Pilgrimage in Tibet is a centuries-old Buddhist tradition, still practiced daily by local Tibetans. Pilgrims walk clockwise around sacred sites, such as Jokhang Temple and Mount Kailash, to gain spiritual merit and purify their souls.

For travelers to Tibet, you can join these pilgrimages too, experiencing the region’s religious traditions and vibrant culture up close. One of the best times to do this is during the Sada Dawa Festival.

Keep reading this guide to know all the essentials about Tibetan pilgrimage, including the most sacred sites, the best time to visit, important etiquette and taboos, popular pilgrimage tours, and more. Prepare for a smooth, meaningful and inspiring journey in Tibet!

What is the Tibet Pilgrimage? What’s its Purpose?

The pilgrimage in Tibet, also known as Kora, is a long-standing tradition in Tibetan Buddhism. During a pilgrimage, believers do circumambulation around sacred sites, such as Tibetan monasteries, holy lakes and mountains in a clockwise direction. At the same time, they often practice chanting, prostrations and spinning prayer wheels.

Pilgrimages are believed to help one gain blessings, accumulate merits, purify souls, and get connections with spiritual powers. In Tibet, it is quite common to see locals performing pilgrimages. Some pilgrims even travel over a thousand kilometers on foot to reach a sacred site to show their devotion.

For international visitors, it is recommended to experience this kind of tradition if there is a chance. You can get a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture and religion, and have a more authentic and memorable experience in Tibet.

Join our most popular Kailash Manasarovar tour for a smooth experience!

What are the Top Pilgrimage Sites in Tibet? Jokhang Temple and Mt. Kailash

There are numerous sacred sites in Tibet, but the top two pilgrimage destinations are Jokhang Temple in Lhasa and Mount Kailash in the Ngari region - the most revered temple and mountain in Tibet, respectively.

Jokhang Temple

Located in the heart of Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is considered the spiritual center of Tibet. Built in the 7th century, it is the first Buddhist temple in the city. The temple houses many sacred statues and relics, including the famous life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni Buddha.

Surrounding Jokhang Temple is the lively Barkhor Street, where you can see many locals and pilgrims perform kora along the street. They worship this holy temple and the Sakyamuni Buddha inside by prostrating, chanting mantras, and spinning prayer wheels.

Mount Kailash

Located around 1200 kilometers west of Lhasa, Mount Kailash is considered the center of the universe by four religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon and Jainism. This sacred mountain is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva for Hindus and a spiritual center for other faiths.

Every year, believers from all around the world made the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, and perform the kora trek around the mountain. Covering a distance of 52 kilometers, the Mount Kailash kora usually takes 3 days to complete, crossing rugged terrain and high altitudes of over 5000 meters. A true test of both physical and mental endurance, the kora is believed to bring great spiritual merits.

When is the Best Time to Experience a Pilgrimage in Tibet? The Saga Dawa Festival

While most pilgrimage routes in Tibet can be visited throughout the year, the best time to experience the deepest spiritual atmosphere is during the Saga Dawa Festival. Celebrated annually in the fourth month of Tibetan calendar (May 31, 2026), the festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment and nirvana of Shakyamui Buddha.

During Saga Dawa, numerous pilgrims flock to monasteries and sacred sites across Tibet to worship and make offerings. You will witness a variety of devotional activities, such as walking the kora around Jokhang Temple and Potala Palace, adding oil to yak butter lamps in monasteries, and giving food or money to the poor, etc.

But the most vibrant and significant celebration takes place at Mount Kailash. Here, you can join local pilgrims and worldwide travelers to witness the erection of the giant prayer flagpole. You can also take this special opportunity to complete the Kailash kora, which is believed to multiply spiritual merit during Saga Dawa.

In 2026, the Year of the Horse, the Mount Kailash kora holds even greater significance. According to Tibetan belief, completing the kora in this year is equivalent to doing it thirteen times in an ordinary year. So, take the rare chance to join a Mount Kailash Saga Dawa Festival tour in 2026!

What are the Etiquette and Taboos for International Tourists During a Pilgrimage in Tibet?

For International tourists, it is necessary to observe some traditions and customs during your pilgrimage in Tibet. This shows your respect of Tibetan culture and religion and also helps you enjoy a smooth experience.

Walking clockwise during circumambulation (kora): Always remember to walk in a clockwise direction when doing kora around sacred Tibetan monasteries, stupas, mountains and lakes.

