Saga Dawa Festival Tour

5.0/5 from 627 reviews
  • Destination
    Tibet
  • Duration
    14 Days
  • Trip Difficulty
    Strenuous
  • Activities
    Tour
  • Group Size
    Min. 3 Pax
  • Best Time
    May - June

Get set to experience the exotic culture of Tibet! Saga Dawa Festival is an important festival amongst the Buddhist people which is celebrated to honour the life of Lord Buddha. It is said that - Lord Buddha, at the time of his death had requested his fellow follower not to cry or be sad on his death. He had strictly restricted everyone from offering flowers and lights over him, after his death. He had requested everyone to be happy and strive to follow his teachings for living a noble life. Death is an ultimate truth and all the compound objects like human body should surely disintegrate.

Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated each year on the full moon day of fourth lunar month of Tibetan calendar. Each year, during the period of Saga Dawa, pilgrimage from around the world come to Mt. Kailash to perform Kora. A giant flagpole at Tarpoche is taken down ritually and replaced by a new one. The colorful flag pole is raised high and pointed towards Gyandrak monastery. The monks in the monastery perform some rituals and the ceremony is accompanied by music from long trumpets, conch cells and other musical instruments. The flagpole should stand straight otherwise it is believed that some bad things might happen in Tibet.

Beside this, on this holy occasion, people visit many temples, monasteries and pray. They light butter lights and find peace within their mind. Therefore, come along with Nepal Hiking Team to rejoice this auspicious occasion of Saga Dawa Festival in Saga Dawa Festival Tour.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and explain the program further. There are no planned activities for the day, so check into the hotel. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Tours preparation and Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour

Touring the World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley that includes: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath Temple. Overnight stay at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Nyalam 3750 m (150 km)

After early breakfast we drive through Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel and reach Friendship Bridge (i.e. Nepal-China border). From here we walk for about 10 minutes to cross Friendship Bridge and meet our Tibetan guide and land cruiser drivers. After all the immigration and custom formalities at the Chinese check post here, our journey continues for another 35 km which can take almost 3 hours through the up-winding road to Nyalam with beautiful scenery. Then, you will be transferred to the guest house in Nyalam (3700m). The facilities of the guesthouse are very simple and basic. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 04: Nyalam –free for acclimatization

Today is free for acclimatization. We will be going for short trek which is in preparation for Kailash Parikrama and it helps us to acclimatize fast. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 05: Nyalam – New Dongba 4600m (390 km)

After breakfast drive to Paryang. Passing through many villages and camps of yak herders. Far south you can see snow-capped mountain peaks. Most of the time you will be driving on plains, hence a comfortable drive. Arrive in Paryang and enjoy hot tea. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 06: New Dongba – Mansarovar 4558m (277 km) Duration: 7-8 hrs

Early breakfast and get ready for longest driving day. Late afternoon you can have first view of Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. Hore – a small village is situated near Holy Mansarovar Lake. Holy Mansarovar (14950ft./4558m) – the highest lake of fresh water with turquoise complexion in the world is full of fishes and swans. Holy Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandala, Lake Rakshash are lying on its surrounding. The region is considered rich for gold and other mines, hot springs and hundreds of wild living creatures. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 07: Mansarovar – Tarchen (40 km) Duration: 2-3 hrs

Holy Mansarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning bath and puja we will be heading for Holy Mansarovar Parikrama by land cruiser with packed lunch and continue drive towards Tarchen (Darchen). If time permits, we visit Chui Gompa. Tarchen is considered as a base camp for Holy Kailash Parikrama. During the auspicious pilgrimage time, this place will be flooded with pilgrims with hundreds of tents all around. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 08: (25th May 2015): Attend to the Saga Dawa festival at Tarboche (Festival Day) Full moon

The Saga Dawa festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 4th Tibetan month and is one of the most important religious festivals celebrated in Tibet. This auspicious day coincides with three important events in Buddha's life namely his birth, nirvana and parnirvana (death). Since the Saga Dawa festival falls on the holiest month of the Tibetan calendar, it is believed that good deeds and prayers are multiplied thousand fold during this event. So we can see everyone immersed in prayers trying to please the god. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 09: Tarchen – Tarboche (13 km drive) – Dirapuk (4860m.) (7 km trek / 5 – 6 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Tarboche – starting point of Kailash Parikrama. Tarboche is also known as outer “Asthapath”. It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky make you feeling that Great God Shiva is everywhere with tons of blessing to you. Time to time the face of Kailash Parbat will be kept on appearing. For 7 km trail it takes almost 7 hrs. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 10: Dirapuk – Zuthulpuk (4760m) (18 km trek / 9-10 km) (passing through Dolma-la pass 5,200)

Today you will be climbing to Drolma-la (Dolma-La 18600ft) and then descending gradually to Zuthulpuk (4760m). Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal while your steps go closer to the pass. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 11: Zuthulpuk – Tarchen (Darchen) (10 km / 4-5 hrs) – Mansarovar- Dongba (end of Kailash Parikrama)

Morning free time to explore the caves, temples and shrine around Milarepa cave. After walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will be waiting for your arrival. By late afternoon you will be at your lodge in Dongba. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 12: Drive Dongba to Nyalam

Drive Dongba to Nyalam (376 km) 7-8 hrs. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu

Today, we leave Nyalam behind. We pass the Bhote Koshi River and cross the Chinese - Nepalese border. After a short drive, we bid our Tibetan guide a goodbye. We then drive and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari. Our Nepalese staff will complete the re-entry formalities and we drive to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14: Farewell

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight, a representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will take you to the airport.

