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) - (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$2219 p.p
  
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Shoton Festival (The Most Popular) - (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 - (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$1729 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. 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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Great first trip to Tibet

I booked a tour with Tibet Vista online, their staff was incredibly easily and quick to work with. They helped me pick good dates and made the permit process a breeze. They picked me up at the train station after I arrived in Lhasa and made my general travel very easy...More reviews
Jan 2025 Jon P
Very Happy with Tibet Vista service

I booked this tour with Tibet Vista since July 2024 but had to cancel last minute due to the unfortunate earthquake that occured to Tibet last week. Although I could not make it this time, I’m very pleased with the prompt and helpful advice by sales consultant Zoe Leung...More reviews
Jan 2025 Journey12434168668
Amazing Guide and Incredible Experience

Our trip to Tibet was unforgettable, thanks to Phurbu (@Phurbu Tsering). His knowledge, kindness, and attention to detail made the journey truly special. I learned so much about Tibetan culture and history. Thank you to Tibet Vista and the group for an amazing adventure! Highly recommend Phurbu as a guide for anyone visiting Tibet.More reviews
Dec 2024 Chun Hei Wong
Phurbu Tsering + Nima Group

Well planned and spaced itinerary. Clean and great hotels, everything was well managed and explanation of histories, background and culture thorough.More reviews
Dec 2024 Peng Lim Lau
Amazing Experience

Ten was amazing and accomodating to all our needs. Learnt alot on the trip and covered alot of different sites and Tibetian culture. Once in a life time opportunity.More reviews
Dec 2024 Alvin X
Absolutely incredible!

What a fantastic trip! At the moment, Westerners can only explore Tibet with a tour guide, and so I would heartily recommend you go with this tour company - everything was very well organised, right from the booking process (thank you Lycoris for all your help & advice) to the tour itself, which covered everything we wanted to see...More reviews
Nov 2024 SanRobbo
Excellent guide, excellent experience

Tenwang was an amazing guide: funny, caring, always ready to answer questions, and really went beyond to solve all the problems we had. I couldn't have asked for a better guide. The trip was fantastic, although a lot of driving, the views were worthwhile and it was a once in a lifetime trip...More reviews
Nov 2024 Dave M
Ask for Kel Dor!

Brilliant trip - fascinating and beautiful. Great hotels and people. Kel Dor is an exceptional guide- patient, experienced, knowledgeable and a brilliant photographer. Many of the website images are his. We were very luck with the weather but in any circumstance you take this tour, you’ll not be disappointed...More reviews
Nov 2024 emmaterriere
Kathmandu - Lhasa overland

Our trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa was amazing. Tibet Vista helped organize from the Kyirong border til Lhasa and provided Tibet permit, car, driver, accommodation and knowledgeable guide. We could select the points of interest in advance and we chose many remote monasteries and stunning view points of the Himalaya summits...More reviews
Nov 2024 Railaway
Kathmandu to Lhasa via EBC

We enjoyed a wonderful time on our 8-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa via EBC tour, thanks to Tibet Vista and our guide Lhakpa Choedak. They offered a great balance between the pre-organized itinerary and yet allowed us enough freetime to explore Tibet by ourselves. During the whole tour we stayed in nice hotels, had good food, a safe driver and a very patient...More reviews
Nov 2024 Passport147985

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