A Life-Changing Journey to Kailash Parvat: Celebrate Saga Dawa Festival with Sincere Pilgrims

Have you ever dreamed of standing face-to-face with the majestic Himalayas or walking in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims around a sacred mountain? That dream came true for me during the 16-day Lhasa Everest Kailash Manasarovar Saga Dawa Festival tour, and it was even more incredible than I imagined.

The Adventure Begins: Lhasa

Touching down in Lhasa, I was immediately struck by the crisp, thin air and the vibrant colors of the Tibetan plateau. The city sits at over 3,600 meters, so our first few days were about acclimatization—but that didn’t mean slowing down on the excitement!

We started with the Potala Palace, which rises like a fortress above Lhasa. Walking through its red and white walls, I was amazed by the rich history within its walls—the Dalai Lama’s winter palace, prayer rooms glowing with butter lamps, and ornate murals depicting Buddhist mythology. Standing on its rooftop, I took in breathtaking views of the city, framed by snow-capped peaks.

The spiritual heart of Lhasa is the Jokhang Temple, the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism. Outside, pilgrims prostrated themselves on the ground, their devotion tangible. Inside, the smell of incense filled the air as we joined the crowd flowing past the statue of Jowo Shakyamuni. Afterward, we wandered Barkhor Street, a lively marketplace circling the temple. It was the perfect mix of sacred and vibrant, with stalls selling prayer wheels, yak butter, and colorful jewelry.

Adjusting to the altitude was no joke. Our guide Mr. Tsering Wangdue told us to take it slow, staying hydrated and resting as needed. Evenings were relaxed, with time to enjoy steaming bowls of Tibetan noodle soup. Those first few days set the tone for the rest of the journey—a mix of wonder, reverence, and discovery.

Enjoy Tibetan noodles in Lhasa

Along the Way to Mount Kailash: Himalayan Majesty

Leaving Lhasa behind, we set off on a road trip through Tibet’s amazing landscapes. The scenery kept changing—from rolling hills to open plains dotted with yaks. But nothing prepared me for the first sight of Yamdrok Lake. Its waters were a surreal shade of turquoise, almost too perfect to be real. Our guide explained that the lake is considered sacred by Tibetans, and standing there with the mountains reflected on the glassy surface, I could feel why.

By the time we reached Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, I was fully immersed in this world of spirituality and stunning architecture. The highlight here was Tashilhunpo Monastery. The massive golden Buddha statue inside was simply breathtaking.

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Then came the moment I’d been waiting for—Everest Base Camp. Seeing Mount Everest for the first time was overwhelming. The peak soared above the clouds, its snowy cap glowing in the sunlight like a crown. It felt like the whole world paused for a moment, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Standing there, gazing up at the highest point on Earth, I was filled with a mix of awe and humility. It was a reminder of how small we are compared to nature’s grandeur, yet it also inspired a sense of limitless possibility.

We stayed overnight near the base camp, and despite the thin air, I couldn’t sleep—I didn’t want to miss the night sky. The air was so crisp and clear that the stars seemed impossibly close, as if you could reach out and touch them. Millions of tiny lights blanketed the sky, sparkling like diamonds on a velvet canvas. The Milky Way stretched across the heavens, so vivid it looked like a glowing river cutting through the darkness. There was no sound, just the stillness of the mountains and the gentle crunch of snow underfoot. Standing there, surrounded by the quiet majesty of Everest, I felt small but completely connected to the universe.

Starry night at Everest Base Camp

The next morning, watching the sun slowly light up Everest’s snowy peak was unforgettable. I’d seen pictures, of course, but nothing compares to witnessing it in person. It felt like the mountain had its own heartbeat, and for a moment, the world stood still.

The Kailash Kora: a Must-go Pilgrimage

The drive to Darchen was filled with beautiful scenery. Gongzhucuo Lake and Lake Manasarovar were like jewels in the landscape. I was in awe of their natural beauty and the spiritual significance they hold. We arrived in Darchen and settled into the hotel.

Trekking Day 1: Starting the Kailash Parikrama during Saga Dawa Festival

Today was May 23, the day that the Saga Dawa Festival was held. We woke up and set off early in the morning in Darchen, filled with a mix of excitement and a little bit of nervousness. As we arrived at Yam Dwar, thousands of pilgrims had already gathered and the atmosphere was vibrant with devotion.

