china, non-Tibetan Buddhists celebrate the day on May. Where as in Tibet, people celebrate on June. As already discussed that on this day people go to monastries, Mt. Kailash, and go to temple raising Tarboche flagpole, lighting lots of butter lamps. Many people of Tibet's says that the goal of festival season is to pray for the long life of the holy gurus of all traditions.
Those who are willing to explore the festivals then the trek is best for them.
What is the Saga Dawa Festival?
The Saga Dawa Festival, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is a significant Tibetan Buddhist celebration honoring the birth, enlightenment, and passing (parinirvana) of Lord Buddha. It occurs on the full moon day of the fourth Tibetan lunar month.
Where is the Saga Dawa Festival celebrated?
The Saga Dawa Festival is primarily celebrated in Tibet, particularly in Lhasa, the capital city, as well as in other Tibetan regions like Kham and Amdo. It is also observed in Bhutan, Nepal, and other Himalayan areas with substantial Tibetan Buddhist communities.
What are the main activities during the Saga Dawa Festival?
The festival features various religious rituals, including circumambulating sacred sites like Barkhor Street in Lhasa and Mount Kailash. Pilgrims engage in prayer sessions, chanting mantras, and offering prayers at monasteries and temples.
When does the Saga Dawa Festival take place?
The Saga Dawa Festival usually falls in May or June of the Gregorian calendar, corresponding to the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. The specific date varies annually based on the lunar cycle.
What is the significance of circumambulating sacred sites during the festival?
Circumambulation, or walking clockwise around sacred sites, is highly revered in Tibetan Buddhism. It's believed to accrue positive karma and cleanse negative karma, leading to spiritual blessings and enlightenment.
Are there any special dietary practices during the Saga Dawa Festival?
Many Buddhists observe vegetarian or vegan diets during Saga Dawa as an expression of compassion and non-violence towards all beings. Offering food to monks and partaking in communal meals are customary.
Is the Saga Dawa Festival open to visitors and tourists?
Yes, the festival welcomes both locals and tourists. Visitors can witness and partake in religious ceremonies, join pilgrimages, and experience the vibrant cultural festivities.
What should visitors consider when attending the Saga Dawa Festival?
Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, dress modestly, and behave respectfully at religious sites. It's also important to be mindful of Tibet's high altitude and take precautions against altitude sickness.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Take the evening to relax and acclimatize to the new environment. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Spend the day obtaining your Chinese visa and enjoying a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting notable sites such as Pashupatinath Temple and Swayambhunath. In the evening, prepare for your journey to Tibet. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, where you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide. Spend the day resting and acclimatizing to the high altitude. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Explore Lhasa, visiting significant landmarks including the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Immerse yourself in the local culture and spirituality of this ancient city. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Continue your exploration of Lhasa with visits to Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. Engage with monks and learn about Tibetan Buddhism's rich traditions. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Depart Lhasa for Gyantse, stopping at Yamdrok Lake along the way for breathtaking views. Visit the famous Gyantse Kumbum upon arrival. Overnight stay in Gyantse.
Travel from Gyantse to Shigatse, where you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of Tibet's largest monasteries. Experience the local culture and hospitality. Overnight stay in Shigatse.
Journey towards Everest Base Camp, enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas along the way. Reach EBC and marvel at the majestic Mount Everest. Overnight camping at EBC.
After a morning at EBC, drive towards Saga, taking in the beautiful landscapes of Tibet. This journey is essential for acclimatization before heading towards Kailash. Overnight stay in Saga.
Continue your journey to Lake Manasarovar, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Participate in rituals by the lake and enjoy its serene beauty. Overnight camping near Manasarovar.
After morning rituals at Lake Manasarovar, drive to Darchen, the base camp for Kailash trekking. Prepare for your trek around Mount Kailash. Overnight stay in Darchen.
Start your Kailash Parikrama with a trek of approximately 12 km to Dirapuk Monastery. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Kailash as you make your way through rugged terrain. Overnight camping at Dirapuk.
Ascend to Dolma La Pass (5,630m), then descend towards Zuthulpuk Monastery while enjoying spectacular scenery along the way. This trek is physically demanding but rewarding. Overnight camping at Zuthulpuk.
Finish your circumambulation of Mount Kailash by trekking back to Darchen from Zuthulpuk. Reflect on your spiritual journey during this descent and celebrate reaching Darchen again. Overnight stay in Darchen.
Depart Darchen for Saga, retracing your steps through beautiful Tibetan landscapes. After reaching Saga, you will prepare for your return journey back to Kathmandu or onward travel arrangements as needed.
Private transport for airport pick-up and drop-off.
Accommodation at a star hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast included.
Twin-sharing hotel accommodation in Tibet with bed and breakfast provided.
All required transportation between Kathmandu and Tibet.
Guided sightseeing tours according to the itinerary.
English-speaking guide service throughout the tour.
Entry fees for monastery visits in Tibet.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant.
Personal expenses are not included.
Lunch and dinner during the journey are not provided.
The Nepal re-entry visa fee is not covered.
Insurance, emergency evacuation, and additional charges for porters and transportation in case of landslides are not included.
The visa fee for Tibet/China and any urgent visa charges are the responsibility of the traveler and are not part of the package.
| Departing Date | Finish Date | Status | Price |
|---|
