Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour in 2027 and 2028

How Difficult Is the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour?

The Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour is considered to be moderately-to-difficult primarily because of its extreme elevation and not because of there being slightly challenging technical trekking. There are long-distance overland drives traversing the Tibetan Plateau. The 53 KM Kailash Kora circuit, which can be completed within a three-day period, runs from Darchen to various locations around Mount Kailash. While there is no requirement for previous climbing experience, an average of 5 to 9 hours of walking per day will be performed in thin air.

By allowing themselves enough time to acclimatize in Kerung and using a steady pace with the assistance of our experienced Tibetan team, most people with moderate fitness levels will complete the pilgrimage.

Elevation Up and Challenges

The largest challenge facing the pilgrims is the elevation. The journey begins at an approximate elevation of 2700m (Kerung), and makes several high stops at Saga (4400m), Lake Mansarovar (4590m), and Darchen (4675m), before reaching the highest elevation at the Dolma La Pass (5634m). At this elevation, the quantity of oxygen available is extremely low when compared to the same elevation at sea level; therefore, it is imperative to walk at a slow pace and to stay hydrated during this portion of the journey. The trail is very rocky and uneven, although the trail is non-technical and does not require mountaineering skills.

How We Help You Complete the Journey

The planned route for the trek has been designed to gradually acclimatize trekkers so they are less prone to altitude sickness before starting the Kora. We naturally divide trekkers into slow, moderate and fast groups, so everyone can walk comfortably and without being pressured to go at their own pace and with plenty of time to rest along the way. Pilgrims will have regular rest breaks, be accompanied by an experienced Tibetan guide and have access to support staff who can help with any assistance that might be needed during the pilgrimage.

What Permits Required to Attend Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour?

All foreign travelers on the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour must travel through a registered Tibet travel agent since no independent travel to Mount Kailash is allowed. Your travel agent arranges all required permits prior to your departure, so all you need to do is provide your passport and appropriate visa documentation. Many of the permit fees have already been included in the tour package, so it's a very straightforward process and no hassle at all.

Required Permits for the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival

Permit	Required For	Issued By	Approx. Fee	Included in Our Package
Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)	Entry into Tibet	Tibet Tourism Bureau	Included	Yes
Alien's Travel Permit (ATP)	Saga, Darchen, Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar	Public Security Bureau (PSB)	Approx. CNY 50	Yes
Military Area Entry Permit	Ngari (Western Tibet) & Mount Kailash Region	Tibet Military Authorities	Included	Yes
Border Defense / Frontier Permit	Border areas near Nepal & India	Chinese Authorities	Included	Yes
China Group Visa (when entering via Nepal)	Entry from Nepal into Tibet	Chinese Embassy, Kathmandu	May be charged separately depending on nationality	Check with us

Where Are Your Permits Checked?

Permits are checked at various locations during the pilgrimage. The first check is at the Kerung (Gyirong) Border, prior to entering Tibet. 

There are additional checks; for example, it is common to be checked at a security checkpoint while on the road to Saga, before Ngari Prefecture, near Lake Mansarovar, at Darchen, and at the entrance to the Kailash Kora (Yamdwar). 

There may also be random checkpoints along your route where security may ask for your permits. You will not have to worry about obtaining or carrying any of your permits; your Tibetan guide will have your required permits, and he/she will assist you with the necessary paperwork. You should simply carry your passport with you throughout your trip.

Documents You Need to Provide

• Passport, valid for more than 6 months.

• Passport photo of size suitable for use when applying for your permits. (if requested).

• A photo scan of your passport to be used for permit applications.

• Your passport should be presented in Kathmandu to get your China Group Visa if you plan on entering Tibet via Nepal.

• Your itinerary and reservation confirmations at least 20-30 days before departure, so that you can be processed with permits.

Best Time to Join the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour

Best Time for Saga Dawa Festival: The most auspicious time for the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival tour is during Saga Dawa itself. It falls in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar and typically takes place between May and June. Mount Kailash is turned into a pilgrimage center and is attended by many thousands of Tibetan Buddhists to participate in the pious celebration of the Saga Dawa Dchen.

The roads will be relatively easy to travel and the climate comfortable for both overland travel and the three-day Kora to Mount Kailash.

Visit During the Sacred Full Moon (Saga Dawa Düchen)

Visit during the Sacred Full Moon (Saga Dawa Dchen). It marks the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Buddha Shakyamuni. Saga Dawa Dchen is celebrated on the 15th day of the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar. The Sacred Day comprises the holy ceremony of the unfurling of the Tarboche Prayer Flagpole. Thousands of pilgrims visit Mount Kailash and stand under it and witness the unfurling ceremony, before starting the pious Kailash Kora. To experience the peak celebration of the Saga Dawa festival, visit during the Full Moon.

