Saga Dawa Festival Tour 2026

Saga Dawa festival Tour
Flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, taking another fixed wing to Simikot, and then taking a helicopter to Hilsa (Nepal-Tibet border) are all part of a Saga Dawa Festival Tour from the Simikot route. By crossing the Karnali River, traveling to Taklakot or Purang in Tibet by land (deluxe bus or minibus, depending on the number of people in the group). Drive to Taklakot, Manasarovar Lake, Darchen, start Kailash Kora (circumambulation) and finish, drive to Tarboche and attend the main festival rituals (flagpole raising, prayers) on 31 May 2026. The pilgrimage combines helicopter travel with land journeys, highlighting the spiritual highlights of Mount Kailash during the auspicious Saga Dawa festival.

In accordance with Buddhist calendar, the Saga Dawa festival tour is held every year on the following date. Buddhist doctrine regards Saga Dawa as one of the important religious festivals that are celebrated enthusiastically throughout Tibet on the full moon day of the Tibetan Lunar Month of May or June based on the Tibetan Lunar Calendar to commemorate the day when Lord Buddha attained Nirvana. The festival is celebrated by reciting prayers and playing holy beads to appease the supreme gods. As Tibetan people believe that they will receive good merits for good deeds during this festival, they are conscious of their deeds. Similar to that, evil acts are multiplied when committed during that time period.

A wonderful and unique practice of replacing the "Tarboche" Flagpole, the famous huge pole of many small prayer flags, is the most interesting and important event of this festival. Traditionally, the upright position of the flagpole signifies good luck, and if it is not erected straight, bad fortune is feared to descend upon Tibet. It is a tradition every year for hundreds of Tibetans to gather around a large single flagpole to contribute small prayers flags. During Saga Dawa, old flagpoles are taken down and a new one is erected in their place. While in Tibet during the Saga Dawa Festival, you should not miss this fascinating culture. Saga Dawa Festival unites people regardless of their class, religion, caste, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, or gender. There is Unity in Diversity in Tibet as a result of it. It is the best way to learn Tibetan cultural values and assumptions by participating in this festival in Tibet. Come join us in celebrating Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet with us. It is our pleasure to assist you in organizing a pleasant journey with Monterosa treks and expedition.

Meeting point: You will be received by our staff after arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu according to your schedule.

The key elements of the Simikot helicopter route

Kathmandu to Nepalganj: The gateway city of Kailash is Nepalgunj, which can be reached by air from Kathmandu.
Nepalganj to Simikot/Hilsa: Fly from Simikot to Hilsa via fixed-wing plane and take a thrilling helicopter ride to the Nepal-Tibet border from Hilsa.
Crossing to Tibet: Drive to Taklakot (Purang) in Tibet by crossing the Karnali River bridge from Hilsa (Nepal).
Land Journey in Tibet: From Chongdo to Darchen, Tarboche attends the Saga Dawa festival, next day drive to Taklakot and cross the Karnali bridge, fly to Simikot by helicopter and then fly to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu.
Festival at Tarboche: Tarboche will celebrate the full moon day on 31 May 2026 with an iconic flagpole ceremony and rituals.

Itinerary

21 May 2026 Day 01: You will be welcomed by your staffs at Tribhuvan International Airport and taken to Hotel. You will be staying overnight at hotel. Everybody reach to Kathmandu 10:00 AM or before. Same day collection original passport and apply Tibet visa for visit Kailash Manasarovar Tour.

22 May 2026 Day 02: After breakfast will be guide half day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley. After that, there will be orientation of Kailash Tour. In Afternoon, you transfer to domestic Kathmandu Airport and fly to Nepalgunj (450m). It is 55 minutes’ flight and then overnight stay at Hotel.

23 May 2026 Day 03: From Nepalgunj, 45 minutes’ flight takes u to Simikot (2950m). Take Lunch and in the afternoon walk up hill for acclimatization.

24 May 2026 Day 04: After having breakfast early in the morning, get down at Simikot airport to fly in a small helicopter with 5-6 seats from Simikot to Hillsa. It is 25 minutes’ flight. After crossing the Nepal-Tibet boarder drive to Purang / Taklakot and it will be one-hour drive. Stay overnight in hotel.

25 May 2026 Day 05: Rest and acclimatization in Taklakot and hiking around up hills

26 May 2026 Day 06: Day 05: Drive for 3 hours to Manasarovar (4580m). Continue to drive to Manasarovar Lake stay in Manasarovar Lake.

27 May 2026 Day 07: Morning Hindu ritual and afternoon Drive to Darchen Check in Hotel and while rest, Prepare for Kailash Kora.

28 May 2026 Day 08: Drive to Yam Dwar (Tarboche) for 2 hours. It is the starting point of Kailash circuit. Trek to Dirapuk (4860m) by walking for 6-7 hours. Stay overnight at Shishapangma guesthouse.

29 May 2026 Day 09: Trek to Dolma La pass (5636m), Trek to Zuthulpuk (4790m). It is 10-11 hours walk. Then, stay overnight at basic guesthouse in Zuthulpuk.

30 May 2026 Day 10: On the last day of Kailash Kora, we walk about three hours to Chongdo, then drive to Darchen. Check in 4-star hotel for overnight. Addition tour, after lunch and drive to Serlung Gompa walk for about 10 minutes to ASTAPADA and holy explore, have a Darshan of lord Kailashnath of South Face and Nandi Parvat. There is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery called Serlung Gompa, which is located on the hill and this hill is called ASTAPAD it is revered by both Jains and Buddhists as a sacred site.

