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Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour

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Saga Dawa Festival tour
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Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour At a Glance

Location

Tibet

Transport

Private

Max Elevation

5,645 m
Highest Point Reached During the Trek.

Duration

10 days

Accommodation

Hotel/Guesthouse
Typical lodges or teahouses during the trek

Best Seasons

May-June

Group

Min. 4 Pax

Difficulty

Strenuous

Start Point

Kathmandu

End Point

Kathmandu

Entrance Fee

Required
A permit is required for this trek.

Food

Included
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are typically included

Overview of the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour

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.

Highlights of the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour

  • Celebrate the Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash
  • Witness the prayer flagpole raising ceremony at Tarboche
  • Participate in the 3-day Mount Kailash Kora with pilgrims
  • Visit the sacred and serene Lake Manasarovar
  • Scenic overland journey across the majestic Tibetan plateau

Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour Route and Itinerary

Day 01

Drive Kathmandu to Kyirong (2,700 m) - 175 km

Depart early from Kathmandu for a scenic 7-8 hour drive via Trishuli and Syabrubesi, with a lunch stop en route. After completing immigration at Rasuwagadhi, cross the Friendship Bridge into Tibet, meet your Tibetan guide, and continue to Kyirong town (25 km). Check into your guesthouse and rest to begin acclimatizing. Overnight at hotel in Kyirong.

Day 02

Rest Day in Kyirong for Acclimatization/Hiking to Milarepa Cave and Around

Today is a rest day in Kyirong to help with altitude acclimatization. You can take a leisurely hike to the Milarepa Cave, a serene and sacred spot associated with the famous Tibetan yogi, Milarepa. The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. If you're feeling up to it, explore the beautiful landscapes around Kyirong, or simply rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the town. This day is designed to allow your body to adjust to the altitude (2,700 m) before continuing your journey. Overnight at hotel in Kyirong.

Day 03

Drive Kyirong to Saga (4,450 m) - 232 km

Today, you will drive from Kyirong to Saga, covering a distance of approximately 232 km. The journey takes about 7-8 hours, passing through beautiful Tibetan landscapes, high plateaus, and small villages. Saga is located at an altitude of around 4,450 meters (14,600 feet), so it’s important to rest and acclimatize upon arrival. Check into your guesthouse, relax, and take it easy to adjust to the altitude. Overnight at hotel in Saga.

Day 04

Drive Saga to Paryang (4,558 m) to Mansarovar (4,600 m) - 496 km

Today, you will embark on a long but scenic drive from Saga to Mansarovar. The journey covers 496 km and takes about 8-9 hours. You will pass through Paryang (4,558 m), a small town known for its peaceful surroundings and high-altitude landscape. Continue your drive through the Tibetan plateau, with stunning views of the vast open land and distant mountains, until you reach Mansarovar (4,600 m), one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world and an important pilgrimage site in Tibet. Upon arrival, check into your guesthouse and rest to acclimatize to the altitude. Overnight at guesthouse near Mansarovar.

Day 05

Holy bath at Lake Mansarover then drive to Darchen (4,564 m)

After some peaceful hours at the shores of the sacred Lake Manasarovar with the snowy massif of Gurla Mandhata 7694m just across the lake, we drive 40 km to Darchen which serves as the base for Mt kailashkora ( circumambulation). The Kora is 53 km in total and completed in three days. O/n in a Guest house.

Day 06

Attend Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche- continue trek to Dirapuk (5,000 m)

Attend the Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche, then continue your trek to Dirapuk. The main celebration takes place near Darchen, marking the start of the Kailash Kora (circumambulation). Trek to Dirapuk (15 km – 7–8 hours) at an altitude of 5000m. This is one of the most exciting days, walking along stunning rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and under a clear blue sky. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Day 08

End of Kailash Kora and Drive to Saga (4,450 m)

Today marks the completion of your Mount Kailash Kora. After an early breakfast, begin a relatively easy 5 km trek (2–3 hours) from Zuthulpuk back to Darchen, the official endpoint of the pilgrimage circuit. At Darchen, your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Saga. The drive covers approximately 536 km and takes about 8–9 hours, passing through the vast and beautiful landscapes of the Tibetan plateau. Upon arrival in Saga (4,450 m), check into your hotel and rest after completing this spiritually significant journey.

