Tibet's Top Festivals to Witness on Your Trip

Tibet hosts a variety of vibrant festivals throughout the year. These festivals are not only an integral part of Tibetan life but also offer travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the rich cultural essence of this magical land. Here are some of the top festivals in Tibet that you shouldn't miss during your trip.

Losar: The Tibetan New Year

The Tibetan New Year is one of the most important festivals in Tibet. It is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. In 2025, Losar falls on February 28th in the Gregorian calendar. This festival marks the beginning of a new year and is a time for family reunions, celebrations, and religious observances.

During Losar, the whole of Tibet is filled with a festive atmosphere. Tibetan people clean their houses thoroughly to sweep away bad luck and decorate them with colorful prayer flags and traditional Tibetan paintings. They wear new clothes and exchange greetings with friends and relatives. One of the most exciting parts of Losar is the family gatherings. Families come together to enjoy traditional Tibetan dishes such as momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and chang (barley beer). They also play traditional games and share stories, strengthening family bonds.

For tourists, this is a great time to experience the true essence of Tibetan culture. In Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, you can visit the Potala Palace. During Losar, the palace is decorated with beautiful lights and traditional ornaments, creating a magnificent sight. The Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Temple is also a must-visit place. Here, you can see locals walking around the street in a clockwise direction, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras. The air is filled with the smell of burning incense, and the sound of prayer wheels turning creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

A recommended travel route during Losar could start from Lhasa. Spend a few days exploring the city's famous religious sites like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Then, head to the nearby villages to experience the rural side of Tibetan New Year celebrations. You can participate in local family feasts, learn how to make traditional Tibetan foods, and even join in the traditional dance performances.

Saga Dawa Festival

The Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar. In 2025, it falls on June 11th. This festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha Shakyamuni. It is a month-long period of spiritual reflection, prayer, and acts of kindness for Tibetan Buddhists.

The main activity during the Saga Dawa Festival is circumambulation, or "kora". Devout believers walk around sacred sites, such as the Barkhor Street in Lhasa, the Potala Palace, and the Drepung Monastery. They spin prayer wheels, recite mantras, and offer butter lamps. On the 15th day of the month, which is considered the most auspicious day, the number of pilgrims reaches its peak. Another important aspect of the festival is almsgiving. People distribute food, money, and other necessities to the poor and the needy, believing that this will bring them good karma.

As a tourist, you can join the pilgrims on their kora, experiencing the spiritual energy of the place. If you are interested in meditation and Buddhism, many monasteries offer short-term meditation courses and lectures during the festival.

A great travel route for the Saga Dawa Festival would be to start in Lhasa. First, join the daily kora. Around Barkhor Street. Then, you can take a day trip to the Tashilhunpo Monastery for another kora. For an in-depth experience, head to Mount Kailash to start your sacred pilgrimage.

Shoton Festival

The Shoton Festival is held on the 30th day of the sixth month of the Tibetan calendar. In 2025, it will be on August 23th. The name "Shoton" means "yogurt-eating" in Tibetan. This festival has a long history and has evolved from a religious event to a grand cultural celebration.

The festival kicks off with the grand Thangka-unfurling ceremony at the Drepung Monastery. Early in the morning, thousands of people gather at the monastery to watch as a huge Thangka is slowly unfurled on the mountainside. The sight is truly spectacular, with the colorful Thangka against the backdrop of the blue sky and the white-washed monastery buildings. After the Thangka-unfurling, there are performances of Tibetan opera, which is a unique form of art with elaborate costumes, exaggerated facial expressions, and powerful singing. Another highlight is the "picnicking in the woods", or "lingka" in Tibetan. People set up tents in the parks and gardens, especially in Norbulingka, and enjoy yogurt, beer, and other delicious foods while watching the opera performances.

For tourists, the Shoton Festival offers a great opportunity to appreciate Tibetan art and culture. You can watch the Tibetan opera performances.

A suggested travel route for the Shoton Festival is to first visit the Drepung Monastery to witness the Thangka-unfurling ceremony. Then, head to Longwangtan Park ot Norbulingka to enjoy the Tibetan opera performances and the festive atmosphere. You can also explore other parts of Lhasa, such as the Sera Monastery, which also has its own unique celebrations during the Shoton Festival.

Butter Lamp Festival

The Butter Lamp Festival is celebrated on the 25th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar. In 2025, it will be on December 14th. This festival commemorates the passing of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

On this day, people light butter lamps in front of their houses, in monasteries, and along the streets. The soft, warm light of the butter lamps creates a magical and peaceful atmosphere. Monasteries are especially beautiful during this time, with rows and rows of butter lamps illuminating the buildings. Devotees gather in the monasteries to chant scriptures and offer prayers, asking for blessings from Je Tsongkhapa.

As a tourist, you can visit the major monasteries in Lhasa, such as the Potala Palace. In the Jokhang Temple, you can join the pilgrims in their prayers and experience the strong religious devotion. The Barkhor Street is also bustling with activity, with people walking around, lighting lamps, and buying traditional handicrafts related to the festival.

Tashilhunpo Thangka Unveiling Festival

The Tashilhunpo Thangka Unveiling Festival is held at the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. It usually takes place on a specific day in the Tibetan calendar, and in 2025, it is scheduled for July 10th. This festival is centered around the unveiling of a large and magnificent Thangka at the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important monasteries in Tibet.

The Thangka, which is often a masterpiece of Tibetan art, depicts important Buddhist deities or religious scenes. When it is unveiled, monks chant scriptures, and pilgrims prostrate themselves in worship. The monastery is filled with a solemn and sacred atmosphere. There are also traditional dance performances by the monks and local people, adding to the festive mood.

Visiting the Tashilhunpo Monastery during this festival is a unique experience. You can admire the intricate Thangka up close, learn about its religious significance from the monks, and watch the traditional dance performances. Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, also has its own charm. You can explore the old town, visit local markets, and try traditional Tibetan snacks.

Conclusion

If you are planning your trip to Tibet around these festivals, contact us to know the best travel date.