Tibet Shoton Festival: A Joyful Summer Feast (9 Days)

Upon Arriving in Lhasa, our staff will greet you with the brightest, warmest smiles of the plateau. At a high altitude, your body deserves a gentle start, slow down, breathe deeply, and let the excitement settle in. We’ll escort you to your hotel for a comforting rest, helping you ease beautifully into the rhythm of Tibet. Tashi Delek!

Today marks the cultural highlight of your journey. You will visit the Potala Palace, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Inside are resplendent chapels, stupas, living quarters, all filled with the lingering scent of butter lamps. Continue to Jokhang Temple, where devotion never sleeps. Here, pilgrims prostrate day and night, their repeated bows leaving deep marks on the stone slabs. End the day at Barkhor Street, the historic old town where Tibetan life unfolds. For generations, locals have gathered here to trade, worship, and walk the sacred kora route that circles the temple.

Today, we will witness the most important and spectacular moment of the annual Shoton Festival, the once-a-year giant thangka unveiling ceremony. Before dawn, join thousands of Tibetan pilgrims lining the mountain paths beneath the cold morning sky, waiting for the first light of day.

As sunrise reaches the monastery walls, the enormous Buddha thangka slowly unfolds across the mountainside while pilgrims around you kneel, prostrate, and whisper prayers into the wind. In that moment, the power of faith in Tibet no longer feels distant, but vividly alive all around you.

After the unveiling ceremony and morning chanting rituals, return to the hotel for rest.

Today, we step directly into the living culture and everyday celebrations of Tibet during the annual Shoton Festival, also known as the “Yogurt Festival.”Traditionally a time for families and friends to gather, camp, and celebrate together.

Sit alongside local Tibetan families beneath the trees of Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, sharing yogurt, food, laughter, and Tibetan opera together beneath the summer sky. Surrounded by singing, dancing, and the festive rhythm of the Shoton Festival, experience the celebration not as a visitor, but from within Tibetan daily life itself.

Later, learn about the origins of Tibetan script and calligraphy with a Tibetan culture teacher before making traditional Tibetan incense by hand using natural herbs and ancient techniques passed down through generations.

Travel along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to reach Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Legend says its turquoise waters are the tears of a goddess. Continue to the Karola Glacier, where striking blue ice descends almost directly beside the road beneath the high plateau sky.

Before arriving in Shigatse, visit Palcho Monastery, home to some of Tibet’s most beautiful Tara murals and clay sculptures. Explore the monastery’s famous “Ten-Thousand Buddha Stupa,” where countless Buddhist murals and chapels remain hidden within its layered structure.

By evening, arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, where a quieter and more traditional side of Tibetan life begins to unfold.

Drive along one of the most stunning border highways, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks. Along the way, enjoy distant views of several of the world’s highest mountains: Makalu (the 5th highest), Lhotse (4th highest), and Cho Oyu (6th highest). From Gyawula Pass, take in a breathtaking panorama of towering 8,000-metre giants, including Mount Everest itself. Continue to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, a place so close to the sun.

In the evening, settle into Everest Base Camp. Enjoy an Everest hotpot and quietly take in the golden sunset and star-filled night sky over the world’s highest peak.

As the clouds lift, watch the sunrise over Mount Everest alongside climbers and travellers from around the world. Then continue to the mountain-pass viewpoint for a final panoramic look at Everest, say goodbye to the great peak. You can also admire sweeping views of Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Afterwards, return to Shigatse, the warm “City of Sunshine” for your overnight stay.

Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in the Tsang region of Tibet. With more than 3,600 rooms and over 800 monks, it spans an impressive 300,000 square metres. Here, you may sit in on a teaching session and witness monastic life as it has continued for centuries. Visit the world’s largest indoor statue of Maitreya (Jampa Buddha), entirely gilded and adorned with a magnificent jeweled crown.

After your visit, return to Lhasa.

Start your morning with one last cup of coffee bathed in sunshine beside the Potala Palace, a perfect farewell moment to Lhasa. As you sip and take in the golden glow over this sacred landmark, let the memory of Tibet’s warmth and beauty travel home with you.