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Saga Dawa festival Tarboche Kailash on 23 May 2024

Saga Dawa festival is one of the most important religious festivals in Tibet as well as outside, where Tibetan Buddhism is followed. The annual festival is enthusiastically celebrated on the full moon day in the month of April according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar. Saga Dawa is meant to commemorate the auspicious day when Lord Buddha attained enlightenment or nirvana. During this festival, everyone recites prayers & counts the holy beads to earn good merits.

The practice of replacing ‘Tarboche’ or prayer flags on long poles occurs on this special day. The event is organized near Mt Kangri Rinpoche (Mt. Kailash) under the guidance of a Lama Buddhist priest. The upright position of the flagpole heralds fortune, peace and prosperity for all living beings on earth. Every year, thousands of Tibetans gather around and contribute small prayer flags to the occasion all of which are tied to the single flagpole and erected with much fanfare. The Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet is the festival that unites all ethnic Tibetans at one place to pay homage to Buddha and his teachings. To be a part of this festival in Tibet is the best way to learn about Tibetan civilization and their cultural values. Please join Monterosa Treks & Expedition on our trip to Tibet to participate in Saga Dawa festival.

Flying to Tibet: There are direct daily flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa and back. Ali (Ngari Gunsa) Airport is one of the airports in Lhasa serving the town of Shiquanhe (Ali) in Ngari Prefecture of southwest Tibet. Situated at an elevation of 4274 m, Ali Airport is the world's fourth highest commercial airport that starts operating from 1 July 2010. It takes 2 hours to reach Lhasa from Ali Airport by flight operated by China Airlines. Then from Lhasa, we can drive for 2 hours passing 200 km to reach Manasarovar Lake. Road Journey is quite difficult so we can take a flight from Lhasa to Ali Airport.

Saga Dawa Festival by Helicopter  

14 May 2024 Day 01: Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, the staff of Monterosa Treks and Expedition will receive you and escort you to the hotel. Everybody reaches Kathmandu 09:00 AM or before. We will collect your original passport and apply for a Tibet visa for the Kailash tour.  In the evening, guests will be taken to Pashupatinath temple to have Aarati Darshan with Musical Ganga Arati corner by Holy Bagmati River.

15 May 2024 Day 02: Holy sightseeing in Doleshwor and Saga, biggest Shiva statue and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square visit

16 May 2024 Day 03: Pilgrims will be guided towards Pashupatinath Temple for Rudra Abhishek, Hawan and Panchamrit with special worship of the temple. After that, we will move to a hotel for a buffet Lunch. Afternoon, holy sightseeing in Boudhanath Buddhist temple and Hindu temple Jal Narayan in Budhanilkantha. In the evening, there will be a briefing about the Kailash Manasarovar tour. If no interest visit Pashupatinath temple, we do provide city guided sightseeing,

17 May 2024 Day 03: Morning we take a flight from Tribhuvan International Airport to Gonggar Airport of Tibet. It is a 90 km drive from Gonggar Airport to Lhasa city. Overnight in a hotel

 18 May 2024 Day 04: Lhasa is the capital as well as the biggest city of Tibet. This city with wide road ways, sky kissing buildings is not less attractive than any developed western countries. Besides this, the palace of Dalai Lama: The Potala Palace, Zokhang Monastery at Bharkor Bazaar, Bharkor Bazaar itself and Bharkhor Monastery are other worthy and attractive places to visit at Lhasa. Lhasa City is at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level.

The Potala Palace lies at the central part of Lhasa city and it is situated at a place at 150 meters height at the bottom of Lhasa city. This palace is also the adjoining place of meditative office building and administrative office building. The Red Palace symbolizes meditation whereas the white Palace signifies transparent administration. In Tibetan language, ‘Lhasa’ means ‘The Land of Gods and Goddesses’.

We can see different varieties of magical Buddha idols of Buddhist religion in The Red Palace, whereas; there are Meditation Room, Living Room, and Meeting Room for foreign guests of the Dalai Lama in The White Palace. Lhasa city is a valley which is also the adjoining place of two sacred rivers namely, Lhasa and Brahmaputra. According to Buddhists, it is believed that one can obtain ‘Nirvana’ meaning ultimate salvation, by having a divine view (Darshan) of Potala Palace and Zokhang Monastery at least once in the lifetime.

19 May 2024 Day 05: Today, we fly to Ali Airport (4500m.) from Gonggar Airport. We land at Ali airport and drive towards Manasarovar Lake and it takes 4 hours covering a 300 km distance. Overnight stay in Manasarovar Lake. You can see full moon reflective lights in Manasarovar and it will be great to see lighting and shadow in the lake.

 20 May 2024 Day 06: Morning explore Manasarovar Lake, if anybody do Hindu ritual it will be done and if not doing any Hindu rituals then drive to Darchen. Stay overnight Darchen.

