5 days Lhasa Shoton Festival Tour
Join our Tibetan Shoton Festival Tour and experience one of Tibet's major religious celebrations on Aug. 23rd 2025. Enjoy the grand unveiling of Thangkas at Drepung Monastery and lively Tibetan opera performances at Norbulingka Palace and more.
Itinerary
Shoton Festival is one of the major traditional festivals in Tibet. In 2025, this festival will take place between Aug. 23 to 28. The activities may involve the Biggest Thangka Display at Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, pilgrims will go to monasteries to offer their family made Yoghourt, the singing and dancing in front of Potala Palace, the Tibetan Opera at Summer Palace-Norbulingka, the fire parties at night, Barle beer show, some expos etc. Each year, they may have different activities.
Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa. Then have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.
Today is your first day of sightseeing on the high plateau, so we have purposely arranged only to visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from the entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. If time allows, follow your guide to enjoy a cup of Tibetan sweet tea in a local Tibetan tea house. Overnight at Lhasa.
Today is the first day of Shoton Festival, get up early and join with the locals to head to Drepung monastery, here you will watch the Big Thangka displaying which stands for the Shoton festival begins. In the afternoon head to Sera Monastery for the very exciting monks debating, Big Thangka displaying may also happen in this monastery. Overnight at Lhasa.
One more day in Lhasa to feel and enjoy the activities of Shoton Festival. Morning drive to Lhasa Race Course to see the exciting Horse and Yak Race, afternoon enjoy the Tibet Opera at Summer Palace - Nobulingka, afterwards pay a visit to Tibet Museum. Overnight at Lhasa.
Morning Lhasa airport or train station dropping off, end the trip.
Inclusions
Tour notes:
General inclusions:
General exclusions:
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Comments
Hi again. I'm Olga from Spain. I would like to ask you if it is possible to start tour 5 days before to see other things like:
YAMDROK lake
GYANTSE MONASTERy
Tashi LHUNPO MONASTERY
NAMTSO LAKE or nomad people. Thanks a lot. I wait for your answer
Hi Olga,
Thank you for your message, it’s great to hear from you again!
Yes, it is absolutely possible to start your tour 5 days earlier and include the additional places you mentioned. We’ve customized an itinerary and sent it to your email, please take a look at the details. We’d be very happy to hear your thoughts and feedback!
Looking forward to helping you plan a wonderful journey through Tibet!
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