Kailash Saga Dawa Festival - China

Journey overland to Tibet and cross the "roof of the world" to Kailash — Asia's most sacred mountain — in time for the amazing Saga Dawa Festival. You'll embark on a demanding multi-day trek around the holy mountain, which is said to bring good luck to whoever completes it, then join pilgrims and celebrate the renewal of the Tarboche flagpole. Explore Lhasa and experience unparalleled vistas of Mt Everest at its base camp. Full of cultural treasures, remarkable Buddhist monasteries, and the colourful markets of Kathmandu, this adventure truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 1 Beijing
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Beijing
Visit the Great Wall of China with time in the late afternoon to explore Beijing.

Day 3 Beijing/Lhasa
Take a guided tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square before boarding the Trans-Tibetan Railway to Lhasa.

Day 4 Beijing/Lhasa
Take a guided tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square before boarding the Trans-Tibetan Railway to Lhasa.

Day 5 Lhasa
Arrive in Lhasa in the evening. Take an orientation walk around Barkhor Square and start acclimatizing to the altitude.

Day 6 Lhasa
Over three days, explore all Lhasa and the surrounding areas have to offer. Visit Barkhor Square, the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, and either Sera or Drepung Monastery. With free time, opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing.

Day 7 Lhasa
Over three days, explore all Lhasa and the surrounding areas have to offer. Visit Barkhor Square, the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, and either Sera or Drepung Monastery. With free time, opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing.

Day 8 Lhasa
Over three days, explore all Lhasa and the surrounding areas have to offer. Visit Barkhor Square, the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, and either Sera or Drepung Monastery. With free time, opt to visit the local markets or find a teahouse to spend a few hours relaxing.

Day 9 Lhasa/Shigatse
Drive to Gyantse along the beautiful Yamdrok Tso lake, stop to visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum before driving the rest of the way to Shigatse.

Day 10 Shigatse/Tingri
On your way from Shigatse to Tingri stop in Sakya for a few hours to explore the Sakya Gompa and get your fill of history and religion for the day.

Day 11 Sakya/Rongbuk
Travel to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world. Enjoy views of Everest from the Monastery and opt to go into the Rongbuk Monastery.

Day 12 Rongbuk/Saga
Leave the Rongbuk Monastery behind and make the scenic journey to Saga.

Day 13 Saga/Darchen
Take another travel day to reach Darchen, home base for the Kora Trek. Follow the road across grasslands for the first spectacular view of Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Day 14 Darchen to Kailash Range
Begin the kora from Darchen. Staying in basic guesthouses, the full kora takes 2.5 days to complete. The experience and scenery are well worth the effort.

Day 15 Kailash Range
Continue on the kora for the toughest stretch of the hike.

Day 16 Kailash Range
After completing the kora, relax in Chiu Gompa for the evening.

Day 17 Kailash Range/Saga
Experience the Saga Dawa Festival. Over 1,000 years old, this festival celebrates the day Lord Buddha Sakyamuni was born, achieved enlightenment, and passed away. Afterwards, drive south across the grasslands to Saga.

Day 18 Saga/Zhongba
Travel from Saga to Zhongba.

Day 19 Zhongba/Kyirong
Travel from Zhongba to Kyirong. Get ready for the most scenic drive of your trip tomorrow and some more ink in your passport!

Day 20 Kyirong/Kathmandu
Get ready for a scenic overland border crossing today. Soak in your last views from Tibet and say hello to beautiful Nepal. Enjoy some free time to get to know the city.

Day 21 Kathmandu
Depart at any time.

Holiday Name : Kailash Saga Dawa Festival 
Reference : GAH
  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse, Rongpu Si
  • Great Wall entrance
  • Forbidden City tour
  • Trans-Tibetan railway
  • Kumbum visit
  • Potala Palace visit
  • Jokhang Temple visit
  • Sera Monastery visit
  • Yamdrok Tso visit
  • Sakya Gompa visit
  • Pelkhor Chode Monastery visit
  • Kailash kora
  • Lake Manasarovar visit
  • Saga Dawa festival experience
  • Border crossing support
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 4 breakfasts
Prices based on accommodation only basis,
Packages with flights, car hire or transfers are available. All prices and details are subject to change and availability.  Terms and conditions apply.
Prices start from £1,274