Day 09

Drive Saga to Kyirong (2,700 m) – 232 km

After breakfast, begin your return journey with a scenic drive from Saga to Kyirong, covering approximately 232 km in about 5–6 hours. The route offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau, high mountain passes, and remote villages, with the landscape gradually becoming greener as you approach Kyirong. Upon arrival in Kyirong (2,700 m), check into your hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight at hotel in Kyirong.

Day 10

Drive Kyirong to Kathmandu (1,350 m) -175 km

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kathmandu. The drive from Kyirong to the Friendship Bridge will be in a Tibetan vehicle. Once you cross the Friendship Bridge into Nepal, you will transfer to a Nepalese vehicle for the continuation of the journey. The drive from the border to Kathmandu is approximately 175 km and takes around 7-8 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. You’ll pass through scenic landscapes, small villages, and the beautiful countryside of Nepal before arriving in Kathmandu. Upon arrival, your tour concludes, and you'll be dropped off at your hotel. End of the tour.

Note

Have your own ideas or special requirements? We're more than happy to tailor the itinerary to match your schedule, interests, and travel preferences. Let us help you create a personalized adventure that's truly yours.

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Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour Map and Elevation

Map and Elevation data coming soon...

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Note

The pricing is based on our standard plan suited for most customers. We also provide tailored solutions including both Budget and Premium Plans. Feel free to reach out to us directly.

Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour FAQ

Overview & Essentials

Typically, packages include accommodation, meals during the trek, guide and porter services, permits, and ground transportation. Flight costs, insurance, and personal expenses are usually excluded.
While prior trekking experience helps, most treks are designed to be achievable with average fitness. Some high-altitude treks may require conditioning or preparation beforehand.
There is no strict age limit, but participants should be reasonably fit. Trekkers above 60 or with health conditions should consult a doctor before the trip.

Arrival & Visa

Most travelers require a tourist visa, which can often be obtained on arrival or online. Check your country’s embassy website for up-to-date visa policies.
Airport pickup is often included in the tour package. If not, taxis or pre-arranged transport options are available and reliable.
Yes, arriving early is a great way to rest and adjust before your trek. We can help arrange additional accommodations if needed.

Health & Safety

Guides are trained in first aid and will assist you immediately. In serious cases, evacuation (often by helicopter) can be arranged. Travel insurance with emergency coverage is strongly recommended.
Yes, especially above 2,500 meters. Our itineraries are designed with gradual acclimatization and rest days to help prevent it. Drinking water, eating well, and resting are key.
Yes, all certified guides are trained in altitude awareness, first aid, and emergency protocols to ensure your safety throughout the trek.

Weather & Temperature

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most popular trekking seasons with stable weather and clear skies.
Temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at higher altitudes. Days are usually moderate, but proper layering is important.
Yes, extreme weather can cause delays, especially for flights or high passes. We always try to adjust plans safely and flexibly.

Accommodation & Facilities

Accommodations are usually in local lodges or tea houses with basic amenities—clean beds, shared bathrooms, and dining halls.
Some lodges offer hot showers for an additional fee, but availability may be limited at higher altitudes.
Charging is available in most lodges for a fee. Power supply may be limited or solar-based, so bring a power bank as backup.

Packing & Gear

You’ll need layered clothing, good trekking boots, a daypack, a sleeping bag (if not provided), and basic toiletries. A detailed packing list will be shared upon booking.
Yes, you can rent most essential gear like down jackets, sleeping bags, and poles from local shops at affordable rates.
Keep your daypack light with only essentials (water, snacks, jacket). The porter will carry your main bag, usually limited to 10–15 kg.

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All Inclusive Price

$1900

per person (varies with group size)

Group Discounts

  • 2–3 pax$1850/pp
  • 4–7 pax$1850/pp
  • 8–11 pax$1800/pp
  • 12+ pax$1750/pp
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Kaldhara-16, Kathmandu, Nepal

Tel: +977 1 5360765

WhatsApp: +977 9841353904

Email: [email protected]

www.alpineadventureclub.com

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