Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash

Saga Dawa is the most sacred festival in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, celebrated on the full moon of the fourth Tibetan lunar month to honor the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing) of Lord Buddha. During this auspicious time, thousands of pilgrims and monks gather at the foot of Mount Kailash (around Tarboche/Darchen) to offer prayers, light butter lamps, raise colourful prayer flags, and chant mantras in a deeply spiritual atmosphere. The festival’s highlight is the Tarboche Flagpole Ceremony, where a tall prayer flag pole is ceremonially hoisted, symbolizing blessings and harmony for all beings. Many devotees also perform the sacred Kailash Kora (circumambulation) and take part in other rituals around Lake Mansarovar, seeking merit, purification, and spiritual renewal. Visiting Mount Kailash during Saga Dawa is considered particularly powerful for spiritual merit and life transformation.
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The Saga Dawa Festival is the most sacred and spiritually significant celebration in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar. Observed on the full moon of the fourth Tibetan lunar month, Saga Dawa commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (passing away) of Lord Buddha. This holy occasion is believed to multiply the merit of good deeds millions of times, making it an extraordinarily powerful time for pilgrimage and spiritual practice.

At the sacred region of Mount Kailash (6,638m) in western Tibet, Saga Dawa transforms the normally serene landscape into a vibrant center of devotion and faith. Thousands of Tibetan pilgrims, monks, nuns, and international devotees gather near Tarboche and Darchen, the gateway to the Kailash Kora, to participate in prayers, rituals, and sacred ceremonies.

The Tarboche Flagpole Ceremony

The highlight of the Saga Dawa Festival is the Tarboche Flagpole Ceremony. A massive prayer flagpole, adorned with colorful prayer flags, is ceremonially raised by monks and local devotees. The raising of the pole symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, harmony among all beings, and blessings for the world. Pilgrims believe that witnessing this ceremony brings immense spiritual merit and purification of past sins.

The atmosphere during the festival is deeply spiritual and vibrant. The air fills with the sound of chanting monks, spinning prayer wheels, the fragrance of incense, and the fluttering of prayer flags carrying mantras across the Himalayan wind.

Pilgrimage and the Sacred Kailash Kora

During Saga Dawa, many devotees undertake the Kailash Kora, the sacred 52-kilometer circumambulation of Mount Kailash. Completing the kora during this auspicious period is believed to cleanse negative karma and bring profound spiritual blessings. Some pilgrims even perform full-body prostrations throughout the entire circuit as an act of deep devotion.

Pilgrims also visit the holy Lake Mansarovar, where ritual bathing and meditation are believed to purify the soul and wash away the sins of a lifetime.

Spiritual Significance

For Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and followers of Bon religion, Mount Kailash is considered the center of the universe and a sacred axis of spiritual energy. Participating in Saga Dawa at Mount Kailash offers a rare opportunity to experience Himalayan culture, ancient traditions, and powerful spiritual devotion in one of the world’s holiest destinations.

Experience Saga Dawa with Nepal New Generation Trek

Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure Pvt. Ltd. organizes well-managed and carefully planned Saga Dawa Festival tours combined with the Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Yatra. With experienced guides, comfortable arrangements, and personalized service, we ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience.

Joining the Saga Dawa Festival with Nepal New Generation Trek is not just a journey — it is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual transformation in the heart of the Himalayas.

Region
Tibet
Duration
9 days
Level
moderate
Max Altitude
5630.m
Daily Activity
6-7 hours
Season
on June
Starting From
$ 3525
Nepal New Generation Trek offer Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash this cost will more then 5 people
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Overview
Itinerary
Date/Cost
Includes
FAQ
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Brief Introduction

The Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred and spiritually powerful events in the Himalayan region. Celebrated during the full moon of the fourth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar, Saga Dawa honors the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Lord Buddha. This holy period is believed to multiply the spiritual merit of prayers, good deeds, and pilgrimages, attracting thousands of devotees from Tibet, Nepal, India, and around the world.

Held near Tarboche and Darchen, at the base of the sacred Mount Kailash (6,638m), the festival creates an extraordinary atmosphere of devotion, prayer, and cultural celebration. Pilgrims gather to witness the ceremonial raising of the giant prayer flagpole, perform the sacred Kailash Kora (circumambulation), and offer prayers for peace, purification, and spiritual awakening.

With Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure Pvt. Ltd., experience this profound spiritual journey with expert guidance, proper arrangements, and dedicated service, ensuring a safe and meaningful pilgrimage to one of the holiest places on earth.

Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash – Highlights

  • Witness the sacred Tarboche Flagpole Raising Ceremony

  • Celebrate the holy month honoring Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment & parinirvana

  • Join thousands of pilgrims in the spiritual gathering at Mount Kailash (6,638m)

  • Perform the sacred Kailash Kora (52 km circumambulation)

  • Visit and meditate at the holy Lake Mansarovar

  • Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist rituals, prayers & chanting ceremonies

  • Gain multiplied spiritual merit during the most auspicious lunar month

  • Enjoy a well-organized pilgrimage with Nepal New Generation Trek & Adventure Pvt. Ltd.

  • Professional guides, comfortable arrangements & personalized service

  • A once-in-a-lifetime spiritual and cultural Himalayan journey

Itinerary

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.

Schedule for each day
Days: 01; 7th June 2025: Drive from Kathmandu – Rasuwagadhi (1,815m) – Kyirong (2,700m)  
Distance: Approximately 160 km Driving Duration: 6-7 hours Accommodation: Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing) Meal: Lunch & Dinner Start your journey early in the morning from Kathmandu. Drive through picturesque landscapes of the Trishuli River valley, passing by small villages and terraced fields. Reach Rasuwagadhi at the Nepal-China border for customs and immigration formalities. After crossing the border, continue the drive to Kyirong, a small Tibetan town.
Days: 02; 8th June 2025: Drive from Kyirong – Pelku Lake (4,592m) - Saga (4,640m)  
Distance: Approximately 300 km Driving Duration: 8-9 hours Accommodation: 3* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing) Meal: Breakfast and Dinner Depart from Kyirong and drive through the beautiful Tibetan countryside. The road winds through green valleys and over high mountain passes. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the vast Tibetan plateau. Enjoy the drive with stops at Pelko Lake and other picturesque spots along the way to Saga. Arrive in Saga, a bustling town that serves as a hub for travelers.
Days: 03; 9th June 2025: Drive from Saga - Dzongba (4,450m) - Paryang (4,550m) - Manasarovar Lake (4,590m)  
Distance: 520 km Driving Duration: 8-9 hours Accommodation: Local Guest House (4 Beds Dormitory) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drive through remote Tibetan landscapes to reach the sacred Manasarovar Lake, revered in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The lake is considered a source of purity and a place of pilgrimage. The clear waters of the lake reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere.
Days: 04; 10th June 2025: Visit Chiu Gompa (4,590m) - Manasarovar Circumambulation by Vehicle - Drive to Darchen (4,575m)  
Distance: 50 km Driving Duration: 1-2 hours Accommodation: 4* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Visit Chiu Gompa Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking Manasarovar Lake. The monastery offers stunning views of the lake and Mount Kailash in the distance. Perform a circumambulation of Manasarovar Lake, a ritual that many pilgrims undertake to purify their sins. Afterward, drive to Darchen, the starting point of the Kailash Kora.
Days: 05; 11th June 2025: Drive from Darchen to Tarboche (4,675m) - Saga Dawa Festival - Darchen (4,575m)  
Distance: 7 km (to Tarboche) Driving Duration: 20-30 minutes Accommodation: 4* Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Participate in the Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche, a significant event celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. The festival involves traditional Tibetan rituals, prayer ceremonies, and a large gathering of pilgrims. Witness the raising of the Tarboche flagpole, a highlight of the festival. Return to Darchen for overnight.
Days: 06; 12th June 2025: Drive from Darchen - Tarboche (4,675m) - Trek to Diraphuk (4,890m) (Kailash Kora)  
Distance (Driving): 7 km (to Tarboche) Distance (Trekking): 18 km Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours Accommodation: Local Guest-house (4 Beds/8 Beds Dormitory) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Begin the Kailash Kora trek from Tarboche to Diraphuk, offering stunning views of Mount Kailash. The trail follows the Lha Chu Valley, passing by numerous prayer flags, mani walls, and small monasteries. As you ascend, the north face of Mount Kailash comes into view, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the trek.
Days: 07; 13th June 2025: Trek from Diraphuk to Dzutulphuk (4,790m) traverse Dolma-La Pass (5,660m) (Kailash Kora)  
Distance: 22 km Trekking Duration: 8-9 hours Accommodation: Local Guest-house (4 Beds/8 Beds Dormitory) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner This challenging day involves crossing the Dolma-La Pass, the highest point of the trek. The ascent to the pass is steep and can be physically demanding. At the top of the pass, you will find prayer flags and a small shrine dedicated to the deity Dolma. After crossing the pass, descend to Dzutulphuk, passing by the sacred Gauri Kund Lake along the way.
Days: 08; 14th June 2025: Trek from Dzutulphuk to Mani Wall (4,800m) (Kailash Kora) - Drive to Darchen (4,575m) - Paryang (4,550m)/Dzongba (4,450m)  
Distance (Trekking): 11 km Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours Distance (Driving): 270 km Driving Duration: 5-6 hours Accommodation: Local Guest-house/Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Complete the Kailash Kora with a trek to Mani Wall, a significant pilgrimage site adorned with carved stones. After finishing the trek, drive back to Darchen and continue to Paryang or Dzongba for overnight.
Days: 09; 15th June 2025: Drive from Paryang/Dzongba - Saga (4,640m) - Kyirong (2,700m)  
Distance: 380 km Driving Duration: 7-8 hours Accommodation: Local Guest-house/Hotel (Twin Bed Sharing) Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drive through the scenic Tibetan landscape to Kyirong, a gateway to Nepal. The route passes through beautiful valleys, rivers, and traditional Tibetan villages. Kyirong is known for its mild climate and lush vegetation, offering a stark contrast to the arid Tibetan plateau.
Days: 10; 16th June 2025: Drive from Kyirong - Rasuwagadhi (1,815m) - Kathmandu (1,400m)  
Distance: 160 km Driving Duration: 6-7 hours Accommodation: N/A Meal: Breakfast & Lunch Cross the border at Rasuwagadhi and continue to Kathmandu, marking the end of the journey. The drive through the mountainous terrain of Nepal offers stunning views of lush green hills, rivers, and local villages. Upon arrival in Kathmandu then transfer to your own booking hotel. You can explore the vibrant capital city of Nepal, rich in cultural heritage and historical sites.
Reservation & Date
Sunday
15 Feb 2026
Thursday
31 Dec 2026
$275 Off
$3525
$3800
5 Seats
Available
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Services Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services in Kathmandu

