Overview
Holiday Mountain Treks is the best trekking tour company to organise Saga Dawa festival tour to Mt. kailash-Tibet I complete information of Kailash Saga Dawa festival tour package cost, itinerary, organiser, dates, height and difficulty, group join, season, duration, route, meals, accommodation, transportation, permit, visa procedures, guide, temperature, equipment.
Tibet - Mt. Kailash Saga Dawa festival tour package information
Festival Date : May 31, 2026 l Location: Manasarovar Mt. Kailash Tarpoche
Saga Dawa festival tour is not only to see the pristine beauty of the region but also to experience highly colorful festival at the holiest Mt. Kailash Parbhat and Manasarovar.
SAGA DAWA is very important festival in the Tibetan society, which held each year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. This festival is celebrated in honor of Sakyamuni's and his enlightenment as well as his birth, has a special significance during the Year of the Horse. The 15th day of the fourth month on the Tibetan calendar is said to be the birthday of Sakyamuni, and the day when he died and attained Nirvana. During this period, hundreds of thousands of people turn their prayer wheels singing and dancing. Every year, they replace the Tarpoche flagpole, a huge pole that stands round of Kailash. It is said that the flagpole should stand perfectly upright, or else things are not good for Tibet . So it has to result in the perfect upright position of the flagpole, A steel cable is attached to two trucks, engines are warmed up, and then, on the sign of the Lama, and they go backward, pulling the flagpole. To be able to control the movement, on both sides of the flagpole people pull ropes too, to prevent it doesn't incline to one or the other direction. Once the trucks start moving, it all go very fast, the flagpole is moving, the A-structures that were supporting it, fall down and it is all over. And then big magic occurs, the flagpole stands upright, and at that moment, thousands of wind horses fly into the sky... like an explosion of prayers going to the heavens. You can really feel a sudden great sense of happiness surrounding you.
The festival is observed by turning prayer wheels, having vegetarian lunch and a picnic and so on by the Mt. Kailash region. Folk entertainers will perform Tibetan tradition; they will pay their homage to Buddha, observe a vegetarian rule, refrain from killing domestic animals and give out alms during the month. People donate large sums to the religious orders, monasteries and to the beggars that gather at this time of year. During Saga Dawa, the karmic results of virtuous and non-virtuous actions are magnified and it is believed that the merit earned on this day is multiplied. As a result, the tradition in the Tibetan community is to make offerings to their temple, Lama, and their community. One important offering that is made is to poor people. Tibetans give money to the beggars also give money to save the lives of animals. For instance, giving money to the butcher to save the life of a sheep.
Saga Dawa festival has been celebrated by the Tibetan Buddhists for past thousand years and to be there at this moment is more like being part of a magic event, something that gets a total grip on all of your senses and of course a powerful experience. Come-join us and experience it yourselves.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : May 26: Drive to Rasuwagadhi 2500m. (160km) – Kerung 2,700m. about 7-8 hours
Start the journey early in the morning from Kathmandu through picturesque landscapes of the Trishuli River valley, small villages and terraced fields. Reach Rasuwagadhi at the Nepal-China border for customs and immigration formalities. After crossing the border, continue further rive to Kerung, a small Tibetan town. O/N Guest House
Day 2 : May 27: Rest day for acclimatisation
Today is rest day for good acclimatisation in Kerung before further high altitude driving to Saga. Of course it is also possible to look around the Kerung in the afternoon. O/N Guest House
Day 3 : May 28: Drive to Saga 4650m. via Pelku Lake (300km) about 7-8 hours.
It is long but exciting driving on the desert terrain enjoying past nomad camps and sheep and yak herds, beautiful views of Gaurishankar, Shishapangma and Langtang Himal through Khunmen Tso, Sinling, Karru Ongchen, Peiku tso Lake and finally cross Brahmaputra river ( “Yarling Tsangpo” in Tibetan ) to reach Saga. O/n Guest House.
Day 4 : May 29: Drive to Lake Manasarovar 4500m. (370km) about 7 hours.
Driving starts with the distance mountains through small town of Zhongba before reaching to Paryang offering the first view of Mt Kailash and further several hours of drive brings an approach the serene and sacred lake Manasarovar with turquoise complexion - surrounded by Mt Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandata and Lake Rakchyas. O/N Guest House.
