8 Days Qinghai Amdo Tibetan New Year Monlam Festival
A Vibrant Journey into the Heart of Tibetan New Year in Amdo
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The festival, which falls on the 4th-11th day of the first Tibetan lunar month
(typically falls in February or March according to the Gregorian calendar)
Monlam also known as The Great Prayer Festival, it was established in Lhasa in 1409, by Tsong Khapa, the founder of Gelug tradition. It has been popular for a long time in the Gelug monasteries of Amdo Tibetan area, and becomes a major festival for local Tibetans. Every year, the ritual activities last for 15 days, from the third night of the first month to the 17th day (lunar calendar) february or march (Gregorian calendar).
Cham Dance. Monks dressed as deities and Dharma protectors to perform mask dance. Through the whirling and jumping, it vividly tells the audience about the stories of the destruction of bad spirits, and prays for peace and health in the new year.
The ceremony of “unveiling the Buddha”. Tibetan Buddhist monks carry a 30 metres by 20 metres thangka depicting Buddha up to the hillside, unroll to display to worshippers.
Circumambulate the future Buddha. Tibetan monks carry a statue of Maitreya, make the kora around the monastery with pilgrims following.
2-15 Participants
Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners
Tourist vehicle transfers between attractions
Comfortable hotel accommodation
Tibet Travel Permit for foreign travelers
Some extended walking on varied terrains.
Professional English-speaking guide
How can we help?
For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.
Tour Highlights
Discover the heart of Tibetan New Year Monlam Festival culture and spirituality with visits to iconic landmarks.
Day 01: Xining Arrival
Picked up at airport or train station, and drive to hotel.
Day 02:Xining-Tongren 160km, 2.5hr
Drive to Tongren, it’s known to Rebgong to Tibetans. Rebong arts are famous such as in Thangka painting, sculpture, engraving, architecture, and embroidery. Upon arrival, drive to lower Wutun Monastery, watch the Cham dance. In the afternoon, go to Gomar Gompa to join the circumambulation of future Buddha.
Day 03: Tongren
In the morning go to Gomar Gompa to watch their Cham dance. The monastery is 400 years old, charming and also mysterious which looks like a medieval
Day 04: Tongren-Xiahe 110km, 2.5hrs
After breakfast, watch Giant Thangka Display in Nianduhu Monastery. In the afternoon, drive to Xiahe.
Day 05:Labrang
Today thousands of Tibetan pilgrims flock to Labrang Monastery for its biggest annual draw. In the early morning, Tibetan monks carry the giant Thangka depicting Buddha to the ceremonial site. They then carefully unroll to reveal a 400 square meter thangka painting. People trek up to the mountain to see the rays of sunlight hit the Thangka to pray for a good year.
Day 06: Labrang
In the morning, walk the inner Kora with locals. Later watch the Cham Dance, well trained monks wear colorful costumes and masks, dance to the music played by traditional instruments.
Day 07: Labrang-Lanzhou
Drive back to Lanzhou, on the way, stop at Liujiaxia Dam, take speed boat to visit Binglingsi Grottoes, Bingling in Tibetan means “thousand buddha”. This amazing cultural heritage consists of more than 100 caves with 694 figures of Buddha sculptures and 900 square meters mural, it dates to 420AD of Western Qin.
Day 08: Lanzhou Departure
Airport and train station transfer service, trip finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to process the Tibet Travel Permit?
Typically, it is recommended to apply at least 15-20 days before your planned travel date to ensure ample processing time.)
Q: When is the best time to travel to Tibet?
The best time to visit Tibet is from April to October when the weather is most favorable, with clearer skies and milder temperatures. However, for those looking to experience specific festivals or less crowded seasons, other times of the year can also offer unique advantages.
Q: Is it easy to find vegetarian food during the trip?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, especially in larger cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. Hotels typically offer simple Western meals, and vegetarian dishes can be found in local Chinese restaurants or noodle shops in remote areas or small towns during long journeys.
Q: WVhat about breakfast at the hotel?
Breakfast at the hotel usually includes simple Western options. In larger cities, you’ll have a wider range of choices, whereas in more remote areas, the selection may be more limited but still satisfying.
Q: What is the difference between 3-star and 4-star hotels?
4-star hotels generally offer a higher standard of accommodation, with more spacious rooms, additional amenities, and better service compared to 3-star hotels. Both options provide comfortable lodgings, but 4-star hotels may offer a more luxurious experience.
Q: What is the maximum andnum number of people in a group?
Our tours are designed for small groups, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 13 people. This ensures a more personalized and enjoyable travel experience.
Q: Will medical assistance be provided for altitude sickness?
Yes, we provide 1L oxygen bottles for each tourist. For destinations further from Lhasa, we also supply medical-grade oxygen canisters, which are more effective than small bottles. It’s also advisable to prepare some altitude sickness medication as a precaution.
Q: How do most guests travel to Tibet?
Most of our guests choose to fly into Tibet, with many domestic cities offering flights to Lhasa. It’s the quickest way, usually taking 1-3 hours, compared to over 20 hours by train. Train tickets can only be booked 15 days in advance.
Q: Do we have to carry our luggage, or will it be transported?
Large luggage can be stored in the vehicle or left at hotels during your stay. You’ll only need to carry personal items and anything you might need for the day’s activities.
Dates and availability
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