Saga Dawa Festival

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15 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu

HIGHLIGHTS:

Experience the Saga Dawa festival's spiritual aura.
Breathtaking view of the holy Mt Kailash.
Discover the culture, tradition and rituals of the ancient Buddhist and Hindu.
Explore colorful mosaic of Tibetan arts, crafts, history and lifestyle.
Experience the holy rituals & activities: The holy Kora, flagpole prayer and color scraps paper.
Eyewitness the holy lake of Manasarover.
UNESCO heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath and Swyambhunath.

INTRODUCTION:

Every year, on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month from the Tibetan calendar, the Saga Dawa Festival is observed. During the Saga Dawa season, pilgrims from all over the world travel to the holy Mt. Kailash to practice Kora. At Tarpoche, a massive flagpole is ceremoniously demolished and a new one is installed. The vibrant flagpole is held aloft and faces the Gyandrak monastery. The ceremony is accompanied by music played on long trumpets, conch shells, and other musical instruments as the monks in the monastery complete several ceremonies. It is thought that if the flagpole is not straight, evil things may occur in Tibet.

During the month, many Tibetans also refrain from killing animals. Tibetans believe that the fifteenth day of the month is very special, as Sakyamuni was born, attained Nirvana (enlightenment), and stepped into Parinirvana (death) on this same day.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 feet) transfer to hotel.

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, received by our airport representatives who will warmly greets you and transfer to the hotel on a private vehicle. A tourist standard hotel accommodation in the heart of a city, after getting refreshed from the jet lag. Join in for briefing provided by our guide or group leaders with necessary information regarding the Tije Festival with a nice dinner in the evening.

DAY 2

Visit old town of Kathmandu and Trip preparation.

Explore UNESCO heritage sites: Swyambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square after breakfast. Experience the grandeur of palaces and temples built during the period of Malla era. After lunch, visit Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath. Both places reflects contrast of two main religions of Buddhism and Hinduism blending with perfect harmony among the Nepalese. Prepare for your next day trip after your visit to these interesting spiritual sites.

DAY 3

Drive Kathmandu to Dhunche, 2030 M (123 Km)

After breakfast, the group will drive to Dhunche (1,950 m) in a bus. The drive to Dhunche is not long in distance but the bad road conditions and traffic can make it much tiring, uncomfortable and time taking. Estimated driving time is 05 hours to cover the distance of 123 kms. Upon reaching Dhunche, stay will be organized in a well-managed accommodation. Dinner and stay at Dhunche.

DAY 4

Drive Dhunche to Kyirung ( 2, 700 M)

Today the group will be entering China and there can be time taking formalities at the border immigration. The guide might announce early wake up and breakfast so that we reach the border early to avoid rush of pilgrims at the border immigration counter. We start our short drive to the Nepalese border Rasuwagadhi (1850m) which is about 29.3 kms (1.3 hour) from Dhunche. After completing immigration formalities, the group will cross the border on foot to reach China side. The pilgrims are then transferred on their Chinese bus for onward 110 kms drive to Keyrong (2700m). Travel in sturdy and comfortable vehicles that are controlled and guided by Tibetans. The accompanying Nepalese Sherpas get into the coaches after loading your luggage, necessary food materials, water supply etc and the onward journey into the Tibetan/Chinese region continues toward the town of Kerung. On arrival, stay will be oraganized in a well-managed accommodation. Dinner and stay at Kerung.

DAY 5

Drive from Kyirung to Saga, 4640m (105 Km)

As we drive from Kyirung to Saga, the scenic trip across Tibet's mountainous topography and subsequently its plains offers us a breathtaking perspective. Turning northward and crossing the Yarlung Zangpo (Brahmaputra River) brings us to the lovely town of Saga (4640m). Saga is a lovely Tibetan town with some decent hotels & guesthouses, some excellent local eateries, and a market where you may have fun while adjusting. Provided with well-managed accommodation and dinner at Saga and Overnight.

DAY 6

At Saga, 4640m- a Free Day For Acclimatization

This is a rest day in Saga to get accustomed with the high altitude area. Health experts suggest having proper acclimatization day to avoid altitude sickness during trekking. Alternatively, we can have a short hike around the place instead of just relaxing too, if you want. Overnight stay at the Guesthouse.

