In Tibetan language, Saga Dawa is called as the “month of merits”. The Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated for the whole 4th month of Tibetan calendar, usually from May to June. It celebrates the birth, parinirvana (death) and enlightenment of Buddha. It is believed that all positive and negative actions are multiplied this month, especially on the 15th day of this month. During this one-month festival, Tibetan people would stop killing animals and eating meat, and would go to monasteries offering donations to lamas and pray for a better life. After the main activity, people would go out to outer space for picnics.
The most classic Tibet tour to enjoy this festive, together with the stunning views of the Mt. Kailash, is to join our Kailash tour in Saga Dawa Festival. Recently, some of our guests made it to Saga Dawa Festival through the holy Mt. Kailash kora.
They started fully packed at Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora. To visit Mt. Kailash, international tourists have to have the Alien’s Travel Permit and Military Permit. Don’t worry, we would get that on your behalf before you start this epic Tibet tour to Mt. Kailash.
Some of our guests at Darchen before the trek.
They were caught in the snow and wind when passing the Dolmala Pass (5630m) on the second trekking day.
A lady got caught in the snow
Two gentlemen having a rest in the snow
Yeah… a bit tired
But we are fine. No problem!
They helped each other and made it!
Our guests crossing a stream
Our guests and local Tibetans helping each other
No big deal, it’s my duty. Anyway, isn’t it romantic?
Actually, when it rains and snows in Tibet, the views can be totally amazing as the weather changes. Not many people can experience that in their Tibet tour!
After three days trek, finally, Mt. Kailash! Saga Dawa Festival! Let’s rock and roll!
Our guests moving towards the Tarboche Valley, where Saga Dawa Festival takes place
Almost there!
Yay! We made it!
During the Saga Dawa Festival, people celebrate it all through Tibet. But the Kailash one is the grandest and most sacred one. People from all around Tibet would gather in the Tarboche Valley on the north and west side of Kailash. Tibetans near this area would come here wearing ethnic dresses unique to Kailash area.
Tibetans Wearing Traditional Kailash Dress
There would be a lot of prayer flags hung by Tibetans, for the wish of a better life and the well-being of all living beings on earth.
Tibetans gather around in Kailash for Saga Dawa Festival
Tibetans hanging tying prayer flags ropes
A prayer flag wall
For our clients, they enjoyed it very much. Kailash is believed to be the paradise of the Shiva, one of the three holiest gods in the Hinduism believed to be the founder of Yoga. Mt. Kailash also lies at the heart of the six Tibetan mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus and thus means a lot to Hinduists.
Our guests singing in front of Mt. Kailash
Our guests singing in front of Mt. KailashOur guests burning incense at Saga Dawa Festival to worship Lord Shiva
Our clients were so happy they made to Kailash, despite the changeable weather.
Our happy guests at Saga Dawa festival
Our international guests from other countries, however, enjoy themselves in another way. Ever since they arrived at the scene, they were taken by all the majestic festivities of Saga Dawa Festival. Everything seemed so exotic to them.
Our guests taking a photo with local Tibetans with Kailash dress
Our guests taking a photo with local Tibetan kids
One of our guests writing names of his beloved ones on prayer flags
Alright, the main ritual began! Check this out!
Preparing the prayer flagpole
Holding the prayer flagpole
After enjoying the special ceremony, nothing would be more perfect than having a warm meal.
Having hot tea in traditional Tibetan nomad tent
Our guests enjoying some hot food
I know, it’s just instant noodles. But, hey, this is Kailash! There might not be a second chance to have instant noodles in front of this sacred mountain.
Plus, after enjoying the Saga Dawa Festival, there is the Dzultripuk Monastery, the final destination of the 2nd day, to have some nice vegetables, hot tea and meals like stir-fried rice with egg and Tibetan noodles. We’ll finish our trek on the 3rd-day of trekking and get back to Darchen.
Tips of Having a Tibet Tour to Mt. Kailash at This Time of Year
1.Do pay attention to the religious taboos. Mount Kailash is notably the most sacred site in Buddhism and Hinduism, and there are certain rules and taboos that you should be aware of. The mountain has never been climbed, due to its religious status, and it is forbidden to set foot on the slopes of the sacred mountain. It is also forbidden to trek to the site of the Buddhist sky burials that lies in a side-valley on the western lower slopes of Mount Kailash. Sky Burials are private and cannot be seen by the eyes of one who is not a Buddhist. You should also remember that Hindus and Buddhists walk clockwise around the mountain for the ritual kora, and you should respect this tradition and do the same.
2. Bring enough warm clothes and trekking gears like trekking boots. As you can see, at this time of year, Kailash can also see heavy snows. Check here for a full guide on what to pack for Mt. Kailash trek.
3. Try to avoid altitude sickness. Along with the chilly weather, it’s more likely you may get a cold, and that is not good for your Tibet tour. So try to keep yourself warm at all time, avoid abrupt movements and have good sleep. Find out all you need to know about the altitude along the Kailash trek.
4. Try to book a Tibet tour to Mt. Kailash in advance. Check all the Mt. Kailash tours we have, and choose your own one. Or, tailor-make your own private tour.
The most sacred day of Saga Dawa Festival has passed, but the celebration is still taking place. Plus, there are all kinds of Tibetan festivals all year round! You will always find your pick. Contact us and have your own Tibet festival tour!
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"Woohoo! A Tibet Tour to Kailash to Enjoy Saga Dawa Festival!"