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Tibetan New Year: A Festival Adventure in Lhasa
$2900
per person
This 7-day journey offers a rare opportunity to witness and experience the vibrant Tibetan Lunar New Year celebrations, known as Losar. This festival is a profound expression of Tibetan culture, where ancient traditions meet heartfelt festivity. Visitors will experience the colorful streets of Lhasa, adorned with new prayer flags and bustling with activity, as well as serene moments in the region’s sacred monasteries. From the awe-inspiring Potala Palace to the tranquil beauty of Yamdrok-tso Lake, this itinerary combines cultural immersion with exploration of Tibet’s stunning landscapes revitalizing the body, mind and soul. Each day unfolds unique encounters, offering guests memories to cherish for a lifetime.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Guests celebrate the Tibetan New Year with locals, participating in traditional rituals and performances.
• The Potala Palace offers a glimpse into the historical and spiritual lives of the Dalai Lamas.
• Jokhang Temple serves as Tibet’s spiritual center, where pilgrims gather in devotion and prayer.
• The Barkhor Circuit is a vibrant pilgrimage route that reflects Tibetan culture and daily life.
• Drepung Monastery is renowned for its scholarly traditions and historical significance.
• Yamdrok-tso Lake captivates visitors with its sacred turquoise waters and stunning mountain views.
• Gyantse Kumbum showcases exquisite murals and chapels, embodying Tibet’s artistic heritage.
• Tashilhunpo Monastery houses a 26-meter gold Buddha statue and reflects Tibetan monastic life.
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Departure/Return Location
Kathmandu -
Departure Time
Kathmandu, Nepal -
Included
AccommodationDomestic FlightsMealsTour GuideTransportation -
Not Included
Additional HelicopterAirport TransferEmergency KitsInternational AirfareOptional ActivitiesPermit & Entry FeePersonal ExpensesPorter ServicesSafety EquipmentSightseeing ToursTaxes & Service ChargesTipsTravel InsuranceTrekking GuideUnforeseen CostsWelcome Dinner
Tour Plan
1
Arrival in Lhasa
Upon arrival in Lhasa, visitors are warmly welcomed and transferred to a comfortable hotel to relax and acclimatize. The city is alive with the anticipation of Losar, as streets and homes are adorned with colorful decorations, fresh prayer flags, and traditional butter sculptures. In the evening, visitors may catch glimpses of families preparing offerings and traditional foods, marking the beginning of the festive period
2
Losar at Drepung and Sera Monasteries
On this day, the journey begins with a visit to Drepung Monastery, where monks conduct special Losar prayers, chanting to invoke blessings for the year ahead. The monastery resonates with the sound of ritual music and the scent of incense offerings.
Later in the day, Sera Monastery offers another layer of festive experience, as monks engage in debates, spiritual ceremonies, and chanting. The monastery grounds are bustling with locals offering katas (white scarves) and lighting butter lamps as part of the Losar tradition. Witnessing these age-old practices provides visitors with a deeper understanding of Tibetan spirituality during this auspicious time.
3
Main Losar Celebrations in Lhasa
The heart of Losar celebrations unfolds in Lhasa’s iconic Jokhang Temple. Here, visitors can observe locals dressed in their finest traditional attire, making offerings, and participating in prayer ceremonies. The air is filled with a sense of devotion as pilgrims circle the Barkhor Circuit, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras.
Special Losar rituals include the preparation of traditional dishes like guthuk, a Tibetan dumpling soup symbolizing prosperity, and the hanging of fresh prayer flags at homes and temples. The streets of Lhasa come alive with cultural performances, including traditional Tibetan opera and dance, providing an unforgettable glimpse into the joyous essence of Losar.
4
Lhasa to Gyantse
The journey continues with a scenic drive from Lhasa to Gyantse, passing through the breathtaking Yamdrok-tso Lake, a sacred turquoise lake revered in Tibetan culture. Along the way, panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and villages offer an immersive glimpse into the natural beauty of Tibet. Upon arrival in Gyantse, visitors can explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and its famous Kumbum Stupa, which comes alive with Losar decorations and offerings.
5
Gyantse to Shigatse
The drive from Gyantse to Shigatse is filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and opportunities to engage with locals. In Shigatse, visitors are welcomed to the grand Tashilhunpo Monastery, home to a 26-meter-tall golden Buddha statue. During Losar, the monastery hosts special ceremonies where monks and pilgrims alike gather to chant, offer prayers, and celebrate the festival with great enthusiasm.
6
Drive Back to Lhasa
The return journey to Lhasa provides a chance to soak in Tibet’s serene landscapes one last time. Stops at picturesque spots allow for photographs and quiet reflection on the spiritual and cultural richness of the journey. Upon arrival in Lhasa, the evening can be spent exploring local markets, where Losar-themed handicrafts and offerings are on display.
7
Departure Day
On the final day, visitors are transferred to the airport for their onward journey. As the tour concludes, the memories of Losar festivities, sacred landscapes, and warm Tibetan hospitality leave a lasting impression.
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