Saga Dawa Festival Kailash Tour
A Mount Kailash pilgrimage timed for the Saga Dawa full moon and the Tarboche prayer-pole ceremony, with permit coordination and an experienced Yatra guide.
The Saga Dawa Festival Kailash Tour times the Mount Kailash pilgrimage so that your group is at Tarboche, near Darchen, for the raising of the prayer pole on the Saga Dawa full moon. It is one of the most powerful moments in the Tibetan Buddhist year and brings pilgrims from across the Himalaya.
Saga Dawa date status: Saga Dawa falls in the fourth Tibetan lunar month, usually in May or June. Exact dates are confirmed from official sources closer to the time. Eco Holiday Asia verifies dates before confirming departures.
About This Festival Tour
The route is the overland Kyirong approach to Lake Manasarovar and Darchen, with the timing chosen so the group is at Tarboche on the Saga Dawa full moon. After the prayer-pole ceremony you continue with the three-day kora around Mount Kailash and return to Kathmandu.
Trip Highlights
- Tarboche prayer-pole ceremony on the Saga Dawa full moon
- Sacred Lake Manasarovar darshan
- Three-day Kailash kora via Dolma La
- Pilgrim atmosphere across the Kailash region
- Permit and document coordination
- Experienced Yatra guide and support team
Saga Dawa at Mount Kailash
Saga Dawa is sacred in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, and the Tarboche prayer-pole ceremony near Mount Kailash is the most visible expression of it in this region. The full moon brings pilgrims from across the Himalaya for a brief, powerful gathering.
Travel That Supports Local Communities
Local Tibetan operators, monks at Choede and Tarboche, and the pilgrim community make Saga Dawa what it is. Eco Holiday Asia works with authorised local partners and the Eco Holiday Asia Kathmandu team to coordinate the journey end to end.
We brief the group on cultural etiquette and the rhythms of the festival.
Pilgrimage Guide and Festival Support
An experienced Yatra guide accompanies the group, with additional local support on the festival days at Tarboche. The Kathmandu office is available 24/7.
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1–2 – Kathmandu
Day 3 – Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Day 4 – Syabrubesi to Kyirong
Day 5 – Kyirong (rest day)
Day 6 – Kyirong to Saga
Day 7 – Saga to Lake Manasarovar
Day 8 – Manasarovar to Darchen
Day 9 – Saga Dawa at Tarboche
Day 10 – Kora Day 1: Darchen to Dirapuk
Day 11 – Kora Day 2: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk via Dolma La
Day 12 – Kora Day 3: Zuthulpuk to Darchen
Day 13 – Darchen to Saga
Day 14 – Saga to Kyirong
Day 15 – Kyirong to Kathmandu
Day 16 – Departure
What’s Included and What’s Excluded
What’s Included
- All ground transport on the Nepal side (private vehicle)
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3 or 4 star or as chosen)
- Daily breakfast in Kathmandu
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Permit and document coordination through authorised channels
- Trip briefing in Kathmandu
- 24/7 in-country support
- Pre-trip checklist and packing guidance
- Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Group Visa coordination
- All ground transport in Tibet
- Accommodation in guesthouses and camps
- Full board in Tibet (vegetarian on request)
- Kailash kora support (yak)
- Festival-day support at Tarboche
What’s Excluded
- International flights to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa (available on arrival for most nationalities)
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory, must include emergency evacuation)
- Personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs
- Lunch and dinner unless specified
- Tips for guide, driver and support team
- Emergency helicopter rescue (covered by your insurance)
- Any cost arising from itinerary changes due to weather, permits or unforeseen circumstances
- Pony / personal porter on the kora unless pre-booked
- Personal trekking and altitude gear
- Any extra night caused by weather or permit delays
Permits and Travel Documents
Tibet & Kailash permits: Travel to Tibet and Mount Kailash requires permits and arrangements through authorised channels. Rules, border access and document requirements may change. Eco Holiday Asia verifies the latest requirements before confirming your trip.
High altitude & remote travel: This journey involves high altitude and remote travel. Itineraries may change due to weather, border rules, permit conditions, health needs or local authority instructions.
Saga Dawa Window
The Saga Dawa window typically falls in May–June. Demand for permits and lodges peaks during this period; early booking is essential.
Health, Altitude and Fitness
The Dolma La pass exceeds 5,600 m. Reasonable fitness, calm acclimatisation and travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation cover are essential.
Saga Dawa is also the busiest time at Kailash, so a patient temperament helps.
Responsible Festival Pilgrimage
A few simple choices keep your visit respectful and low-impact in sacred landscapes.
- Respect local customs, dress modestly and follow your guide at temples, monasteries and sacred sites.
- Ask before photographing people, rituals and the inside of monasteries.
- Walk clockwise around stupas, mani walls and sacred sites where this is the custom.
- Carry a refillable water bottle and avoid single-use plastic in remote regions.
- Support local guides, drivers, lodges, restaurants and community businesses.
- Follow permit, border and conservation rules at all times.
Planning a Saga Dawa Tour from Abroad
International travellers often plan Himalayan journeys several months ahead, especially for permit-based routes. Our team handles every Nepal-side detail end to end — permit and document coordination, private transport, lodge bookings and travel advice. We coordinate by email (info@ecoholidays.com.np) and WhatsApp (+977 9851207214) across every time zone, and tailor pace, comfort and group size to suit families, senior travellers, pilgrim groups and small private parties.
Date Confirmation
We confirm the Saga Dawa full moon date from official sources before publishing departures.
Early Booking
Saga Dawa is the highest-demand period of the year at Kailash. Several months of lead time is wise.
Permit Timeline
Tibet permits need passport copies and a clear arrival plan well ahead of departure.
Private Groups
We design private departures shaped around your travel window and group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saga Dawa?
When is Saga Dawa?
Does this tour include the Tarboche prayer pole ceremony?
Is the kora more crowded during Saga Dawa?
Do we still complete the three-day kora?
Can the itinerary be customised?
Related Himalayan Journeys
Mount Kailash & Manasarovar Spiritual Journey
Kathmandu – Tibet
15–17 days
A contemplative version of the Kailash pilgrimage.
Kailash Kora Trek Package
Around Mount Kailash
3-day kora
The three-day kora as a focused trek.
Plan Your Saga Dawa Kailash Tour
Tell us your preferred year and group size. We will confirm the Saga Dawa window and design the journey around it.
Customize Your Nepal Tour
Tell us your travel style, dates, interests and group details. Our Nepal-based team will help design a personalized journey with local guides, homestays, cultural experiences, trekking, wildlife, festival journeys and community-based travel.
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