Best Time Based on Your Travel Goals

Travel Goal	Best Time
Witness the Saga Dawa Festival	Full Moon Day (Saga Dawa Düchen)
Experience the Tarboche Prayer Flagpole Ceremony	Morning of Saga Dawa Düchen
Complete the Kailash Kora with thousands of pilgrims	Immediately after the Full Moon ceremony
Enjoy the most spiritual pilgrimage atmosphere	Entire Saga Dawa Month (May - June)
Best weather for the Kailash Kora	Late May to Mid-June
Clear mountain views and photography	May - June with generally dry skies

Weather and Temperature During the Saga Dawa Festival

Saga Dawa is typically celebrated from May to June. During the months of May and June, this is one of the prime seasons for visiting Mount Kailash. The weather at this time of year will generally be stable with noticeably longer days, significantly less rain than earlier in the year, clearer mountain views, and plenty of daylight for those travelling to see the event and to complete the sacred 53 km circuit around Kailash (Kailash Kora). However, due to the fact that the altitude of the pilgrimage is above 4,500 m (14,763 ft), temperatures can change rapidly. Hence, it is very important to wear layers.

Climate During the Saga Dawa Season

The Mount Kailash region experiences a cold alpine climate with very low humidity and very thin air. Hence, the typical daytime temperatures in the lower elevations of the region (such as Darchen and Lake Mansarovar) during Saga Dawa season are suitable for hiking during the day, but will continue to be extremely cold at night. Daytime temperatures range between approximately 10°C-20°C; Nighttime temperatures can range between -5°C and 5°C; The colder temperatures experienced at the Dolma La Pass (5,634 m; 18,450 ft) will prevail all day at this high elevation.

What Weather Conditions Should You Expect?

During your stay, we’ll make sure you sleep in the best available hotels and guesthouses in Kerung and Saga, and we promise that all the hotels you'll be staying at will have twin beds with common facilities of a bathing room and toilets. Most of the accommodations provide a range of creature comforts, including hot water, comfortable beds, heating, electricity (where available), Wi-Fi, and dining options. Your overnight stays at these locations are designed to aid your acclimatization as you prepare to continue up into the higher elevations of the Mount Kailash Region.

Accommodation During the Kailash Saga Dawa Tour

On the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour, you’ll be provided with well-maintained, clean hotels with the best possible facilities available for every region. Although many of the hotels in cities are modern and up to standard, the accommodations in the Mount Kailash region are the simplest. There is less infrastructure in high-altitude areas, which restricts hotels from having standard accommodation like in lower altitudes; therefore, our main priority is your security and comfort on this pilgrimage journey.

Kerung and Saga 

We will accommodate in the best available hotel/guest houses in Kerung and Saga on twin sharing bases. Most of the guesthouses and hotels have attachment bathrooms with hot showers and beds, heater facility is available for accommodation; electricity supply is normally available, along with wi-fi access in most cases; and the restaurant is also part of the guesthouse. These stopovers are necessary to help you acclimatize to higher altitude before heading for the next destination.

Lake Mansarovar and Darchen 

It is common to stay in a guesthouse, which consists of standard rooms with beds, blankets, communal and/or attached toilets, and a dining hall.

At Darchen: At Darchen, the base point of the Kailash Kora, accommodation will be in the best available hotels/lodges offering twin rooms, attached/communal toilets, hot water (during specific hours), heating/electricity, with some of them providing oxygen-supported hotels/lodges.

Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk 

During your three days on the Kailash Kora, you will stay in traditional monastery guesthouses at Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk. Dormitory-style shared accommodation with simple beds, thick blankets, and typically shared toilets. There are no shower facilities, electricity may only be available for limited hours, and meals will be simple and nutritious. While the facilities are basic, staying at the base of the sacred north face of Mount Kailash will be one of your most treasured memories.

Meals and Drinking Water During the Journey

On the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour, you’ll be provided with well-maintained, clean hotels with the best possible facilities available for every region. Although many of the hotels in cities are modern and up to standard, the accommodations in the Mount Kailash region are the simplest. There is less infrastructure in high-altitude areas, which restricts hotels from having standard accommodation like in lower altitudes; therefore, our main priority is your security and comfort on this pilgrimage journey.

Breakfast 

Start every day with a steaming hot breakfast to boost you for your drive or trek for the day. Breakfast will consist of tea or coffee, milk, porridge, cornflakes, toast, butter, jam, paratha, puri bhaji, upma, chapati, fruits, eggs (optional), and so on, depending on the location of the day. Lunch – Eat Fresh and Energized Meals While in Transit. Have your lunch in a restaurant along the way or enjoy a packed lunch during your Kailash Kora.

The meals comprise rice, dal, chapati, seasonal vegetables, paneer dishes, pulao, vegetable curry, pickles, salad, fruits, juice and a simple dessert to help you manage high-altitude travel.

