The Saga Dawa Festival is the most sacred and widely celebrated annual event at Mount Kailash, deeply significant in Tibetan Buddhism. Observed on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month in the Tibetan calendar, it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (death) of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha. Celebrated for over a thousand years, this festival draws thousands of pilgrims who come to perform rituals, prayers, and the revered Kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash.

One of the key highlights of the festival is the dramatic raising of the giant prayer flagpole at Tarboche, near Darchen. This symbolic act is believed to bring blessings and good fortune for all beings. The entire region becomes alive with chants, colorful prayer flags, and a deep sense of spiritual devotion, making it an unforgettable experience for both pilgrims and visitors.

Alpine Adventure Club offers guaranteed fixed departures for the Saga Dawa Festival Tour. In 2025, the festival will take place on June 11th, and in 2026, it will be celebrated on May 31st. Join Alpine Adventure Club for this once-in-a-lifetime cultural and spiritual journey to Mount Kailash, and witness one of Tibet’s most profound and meaningful traditions.