Tibet is a land of ancient culture, where the people remain devoted to their spiritual traditions, including regular pilgrimages. One of the most famous is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, joined by thousands of pilgrims every year, including tourists visiting Tibet. Doing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the Saga Dawa Festival is a unique opportunity to take a spiritual journey during an auspicious time. If you’ve ever thought about joining, here’s why you should.

What is the Saga Dawa Festival, and When will it be held in 2024?

Saga Dawa is one of the most significant festivals in Tibet, held every year to commemorate the life events of Buddha. The month of Saga Dawa is the most auspicious time for meritorious actions, believed by Tibetans to multiply spiritual rewards. Pilgrimages, koras, donations to monasteries, and charity to the poor are common activities during this period.

The Saga Dawa Festival is held on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, a day of the full moon. In 2024, that will fall on May 23rd. Special tours will be organized for those wanting to join in the festivities at that time.

16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2209 p.p

Why Should Do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the Saga Dawa Festival

The Saga Dawa festival is one of the best times for a Kailash Yatra. During the Saga Dawa Festival, the pilgrimage takes on special significance. The most sacred day of the festival is the day of the full moon, April 15th, on the Tibetan lunar calendar. Doing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at this time is equal to completing two or even three pilgrimages at other times of the year.

In May, the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar, weather conditions are ideal for following the kora path. By the time of the Saga Dawa Festival, the snow has melted, and daylight hours gotten longer. At lower altitudes, temperatures can reach a comfortable 15°C. Combined with the clear skies and sunny weather, the comfortable weather makes the journey more pleasant.

Since thousands of local Tibetan pilgrims also join the Saga Dawa festival and do the kora, it will be a great way to have a more in-depth experience of Tibetan culture. The welcoming Tibetans are happy to share their culture with you, making attending the traditional ceremony with local pilgrims a potential once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Every year thousands of people gather at the holy mountain during the Saga Dawa Festival.

What Activities Are Held at Mt.Kailash & Lake Mansarovar during the Saga Dawa Festival?

There are many activities held at Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar during the Saga Dawa Festival. One particularly special one is the installation of a new prayer pillar. Prayer pillars are used to convey prayers, mantras, and spiritual messages. On April 15th, 2024, on the Tibetan Lunar Calendar, a big celebration will be held as the prayer pillar is changed to a new year. This will mark the beginning of the year with practices devoted to spreading positive energy.

Every year, a new prayer flagpole is erected at Tarboche during the Saga Dawa festival

The Saga Dawa Festival is also an important time for doing koras. A kora is a circumambulation of a sacred site and is believed to be a way of accumulating merit. The Kailash kora covers a route around the sacred mountain. It takes four days to complete. Our 2024 itinerary times the route, so you will touch Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival. The ideal intersection of sacred acts during an auspicious time.

Local Pilgrims do kora around Mt. Kailash during Saga Dawa Festival

Doing the kora around Lake Mansarovar is also popular around this time. The lake is a sacred destination in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon religion. Pilgrims travel clockwise around the lake to purify sins and bring spiritual blessings. It typically takes 3-4 days to finish on foot and is often combined with visiting significant locations around the lake, such as Chiu Monastery.

16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2209 p.p

In 2024, Our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Saga Dawa Upgraded to Touch the Kailash

To coincide with the special festival and activities in 2024, we have updated our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the Saga Dawa Festival to include touching Mount Kailash at the most auspicious time. The 16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour starts in Lhasa. You’ll spend two full days there touring the city and getting a chance to adjust to the high altitude. Attractions in Lhasa include the iconic Potala Palace and the famous Tibetan Monks Debate at Sera Monastery.

Next, it’s on to Shigatse. The journey travels over the Gampala Pass, where you can see Yamdrok Lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. From Shigatse, you’ll go to Mount Everest National Nature Reserve on the way to Everest Base Camp. Tibet’s awesome natural environment is on full display there, with majestic views of the great mountain.

You will visit Everest Base Camp en route to see the summit of Mt. Everest.

The following two days are spent traveling to Darchen, your starting point for Mount Kailash Kora. There is so much to see along the way, and you’ll never stop taking pictures. You’ll see Mount Shishabangma, one of the world’s giants, at over 8000m. There will be grasslands with herds of yak and sheep and the beautiful green lake, Gongzhucuo Lake, not long before Lake Manasarovar comes into view.

Whether you are pilgrims or just ordinary tourists, you can enjoy the Mount Kailash trek with us.

Finally, trekking in the Mount Kailash area will begin. Within sight of the sacred mountain is Dirapuk Monastery, where you’ll stay overnight. Then, the most significant day begins. On the most auspicious day of the Saga Dawa Festival, you’ll trek from the monastery to touch the rocky walls of Mount Kailash. The following day has some challenging trekking, setting out from the monastery to reach 5430 meters. From there, the route goes through Dolma La Pass on the way to Zutulpuk Monastery.

Visit the nearby holy Lake Manasarovar after your Mount Kailash kora.

After completing the kora, there will be a visit to Lake Manasarovar to touch its holy waters. On the way back to Lhasa, there is still much to see. Saga shows off the scenic beauty of the Ngari Plateau before descending to the beautiful Gyirong Valley. A last important stop is visiting the home of the Panchen Lama at Tashilunpo Monastery. You’ll finally return to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

More Tips about Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is an amazing but physically demanding trip. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Prepare for the High Altitude

Talk to your doctor about medicine for high-altitude sickness before traveling. Make sure to spend a few days in Lhasa after you arrive to give yourself a chance to adjust.

Obtain the Necessary Permits in Advance

To visit Tibet and the Mount Kailash area specifically, you’ll need to obtain several permits. First is a tourist visa for China and a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the country and Tibet Autonomous Region. An Alien’s Travel Permit and Military Permit are also needed to travel to the Mount Kailash area. Book your tour with us, and we can take care of the necessary documentation.

Be in Good Health

A Mount Kailash trek takes some energy. A physical check-up with your doctor before traveling can help ensure you’re in good shape.

Pack the Essentials

You’ll need suitable clothing for the varying weather conditions. It’s best to dress in layers and bring some waterproof gear. Sturdy hiking boots are essential, as are sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to stay protected.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Drink lots of water during the physical exertions of the trek. Some snacks are necessary, but you’ll want to be eating a nutritious and balanced diet to keep your energy levels up.

Respect Local Customs and the Environment

Tibetan people are very welcoming, but it’s important to be respectful. Ask about anything you’re not sure of, and use good manners. The local environment is very important to us. Dispose of any waste properly and endeavor to leave no trace.

16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2209 p.p

Conclusion

Doing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the Saga Dawa Festival is a profoundly spiritual experience. On the journey, you’ll be local pilgrims practicing their beliefs and be immersed in Tibet’s ancient traditions. There is no experience like it and no other time when it is more significant. Check out our 16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour to see how you can join.

Enjoy the spiritual experience of visiting Mount Kailash during the Saga Gawa Festival with us!