Tibet Festival Tours

As the leading Tibet tour operator, we offer a variety of Tibet festival tours that can introduce the authentic Tibetan culture and customs. Whether it comes to the gigantic Thangka Buddha unfolding ceremony during Shoton Festival in Lhasa, or the massive Tibetan pilgrims prostrating around holy Mt. Kailash on Saga Dawa Festival, our Tibet travel experts can help you to experience the essence of different Tibetan festivals.

Also, you will not miss the classic parts of Tibet has to offer, from its stunning alpine landscape to brilliant Buddhist monastery architectures, with excellent services from our professional local guide. Join us now to see what a different Tibet looks like during its festivals.

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Saga Dawa Festival (The Holiest One) - (May 23, 2024; Jun. 11, 2025)
The Saga Dawa festival, one of Tibet's holiest celebrations, commemorates the life events of Buddha Sakyamuni. Across the globe, followers of Buddhism honor his teachings during this enchanting festival, focusing on spiritual devotion rather than material offerings like flowers, incense, and lights. With its ceremonies venerating Lord Buddha, Saga Dawa offers one of the most uplifting experiences in Tibet.

Highlights: Enjoy singing and dancing; erect Tibetan prayer pole; give out alms to needy people; kora around Mt. Kailash and Jokhang Temple, etc.

Region: Entire Tibet

Recommended Saga Dawa Festival Tours
- 16 Days Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Small Group Tour during Saga Dawa Festival
  
  Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Mount Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
  
  From US$2209 p.p
  
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Shoton Festival (The Most Popular) - (Aug. 4, 2024; Aug. 23, 2025)
The Shoton Festival, or Yogurt Festival, marks the end of monks' retreats with locals offering yogurt. It showcases Tibetan opera, dances, and the unveiling of the grand thangka painting, drawing global tourists. Held in August, coinciding with Tibet's peak tourist season, it's a major celebration welcoming both local and international visitors.

Highlights: Giant Thangka unfolding; Enjoy Tibetan opera performance and Tibetan yogurt at Norbulingka.

Region: Entire Tibet

Recommended Shoton Festival Tours
- 6 Days Lhasa Shoton Festival Tour
  
  Tour Route: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Lhasa
  
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Tibetan Horse Racing Festival - (July to Aug. Each Year)
In Tibet, the Horse Racing Festivals stand out as beloved events, drawing crowds for lively activities and family outings. Originating from humble beginnings among farmers and herders, these festivals have evolved into grand spectacles featuring games, performances, and Buddhist rituals, captivating attendees with their vibrant celebrations.

Highlights: Meet Tibetan nomads; Enjoy horse racing, archery, wresting contest; Eat traditional Tibetan food in different tents.

Region: Gyantse and Nagqu

Recommended Tibetan Horse Racing Festival Tours
- 7 Days Gyantse Horse Racing Festival Tour
  
  Tour Route: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Lhasa
  
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- 8 Days Nagchu Horse Racing Festival Tour
  
  Tour Route: Lhasa- Lake Namtso-Nagchu-Lhasa
  
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Tashilhunpo Thangka Festival - (Jun. 20, 2024; Jul. 5, 2025)
The Tashilhunpo Thangka Festival is a vibrant celebration held at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet, showcasing intricate thangka paintings depicting Buddhist deities and scenes. Pilgrims and visitors gather for colorful processions, religious rituals, and cultural performances, immersing themselves in the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

Highlights: Buddha Thangka unfolding; Tour the local market to experience daily life; Kora around the giant Buddha and Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Region: Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse

Recommended Tashilhunpo Thangka Festival Tours
- 6 Days Experience 'Tashilunpo Thangka Unveiling Festival'
  
  Tour Route: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Lhasa
  
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Tibetan New Year (Losar) - (Feb. 28, 2025)
Tibetan New Year, or Losar, marks the most significant festival in Tibet. Spanning up to 15 days from the last day of the previous year, the highlights unfold in the initial three days. It's a vibrant celebration symbolizing new beginnings, featuring feasting, exorcism, and offerings for a prosperous year ahead.

Highlights: Join the Buddhist kora; watch exorcism ritual at night; savor new year’s cuisine; enjoy temple fair and watch Tibetan drama, etc.

Region: Entire Tibet

Recommended Tibetan New Year Tours
- 7 Days Experience Tibetan New Year Celebrations
  
  Tour Route: Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Lhasa
  
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Peach Blossom Festival - (March of Each Year)
The Peach Blossom Festival in Nyingchi, Tibet, celebrates the blooming of peach blossoms in spring, transforming the landscape into a picturesque sea of pink. Held annually, this vibrant festival offers cultural performances, traditional dances, and showcases local cuisine amidst the breathtaking beauty of the blooming orchards.

Highlights: Enjoy the rosy peach blossoms and exotic pastoral scenery; visit Tibetan villages, try some local delicacies; watch horsemanship performance.

Region: Nyingchi

Recommended Peach Blossom Festival Tours
- 10 Days Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival and Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour
  
  Tour Route: Nyingchi - Bome- Basom tso Lake - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa
  
  From US$1110 p.p
  
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Frequently Asked Questions about Tibet Festival Tour

What are the most important festivals of Tibet?