  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (as per itinerary)

  • Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Simikot flight tickets (if applicable as per package)

  • Chartered helicopter flight Simikot–Hilsa–Simikot (if included in itinerary)

  • All ground transportation as per program

  • Tibet Travel Permit and all necessary travel documents

  • Chinese visa fee

  • Accommodation in guesthouses/hotels during Kailash Yatra (twin sharing basis)

  • Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the Tibet tour

  • English-speaking Tibetan guide

  • Supporting Nepali guide (for group departures)

  • All required staff and supporting crew services

  • Yak/porter service for luggage during Kailash Kora (as per group sharing basis)

  • First aid kit and basic medical support

  • All government taxes and service charges

Services Excluded

  • International airfare to/from Kathmandu

  • Nepal entry visa fee

  • Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude evacuation and medical expenses)

  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, internet, beverages, etc.)

  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or flight delays

  • Additional horse/porter for personal use during Kailash Kora

  • Tips for guide, driver, and supporting staff

  • Any additional cost due to natural calamities, political disturbances, flight cancellations, or unforeseen circumstances

  • Expenses not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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 June 11th, 2025, 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. 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 2025 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. 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.

Home>Mount Kailash Tours>Why Should Do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during Saga Dawa Festival? Why Should Do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during Saga Dawa Festival? November,29 2024 BY Master Kungga Dundruk 0 Comment 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. Content What is the Saga Dawa Festival, and When will it be held in 2025? Why Should Do Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the Saga Dawa Festival What Activities Are Held at Mt.Kailash & Lake Mansarovar during the Saga Dawa Festival? In 2025, Our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Saga Dawa Upgraded to Touch the Kailash More Tips about Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Conclusion What is the Saga Dawa Festival, and When will it be held in 2025? 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. 16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience 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 USD2299 p.p 16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience 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 mountainEvery 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 June 11th, 2025, 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. A new prayer flagpole is erected at Tarboche during the Saga Dawa festivalEvery 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 2025 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. Pilgrims do kora around Mt. Kailash during Saga Dawa FestivalLocal 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 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 USD2299 p.p 16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience In 2025, Our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Saga Dawa Upgraded to Touch the Kailash To coincide with the special festival and activities in 2025, 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. 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