 21 May 2024 Day 06: Darchen to Yam Dwar & Dirapuk: This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama/Kora. Morning drive to Yam Dwar and start walking to Dirapuk (4890 meters/11 kilometers). We do start for Kailash circumambulation [kora] Circuit/Round/Parikrama from Yam Dwar. It takes 20 minutes for the Blue bus to reach there as it is at a distance of only 5km. This place is also known as Yam Dwar. Getting off from the bus at Yam Dwar, all the pilgrims are offering to Lord Shiva. Then, we moved around the Yam Dwar three times. According to Hindu religion, this place is known as the Gate of the God of Death (Yam Dwar). Yam Dwar built the shape of a temple. Inside there are 3 bells hanging and they are called Barma, Vishnu and Maheshowar. This temple makes a 3 time circuit inside the door. Belling and get out and continue walking or riding a pony to Dirapuk on the first day of Parikrama. (Journey on foot begins from Yam Dwar) Physically disabled pilgrims distantly pay homage to Kailash Parbat and return to Darchen because the visit of Yam Dwar is believed to get equally religious gain as they do for Kailash Parbat itself. This path/trail is somehow busy with pilgrims, horses, local porters, yaks and Nepali workers.

After 3 hours of walking along the riverside path we stopped for our lunch. Kailash Parbat can be seen clearly from here. Below the Parbat we can see a big stone in the shape of an elephant. It is believed that god Indra rides on it. After a 2 hours long walk we can reach Dirapuk. There is a Dirapuk Monastery situated on the edge of Lha Chhu River. The name of this place is given from the name of Monastery itself. This Monastery is located at a height of 4900m. Above sea level. The scene of Kailash from here is like heaven. Hundreds of pilgrims arrive at Dirapuk from Yam Dwar riding on horse or on foot every day.

 Here some Yatri prefer to take pony & local porter for the 3 days. (If you would like to take a pony and porter, you should tell the Tibetan guide in advance. Today, today have to walk continuously for about 5 to 6 hours. Yak will carry all our goods and equipment and your bags. From Dirapuk, you can see the north face of Mt. Kailash is a much closed, overnight stay at Dirapuk mud house/ guesthouse.

22 May 2024 Day 07: Today will be the longest walking day as we need to reach Zuthulpuk from Dirapuk. Climbing from Dirapuk we reach the Shivasthal, Ganesh Kund and finally the top of Dolma La Pass (5636m), which is the highest point of our journey. The walking time from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk is 7-8 hours. We will then walk down and reach Shapje Datok then further to Zuthulpuk following Lham Chu River.

23 May 2024 Day 08: After early morning breakfast walk towards Chongdo from Zuthulpuk covering 6 km distance. Drive to Darchen, check in a Hotel and drive to Yam Dwar and Tarboche for Saga Dawa festival.
attend Saga Dawa festival 23 May 2024


24 May 2024 Day 09: Early Morning take breakfast and drive to Ali airport to catch a flight from Ali Airport to Gonggar Airport in Lhasa. We spent our night at Lhasa town.

25 May 2024 Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu after having our breakfast at a hotel. We spent our night in the hotel at Kathmandu.

26 May 2024 Day 11: This is the last day of our tour and there will be farewell to our dear guests. Then, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International airport Kathmandu for returning back to their home country.

Cost: Group size minimum 06 person or more

Sagadawa FestivalPer Person USD 6000 (Double / Twin room Sharing)
Per Person USD 6500 (Single room using)

Extra Service If required
Mountain flight / Everest Flight in Nepal USD 230 per person

Extra cost if required for Kailash Circuit:
Horse ride during the Parikrama 1 horse for 3 days USD 385
(Directly payable to the Tibetan guide)
Porter for carrying small bag for 3 days round Kailash USD 165

Hotel in Nepal
Kathmandu: 5 Star Deluxe hotel Radisson, Crown Plaza or similar

Hotel in Tibet
Lhasa Tibet: 5 Star Shangri - La or Hotel Lhasa
Manasarovar Lake: Guest house or mud houses
Darchen: 4 star Himalayan Kailash Hotel
Dirapuk: Normal guest house (dromedary room)
Zuthulpuk: Normal guest house (dromedary room)
Note: 3 nights in 3 places like Manasarovar Lake, first day of Kora - Dirapuk and second day of Kora - Zuthulpuk will have a dormitory bedroom and very basic toilets available.

