Saga Dawa Festival and Mount Kailash Kora
- 14 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- May to June
We join Tibetan pilgrims for the sacred Saga Dawa festival at Tarboche and complete the Mount Kailash kora.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our fourteen-day journey combines cultural immersion with high-altitude trekking as we travel from Kathmandu into the Tibetan Autonomous Region for the Saga Dawa Festival. Timed to coincide with the full moon of the fourth lunar month, this expedition brings us to Tarboche at the foot of Mount Kailash to witness the raising of the sacred flagpole and observe pilgrims performing their devotional circuits.
Following the festival events, we undertake the traditional three-day Kailash Parikrama (Kora), trekking past Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk while crossing the high Dolma-la pass at 5,200 m. This route suits experienced travellers who are comfortable with strenuous daily exertion at high elevations and basic teahouse accommodations.
We manage logistics including border crossings, Tibet Tourism Bureau permits, and vehicle support to ensure a structured passage through remote terrain. Our experienced guides lead the group through high-altitude passes, Lake Mansarovar, and historic monasteries, offering deep insight into Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Saga Dawa Festival
We join local pilgrims at Tarboche to witness the raising of the sacred flagpole and traditional monastery rituals.
Mount Kailash Kora
We complete the 3-day sacred circuit around the base of Mount Kailash, passing remote high-altitude valleys.
Dolma-la Pass
We cross the challenging Dolma-la pass at 5,200 m during the second day of the kora.
Lake Mansarovar
We visit the shores of holy Lake Mansarovar at 4,558 m for acclimatisation and quiet reflection.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Meals: B
We welcome you upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer you to your hotel. You have the rest of the day to rest and settle into your accommodations.
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing and Tour Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing and Tour Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Our team assists you with final trip preparations and visa paperwork while our guide leads a sightseeing tour around key cultural sites within the Kathmandu valley.
Day 3
Drive Kathmandu to Nyalam
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive Kathmandu to Nyalam
Meals: B / L / D
We depart Kathmandu early in a private vehicle, driving 150 km to cross the border into Tibet and reach the border town of Nyalam at 3,750 m.
Day 4
Acclimatisation Day in Nyalam
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Acclimatisation Day in Nyalam
Meals: B / L / D
We spend today resting in Nyalam at 3,750 m to allow our bodies to adjust to the rising elevation before pushing deeper onto the plateau.
Day 5
Nyalam to New Dongba
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Nyalam to New Dongba
Meals: B / L / D
We travel across the Tibetan plateau over a distance of 390 km, passing high plains and nomadic settlements to arrive at New Dongba at 4,600 m.
Day 6
New Dongba to Lake Mansarovar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
New Dongba to Lake Mansarovar
Meals: B / L / D
Our drive continues for 277 km over 7 to 8 hours until we reach the turquoise waters of Lake Mansarovar at 4,558 m.
Day 7
Lake Mansarovar to Tarchen
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Lake Mansarovar to Tarchen
Meals: B / L / D
A short drive of 40 km takes us 2 to 3 hours to Tarchen, the primary staging post for our upcoming Mount Kailash trek.
Day 8
Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Saga Dawa Festival at Tarboche
Meals: B / L / D
We spend today at Tarboche observing the full-moon Saga Dawa festival events, including traditional music, monastic prayers, and the renewal of the flagpole.
Day 9
Tarchen to Dirapuk via Tarboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Tarchen to Dirapuk via Tarboche
Meals: B / L / D
We drive 13 km to Tarboche and begin our trek, walking 7 km over 5 to 6 hours up to Dirapuk at 4,860 m.
Day 10
Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma-la Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma-la Pass
Meals: B / L / D
Our longest trekking day covers 18 km over 9 to 10 hours as we climb over the demanding Dolma-la pass at 5,200 m before descending to Zuthulpuk at 4,760 m.
Day 11
Zuthulpuk to Tarchen, Mansarovar, and New Dongba
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Zuthulpuk to Tarchen, Mansarovar, and New Dongba
Meals: B / L / D
We hike 10 km over 4 to 5 hours back to Tarchen to conclude our Kailash Parikrama, then board our transport to drive back toward New Dongba via Mansarovar.