Observe silence and mindfulness: When you see local pilgrims performing prostrations on Barkhor Street or along the Mount Kailash kora route, never block their path or walk too close to take photos. Avoid loud talking or making disturbing gestures when they are praying.

Dress modestly: Wear clothing that cover shoulders and knees when visiting a Tibetan monastery. Always remember to take off hats and sunglasses when entering a monastery.

Avoid touching sacred objects: Avoid touching religious items, statues, books, prayer wheels. Do not step over religious objects or prayer flags.

Ask before taking photos: Do not take pictures inside the monastery without permission, especially during a ceremony. Always ask before photographing pilgrims, whether they are chanting, praying or doing kora.

If you are unsure about certain rules or customs, consult your Tibetan guide for advice. As long as you travel the pilgrimage route with respect, you’ll be greeted by the heartfelt smiles of local pilgrims and feel the deep blessings of this sacred land.

Take a smooth Kailash Manasarovar tour with our professtional Tibetan guide!

What are the Recommended Tibetan Pilgrimage Tours? Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tops 2026!

If you are going to experience a Tibetan pilgrimage, consider the three most recommended tours as follows:

Mount Kailash Pilgrimage Tour

Mount Kailash is the one of the most sought-after pilgrimage destinations, and a pilgrimage tour to the mountain will be particularly meaningful in 2026, the Year of the Horse.

The most classic route is the 15-day Lhasa to Mount Kailash tour, which includes the holy 3-day kora and chances to see Mount Everest. Starting from Lhasa, you will travel westwards, passing through Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Saga before reach Mount Kailash for the kora. You will also visit Lake Manasarovar to touch its holy water.

For those seeking a more profound pilgrimage experience, we also offer the well-designed 16-day Kailash and Manasarovar tour, which adds one special day to explore the gateway of Inner Kora. After completing the 3-day kora, the guide will take you to Selung Monastery, the gate of Inner Kora, where you will see Mt. Nandi and get close to south face of Mount Kailash.

Lhasa to Drak Yerpa and Ganden Monastery Tour

If you have limited time of about only one week, you can explore the holy sites in Lhasa and its surrounding. One of the top short pilgrimage routes in Tibet is the 5-day Lhasa to Drak Yerpa and Ganden Monastery tour, the best medication tour for those interested in Tibetan Buddhism.

After a classic Lhasa city sightseeing, which includes visits to Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera and Drepung Monastery, you will go to Drak Yerpa Monastery. Here, you can experience meditation in the caves nestled in the mountain. After that, you will visit Ganden Monastery, one of the Three Great Gelug Monasteries in Tibet, and enjoy a leisure short trek around it.

Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour

For those want to experience a pilgrimage while admiring the iconic attractions of Tibet, this 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour is the most popular choice. On this route, you will visit Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake and more - sites are are not only sacred monasteries and lakes but also famous landmarks of Tibet.

What’s more, you will admire the world’s highest mountain - Mount Everest up close. When weather permits, you will also enjoy sunset and sunrise over Everest. With gradual ascent and proper tour duration, the journey is suitable for both young and old.

Insider Tips for Enjoying a Smooth and Meaningful Pilgrimage Trip in Tibet

1. For international tourists visiting Tibet for a spiritual pilgrimage, you can only join an organized Tibet tour arranged by a licensed local travel agency. Contact a reliable agency like us for a smooth trip.

2. Before entering Tibet, you will need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit. We can help you get the permit for free, as well as secure your flight or train to Tibet. Tell us your travel plans at least 20 days in advance.

3. Traveling with a knowledgeable and thoughtful local Tibetan guide can make your pilgrimage more authentic and rewarding. Our Tibetan guides are all experts with years of experiences, and are willing to share Tibetan history, culture, first-hand stories to help deepen your understanding.

4. Pay attention to the altitude sickness in Tibet. Spend a few days in Lhasa before you go to higher places such as Mount Kailash. Ascend gradually, take enough rest, drink plenty of water to enjoy a more comfortable experience.

We guarantee a seamless and authentic pilgrimage journey to Mount Kailash!

Conclusion

From holy Jokhang Temple in Lhasa to awe-inspiring Mount Kailash in remote Ngari, Tibet offers various pilgrimage sites and routes for those seeking blessings and merits. Whether you plan to attend the Saga Dawa Festival, take the challenging Mount Kailash kora, or simply visit notable Tibetan monasteries in Lhasa, you will gain spiritual impressions during the pilgrimage.

If you have any question or travel ideas about pilgrimage in Tibet, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you realize a truly rewarding, smooth and memorable pilgrimage tour in Tibet.