Overview
Saga Dawa Festival is an important Tibetan Buddhist festival, held every year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, to celebrate Sakyamunis enlightenment. Each year people from all over Tibet gather here that day to attach the prayer flags they brought from home, to pray, and to help erect the huge flagpole on the Mount Kailash Kora. The whole ceremony is led by a Tibetan Lama from a nearby monastery. Hours before the actual rising of the flagpole from the ground, people circumambulate the flagpole and pray and throw wind horses (little pieces of colored paper with Buddhist scriptures on them) into the air. They help to remove last year’s prayer flags and attach new ones.
The Saga Dawa festival is held for a month around the Tarboche valley of the Kailash region. The main day of the Saga Dawa festival in 2025 is the 11th of June. Mansarovar Kailash Yatra will manage your entire travel plan to explore the Saga Dawa festival 2025. Tour is covering Lhasa and other historical cities of Tibet. Tour starts with a scenic Himalayan flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Exploration of Lhasa city including Potala Palace and others during your one full day sightseeing. Drive towards west Tibet by crossing many other historical Tibetan cities and high passes from where high mountain views of Tibet and Nepal Himalayas are seen crystal clear.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Your adventure begins as you arrive in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, at an altitude of 1350 meters. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel for the night. You can take this opportunity to rest after your journey and get acclimatized to the altitude. Kathmandu, with its rich history and culture, offers a glimpse into the beauty and spiritual essence of Nepal.
Day 02: Day in Kathmandu
This day is dedicated to completing your visa requirements and preparing for your journey ahead. You’ll have time to visit local shops and purchase any last-minute gear. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Kathmandu at your leisure. The city’s bustling streets, ancient temples, and vibrant markets will immerse you in the local culture. Enjoy a peaceful night at the hotel to rest before your adventure continues.
Day 03: Drive to Shyaprubesi
After breakfast, begin your journey towards Shyaprubesi. This drive takes approximately 7 hours and covers 117 km, with a steady climb to an altitude of 2250 meters. Shyaprubesi is a small village, serving as a gateway to the Langtang region. The drive offers scenic views of the Langtang National Park and the surrounding landscapes. Overnight, you’ll stay at a local tea house, experiencing the warmth of local hospitality.
Day 04: Drive from Shyaprubesi to Kerung
Today, you’ll drive to Kerung, located 40 km away at an altitude of 2900 meters. The journey takes around 2 hours. The road meanders through picturesque Tibetan villages and vast landscapes, offering a stunning glimpse into the Tibetan Plateau. Upon reaching Kerung, settle into your guesthouse for the night. This quiet Tibetan town, near the Nepal-China border, offers a peaceful atmosphere as you prepare for the next leg of the journey.
Day 05: Drive to Saga
Today’s drive is a longer one, covering 390 km over 6-7 hours. As you travel, you’ll gradually ascend to the high-altitude plains of Tibet, reaching an elevation of 4500 meters. The drive takes you through remote Tibetan terrain, dotted with nomadic settlements and scenic views of mountains and valleys. On arrival in Saga, check into your guesthouse and rest to acclimatize to the altitude.
Day 06: Drive to Manasarovar
Today, you will drive 277 km to reach the sacred Lake Manasarovar. The drive takes around 6-7 hours, and you’ll be crossing vast Tibetan plains at an altitude of 4590 meters. Lake Manasarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and holds deep spiritual significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into a guesthouse for the night, surrounded by breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
Day 07: Exploration of Lake Manasarovar and Drive to Darchen
After a peaceful morning by Lake Manasarovar, you’ll drive 40 km to Darchen, located at an altitude of 4575 meters. This small town is the starting point for the Kailash Kora (circumambulation). You will have some free time to explore Darchen and prepare for the upcoming trek. Overnight, you will stay in a comfortable hotel, where you can rest and soak in the mountain atmosphere.
Day 08: Kailash 1st Day Kora – Derapuk
Today marks the start of your Kailash Kora trek. You’ll drive 47 km to the starting point, where you will begin a 14 km walk towards Derapuk. The trek is challenging, but the breathtaking views of Mount Kailash will keep you motivated. You’ll reach Derapuk after 6 hours of walking, situated at 5000 meters. The night will be spent in a mud house, offering a rustic experience in the high-altitude wilderness.
Day 09: Kailash Kora 2nd Day – Juthulpuk
On day two of the Kailash Kora, you will walk 19 km towards Juthulpuk, a journey that will take 8-9 hours. This section of the trek is the most demanding, as you will cross the high Dolma La Pass, reaching an altitude of over 5,600 meters. The walk is tough, but the spiritual energy of the surroundings provides strength. By evening, you will arrive at Juthulpuk, where you will spend the night in another mud house.
Day 10: Trek to Chongdo and Drive to Darchen
After a fulfilling trek, you’ll make your way to Chongdo, completing the Kailash Kora. From here, you’ll drive back to Darchen, where the Saga Dawa Festival will be taking place. The festival is an important celebration in Tibetan Buddhism, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual atmosphere of the event. Overnight, you’ll stay at a guesthouse in Darchen.
Day 11: Drive back to Saga
After your exploration of the Saga Dawa Festival, you’ll drive back to Saga, a journey that takes approximately 7 hours. The road winds through Tibet’s vast and rugged landscapes. Once in Saga, you’ll rest for the night at a guesthouse, reflecting on the experiences of the past days.
Day 12: Drive to Kerung
Today, you’ll return to Kerung, a drive of about 5-6 hours. The journey allows you to retrace your route through the stunning Tibetan countryside. Upon reaching Kerung, check into a guesthouse and spend the night resting after the long drive.
Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu
The final leg of your journey takes you back to Kathmandu. The 6-7 hour drive takes you through Langtang National Park, where you can enjoy the lush landscapes and view the diverse wildlife. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll check into your hotel and have some time to relax and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve had.
Day 14: Departure
On your final day in Nepal, you will be dropped off at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Alternatively, if you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, you can choose to rest or engage in other activities. Either way, your adventure ends, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your spiritual journey through the Tibetan Plateau.