There are three most important festivals of Tibet: Tibetan New Year, Saga Dawa Festival and Shoton Festival. Like the Chinese New Year, Tibetan New Year (Losar) is the most important festival on Tibetan calendar. It is an occasion for the family reunions and many prayer activities. Saga Dawa Festival, the most significant religious festival in Tibet, falls on April 15th in Tibetan calendar and will be celebrated until the month ends. The main festivities include monks chanting, cham dancing etc. Shoton Festival is one of the most popular traditional festivals in Tibet. Also known as Tibetan Opera Festivals, the festival is attractive with famous Tibetan opera performing and unfolding of giant Buddha Thangka.
When is a good time to have a Tibetan Festival tour?

Tourists who are interested in Tibetan festivals are recommended to visit Tibet in spring and summer. During this period, you will have more chances to attend the most popular and attractive festivals, including Saga Dawa (April 15th in Tibetan calendar), Shoton festival (July 1st of Tibetan calendar), Nagqu horse racing festival (Late July - Early Aug) etc. The climate condition is also favorable, and the temperature will not be so cold. However, one should expect to see huge crowds during the festival, since it is the peak season of Tibet tours during this time.
When is the Tibetan New Year? Can I visit Tibet during that time?

The Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, falls on the first day of the first month based on Tibetan calendar. The celebration of the Losar usually lasts for two weeks, with colorful religious and folk activities. During the festival, people make New Year dishes like Guthuk, visit friends and send gifts to each other, and go to monasteries to pray etc.

Tourists can visit Tibet during the Tibetan New Year, which is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the annual occasion with locals. And the best places to experience Losar could be in Lhasa. But one should pay attention to the weather condition during Tibetan New Year, since it is the coldest time of a year in Tibet.
What to see and experience during Shoton Festival?

As one of the largest and most famous festivals in Tibet, the Shoton Festival is annually celebrated on the last day of the sixth month in Tibetan calendar. The grand celebration will last for a whole week in Lhasa. One of the highlights during the festival is the Buddha exhibition, namely the unfolding of the giant Jampa Thangka by Lamas in the early morning. Also, you will be impressed by the wonderful Tibetan opera performances at Norbulingka Palace. Horse racing is another exciting activity to witness during the festival. It presents excellent performance of traditional horsemanship, with items including archery on horse, double-men-double-horse, shooting on horse etc.
Where to go for Saga Dawa Festival?

Saga Dawa Festival is the most significant religious festival in Tibet, and is annually celebrated on the fourth month in Tibetan calendar. It will be celebrated on May 23th 2024 in solar calendar. Although many religious sites in Tibet will celebrate this festival, the best places to visit are Mount Kailash and Lhasa. The main activity for Saga Dawa Festival at Mount Kailash is to take the kora around the holy mountain. A new prayer flagpole will be erected at Tarboche during the Saga Dawa festival, and 13 circles around the flagpole is equivalent to one kora around Mt. Kailash. While in Lhasa, one can go to visit the Dzongyab Lukhang Park for a late afternoon picnic as a special ritual for this festival.

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Amazing experience

Amazing experience, thankfully to our guide the young Kunga, whose knowledge is amazing! Superb experience, highly recommended...More reviews
April 2024 Tim Starcic
Best Tibet trip ever

Such an amazing trip! Having the opportunity to visit this lovely part of the world is very eye-opening:) our guide, Tenzin, was very knowledgeble and kind. A 10/10 experience...More reviews
April 2024 Crete
Truly memorable experience

We did a private trip actually, after a thorough research of numerous agencies we decided to go with Tibet Vista as they seem very experienced in Tibet tours and they are also very responsive. It was well-made decision, we loved our tour and our guide Kungga was excellent, he was attentive and accomodating to us...More reviews
Apr 2024 Denira K
Once in a life time

14 days from Beijing to Tibet and Nepal. The reality was beyond my expectations. A trip that I will remember for the rest of my life. The trip was arranged in an exceptional way! Laura Tang did an amazing job! She responded to all my questions immediately, she supported and solved any problems very quickly. The hotels she arranged for me were amazing!! ...More reviews
Jan 2024 nico k
Nice view in winter!

The view was magnificent. got to see snow and snow capped mountains. Thanks to Gemma Wei for helping with all the planning. Also thanks to Kunchok and Tsering for going accomodating to my needs as i was not used to the altitude. They also helped alot with the trek up the hills! ...More reviews
Dec 2023 Benjamin X
Tibet is beautiful

The tour was great! We visited amazing places and could feel the sacred atmosphere in all the temples. The nature is breathtaking with beautiful mountain and lake views. Our guide Jingme told us all about the history and showed us great places. All the hotels were much better than what I expected...More reviews
Nov 2023 Krisyna H
Unforgettable Experience

The 8-day trip with Tibet Vista was remarkable, combining cultural depth with stunning Tibetan landscapes. Our guide Jig Me was really knowledgable, the journey well-organized, and each destination, especially Everest Base Camp, was a highlight. Great value; highly recommended...More reviews
Nov 2023 George J
FANTASTIC!

Visiting Tibet with Tibet Visa agency is a once in a life time experience! They take care of everything and you just need to enjoy! Our tour guide was AMAZING...More reviews
Nov 2023 Alberto
Exploring Tibetan culture

Tibet vista made the entry process into Tibet super easy. Jing mei our guide had a wealth of knowledge about all the locations we visited and happily answered questions we had. Also organising a birthday cake for one of the guests showed how thoughtful he was...More reviews
Nov 2023 Dylan P
Lhasa to Kathmandu

Can't recommend this company enough. We did it very last minute and got our Chinese visas a few days before we flew to Chengdu and got the train to Lhasa. Lycoris our contact was patient and reassuring over the applications. The trip itself was something else...More reviews
Nov 2023 philgiles

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