Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sakyamuni's Birthday
The seventh day of the fourth lunar month sees large numbers of pilgrims visiting Lhasa
and other sacred areas in Tibet. Festivals are held around this time at Tsurphu, Ganden,
Reting and Samye Monasteries. Can be in June instead.
Tsurphu Festival
Cham
dancing (ritual dances performed by costumed monks), colourful processions and
the unfurling of a great thangka are the highlights of this festival, held from the ninth to
11th days of the fourth lunar month. Can be in June instead.
Saga Dawa (Sakyamuni's Enlightenment)
The full moon (15th day) of the fourth lunar month marks the date of Sakyamuni's con-
ception, enlightenment and entry into nirvana. Huge numbers of pilgrims walk Lhasa's
Lingkhor circuit and visit Mt Kailash, where the Tarboche prayer pole is raised each year.
Can be in June instead.
June
Tibet's high season starts in earnest in June. Lots of Indian pilgrims head to
Kailash at this time and trekking is good. Even summer days can be chilly at
higher elevations (above 4000m).
Gyantse's Dhama Festival
This largely secular festival comes to Gyantse 20-23 June, featuring such fun and games
as line dances, yak races, archery and equestrian events.
Worship of the Buddha
During the second week of the fifth lunar month, the parks of Lhasa, in particular the Nor-
bulingka, are crowded with picnickers.
