Starting date from Kathmandu 14th june and festival date 18 june 2008

The Saga Dawa festival holds an important position in the Tibetan society which helds each year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. This festival is celebrated in honor of Sakyamuni's and his enlightenment as well as his birth, has a special significance during the Year of the Horse. The 15th day of the fourth month on the Tibetan calendar is said to be the birthday of Sakyamuni, and the day when he died and attained Nirvana. During this period, hundreds of thousands of people turn their prayer wheels singing and dancing.

The festival is observed by turning prayer wheels, having vegetarian lunch and a picnic and so on by the Mt. Kailash region. Folk entertainers will perform Tibetan tradition; they will pay their homage to Buddha, observe a vegetarian rule, refrain from killing domestic animals and give out alms during the month. It is said that good deeds in the month of this festival deserve 300 fold in return and this leads many people to donate large sums to the religious orders, monasteries and to the beggars that gather at this time of year. During Saga Dawa, the karmic results of virtuous and non-virtuous actions are magnified and it is believed that the merit earned on this day is multiplied. As a result, the tradition in the Tibetan community is to make offerings to their temple, Lama, and their community. One important offering that is made is to poor people. Tibetans give money to the beggars also give money to save the lives of animals. For instance, giving a butcher money to save the life of a sheep. Then this sheep is taken to a herdsman who is paid regularly by the "sponsor" to take care of the animal. The karmic merit thought to accumulate from these actions, if the motivation is correct, can be enormous.

Thus the Saga Dawa festival has been celebrated by the Tibetan Buddhists for past thousand years or so. Just to take part in the festival is enough experience that provides us unlimited excitement and unforgettable memory last forever.

Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu to Nylam (150km), 3750m: After breakfast drive from  Kathmandu to Nyalam (3800m.). We reach friendship bridge ( Nepal – China boarder) by private coach. After Nepal immigration and custom formalities cross the bridge and introduce with Chinese guide and land cruiser drivers then proceed the journey to Zangmu, where all the immigration and custom formalities are ought to be accomplished. After the accomplishment of all formalities, we proceed to Nyalam. Arrival at Nyalam and overnight stay at guesthouse.

Day 02: Rest day at Nylam 3750m for acclimatization for further adventure journey. 

Day 03: Saga/4450m: (Labug-La 5050m, Peku-tso and Saga, 245 km) On the first long driving day over the sandy and rocky land of Tibet, other things like lake, nomads chasing thousands of yaks and sheep keep you busy.  By the late afternoon you will cross Bhramha Purtra River way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town, Saga for night.

Day 04: Paryang (4600m) 230 km 7-8 hrs: Jeeps and trucks roll on the wide valley following rivers and grazing land of yaks and sheep. Far south you can see snow covered peaks, lots of rocky peaks and sand duns give you an ideal world. Depending on the season, nomads and other mobile shopkeepers are attired by beautiful traditional costume, waiting your arrival with hot tea and other supplies along with big smile.

Day 05: Drive Paryang to Manasarover (4558m) 277km 8 hours: The longest driving day starts with full of excitement, by the late afternoon you can have the first sight of Holy Kailash Parbat and Manasarovara. Arrive at Hore, a small village near by Lake Manasarover for the overnight. 

Day 06: Puja and drive to Tarchen (14975ft) 40km: Manasarovara is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning Bath and Puja we will be heading towards Tarchen and witness of the sagadawa festival.

Day 07: Trek to Dehara Puk/5000m: It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; water falls with some clouds in the clear blue sky make you feeling that great God Shiva is every where with tons of blessing to you. The walk is for about 7hrs and completes 15kms providing frequently face of Kailash Parbat.

Day 08: The hardest but holiest day of the pilgrimage Yatra with Dolma-La (pass) of 18600ft between two valleys: Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal while your steps go closer to the pass. Once you reach the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for meditation to forget yourself. Once your steps go down, Parvati-stal and Gauri Kunda are on the way. By the late afternoon you will arrive Zuthal Puk (the cave of Miracles ). The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here.     

Day 09: End of Kailash kora (Parikrama) and drive to Manasarovar: After walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will be waiting your arrival. By the late afternoon you will be at your lodge/camp.

Day 10: Drive to Paryang (277km) 7-8 hr.

Day 11: Drive Pary to Saga (185km) 7-8 hrs

Day 12: Drive to Nylam or Zangmu  (296km) 6-7 hr.

Day 13: Drive down to Friendship Bridge and transfer to Dhulikhel.118 km 5-6 hrs

Day 14: Transfer to kathmandu (32 km) 2-3 hrs.

Cost include
Accommodation on twin sharing basis at Guest Houses  & Camping Tents as per itinerary, Landcruisers  (4 Person in 1 Landcruiser Basis) and Support Truck, Freshly cooked full board meals, Dining / Kitchen & Toilet tents, English speaking Tibetan Guide, 1 Nepali Team Leader, Experienced Sherpa Staff, Freshly cooked western meals, Monastery entrance fees, Yaks & Yak-men for Porterage during Kailash Parikarma, Gamow Bag, Oxygen, Basic first aid kit, 1 Satellite Phone, Kailash Permit and  Tibet / China Visa fee.

Cost exclude
Nepal re-entry visa fee, Travel Insurance, Extra cost in the event of landslide, for hiring porterage or arranging additional transportation and expenses of personal nature. 

Group size
Normally above 15+ people in each group

Booking condition
All the personal details must be sent 1 months in advance with 25% (out of total trip amount) non-refundable advance payment.

Recommended clothing and equipments for the trip
Down sleeping bags/jacket with polar fleece/with rain and water proofed, thermal underwear, wind / rain-proof trousers, woolen and sun hats, scarves (muffler), woolen or cotton socks, gloves, trekking boots, sun/snow glassed, towel, t-shirt/s, sunscreen/sun lotion, flash light with extra bulbs and batteries, sandals, water bottles, day pack, kit or duffel bag, first aid box /personal medicine (for headaches, fever, colds, stomach disorders and diamox for altitude sickness, walking stick,  sun tan lotion utility knife, dust musk water bottle, water
purification tabs etc.

Our advice
Generally travelers do not need to submit any health certificate those with a history of medical problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory, should consult a doctor before deciding to undertake the trip. It is rigorous and challenging trip where all the time spent at high altitudes. At least 2 months regular practice is recommend either 2 hours daily running, swimming, or joining on a health club may help to complete the yatra very successfully. Also good to carry dry fruit , juice powder , breads, candy, canned or packed food, nuts, pickles and biscuits etc.