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Cultural & Religious Tours

Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour

Nepal Tibet

Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour

Durtation: 18 Days

Price: US 2,999 All Inclusive

Among the many festival tours in Tibet, the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival is one of the most popular and important religious festivals. Saga means "the fourth" whereas Dawa refers to "the month" in the Tibetan language.

Thus, the festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month according to the Tibetan calendar. This is also the day when Lord Buddha was enlightened, nevertheless, it also marks an important day to followers of Buddhism.

Saga Dawa Festival Tour of Kailash is 18 days tour, takes you to a maximum altitude of 5630 meters(Dolma La Pass).

Along with the festival as the major attraction, you will also have exciting hikes along with the Tibetan topography with rugged terrain. The moon-like landscape and the unique culture take the walk to a different level. 

The moment of being part of this festival is like being part of a magical event, something that gets a total grip on all of your senses. Each year, they replace the Tarboche flagpole, a huge pole that stands on the Kailash kora, south of the mountain. Thousands of people from inside and outside of Tibet gather and erect the flagpoles to attach the prayer flags. 

So, to be part of this holy event and satisfy your soul and create forever long-lasting memories, please allow Himalayan Trekkers to have the opportunity to serve you by sending us a message. An alternative to this package is Saga Dawa Festival From Tibet which excludes Kathmandu.  

Why Himalayan Trekkers?
  • 100% Client Satisfaction
  • Simple, Transparent Price, No hidden fees
  • Experience of a Decade into Action
  • Personal Touch & Professional Service

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

30 mins

1,350 m

Upon arrival at the Trivuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Himalayan Trekkers will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. 

In case of early arrival, you will have a guided sightseeing of two of the World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple - one of the sacred Hindu pilgrims in Nepal, and Boudhanath Stupa - the biggest stupa in Nepal. 

3 star hotel in KTM

Day 2

Kathmandu sightseeing & trek preparation

1,350 m

After breakfast, you will be picked up by the guide for a sightseeing of some of the popular places. The first sightseeing spot will be Kathmandu Durbar Square - the former royal palace of Shah and Malla kings of Nepal and Swoyambunath Stupa - one of the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites located on the hilltop. 

In the afternoon, prepare for the trek. 

BB

3 star hotel in KTM

Day 3

Drive to Nyalam

5-6 hrs

3,600 m

We will pack our breakfast and start early towards Kodari (China/Nepal border). We will reach Kodari in 5 hours and further drive to Zhangmu, where we will complete the frontier formalities.

After completing the frontier formalities, we will reach Nyalam for an overnight stay following the Bhote Koshi River. The total drive is 153 KM. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotels

Day 4

Rest day & optional hike

3,600 m

The day will be spent to explore the surroundings and acclimatize as we are going for a trek at a high altitude. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Local lodges/ tented camp

Day 5

Drive from Nyalam to Saga

6-7 hrs

4,640 m

We will start our 7 hours drive after breakfast and drive past Labung-La 5150m.

On the way, you will see lots of yak herds, small Tibetan settlements, lakes, and streams. We will reach Saga in the afternoon after crossing one of the famous rivers of Asia, Brahmaputra.

Overnight. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Local lodges/ tented camp

Day 6

Drive to Paryang

8 hrs

4,700 m

Leaving behind Saga, we will head towards Payrang after breakfast. We are going to pass by the typical Tibetan and Western small towns of Zhongba, finally get to Paryang and overnight at a local guesthouse.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Local lodges/ tented camp

Day 7

Drive to Mansarovar Lake

8-9 hrs

4,590 m

This is the day with the longest drive on the entire trip. We can see the Holy Mount Kailash and the sacred Mansarovar Lake by the late afternoon. The lake is situated 14950-ft/4558m above sea level and a village called Horqu located along the bank of the lake. 

The night will be spending at Guesthouse.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Local lodges/ tented camp

Day 8

Drive to Darchen

2-3 hrs

4,575 m

Today you can see thousands of people moving towards the festival site. The drive to Darchen, a market area for Chinese and Tibetan goods lasts for around 3 hours.

After that, we will keep ourselves busy to see the preparations and the excitement of the people regarding the festival. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel/Guest-house

Day 9

Drive to Tarboche (Festival Day)

An hour drive/3-4 hrs hike

4,600 m

You can either have a short drive or hike for 3-4 hour to Tarboche. This is the full moon day and the most important event of the festival. You see thousands of people attaching prayer flags on the flag poles. It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs waterfalls. Time and again the face of Kailash Parbat will be kept on appearing.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Local lodges/ tented camp

Day 10

Trek to Dira Phuk

5-6 hrs

5,000 m

Our trek to Dira Phuk starts in the morning after breakfast. The trail is beautiful and has numerous waterfalls and the most exciting view of the Kailas’s North face. Make yourself for some very difficult walk as the trail goes up and down.

Overnight at a tented camp.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tented Camp

Day 11

Parikarma over Dolma La Pass (5,630m) & Zuthul Phuk

7 hrs

5,630 m

Today we will walk past the Dolma-La Pass  that lies in the middle of two valleys. We will walk past a place called and reach the Shiva-Sthal.

