Search
.jpg "Tibetan Local Travel Agency")
I discovered Tibet Vista not long after learning about Mt Kailash. A series of unexpected events helped me find the perfect opportunity to visit Tibet. I have always been drawn to walking, being outdoors in nature, and to pilgrimages.
So, when I found the 16-day Mt Kailash and Manasarovar small Group tour, which included a 3-day Mt. Kailash kora (pilgrimage trek) at the time of the holy and sacred Saga Dawa Festival, I simply had to go.
Enjoyed the massive festivities at the foot of Mount Kailash during the Saga Dawa Festival.
Embark on the holy Mt. Kailash pilgrimage during the vibrant, joyous Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet.
Seamless Tour Planning and a Memorable Arrival in Tibet
Kristin from Tibet Vista made the organisation seamless from beginning to end, including after the trip. I took the night train from Xining to Lhasa, after spending 1 night in Xining to start acclimatising.
It’s a unique experience, but even with sleeper beds, the cabins are cramped and full of excitement and noise. Make sure to bring anything you need to feel comfortable and get some rest. The Tibet Vista staff took us directly to the hotel, and spending the first few days in Lhasa helped us adjust to the altitude, explore local sights, and get to know the other people on the Mt. Kailash tour. The welcome dinner was particularly memorable.
Explored the majestic Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Met many like-minded global travelers and enjoyed the visit to holy Lhasa City.
Our Friendly Tibetan Guides Became Like Family on the Road
Our seasoned local Tibetan guides, Lhakdon and Tashi, went above and beyond to ensure smooth travel, easy transitions to places and accommodation, and tirelessly translated and supported interactions at restaurants and other places throughout the journey.
Our guides even supported us in their non-work time, and became an integral part of creating and being a part of the group’s positive dynamics. So many things stand out, from providing a constant supply of hot beverages and water on the long days on the bus, to attending to group members’ requests and needs day and night.
Stroll the bustling Barkhor Street with our local Tibetan guide.
Embark on the holy Mt. Kailash pilgrimage during the vibrant, joyous Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet.
Long Days on the Road: Tips for Comfortable Bus Travel
While the guides worked hard to ensure our comfort, the bus rides can be long, sometimes up to 8 hours a day. Although I was content with my music, talking and singing with the group, and looking at the starkly beautiful Tibetan landscapes, I recommend each person consider what clothes, items, and consumables might make the long bus days more comfortable.
Also, the handy head scarves we were gifted by our guides are super helpful for covering mouth and nose on those squat toilet stops where the smell is particularly striking and not for their beauty.
We had a great time traveling with our local Tibetan guide.
Walking the Saga Dawa Kora: Challenge, Spirit, and Preparation
Our group walked the kora during the Saga Dawa Festival, and it is a significant spiritual time for many people, so the path and infrastructure were overwhelmed. I recommend anyone wanting to walk during Saga Dawa to pack food, snacks, and plenty of water for the whole day.
Although it makes your bag heavier, on one of the walking days, the teahouses and shops were so crowded that I couldn’t get water, noodles, or snacks until I reached the accommodation.
Mt Kailash is a very special place, and although the altitude is challenging, our guides adapt to each person’s and the group’s needs, and it never feels rushed or controlled. I was able to walk at my own pace, stop and be with the environment for as long as I liked, and meet the guides at the end of the day.
The traditional Tarboche prayer pole was raised for blessings at the foot of Mt. Kailash.
An endless flow of local Tibetan pilgrims and travelers walk the kora around Mt. Kailash.
Embark on the holy Mt. Kailash pilgrimage during the vibrant, joyous Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet.
Felt the Warmth of Tibetan Hospitality Along the Kora Route
The Tibetan people, even when their towns and places were crowded with visitors during Saga Dawa, were impressively patient, friendly, and tolerant.
Though my 16-day Mt. Kailash tour itinerary is filled with temple visits, photo stops, walks, and shared lunches in authentic Tibetan eateries and homes, it is the moments shared with the group that made the experience memorable for me.
My group had people from Europe, Australia, England, Nepal, and the USA, and the stories and laughs told and shared provided an enriching context for the group to engage in reflections about what drew each person to Tibet, and the common threads weaving us together.
The lofty, sacred north face of Mount Kailash.
The legendary “Lake of Compassion” seen during the steep descent from Dolma-la Pass (5,630m).
Cash, Comforts, and Daily Practicalities on the Towering Tibetan Plateau
I really enjoyed waking up, knowing breakfast was always an option where we were staying, and being able to make decisions as a group about where we might have lunch, where an activity or lunch was not already arranged. Payment with cash in Tibet was easiest, though many people used WeChat Pay and Ali Pay, even in many remote places.
Bring whatever you need to hand-wash your essentials and underwear, as you’ll be moving to a new place every day and there won’t be much time for laundry.
Pause to take photos of the sublime Karola Glacier at the roadside.
Embark on the holy Mt. Kailash pilgrimage during the vibrant, joyous Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet.
My Final Reflections & Gratitude for a Remarkable Solo Travel Experience
When I look back on the trip, I was really fortunate with my group of 11, and the memories that stand out are often with various people in the group and the surprising moments we found ourselves in.
Please make sure that you take appropriate medicines or supplements for travel and motion sickness. Travelling over windy and treacherous mountain passes is a daily experience. Our bus driver was very agreeable when the group requested stops or to travel more slowly.
The journey was made even more meaningful thanks to the thoughtful care and superb organization of our local Tibetan guides. They were especially flexible, providing personalized accommodations for everyone in the group and going out of their way to meet everyone’s needs.
Thanks so much, Tibet Vista, for providing such an affordable and enjoyable way to experience Tibet as a solo traveller.
Marveled at the stunning, sacred north face of Mt. Kailash in the early morning.
"Explore Mount Kailash During the Saga Dawa Festival: My Thrilling Journey to Tibet’s Most Sacred Peak"