Day 12
Drive New Dongba to Nyalam
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Drive New Dongba to Nyalam
Meals: B / L / D
We retrace our route across the Tibetan plateau, driving from New Dongba back down to the frontier town of Nyalam.
Day 13
Drive Nyalam to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Drive Nyalam to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We complete the final overland journey across the border, returning through the checkpoints to our hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 14
Farewell in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 14
Farewell in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our team bids you farewell and transfers you to Tribhuwan International Airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Three nights 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Kathmandu city tours with entry fees and private vehicle
- Best available twin-share lodge accommodation in Tibet
- Tibet Tourism Bureau approved guide for Tibet tours
- Yaks and yak-men to carry baggage during Kailash Parikrama
- Tibet entry travel permit and Chinese visa fees
- Oxygen cylinder for Kailash Parikrama
- All ground transport in private vehicle including border transfers
Not included
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled mineral water
- Personal shopping, laundry, and internet phone bills
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips for trekking staff and driver
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude management
Because much of this journey takes place above 4,000 m with a high point at 5,200 m on the Dolma-la pass, we build acclimatisation days into our schedule. Our guides monitor team members closely for symptoms of acute mountain sickness.
We carry portable oxygen cylinders during the Kailash Parikrama for emergency support. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a steady pace are essential for success.
Accommodation standards
In Kathmandu, we provide 3-star hotel accommodations on a twin-share basis with breakfast. While traveling through Tibet and along the trek, we book the best available twin-sharing guesthouses and lodges.
Facilities in remote regions like Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk are basic, featuring shared amenities and multi-bed dormitory or simple lodge rooms without modern luxuries.
Physical fitness requirements
This is a strenuous itinerary that requires prior high-altitude hiking experience and robust cardiovascular fitness. Days on the trail can last up to 10 hours over rough terrain and steep high-altitude passes.
We recommend starting a structured cardio and leg-strengthening training program several months before your departure date.
Cultural etiquette
Tibetan Buddhism heavily influences the regions we visit, particularly during the Saga Dawa festival. We ask all travelers to respect local customs, walk clockwise around religious structures, and seek permission before photographing monks or sacred ceremonies.
Our guides will brief you on specific protocols for monasteries and festival grounds.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Down jacket rated for -20°CEssential
Clothing
Essential for cold nights and high mountain passes.
Sturdy waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken-in prior to the trek.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Sleeping bag rated to -15°CEssential
Camping
Required for unheated teahouse rooms.
Daypack (30-40L)Essential
Camping
For carrying water, layers, and personal items while yaks carry main bags.
UV protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
High-altitude sun protection is critical.
Valid passport and visa documentsEssential
Documents
Must be kept accessible for checkpoints.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Useful for stability on the descent from Dolma-la pass.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Chinese Visa
VisaRequired for entry into China and the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
Tibet Entry Travel Permit
PermitIssued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau for travel within Tibet.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the Saga Dawa Festival?
Saga Dawa is a major Tibetan Buddhist festival celebrated on the full moon of the fourth lunar month to honour the life, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
How difficult is the Kailash Parikrama?
The Kora is classified as strenuous due to high elevations, remote terrain, and the crossing of the Dolma-la pass at 5,200 m over a span of three trekking days.
What permits are required for this tour?
You need a Chinese visa, a Tibet entry travel permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, and an approved Tibetan guide for the duration of the tour.
What kind of accommodation should I expect in Tibet?
Accommodations outside Kathmandu consist of the best available twin-share lodges and guesthouses, which offer basic facilities and shared amenities in remote locations.
How are luggage and heavy items transported during the Kora?
We use yaks and yak-men to carry main baggage and equipment during the three-day Kailash Parikrama, while you carry a small daypack.
What medical support is available for altitude sickness?
Our guides monitor team health daily, carry portable oxygen cylinders for the Kailash Parikrama, and are trained to coordinate emergency descents if needed.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 14 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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