Saga Dawa Festival

Saga Dawa Festival is an influential religious festival in Tibet. It represents April in Tibetan calendar. Buddhism believes that Sakyamuni was born, became Buddha and attained nirvana in April 15, so the Saga Dawa Festival mainly focuses on worshipping Buddha in the inner, middle and outer parts of Lhasa. All the activities last through the whole month. In 2026, the 15th day of the fourth Tibetan month, the peak of the festival, falls on May 31 in the Solar calendar.

Circumambulation of Outer Part of Lhasa

The festival reaches its climax on April 15, which is considered the birthday and the day that Sakyamuni entered nirvana. Buddhist followers walk around the outer part of Lhasa on this day. They recite scriptures while walking on the 8,000-metre-long outer ring of Lhasa, forming a grand troop. Passing by mulberry stoves or fires, they add cypress branches, mugwort, Chinese photinia or zamba. At intersections of roads, they will put off their hats to bow towards the direction of Potala Palace. In the afternoon, they all get together at Zongjolukang (Dragon King's Pool) at the back of the Red Hill, where they boat, sing, dance and entertain themselves.

Recommended Tour Packages

Escorted by a skilled private drivers and companied by a professional local tour guide to organize all the activities, all you have to do is to enjoy your fantastic Tibet journey. Time can never be wasted waiting for a group, hopping on and off buses or negotiating unfamiliar destinations.

• 

  Lhasa / Shigatse / Gyantse

  7 Days Tibetan New Year Festival Tour

  Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake

  Request / Details

• 

  Lhasa / Namtso / Lhasa

  6 Days Tibet Shoton Festival Tour

  Highlights: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Buddha Exhibition, Tibetan Opera

  / Details

• 

  Lhasa / Nakchu / Lhasa

  6 Days Nagchu Horse Racing Festival Tour

  Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Horse Racing Festival

  / Details