The Saga Dawa Festival, the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, is a significant time for Tibetans, marking the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha. On this auspicious day, we encountered pilgrims from all over Tibet, Nepal, and India converging here to perform rituals and offer prayers. The Tibetans, dressed in their traditional chubas, had gathered in a circle at the foot of Kailash to chant mantras and offer their prayers.

We witnessed a grand ceremony in which new pillars wrapped with thousands of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind were raised, symbolizing the passing down of faith and the beginning of new hope. We watched in awe as the monks performed the intricate ceremonies with great devotion. Pilgrims believe that practicing Kailash Parikrama during Saga Dawa carries immense spiritual merit.

Visit Kailash during Saga Dawa Festival

As we ascended, the thin air began to take its toll, but the beauty of the landscape--snow-capped mountains, small shrines, and prayer flags fluttering in the breeze--kept us motivated. Most touchingly, countless devout pilgrims perform prostrating during the kora. They measured the earth with their bodies and practiced piety with their actions. The sense of community among the pilgrims who shared the same purpose was inspiring.

Trekking Day 2: Western Slope of Mt. Kailash (Charan Sparsh)

This day we trek to the western slope which was a bit challenging, but it was so worth it. As I walked higher, I could touch the glaciers on the holy mountain. The ice was cold and hard, but it felt so special to be able to touch the sacred mountain. I took a moment to just sit and look at the glacier, thinking about how this mountain was so important to so many people.

After that, I found a quiet spot and tried to meditate. It was hard at first because my mind was full of thoughts. But after a while, looking at the beautiful mountains around me, I started to feel calm. I felt like I was in the center of the world, and it was just me and the mountain. It was a unique experience.

Trekking Day 3: Continuing the Kora

Today was a big day. We left Dirapuk Monastery early in the morning. The trek was long, and we had to climb a lot. We walked higher and higher, and the views just kept getting better. The air was thin, but it was so clean and fresh. I took lots of pictures, but the pictures could never really capture the beauty and the feeling of being there.

At one point, we reached Dolma La Pass where there were prayer flags everywhere. The wind was blowing, and the flags were flapping loudly. It was a really cool sight. According to the local belief, ascending this pass could remove my sins. I didn't know if it was true, but I felt really good.

Trekking Day 4: The Final Stretch and Lake Manasarovar Meditation

This was the last day of the Kailash Kora trek. I was a bit sad that it was coming to an end, but also excited to get back to Darchen from Zutulpuk Monastery. We started the day with a short trek. The path was a bit easier than the previous days because we were going downhill. When we reached Zongto, we took an eco-bus back to Darchen. I was so happy to see the town again.

In the afternoon, we drove to Saga and passed Lake Manasarovar once again. The holy lake, with Mount Kailash as its backdrop, was a sight to behold. The water was so crystal-clear that it seemed to mirror the sky and the mountains perfectly. I found a quiet spot by the lakeside and tried meditating. I closed my eyes and let the calmness of the water seep into my mind. It felt like all the stress and tiredness of the journey were slowly melting away. I also heard about the hot springs nearby. Some of my fellow travelers and I opted for a foot bath, and it was incredibly relaxing.

Meditate beside Lake Manasarovar

From Sacred Peaks to Verdant Valleys: back to Lhasa

The final days of our Tibetan adventure were a road trip as we traveled from the sacred heights of Mount Kailash back to the lush valleys of the China-Nepal border. We departed from Saga and headed toward Gyirong, a gateway town near the border, offering breathtaking views of lush valleys and towering Himalayan peaks. The drive was relaxing, giving us time to soak in the landscapes and reflect on our experiences.

From Gyirong, we made our way to Tingri, passing through vast grasslands framed by the majestic mountains. The road provided incredible glimpses of towering Everest in the distance, a bittersweet farewell to the grandeur of the Himalayas. By the time we reached Lhasa, the familiar sight felt like coming full circle, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

On the whole, the Lhasa Everest Kailash Manasarovar tour perfectly uncovers the essence of Tibet: stunning natural beauty, peaceful simplicity, and spiritual richness. The journey wasn’t just about the destinations; it was also about the stories shared and the memories created along the way. For anyone seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and inner peace, this tour will be a life-changing experience for you.