DAY 7

Saga-Lake Manasarover, 4, 590 m (461kms)

Early morning drive and a significant day of our Journey as today we will not only reach the holy Lake Manasarover (6 hours) but will also get the first glimpse of holy Mount Kailash. The drive starts early as we have to travel a long way to Lake Manasarover and there are several check points on the way which will make the journey tiring and time taking. It is estimated to start the drive by 07.00 am. Before Mayum-La Pass (5,050 m) we will stop at the check post. From here we continue our drive to Lake Manasarover and get the first darshan of Mount Kailash. Though the drive today is long but the road conditions are good and surrounded with scenic beauty. On arrival, stay will be organized in a well-managed accommodation. Dinner and stay at Manasarover.

DAY 8

At Lake Manasarover for local excursion to Chu Gompa.?

Enjoy the free day options for short hike to old Chu Gompa, a monastery. Stands high on an overhanging red mud cliff wall facing views of Manasarover Lake and holy Mt. Kailash.

The other activities drive around the large Manasarover Lake which approx. 90 k.m in length and 60 k.m. wide. Takes about 4 hours a perfect circumambulation, parikrama or holy Kora.

One can worship and perform the religious rites and prayers at the shore of sacred Lake Manasarover.

DAY 9

Drive past Darchen (40 km) and reach Tarboche (Festival Day)/Full Moon -02 hrs. Observe the flag pole hoisting ceremony.?

This is the most important day of our trip. We will drive for short while past Darchen, the main town of Nagari province, with South Face of Mt. Kailash.

From close to Darchen on dirt road of 50 minutes to reach the destination where Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated. We can notice several rituals done by Buddhism, Hinduism and Bon pilgrims and worshipers. The festival admires the life of Buddha Sakyamuni. It is celebrated praying for the long life of most celebrated gurus and high teachers who spreads the wisdom of Buddha. This occasion corresponds with three chief events in Buddha's life including birth, death. Overnight at the Guesthouse or in tented camp.

DAY 10

Trek to Dirapuk (4, 860 m), Duration: 4 Hrs

Following breakfast, leaving Darchen or from the camp at Tarboche, and walk for nearly 13 kilometers to Dhiraphuk from Tarboche. The starting place of the "Kailash Parikrama," where we can witness a towering pole covered in prayer flags. Along the route, we'll hike beside the stunning rock walls and water falls facing West Face of Holy Mt. Kailash. On arrival at Dirupak overnight in a simple, basic lodge-guest house or in tented camping. Overlooking grand North Face of Mt. Kailash.

DAY 11

Trek to Zuthulpuk (4,760m) (18 Km Trek), Passing through Dolma-La Pass (5,200m)

Today, we'll travel on foot of Mt. Kailash and high Dolma-La Pass at Lamchu Valley. Morning leads to climb on top of high Drolma La pass, located at an elevation of 5, 630 meters. The sacred spot is marked with thousands of Buddhist prayer flags strung across the top of the pass. After admiring the glorious North Face of Mt. Kailash at close distance descend to reach Zutulphuk. We will then witness Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, commonly known as the "Lake of Compassion," which is incredibly beautiful. We will then visit monasteries and a number of contemplation caves at Zutulphuk, one of which houses a picture of Milarepa. Overnight at the guest house.

DAY 12

Trek near on route Tarchen (Darchen) (10 Km), Duration: 4 Hrs – Manasarover- Saga (End of Kailash Parikrama)

On this day, we will depart from Zutulphuk and traverse several streams, and stroll along a striking canyon. On the way, we will see superb views of the holy Mount Kailash once again. After that, we will walk passing wonderful view of the land terrain and reach near Darchen and then an exciting long drive back to Saga. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

DAY 13

Drive Saga to Kyirung (105Km).

We will drive back from saga to Kyirung, travelling through exuberant landscapes, for almost 5 hours. You may take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding area as it goes by. Overnight at the Guesthouse.

DAY 14

Drive back to Kathmandu

Last day in Tibet. We will drive back to Kathmandu, carrying with us a splendid memory of our time in Tibet and of the festival. Following the Upper Trisuli or Bhote Koshi River, we will traverse to the Chinese - Nepalese border where we will have to undergo custom formalities again. Then, drive back to Kathmandu via Syabrubesi and Dhunche to Kathmandu and back at the hotel where you can relax for the rest of your time.

DAY 15

Final departure.

After a last breakfast in Kathmandu, prepare for final departure. Depending upon your time schedule for international flight to respective countries, you’ll be driven to the airport. After a memorable moment at Saga Dawa festival and then bid farewell to Nepal and staff of Himex Nepal.