Lunch 

You will be offered with a variety of foods including rice, dal (thick lentil soup), chapati (thin unleavened flat bread), seasonal vegetables, various plates of paneer (fresh cheese dishes), pulao (savory rice dish), vegetable curry, pickles, salad, fruits, juices, and light desserts during lunch to provide you with the energy needed to complete the high altitude hiking. Our Nepali sherpa kitchen team personally makes this food for you.

Dinner

After arriving at the next stop for the night, you will be provided with dinner that has been freshly prepared by our professional cooking staff. Typical dinners will consist of soup, rice, dal, roti, mixed vegetables, khichdi (rice and lentils), polis (thick Indian flat-baked bread), pasta or noodles, papad (very thin Indian fried bread), and desserts, providing you with a satisfying and healthy meal after your long day.

Drinking Water Throughout the Tour

Having safe drinking water at high altitude is very important for your health; therefore, our staff will serve you boiled (hot) drinking water throughout your entire trip, and you will be able to buy bottled drinking water at larger population centres along the way; these towns currently include Kerung, Saga, and Darchen. All trekkers are encouraged to carry a reusable water bottle or thermos so that they can drink at least 3 to 4 litres of water daily in order to keep well hydrated and to help prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.

How To Be Fully Prepared For Kailash Kora From Home?

Preparing for the Kailash Kora (53 km) is best done at home, before leaving for the pilgrimage. Preparing ahead of time will help enhance your chances of completing your journey comfortably and safely. Although the pilgrimage involves reaching the Dolma La Pass (5,634 m), good preparation should not be limited to simply having trekking experience but should also include preparations that involve the physical and mental aspects of completing the actual trek as well as preparing your body for the rigors of backpacking and climbing.

When planning to go on the Kailash Kora, you should allow yourself 6-to-8 weeks to get your body a little bit stronger and in better condition to help you complete the trek without undue pain or injury to your body.

Step 1: Build Your Walking Endurance

• For the first two weeks, walk 4-5 km (2-3 miles) per day.

• In weeks 3 through 6, gradually add distance with your pack to 8-12 km (5-7 miles) while carrying a light pack.

• 3-4 times per week, walk or climb stairs.

• One time per week, take a long day/evening hike of 3-5 hours.

Step 2: Trek Gear Development

• Use trek boots during training walks.

• Use your pack as you would during the trek (test it in real conditions).

• Try your trekking poles prior to the trip.

• Test clothing layers in various weather conditions.

Step 3: Pack the equipment. 

• Bring some layered clothes, some waterproof things, gloves,sunglasses, a bottle of water and some sunscreen.

• Limit items packed to only necessary essentials for your daypack so that it remains light.

• Your main luggage will be in Darchen when doing the Kora if using porters/horses.

Step 4: Preparing Mentally / Spiritually

• Learn what Mount Kailash and the Saga Dawa Festival are and why they are religiously important for many people who make this trip.

• Be prepared to walk slowly and be patient when you are at high altitude.

• Keep a positive mindset and listen to the guide during your time on the pilgrimage.

• Remember that Kora is a holy quest, not a race; each person making this pilgrimage will be walking at their own comfortable pace.

Travel Insurance Requirements 

We highly advise each traveler to take travel insurance for the Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour, as it involves travelling to the isolated high regions of Tibet, including the Kora around Mount Kailash, which goes over the Dolma La Pass (5,634 m). Travel insurance does not usually cover high-altitude trekking; therefore, you would need to opt for a travel insurance policy which provides cover for travelling above 5,500- 6,000 m, including emergency treatment and medical evacuation.

Make sure that you have read the policy and make sure that there are no restrictions on altitude limits or exclusions for trekking and pilgrimage.

What Should Your Insurance Cover?

• High-altitude trekking and pilgrimage to 5,634m or above.

• Medical expenses for accidental injury and acute mountain sickness.

• Emergency rescue and evacuation (ground extraction from Kailash Kora route where applicable).

• Hospital and medical expenses while in Tibet and subsequent arrangements, if any.

• Trip cancellation, interruption and travel delay insurance.

• Lost passport or baggage insurance.

• Personal accident insurance and personal liability insurance while travelling.

Before You Travel

Ensure you obtain your travel insurance prior to your arrival in Nepal, and travel with a printed as well as a digital copy of your insurance documents, along with the same shared with us here at View Nepal Treks prior to your departure date. Although our crew is entirely equipped for logistical help, guides, as well as emergency help on this journey, each and every traveler needs to bring their very own travel policy with their respective insurance service provider.

What To Pack for Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour?

