This is the story of one of the most awe-inspiring moments we have ever witnessed anywhere. "Saga Dawa 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 the enlightenment of Shakyamuni," is what every guide will tell you. But after you have been through it, at that moment it is more like part of a magical event, something that gets a total hold on all your senses. So what happens? Every year they replace the Tarboche pole, a huge pole that means tower of Kailash. People from all over Tibet gather here on this day to fix their prayer flags that they have brought from home, to pray, and to help erect the pole. The pole must stand perfectly straight, or the other things are not good for Tibet. A Lama leads the whole ceremony from the nearby monastery. It is his job to make it work "right the first time". Saga Dawa Day: People walk around the flagpole that is broken down on the ground now. They pray and throw "wind horses" (small pieces of colored paper with Buddhist scriptures on them) into the air. They help remove last year's prayer flags and set up new ones. As a visitor you are almost forced to follow them as they go around and around, each time. On the sides, on the slopes of the nearby hills, many people sit watching the "show" and there are musicians playing all the time on their horns and symbols
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.
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 2025, that will fall on June 11th. Special tours will be organized for those wanting to join in the festivities at that time. 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.
Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.
The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.
© 2025 -Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure. All Rights Reserved.
Coded with by KTM Rush.
Available