Cost Includes

  • Arrival in Kathmandu airport & transfer to hotel overnight
  • Evening take to Pashupatinath for Arati Darshan and hotel
  • Sagadawa FestivalNext day Rudra Abhishek, Hawan Pasupatinath Temple
  • All hotel / guesthouse during Kailash Manasarovar tour
  • Sightseeing Budhanilkantha, Boudhanath & Swaymbhunath
  • Pure vegetarian (lunch, dinner) providing in Nepali, Lhasa
  • English speaking Tibetan guide & team leader from Nepal  
  • Kathmandu –Lhasa –Ali–Lhasa – Kathmandu flight ticket   
  • Sightseeing Lhasa city including Potala place & Bharkhor
  • Ali to Manasarovar Lake, Darchen, Yam Dwar & Ali by bus
  • We have oxygen cylinder, mask- regulator emergency use
  • We provide basic first-aid -kit box altitude sickness Diamox
  • We provide duffel bag, day bag and complete Kailash tour
  • Kailash travel permit and Tibet visa for Mount Kailash tour
  • We provide our meal in Manasarovar, Darchen and Kora
  • We provide Nepali cook and cook helper for complete tour
  • Arrival and departure service in Kathmandu fallow itinerary
  • Rudra Abhishek Hawan 11 Braman Pujari –Pasupatinath

Cost Excludes

  • Extra night hotel cost in Kathmandu, Nepal
  • All beverages in Kathmandu & Kailash tour
  • Travel Insurance for all Kailash tourists/Yatri 
  • Expenses Emergency evacuation helicopter
  • Horse riding cost for Kailash Kora / Parikrama
  • Additional costs caused any political disturbance.
  • Any additional cost due to natural calamities
    unforeseen situation Kailash Manasarovar tour
  • Kailash Tibet or extra stay cost in Kathmandu

Packing list for Kailash Yatra

  • Sagadawa FestivalBack pack for 3 days Kailash Parikrama / Kora
  • Enough warm clothing for Kailash Yatra /tour
  • Basic medicines (minor injuries or lifesaving kits)
  • Regular medicines that you have been prescribe
  • Toiletries kit (Shop, Shampoo, and Toothpaste brush)
  • Water bottle / Thermos flask, hot water (2 liters)
  • Sport shoes good for walk, gloves, torch light
  • Woolen socks (minimum 4 pairs), Sunglasses
  • Thermo cot undergarment, sun lotion, cold cream
  • (Shirt, pants which is easier to be while do Kora)
  • Rain coat or Umbrella, walking stick for 3 days 
  • Sweets, Zinger/garlic candies, dry fruits and etc

FITNESS

  • Kindly consult your doctor and get yourself examined for Spiritual Kailash Manasarovar tour
  • As Holy mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar is situated at high altitudes please start exercises like walking, jogging, yoga meditation and other breathing exercises in order to make a successful holy tour

NSURANCE

  • Kindly get yourself a Travel medical insurance for this Kailash Manasarovar tour. Please make sure you cover yourself for emergency evacuation (helicopter), road transportation and hotel accommodation in the insurance.
  • Every Yatri must have Life, Medical, Rescue Jeep or Helicopter insurance before getting enrolled in the Kailash Manasarovar tour. Get insurance in your home country.

HEALTH PRE-CAUTION

Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces certain illness generally not encountered over the plains. Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness [malaise], high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, sex and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping dose and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. Some of symptoms indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments. The best idea is deliberately slow down all the activities and follows the following rules:

  • Sagadawa FestivalRelax-do not exert, be excited, make rest if need
  • Reduce talking each other
  • Walk slowly – adopt one third of your speed and space.
  • Keep your load light.
  • Walk for 30 minutes and rest for 5 minutes
  • Whenever you feel uncomfortable, just stop; rest and relax.
  • Ignore the sudden outbursts of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments.
  • Observe silence with smile.
  • Never go too high and too fast.
  • Consume plenty of liquids; never proceed with an empty stomach.
  • Chant a prayer or visualize everything around to suit your pleasant thoughts or put on the
    earphones and listen to your favorite music, chanting etc.
  • Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over clothed than under protected. En-route
    avoids taking bath or drinking water from Lake Streams or rivers, as your system is not conditioned for this.
  • Protect yourself against dust and direct sunshine during the long stretches of driving. Face, feet and hands must be well protected.
  • The uneven ground, steep slope and slushy banks are full of potholes. Do not combine walking and sightseeing together.
  • Always listen to your guide or the one with experience. Never leave the group.
  • On this trip, over exertion is to be avoided and drinking plenty of fluids is recommendable. During winter

Cancellation Policy

  • 50% cancellation charges of the rate package cost incase cancellation is received    between 7 – 15 days of departure.
  • No refund in case cancellation is done after your Kailash permit and Tibet visa.
  • A client on his/her own will make no refund or adjustment in the event of interruption of journey after commencement of the tour.
  • Any changes in the given itinerary requested by the client will be on chargeable basis.
  • Extra accommodation in Kathmandu over 2 nights for Helicopter and 3 nights via Lhasa as per itinerary due to early arrival from home or Kailash, rescue charges, medical bills are billed direct to tourists.
  • If the trip is disturbed in case of Visa/ permit problems created from Tibet, or any other reason, which is not in our hand, it is the client's

Om Namo Shivaya ! Jaya Bhole Nath !! Har Har Mahadev!!!

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