Saga Dawa Tour

16 Days
Saga_dawa
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • CountryTibet
  • Trip StyleTrek and tour

Saga Dawa Tour is one of the most significant religious festivals in Tibetan Buddhism which is celebrated in honor of the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. This month-long festival takes place during the fourth month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, typically falling in May and June. The highlight of the festival is the full moon day when the devotees gather at temples, monasteries, and sacred sites to commemorate these key events in Buddha’s life, often through prayer, meditation, and making offering.

For many pilgrims, participating in the Saga Dawa tour is deeply spiritual journey that involves visiting sacred Tibetan Buddhist sites. These may include the famous Mount Kailash in western Tibet, one of the holiest mountains, as well as Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, where important ceremonies and rituals are held. Pilgrims typically undertake a Kora, a form of circumambulation around sacred places or objects, to accumulate merit and purify negative karma. This tour is not only a religious pilgrimage but also an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Tibet, with its unique blend of Buddhist traditions, art, and architecture.

During the Saga Dawa Tour, the atmosphere is vibrant and reverent, as pilgrims form all corner of the Tibetan plateau and beyond gather to participate in the ceremonies. The local communities often host festive activities, including traditional dances, music, and food offering, creating an atmosphere of communal celebration. The festival also emphasises and compassion, with many people engaging in acts of charity, such as giving alms to the poor or releasing captive animals as a symbolic gesture of liberation. For both locals and tourists, the Saga Dawa Tour is an unforgettable experience that offers a deep connection to Tibetan spirituality and culture.

Highlights

  • deeply spiritual journey that involves visiting sacred Tibetan Buddhist sites
  • experience the rich cultural heritage of Tibet, with its unique blend of Buddhist traditions, art, and architecture
  • local communities often host festive activities, including traditional dances, music, and food offering
  • unforgettable experience that offers a deep connection to Tibetan spirituality and culture
Itinerary
Trip Plan
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You will be welcomed by our representative upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport for a warm reception and transfer to your hotel. Once settled, enjoy a walking tour around the lively area of Thamel, where you can shop for any personal equipment needed for your trip with the help of our guide. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Max Altitude: 1350m

Today is reserved for completing visa formalities and preparing for the trip. Touch Kailash Travels and Tours will handle all the necessary documentation. You will attend a detailed trip briefing and pack your belongings. If time permits, you can explore some of the famous historical sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.

The day begins with a morning visit to Pashupatinath Temple, where pilgrims can attend the sacred morning Aarati and experience the spiritual atmosphere along the bank of the Bagmati River. After the Aarati, proceed to Guhyeshwari Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Guhyeshwari. Once complete exploring Guhyeshwar, continue the spiritual journey with a visit to Jal Narayan temple, also known as Budhanilkantha, renowned for its impressive reclining statue of Lord Vishnu. Here, the remarkable reclining image of Lord Vishnu resting on a bed of serpents offering a memorable glimpse into Nepal’s rich Hindu heritage. Take time to explore these sacred landmarks and absorb the traditions, architecture, and devotion that surround them. Later, return to Kathmandu and enjoy some time at leisure to relax and prepare for the upcoming Kailash yatra. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Kathmandu, allowing you to rest comfortably before the next stage of pilgrimage.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Syabrubesi via Langtang National Park. Although the distance is relatively short, the winding and bumpy roads, along with the stunning views of lush forests and mountains, will make the journey feel longer. Upon arrival, rest for the night at a local tea house.

Drive from Syabrubesi to the Nepal-Tibet border at Rasuwagadhi, where you will complete the immigration procedures. Your Tibetan guide will meet you at the border, and then the journey continues to Kerung, the first town in Tibet. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in the village.

Saga is reached along a scenic way riding through mesmerizing views of high plateaus, nomadic settlements, and tranquil lakes. Pass through the towns of Lhatse and Sang Sang, arriving in Saga. Domestic travel to the best available guesthouse.

As you drive near the holy lake, you will get your first views of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Spend time with Manasarovar, the lake famous for its pristine freshwater and spiritual significance. Visit Chiu Monastery or hot springs if that fits your time. You will spend the night at the guesthouse.

The morning is spent getting to know the holy Lake Manasarovar before heading out to Darchen, eventually base-camping at the feet of the great Mount Kailash. Rest in preparation for the next trek. For the night, the group will spend the night at the best available accommodation in Darchen.
 

  • Max Altitude: 4575m
  • Distance: 40 km

Now you drive up to Yam Dwar ("Valley of the God") before you actually start the Kora-circumambulation of Mt. Kailash. Trekking to Derapuk (14 km) is where you will be captivated by breathtaking views of Kailash's north face. Overnight: mud house or guesthouse.

  • Max Altitude: 5000m
  • Duration: 6 hrs

This is the most demanding day of the trek. First crosses Dolma La Pass (5613m) beseeching the stairways of many prayer flags. Then continues downwards to Zutulpuk Monastery passes sacred Gauri Kunda, lake along the way. Overnight stay in a mud house. 
 

  • Max Altitude: 4750m
  • Duration: 8-9 hours
  • Distance: 19 km

Walk the last 6 km of the Kora to meet the drivers and drive to Darboche Valley for the Saga Dawa Festival. Here, take part in the celebrations, rituals, and cultural festivities with many other pilgrims from around the region. Overnight stay in a guest house in Darchen.

  • Duration: 7 hours

The rituals of the Saga Dawa celebrations conclude today, and one can start heading back to Saga. Set out on a scenic drive for 7 hours through well-paved roads. The place to spend the night will be a guesthouse in Saga. 

  • Duration: 5-6 hrs

Continue backward driving to the border town of Kerung. On the last day in Tibet, relax while enjoying the mountain views. The night will be spent in a guesthouse. 

Complete immigration formalities in the morning and have Nepal and Tibet- cross the border drive back to Kathmandu via Lang Tang National Park. Sleep at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After completing the demanding Kailash Yatra, today is reserved as comfortable buffer day in Kathmandu. This day allows travelers to rest, recover from the journey, and gradually return to the normal routine. Depending on energy levels, you can spend time to exploring Kathmandu’s cultural and historical attractions, visiting local markets, enjoying traditional Nepali cuisine, or simply relaxing at the hotel. It is also a useful opportunity to organize luggage, shop for souvenirs, and prepare for the onward journey. Keeping this day flexible provides extra time in case of travel delays or unexpected changes while ending the pilgrimage on a peaceful and relaxed note.

Our representative will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport as a farewell after a memorable trip. Besides that, you can choose to stay a little longer in Nepal and discover the country or just relax.

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Cost Details
Includes
  • Airport pick up and drops by private transportation
  • At trip travel by private transportation
  • Permit and group visa to travel Tibet
  • Accommodation and meals on the sharing basis
  • Fluently English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fee of Manasarovar and major monument
  • Sightseeing at Kathmandu and Lhasa Tibet
  • Government taxes and service charges
  • During Kailash Parikrama yak and helper to carry goods
Excludes
  • Personal expanses
  • Insurance
  • Extra nights
  • Emergency circumstances