Cost Includes

  • All ground transports in private vehicle including airport transfers
  • Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu city tours including all entry fees, tour guide and private vehicle
  • Best available twin sharing Lodge/Guesthouses during the Tibet tours
  • Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) approved guide for Tibet tours
  • Yaks and Yak-men to carry baggage while Kailash Parikrama
  • Tibet entry travel permit, Chinese visa and applicable entry fees during the trek/tours in Nepal/Tibet
  • Oxygen cylinder for Kailash Parikrama
  • All government taxes and official expense

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa
  • All cold drinks such as: alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
  • Nepali staff for Tibet tours
  • Shopping, laundry, internet, phone bills
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Extra cost of transportation, porters involved due landslides, snowfall
  • Services other than specified. Extra days stay at Kathmandu / any other place
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is appreciated but it is not mandatory)

Travellers‘ Reviews

Read our genuine feedback from past travelers with Nepal Hiking Team sourced from TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, and Trustpilot.

  • Exciting and most memorable experience

    Experience of a lifetime! Leading up to the trip, I felt some excitement and uncertainty because I was traveling from New Jersey to Nepal, so it was a trip to the other side of the world. Also knowing we were going to trek to the highest region in the world.

    Once we arrived in Kathmandu, we met up with our guide (Bhim). After a few minutes of talking with him, I felt a sense of calm and my excitement of joy grew from there. And I was right he and his team made sure we had the best experience possible.

    The full trek going and coming was incredible. Our guide, Bhim, made sure we had the best experience. Can’t say enough of how wonderful he and his team made this one for the books!

    I highly recommend booking with this company and Bhim! Namaste!

    O
    - Excellent

    Mr. Oscar A

    12th Nov 2024

  • Solo Traveler

    I just completed trekking in Nepal together with another solo traveler. The service of Nepal Hiking Team was exemplary from the start till the end. Nothing beats word-of-mouth good reviews. 

    Mr. Ganga has been very responsive to queries from Day 1 and was physically present even on the last day to officially close the loop for the package tour.

    Our guide Bibek was very patient and sincere as he led us through the trek. He resolved issues with his heart and people skills and gave assurance whenever plans suddenly changed.

    He ensured things were changed for the better. Our porter, Rajendran, was also good and always arrived ahead of time to ensure our rooms were confirmed.

    - Guided by Bibek Dhamala

    N
    - Excellent

    Ms. Norleen A

    21st Oct 2024

  • Amazing experience thanks to our 5-star guide/porter team

    We had the best time in Nepal. The beautiful views and warm hospitality of the Nepali people are truly unparalleled.

    Instrumental to our amazing experience were our guide, Netra, and porter, Vasu.

    We were super well taken care of. Netra was quick to assess our physical abilities and was able to effectively set the pace for our hikes. He had very good knowledge of the route and terrain. Importantly, this was our first time attempting a hike at a high altitude, so he took extra care to check on us regularly.

    On a personal note, proper gear, including a powerful down jacket for -20 degrees Celsius and a proper hiking backpack, is super essential.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team and Netra/Vasu for your Nepal adventure!

    G
    - Excellent

    Ms. Gen T

    14th Oct 2024

  • Fabulous Trip – Excited for Many More with NHT

    We were a group of 17 people from California who had been preparing for a year for this trip. Nepal Hiking Team was referred to us by one of my friends. After talking to & interviewing several companies, NHT seemed very responsive, cost-effective & experienced. After the trip, they proved us nothing less.

    Their guides are top-of-the-line, very kind, and helpful. They made sure we all were prepared for the next day, set our expectations rights, & guided us through managing altitude sickness.

    We all made it to Nepal and came back happy and healthy.

    We all thank NHT for making our dream come true, and looking forward to many more with them.

    S
    - Excellent

    Ms. Shaili A

    8th Oct 2024

  • Highest praise for Nepal Hiking Team

    I highly recommend the Nepal Hiking Team for anyone planning to trek in Nepal. My spouse and I had a fantastic time on our trek and greatly credit our positive experience to the thought and care put into it by Nepal Hiking Team in coming up with a personalized plan that would enable us to succeed.

    Every detail was considered to match us based on our abilities and interests. We also could not have felt more cared for minute to minute by the team that supported us from the minute we arrived in Kathmandu until our departure.

    Our guide, Nim, was amazing -- so careful, thoughtful, warm, and supportive. And our porters, Sabin and Ganesh, were delightful. They were all unbelievably generous in terms of how much they worked to ensure we were comfortable and prepared. They thought of every detail along the way.

    - Guided By Nim Dahal

    J
    - Excellent

    Ms. Jlevi

    14th May 2024
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