6-Day Shoton Festival Tour
Tibet is a land rich in culture, tradition, and religion, set against a far-flung, unique landscape often called the "Roof of the World." This tour is designed to give you the experience of witnessing the vibrant Shoton Festival, also known as the Yogurt (or Curd) Festival. Early in the morning, we will visit Drepung Monastery, where hundreds of monks chanting religious prayers and rituals unveil a giant Thangka painting of Buddha.
Later, a grand cultural ceremony takes place in the massive square in front of Tibet's biggest landmark, the Potala Palace. As this is a summer festival of happiness and joy, daily opera shows and other cultural activities are performed by various groups from around Tibet in the public courtyard of Norbulingka Palace (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama). In ancient times, the Dalai Lama used to enjoy these shows directly from this summer residence.
Arrival and Tour Briefing
The tour begins with a comprehensive trip briefing in Kathmandu, followed by a sensational trans-Himalayan flight to Lhasa that passes over Mt. Everest and many of the highest peaks in the world (if you join the tour from Kathmandu). This is the only flight that flies directly over Mt. Everest. If you wish to start the tour directly in Lhasa by arriving from mainland China or taking the train from Beijing, our Tibetan guide will brief you upon arrival.
Sightseeing and Cultural Highlights
Upon arrival, you will drive to Lhasa for a sightseeing tour of its major palaces and monasteries. This time is also meant for acclimatization, absorbing the exoticism of Tibetan heritage, and exploring this history-laden city to its core. En route, you will visit the ancient towns of Gyantse and Shigatse, among other cities. You will explore a colorful mosaic of Tibetan arts, crafts, history, customs, lifestyle, and cuisine. Additionally, you will witness indigenous cultures, including the untamed Drokpas (nomads), while driving through the highest plateau on Earth. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip filled with stunning scenery and rich cultural highlights.
Note: The price provided is for the high season (July/August/September) and is based on 3-star hotel accommodations.
Itinerary of Shoton Festival
| Day | Outline Itinerary | Distance & Duration | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Fly to Gonggar Airport and drive to Lhasa (3600m) | 65 km, 1 hr | Hotel (BB) |
| 02 | Witness opening ceremony of Shototn festival | — | Hotel (BB) |
| 03 | Visit Potala Palace & Sera Monaster, Norbulinka for Operation show | — | Hotel (BB) |
| 04 | Drive to Shigatse via Gyantse & Yamdrok Lake (3950m) | 370 km, 6 hrs | Gessar Hotel (BB) |
| 05 | Visit Tashilumpho monastery & drive to Lhasa (3900m) | 290 km, 5 hrs | Hotel (BB) |
| 06 | Drive to Airport for flight to Kathmandu | 65 km, 1 hr | — |
Major Activities of the Shoton Festival
- Giant Thangka Unveiling: Witnessed at Drepung Monastery.
- Tibetan Opera Performances: Staged at Norbulingka Palace.
- Yogurt Banquets: Celebrated across Lhasa.
The 2026 Shoton Festival runs from August 12 to August 18, 2026. This major holiday follows the Tibetan Lunar Calendar and starts on the thirtieth day of the sixth lunar month
What is included in the tour
- Twin sharing accommodation as per the itinerary on bed & breakfast (BB) basis.
- English speaking Tibetan Guide.
- Transportation as per the itinerary by necessary vehicle.
- Monastery entrance fee.
- Tibet Travel permits.
- One picnic lunch
- Emergency mineral water in the vehicle.
- Emergency portable oxygen cylinder in the vehicle.
- Trip briefing by Tibet expert & entertain question.
- Trip Information pack.
- Gift pack (prayer flag or string of flag & paper prayer Lungtha).
Note: Offer Prayer flag or Lungtha (string of prayer flag) in high passes, temple for good fortune & long life.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Tibet Visa Fee (Acceptable in US$ cash only as per the Nationality).
- Any Airfare
- Travel insurance.
- Expenses during any rescue operation.
- Lunch and Dinner
- Alcoholic beverages & bar bills.
- All expenses of personal nature, phone calls, laundry etc.
- Gratuity to staff.
- Services not mentioned herein.
- One hour Trans-Himalaya flight and breath taking aerial view of Everest and other highest peaks.
- Visit of ancient Palace of Dalai Lama, largest structure built in Red hill of Lhasa
- Observe the magical Shoton Festival opening ceremony in Drepung Monastery
- Observe opera show perform by various groups from around the Tibet
- Monk Debating one of the practice in School of Buddhism at Sera Monastery
- The most sacred holy Temple of Tibetan people at Jokhang temple
- Explore colorful Barkhor local market area
- Visit Khumbum Temple to see 1000 statues of Protector God, Pelkhor Chode Monastery
- Visit Tashilumpho Monastery
- Prayers flags offering ceremony
- Exchange of Khada (scarf) during arrival in Tibet as a part of the local culture
- Enjoy overland drive through Khambala pass, Yamdrok Lake, see huge Tibetan mastiff and Yak
- Great photography opportunity (ensure to bring good Camera).
