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Saga means fourth and Dawa refers to month in Tibetan. This festival is celebrated for whole month and is one of the most significant festival celebrate in Tibet. But the fifteenth day of the month is very special as Sakyamuni was born, attained Nirvana(enlightenment), stepped into Parinirvana (death). Tibetans believe that it would accumulate immense of merits during that particular day by giving generosity, stop killing animals, stop eating meats, monks chanting in monasteries, cham dancing and other religious activities dominate the occation. In Tibetan the festival is called “qiong ren jie”.

In this tour, we will explore the major monasteries, temples and sacred sites under the guidance of our experts through hiking and overland drives across spectacular mountain ranges. We can also take part in prayer ceremonies, visit the homes of local Tibetans and discuss religious customs throughout the trip. By experiencing the wonders and the spiritual challenges experienced by Tibet's pilgrims, we may gain an understanding of why Tibetans draw an equal sign between religion and life.

What you can see during the festival?
- Hundreds of Tibetan people gathering around the Barkhor, Tsekhor(Circuit around Potala) and Lingkhor.
- Liberation of fishes in Lhasa river(Kyichu) and other animals according to their budgets.
- Monks reciting prayer in Assembly hall in monasteries and serving butter tea during intermission.
- Hundreds of Tibetan people lined up in Drepung kitchen for making their donation for the monks during chanting prayers in assembly hall.
- Tibetan people will never eat meats during 15th day of the Saga Dawa and you can see every Tibetans eating vegetables in restaurant after finishing their gathering.
- Tibetan peoples busy with visiting various monasteries.
- Tibetan peoples’ generosity to the poor people by giving them material help.
- After finished visiting monasteries, Tibetans will go for picnics in different picnic centers in Lhasa.
- Even in picnics, older Tibetans mumbling mantras by roaring in left hand and small prayer wheel in their right hand.