Once you reach the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for meditation. Once your steps go down, Parvati-Sthal and Gauri Kund are on the way.

By the late afternoon, you will arrive at Zuthul Phuk (the cave of Miracles. The great ascetic Milarepa is supposed to have performed miracles here).

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tented Camp

Day 12

Trek to Mansarovar Lake & drive to Chu Gompa

3-4 hrs

4,590 m

Today, we will trek back to Mansarovar Lake.. We will be picked up by the driving crew and then after a short drive around the lake, we will reach the Chu gompa for an overnight stay.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Gompa guest house

Day 13

Drive to Paryang

8-9 hrs

4,700 m

Early in the morning today we again join for an overland day journey. En route, you will have again some of the best panoramic views. Upon arrival at Paryang, transfer to the hotel, and be refreshing and overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel/guest house

Day 14

Drive to Saga

6-7 hrs

4,640 m

Today, we will drive back to Saga after breakfast. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel

Day 15

Drive to Nyalam

5-6 hrs

3,750 m

We will drive to Nyalam from Saga today and this is our last night in Tibet as we will head towards Kathmandu tomorrow. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hotel

Day 16

Drive to Kathmandu

5-6 hrs

1,350 m

This is the last day at Tibet for you as in one hour after breakfast we will reach Kodari, on the Nepal-Tibet border.

From the border, we will drive along the Araniko Highway, built-in assistance of the Chinese government, to reach Kathmandu.

Once in the city, check-in and relax. 

BB

3 star hotel in KTM

Day 17

Free day

1,350 m

Today is a spare day for rest. You can explore the markets and streets and buy souvenirs. In the evening, you will invited for the farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant organized by Himalayan Trekkers.

Spend a comfy night at hotel. 

Breakfast & Dinner

3 star hotel in KTM

Day 18

Final Departure

30 mins

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport 3 hours prior to your flight schedule. 

We wish you for a safe journey! 

Breakfast

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Accommodation

Himalayan Trekkers promises to manage the best, most comfortable and preferable accommodation.

Generally, in cities like Kathmandu, we arrange basic three-star facilities. If available, you can opt for a more budget-friendly option or upgrade to a more luxurious hotel by paying a little extra. 

Although all the places might not have all the modern facilities, we will make sure to arrange safe and comfortable accommodation. In general, hygienic and safe tea houses/local lodges/ home-stays with all the basic facilities are arranged. But you can, if possible, personalize according to your preference. 

If your itinerary includes camping or you choose to experience camping during your travel, a proper camping-site will be pre-decided. If required, we also provide the basic equipment which is refundable. Please check the Gear-List and Requirement List for more information.

Meals

Breakfast is usually included with your B&B Accommodation within the cost that is evident.

For other meals in the city, you would have to pay separately. Often in the cities, you can choose from many different cuisines and varied food services. We can always help you find the right place to fit your taste.

In more remote areas, usually, there are not many options. But you can always find hygienic and well-prepared food. Moreover, almost all the meals during the trek are included in the cost. We can help you make changes according to your preference and budget, but only if choices are available!

On top of that, Himalayan Trekkers also organizes Welcome or Farewell Dinners as a symbol of warm greetings.

Please go through the detailed itinerary for more information. We are always there to help you travel to your heart’s content.

Inclusion

Whats Included

  • Arrival/departure transfer by private vehicle as per itinerary
  • 04 Nights twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Guided heritage site was seen with all entrance fees in Kathmandu
  • Kathmandu-Nyalam-Kathmandu transfer by private vehicle
  • Decent accommodation in Tibet at the available places
  • All necessary tents, kitchen equipment and camping gear
  • Chinese VISA fees, Kailash Permit and Tibet travel permits
  • Land transfer( land cruiser/Tourist Bus) as per the itinerary
  • Yaks and Yaks man during the Cora
  • All Veg. meals during the tour
  • Sleeping bag, Down jacket( if required)
  • Tibet Local guide and Nepali guide with supporting crew
  • Accommodation, Meals, wages, allowances, insurance, Medical, equipment for Himalayan Trekkers' Mountain Guide and required staffs
  • All applicable taxes and surcharges 

Whats Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal Visa fee
  • Nepal re-entry Visa
  • Airport Departure taxes/Excess baggage charges.
  • Riding Yak/Horse for Kailash Parikrama (direct payable to Yak/horse herder)
  • Meals in the city ( Kathmandu and highway)
  • Medical evacuation in case of emergency
  • Personal nature expenses such as phone call, laundry, battery charging, hard and soft drinks etc
  • Personal gears & clothing (available for hire)
  • Travel insurance
  • Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case, extra will be charged as per actual
  • Anything not mentioned in the Includes section

Gear List

Gears required for the trek vary upon destination and season. Trekking shoes, down jacket, sleeping bag, hiking poles are the essential ones. 

A comprehensive list of gear for all activites is listed on our dedicated page of Complete Gear List For Trekking and Climbing.