Day 5 : May 30: Drive to Darchen 4670m. (45 km) about 2 hours.
Morning spend sometimes at the shores of the sacred Lake Manasarovar and take holy bath then start driving which enters the semi-nomadic regions of Tibet's far west through the authentic Tibetan landscapes the biggest and highest plateau in the world along the Yarlung Tsampo river, also known as the Brahmaputra in India, then arrive to little town of Darchen, nestled at the foot of Mount Kailash, where the final preparation is done for upcoming trek around the holy Mt. Kailash.the Kora. Overnight in Darchen the preparation place for the upcoming trek around the holy Mt. Kailash. O/N Guest House.
Day 6 : May 31: Trek to Dirapuk 5000m, (18km) about 3-4 hours.
Start early morning with drive to Tarpoche an important pilgrimage area to attend Saga Dawa the most significant festival for which the journey scheduled. The Saga Dawa festival is held every year on the 15th day of the 4th month in the Tibetan calendar to celebrate the day Lord Buddha Sakyamuni was born, achieved enlightenment and passed away. Drive back to Darchen and start first day trek Kailash Kora (making circle) with a gentle ascent enjoying views of the southwest face of Kailash while entering the valley of the Gods along the Lha Chu River and finally reach Dirapuk. It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs and waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky. O/N Guest House.
Day 7 : June 01: Trek to Zuthul Puk 4760m (19km) about 8-9 hours.
Start second day trek about 4 hours climb with the main goal to carefully approach the wall of Kailash up to the Gangjam glacier of Dolma La pass at 5670m. When reaching the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for meditation to feel as in heaven. It is hardest but Holiest day of the Kailash Kora trek, cross Dolma La pass at 5670 m. From here the descent initially steep then becomes a comfortable walk until arriving at Zuthul Puk where the great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles. O/N Guest House.
Day 8 : June 02: Trek to Darchen 4670m (16 km) about 3-4 horurs.
The final day of the Kailash Kora trek is a mere formality compared to what was experienced the previous days. A gentle descent walking for 3-4 hours which completes the Kora around Mt. Kailash with the achieve of enlightenment then drive further to Saga. O/N Guest House.
Day 9 : June 03: Drive to Kerung 2700m. (290 km) about 7=8 hours.
After breakfast; start to drive back through the same road to Kerung. O/N Guest House.
Day 10 : June 04: Drive to Kathmandu about 7-8 hours.
Today is the final day of the journey which starts with a short drive to Nepal Tibet border and complete the immigration formalities then drive further to Kathmandu.
Inclusions
What is included?
Visa/permit and required logistic work in Kathmandu
Hotel/Guest House accommodation with daily breakfast as per the itinerary
Border transfers and travel by Van / Mini coach as per the group size during the tour
English speaking Tibetan Guide, all sightseeing and entrance fee as per the itinerary.
What isn't included?
Lunch and dinner during the tour
Hiring porter/ horse around Mt. Kailash and staff tips
Any kinds of travel insurance and Rescue / Evacuation cost
Additional cost if accrued due to Nature calamity and unforeseen circumstances
Complimentary
Tour name – Saga Dawa festival tour
Tour highlights: Cultural festival, Amazing lake and holy mountain excursion.
Tour Duration – 09 nights / 10 days
Accommodation / Meals – Sharing rooms with vegetarian meals
Tour cost: Starts from USD 2400 individual or group travel
Transportation / Guide – Private Jeep and experience license holder tour guide
Visa cost: USD 85-175 depending the visa working period and nationality
Required document for processing the Tibet Visa and permit
Valid passport copy at least 20 days in advance.
Original passport while applying Tibet visa in Chinese embassy Kathmandu.
Passport size picture with a white background, front face, both ear should be seen, without eyeglasses, and no smiling.
Completely filled Tibet visa application form prior to your arrival in Kathmandu.
Essential equipment
Thermal base layers of breathable and waterproof clothing, sturdy waterproof trekking boots, sun protection items like high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, sleeping bag, small towel, water thermos, camera with extra batteries, warm trousers, down jacket, dry energy foods and high-altitude safety gear such as a first-aid kit with altitude sickness medication and