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Buddha's Descending Festival in Tibet

Dec 8, 2025 11:37 By lewis

Every year on the 22nd day of the ninth Tibetan lunar month, which typically falls in late October or early November on the Gregorian calendar, something extraordinary happens in Lhasa. In 2026, this special day, known as the Buddha's Descending Festival or Lhabab Duchen, will occur on November 1st. The air fills with the scent of burning juniper branches, prayer flags flutter in the crisp autumn breeze, and an undeniable spiritual energy permeates the ancient streets. This sacred celebration commemorates Buddha Shakyamuni's descent from the Tushita Heaven back to the human realm. According to beloved tradition, the Buddha ascended to heaven to teach the Dharma to his mother and other celestial beings before returning to earth, guided by a beautiful staircase created by the gods. This powerful symbolism of divine connection and compassion resonates deeply with both locals and visitors seeking authentic Tibetan cultural experiences.

Buddha's Descending Festival in Tibet

Three Soul-Stirring Rituals You Can't Miss

The Lhabab Duchen celebration centers around three profound rituals that engage all senses and offer incredible photography opportunities for travel enthusiasts. The first ritual begins before sunrise at specific smoke offering sites near Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Local devotees gather to burn juniper branches mixed with barley grains and tsampa, creating aromatic smoke believed to carry prayers directly to the divine realm. This ancient practice, known as Sang offering, transforms the morning air into a mystical blue haze that envelopes the city in spiritual devotion. 

Next, the Thousand Lamp Chapel in Jokhang Temple glows with the warm light of countless butter lamps, meticulously maintained by devoted monks and pilgrims throughout the festival night. The golden temple roofs reflect this celestial illumination, casting an otherworldly glow over the entire Barkhor neighborhood.

Buddha's Descending Festival in Tibet

Another essential experience is joining the kora, or pilgrimage circuit, around Lhasa's sacred sites. After paying respects to the Jowo Rinpoche statue in Jokhang Temple, pilgrims begin their clockwise journey along the kora route, passing significant landmarks including Potala Palace and other holy sites. Joining this continuous flow of devotees—some walking, some prostrating—provides an unforgettable immersion into Tibetan Buddhist practice. The rhythm of chanting, spinning prayer wheels, and the shared sense of purpose creates a powerful connection between travelers and local culture.

Buddha's Descending Festival in Tibet

Conclusion

Let us help you discover the hidden wonders of Tibetan culture during this very special time—where ancient traditions come alive and create memories that last long after you've returned home

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35 Comment ON "Buddha's Descending Festival in Tibet"

Oct 23, 2025 8:39
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.

Oct 23, 2025 10:30
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Thank you for your inquiry. Our travel advisor has sent a timely response to your email regarding you and your boyfriend's travel plan. Please check your inbox.

Jun 21, 2024 2:17
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

Jun 21, 2024 2:17
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Thanks for your inquiry. Our travel expert will send you a detailed itinerary according to your plan and help you arrange the best trip. Please check your email box.

Jun 21, 2024 12:30
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

Jun 21, 2024 12:31
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Thank you for your inquiry. Travel time by vehicle depends on your route. For tours outside Lhasa, it often involves several hours of driving, with opportunities for short stops in local villages. Our one-on-one travel consultant will contact you to learn more about your plans and provide detailed schedules based on your route.

Jun 20, 2024 6:59
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

Jun 20, 2024 7:00
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Dear Shek, Thank you for reaching out and we are here to help. For Hong Kong residents that want to travel to Tibet, a Tibet Travel permit is not required, as long as you have the HKSAR passport, as well as the Home Return Permit (HRP). Officially known as the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, the HRP can be issued to Chinese nationals that are permanent residents of Hong Kong in order to enter mainland China. Cheers!

Jun 20, 2024 2:30
Asked by Na** from USA

Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?

Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?

Jun 20, 2024 2:30
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Dear Nayak, Thank you for reaching out! We're here to help. Well, for Indian passport holders who plan to visit Mt. Kailash, you have to book your Tibet tour with a licensed Nepali or Indian travel agency that is authorized by the Foreign Affairs Office of TAR or Pilgrim Center (also known as Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center) to get your Tibet Travel Permit and run your Tibet tour. If you are an Indian origin who lives outside of India and have another passport, let's say a US or Canadian passport, in this case, we can help you get the Tibet Travel Permit and other travel documents and arrange the Mt. Kailash tours for you.