Clothing

• Warm base layers (2 pairs)

• Water- and windproof coat

• Down jacket

• Warm coat

• Polar jacket

• Quick-drying trekking tops (2 - 3 pairs)

• Trek trousers

• Waterproof trousers

• Comfortable innerwear

• Warm hat and sun hat

• Water- and windproof gloves

• Liner gloves

• Wool socks (4 - 6 pairs)

• Polar neck warmer for cold air

• Scarf

• Lightweight clothing for lower altitudes

Footwear Section

• Well-broken-in waterproof trekking boots

• Comfortable camp shoes and/or sandals

• Extra boot laces

• Gaiters (recommended but optional when you experience snow or muddy conditions)

Trekking Equipment

• A 25 to 35 litre day pack.

• Two trekking poles.

• A reusable water bottle or thermos.

• A headlamp with spare batteries.

• A power bank and charging cord.

• A rain cover for your day pack.

• A sleeping bag (to add extra warmth).

Personal Medication and Toiletries

• Personal prescription medicine

• High altitude medicine (consult your doctor)

• Small first-aid kit

• SPF50+ Sunscreen

• Lip Balm with SPF

• Sunglasses with UV coating

• Toothbrush & toothpaste, soap, shampoo

• Quick dry travel towel

• Wet wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer

Travel Documents

• Your original passport

• Tibet permits - to be organised by us

• China Group Visa - if you’re entering with group visa

• Travel Insurance - details

• Passport-sized photos

• Contact details of emergency persons

Snacks and Personal Items

• Snacks: Dried fruits, nuts, chocolate bars and protein/energy bars

• Electrolytes: Powder or ORS packets (optional)

• Prayer beads/malatmala: Small religious articles/preferences, etc.; or puja supplies

• Camera/smartphone: More than one memory card (if possible)

• Local currency in Chinese Yuan (RMB) to buy personal items (i.e. after their arrival) and pay horse/porter costs; buy things on trail.

Horse, Porter and Yak Services for the Kailash Kora

The hiring of a horse, porter, or yak is entirely voluntary for the 53 km Kailash Kora. Most people will opt for one of these services to lighten the physical load at higher altitudes, and using them is not seen as compromising the Kora itself. Such services need to be booked locally in Darchen prior to the starting of the Kora, subject to availability.

Horse Service for the Kailash Kora

A horse is advisable for the elderly, or for anyone concerned about their fitness levels to complete the trek with daily considerable walks. The horse comes with a local handler and can be used on almost all parts of the Kora. However, there are some exceptions, and you will need to walk during the most difficult section of the Kora at Dolma La Pass (5,634 m), both the ascent and descent, before re-joining your horse later on the trail. This service must be booked and paid prior to starting your Kora and is usually non-refundable.

Porter Service

A porter will carry your personal pack and belongings, enabling you to walk with minimal or no weight. The load you carry will typically be around 5–8 kg, while your main luggage remains in your hotel in Darchen. This service is very popular as it significantly reduces physical strain during the trek.

Yak Service

Yaks are generally used to transport expedition gear and large equipment. They are not used for carrying passengers. This service is typically arranged for group logistics and supplies, and must be organized in Darchen before the start of the Kora.

Practical Tips from Experienced Pilgrims

Most of the Kora trekking accounts by fellow trekkers emphasize the importance of hiring a horse or porter prior to the commencement of the trek, particularly in the high season such as during Saga Dawa, when demand becomes really high. Almost everyone talks about hiring a porter and how much of a difference having hot meals cooked by a Nepali kitchen team can make on a trek.

Even hardcore trekkers recommend traveling with just a light daypack and relying on porter assistance for the rest. 

Booking and Registration With View Nepal Treks Beforehand For Saga Dawa Festival

The Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour is one of the top tours each year, as spaces for permits, hotels, transport and the festival itself are limited. The Saga Dawa Dchen pilgrimage to Mount Kailash also pulls many thousands of pilgrims, so departures sell out many months ahead. We have already had bookings for 2027, 2028 and 2029.

Make sure to book early if you don't want to miss out on this amazing journey to Mount Kailash, and we'll have plenty of time to apply for your Tibet travel permits, China Group Visa (where applicable) and all other travel documents.

How to Register for the Saga Dawa Festival Tour

• Step 1: Send Us Your Tour Inquiry (2027/2028/2029, size of group and your nationality).
• Step 2: Your tour booking will be managed by bhupen, our most experienced travel consultant. He will get back to you shortly about the departure date, cost, and question.
• Step 3: Forward a copy of your passport to get started on the Kailash Tibet permit procedure. Please fill out our booking form too.
• Step 4: Make a payment of the booking deposit, this secures your seat on your chosen tour date. You have a guaranteed place once the deposit payment is received.
• Step 5: We will prepare your Tibet permit and conduct pre-departure briefings for packing and general tour information, and keep you updated until you arrive in Kathmandu.

Book Your Seat Now

The earlier you book, the earlier you get confirmed, with an opportunity to join the sacred Tarboche Prayer Flagpole Ceremony and trek the most rewarding Kailash Kora, the holy 53km ritual for success.