"The mountain hill of the eight steps" is also known as Astapad. The nearby sacred site of Ashtapad is located at the foot of South face of Mount Kailash, in a mountain amphitheater. According to Jain mythology, Astapada is the place where the first Jain Tirthankara attained nirvana. You can see the Mount Kailash's south face as well as Nandi Parvat from Astapada, a mountain amphitheater at the base of Mount Kailash. Additionally, Nandi Parvat, which lies near Kailash, is visible from Astapada. Ashtapad is located about 5km away from Darchen.

31 May 2026 Day 11: For the annual Saga Dawa festival, we drive to Tarboche near Yam Dwar in the morning. Attend Saga Dawa festival & drive to Manasarovar Lake for full moon night.

01 June 2026 Day 12: In the morning, drive to Purang and Hillsa. From Hillsa, take Helicopter to Simikot. If available, take flight to Nepalgunj, and then Kathmandu, you will be transferred to hotel.

02 June 2026 Day 13: You will be taken to Airport from Hotel for your final departure.

Cost: (Group size minimum 10 person or more)

Sagadawa Festival Per Person USD 4500 (Double or Twin / Triple bed room Sharing basis)
Per Person USD 5000 (Single room occupancy)

Cost Includes

Kathmandu arrival transfer to hotel - welcome drink, briefing
Kathmandu hotel will be bed & breakfast, other places meal
Full day guided sightseeing in Kathmandu valley/city around
Kathmandu-Nepalgunj– Simikot-Kathmandu-scheduled fly
Simikot - Hillsa – Simikot(Charter flight 6 person) 1helicopter
Tibetan guide for Kailash tour from Hillsa, Nepali team leader
Supporting cooking team-assistant Sherpa guide for Kailash
Life, medical insurance- Nepali team leader Kailash tour staff
Cook (who can prepare vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals
Support truck carrying Kailash food, luggage and Nepali staff
Oxygen cylinder, mask - regulator Kailash for emergency use
Upper Humla permit for helicopter and clients trekking permit
Yak and Yak man for mount Kailash round (Kailash circuit)
All entrance and conservation fee of Nepal & mount Kailash
Duffel bag, completed certificate for Mt. Kailash (if required)
Travel permit, Road permit and necessary permit are include
Baggage allowed per person 15kg total travel by helicopter

Cost Excludes

Day back pack 3 days Kailash
Travel insurance for life and medical
Nepal re-entry visa fee for tourist
Domestic excess baggage cargo cost
Beverages(cold drinks & hard drinks)
Photography and telephone charges
Additional expenses incase-bad weather
Emergency evacuation expenses in case
China visa in not includes, make home country
Tips for Tibetan / Nepali guide and staff

Hotel in Nepal

Kathmandu= 5 star Radisson, Cowan Plaza or Similar
Nepalgunj = 4 star Soaltee Westend Premier, Hotel Central Plaza or similar
Simikot: 2 star hotel Manasarovar Similar

Hotel in Tibet

Taklakot: 4 star Hotel Himalaya or Similar
Manasarovar Lake: Guesthouse (basic dormitory room)
Darchen: 4 star hotel Kailash Himalayan
Dirapuk: guesthouse basic dormitory room
Zuthulpuk: Guesthouse (very basic dormitory)
Hillsa Nepal: Guesthouse (very basic dormitory)

Packing list for Kailash Yatra

Small back is pack for 3 days Kailash Round
Basic medicines (for minor injuries or lifesaving kit)
Any regular medicines that you have been prescribed
Toiletries kit (Shop, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brush)
Water bottle / Thermos flask for hot water (2 litters)
Sport shoes good for walking for Kailash round, gloves
Woolen socks (minimum 4 pairs) Torch light, rain coat
Wool / Thermo cot undergarments for Kailash tour
Shirt and pants which is easier to be while doing round
Sunglasses, Sun lotion/cold cream - Kailash tour
Sweets, Zinger/garlic candies, dry fruits, lozenges, etc
Enough warm clothing for mount Kailash tour

FITNESS

Kindly consult your doctor & 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 have a make successful holy tour

INSURANCE

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 tourist has Life, Medical, Rescue Jeep or Helicopter insurance before getting enrolled in Kailash Tour. Do insurance at 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:

Relax-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 given itinerary requested by the client will be on chargeable basis.
Extra accommodation in Kathmandu over 2 nights for Helicopter and 3 nights for via Lhasa as per itinerary due to early arrival from home or Kailash, rescue charges, medical bills are bill direct to tourist.
If the trip is disturbed in case of Visa/ permit problem create from Tibet, or any other reason, which is not in our hand, it is client’s own risk and clients pay all the expenses.
During the Kailash Manasarovar tour, if any tourist in case of sick or will cancel trip not doing complete tour, the package cost is 100% not refunded.

Notice for Helicopter Route:

You cannot rely upon us for two cases 1. Weather condition, 2. permit of Tibet.
We suggest our Kailash travelers to avoid Kailash Tour via helicopter because of unpredictable weather. You may face problem on the way to Kailash and while returning back. At least 3 extra days of allocation is better for journey. The route of Nepalgunj – Simikot or Simikot - Nepalgunj has the most unpredictable weather condition. The cost of extra days exceeding the original itinerary should be borne by the travelers/tourist/ Kailash traveler themselves. The cost per day is USD 50 per day. If any travelers want to take a helicopter ride, the cost should have borne by him/her.
Insurance for rescue helicopter, land transportation and medical expenses is must for every traveler/tourist/ Kailash traveler.
If there is an official delay by Chinese Embassy in issuing Tibet visa for Kailash Manasarovar tour, the cost of days exceeding original itinerary should be borne by travelers/Yatri
If anybody wants to follow helicopter route, he/she should allocate 3-4 days extra in situation of bad weather condition. We do organize trip to Kailash tour as per your agreements.

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