How to Plan for a Tibet Pilgrimage Tour
In Tibet, the custom of pilgrims going to monasteries to worship Buddha and make pilgrimages to sacred mountains and holy lakes has lasted for over a thousand years. On the pilgrimage path, these believers either prostrate themselves, rotate Tibetan prayer wheels, or hold prayer beads and recite the six-syllable mantra, thereby obtaining the merit of paying homage to the Buddha. As a tourist rather than a pilgrim, you can participate in it in a simple yet respectful way and experience the rich religious atmosphere.
Best Time to Go for a Tibet Pilgrimage Tour
Taking into account factors such as the weather and festivals, I would most recommend visiting Tibet during the Saga Dawa Festival, because the month when the Saga Dawa Festival falls is one of the months with the strongest religious atmosphere throughout the year. This festival is usually held in May or June of the Gregorian calendar. It is the time when spring and summer meet, far from the cold of winter and without encountering the rainy season of summer. It is said that this period was precisely the time when Sakyamuni Buddha was born and achieved enlightenment. Therefore, throughout the month, the number of pilgrims is even greater. They remember this auspicious day by reciting scriptures, doing kora around sacred places and paying devout homage.
Best Places to Visit for a Tibet Pilgrimage Tour
Jokhang Temple
The 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni enshrined in the Jokhang Temple is regarded by believers as the true form of the Buddha. Tibetan Buddhism holds that paying homage to this statue is equivalent to seeing the Buddha in person, gaining extremely high merit and fulfillment.
Inside the Jokhang Temple, there is a circumambulation path called Nangkhor Kora, and outside it is the Barkhor Street Circumambulation path, called Barkhor Kora. Two of the three major circumambulation paths in Lhasa are located here, gathering a large number of people and the warmth of faith. On ordinary days, you can see believers everywhere holding prayer wheels and reciting the six-syllable mantra, with butter lamps always burning. Not to mention what kind of grand scene it is during festivals.
Mount Kailash
Every Saga Dawa Festival, Mount Kailash enters its peak season for circumambulation. An increasing number of pilgrims and trekkers springs up for a 3-day kora around Mount Kailash, passing by Dirapuk Monastery, Dzultripuk Monastery and Dromala Pass. This arduous journey is a double test of both body and mind. As you traverse the plateau wetlands, pass through glacial valleys, gravel beaches, glacial lakes and strange peaks and rocks, the wonders of nature will take you to view the world from a different perspective.
Besides, the prayer flag posts in the Prayer Flag Square nearby Mount Kailash will be toppled and replaced with new ones, which is a celebration ceremony during the Saga Dawa Festival. Meanwhile, people will hang new Tibetan prayer flags, creating a very spectacular and photogenic scene.
Document Requirements for a Tibet Pilgrimage Tour
For a Jokhang Temple pilgrimage tour, it is required to obtain Tibet Travel Permit, Chinese Visa, and valid passport.
For a Mount Kailash pilgrimage tour, tourists need three extra documents on the basis of a Jokhang Temple pilgrimage tour: Aliens' Travel Permit, Foreign Affairs Permit, and Military Permit.
Conclusion
Apart from the Jokhang Temple and Mount Kailash, of course, you need some more embellishments to make your journey full of surprises and satisfactions. Now it's time for our professional travel consultants to guide you to craft a perfect travel plan.
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39 Comment ON "How to Plan for a Tibet Pilgrimage Tour"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.