Jun 16, 2024 9:40
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.

Jun 16, 2024 9:40
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Dear Azmi, Thanks for your inquiry. A viable option is to fly from HK to Chengdu and later take Chengdu-Lhasa train to Lhasa. You may enjoy the Lhasa to EBC tour from Lhasa to Gyantse, Shigatse, and EBC, which is the most popular itineraries in Tibet. Our travel consultants will have a detailed discussion with you and give you an accurate quotation. Looking forward to seeing you in Lhasa. Best Wishes.

Jun 15, 2024 11:14
Asked by Na** from Canada

We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa

Hello We are a family of 3 (2 adults, 1 child) and would like to visit Tibet again in 2025. We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa, then stay in Lhasa and mostly just walk around Barkhor, but also visit 3 monasteries: Sera (by bus), Drak Yerpa (by pilgrimage bus) and Tschokhang. We would like to stay in Lhasa for 10 days total, then leave by plane. Can you arrange a permit for this trip for us (3 Canadians)? Best regards, Brigitte Mueller

Jun 15, 2024 11:14
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Dear Nancy, We appreciate your message and are here to help. Of course, it is our great privilege to arrange a private Lhasa family tour for your family and help you secure the Tibet Travel Permit and Xining-Lhasa train ticket to Lhasa. Our friendly travel consultants will discuss with you for more details and help you plan an uplifting Tibet tour. Cheers!
Jun 15, 2024 11:12
Asked by Gr** from Canada

The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply

I heard from my friend that says there is difference between the above mentioned are: "Individual Tibet Entry Permit" - Individual Entering Tibet is granted. "Group Tibet Entry Permit" - Anyone from the group is Absent, the whole group is deny entry. May I know which one is the correct facts?

Jun 15, 2024 11:12
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Tibet Travel Permit, the required travel document for entering Tibet Autonomous Region, has no distinction between individual and group. . What your friends might have mentioned is the Group Visa, specifically required for entry into Tibet from Nepal. You'll have to apply for the Group Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, and you'll need at least four people in your group. You'll all have to enter and leave Tibet together. But if you're entering Tibet from mainland China, you don't need this group thing. Our travel consultant will contact you with more details and help you arrange your trip to Tibet.
Jun 15, 2024 11:10
Asked by Tam** from Singapore

Sightseeing Potala Palace

I would like to travel to Tibet in September 2024 from Kathmandu. Sightseeing Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and many more.

Jun 15, 2024 11:10
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Dear Tamang, We appreciate your message and are here to help. September is a perfect time to travel from Kathmandu to Tibet. You can sign up for our 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland small group tour via Gyirong, EBC and Shigatse. This tour has fixed departures on Sept 6/13/20/27 and you can travel with other global travelers to share the tour cost. Another great option is to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and book the 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour to admire the majestic Himalayan range and travel across Lhasa and Shigatse, two of the biggest cities in Tibet. For both ways, our travel agents will help you get your Tibet Travel Permit and other travel documents needed and arrange the accommodations, local expert guide, etc. based on your travel preferences and interests. Cheers!
Jun 15, 2024 11:06
Asked by Ka** from Singapore

plan to travel to Mount Kailash

Hi I am Indian residing in Singapore and plan to travel to Mount Kailash in first week of September. I am all by myself and would like to join any travel group. How do i apply for tibet visa? How do i apply for Chinese visa? Could you help me with Travel Itinerary? Regards.

Jun 15, 2024 11:06
Answered by Tibet Tour team

Dear Kadam, We appreciate your message and are here to help. If you are an Indian national with a Singapore passport, you can sign up for our 15-day Kailash and Manasarova Small Group Tour that departs on Sept, 1st. Firstly, you need to go to the Chinese Embassy in Singapore and fill out the application form to apply for the Chinese Visa yourself. After you get your Chinese Visa, you are expected to email the photos of your Singapore passport information page and Chinese Visa page to us to apply for Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. Remember to do this at least 20 days before your departure to Tibet. We will manage to deliver the Tibet Travel Permit to your hotel in the Chinese arrival city. So, you can show the Tibet Permit and board the flight or train to Lhasa. Our expert travel agents will offer you more details and help you plan a seamless Lhasa to Mt. Kailash tour. Cheers!

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