Lhosar ( New Year) - 2025
Trip Facts:
Tour Name : TIBET FESTIVAL - LHOSAR ( NEW YEAR) 2025
Entry / Exit : Fly in / Drive out
Grade : Easy to Adventurous
Max Elevation : 5220m/17122Ft.
Accommodation : Hotel /Guest house
Meal : Bed & breakfast
Transport : Flight & Private vehicle
Tour Days : 08
Trip summary:
True to its nickname, “the Roof of the world”, Tibet is more or less an untamed land of nomads (drokpas), monasteries, yaks, sand dunes, and high altitude desert that goes as far as the eyes can take it. On this Tibet overland tour you have 4 days in Lhasa and other ancient cities Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri visiting major Places, Monasteries, acclimatizing and to absorb the exoticism of Tibetan heritage and to explore this history-laden city to its core.
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 highest peaks of the world (if you join the tour in Kathmandu). This is the only flight fly over Mt. Everest and other highest peaks. In case you wish to start the tour in Lhasa arriving from anywhere in mainland China or taking a new train from Beijing you will be briefed about the tour by your Tibetan Guide
Upon your arrival in Lhasa, you participate in special ceremony of New Year Eve and try handmade noodle called Gutuk, will be taken on a sightseeing tour to Lhasa visiting major Palaces and monasteries. In route you will visit ancient town of Gyantse, Shigatse and many other cities. You get to explore colorful mosaic of Tibetan arts, crafts, history, culture, custom, tradition, lifestyle and cuisine and you become a witness to a host of indigenous cultures including untamed (drokpas) nomads en-route driving through highest Plate on Earth. Further drive across the wide open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau takes taking off the main highway toward Everest base camp. Finally drive towards trans-Himalaya cross into Nepal. By now, you will have entered into a completely different landscape one which is vastly different from just where you were a few days ago. The Nepali foothills and the greenery will make the drive pleasant and enjoyable.
Activities during the Tibetan New Year:
Historically, Tibetans were mostly nomads who lived on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau with a unique way of farming that immersed their religion. They celebrated by dancing and singing when their crops had a bumper harvest. As time passed by, they began to take the time when highland barley gets ripe as the beginning of a New Year.
The term ‘Losar’ means New year in the Tibetan language. ‘Lo’ means year and ‘Sar’ means new. It begins on the day of a new moon that marks the first day of the first month on the Tibetan calendar. This is called Gyalpo Losar in Tibetan which means “King’s New Year”.Tibetan customs and rituals for commemorating the new year are deeply rooted in Buddhist ideas and beliefs. Historians also say that the celebrations of Losar in Tibet can be dated back to a period before Buddhism came into existence.
Pre-Buddhist Losar involved people igniting incense sticks to dedicate to the local Gods and spirits. Their belief was the happiness of the Gods and spirits would ensure the well-being of the people during the Tibetan New Year.
New Year Eve:
Tibetan prepare handmade noodle called Gutor special delicacy made from white flour. People have to clean the house, specially kitchen must be cleaned properly. Gutor handmade noodle contain numerous ingredients such as chilies, salt, wool, rice, and coal to the dough balls. Each ingredient found in the dough ball will present one’s character, lightheartedly, it’s a fun filling evening to start New year next day.
For example, if a person finds chilies in his dough, that means he is talkative. If white-colored ingredients such as salt or rice are hidden in the dough, it is believed to be a good sign. If someone finds coal in his dough, it has the same meaning as finding coal in the Christmas stocking; it means that one has a “black heart”.
At night, Tibetans will use torches made of straw, Tsampa, and firecrackers to get rid of evil spirits which are lurking around. Later, they will burn at the crossroad as a way to completely dispel ghosts.
On the second day of Gutor, religious ceremonies will be performed. Tibetans visit the monastery to worship and donate money and gifts to the monks. It’s also time to clean and prepare for the approaching New Year.
The housewives will go to the market and buy ingredients to make traditional food for the New Year. The windows of the house will be replaced with a new “fragrant curtain”. Additionally, goat head, Qamar, green barley shoots, kasai (fried dough ball), and other dried fruits will be placed before the shrine inside the house.
New Year Day:
On the first day of the Tibetan new year, people get up early and take a bath before dressing in new clothes. Some offerings are put on the shrines for praying ceremonies. These offerings are made from a kind of dough called Torma, presented as the animals and demons.
During the day, families have a reunion dinner, usually eating a kind of cake called “kapse” and drinking alcohol called “chang”, which is drunk to keep warm.
Traditionaly, mother of house wakes up very early on new year’s day. After cooking a pot of barley wine, she will await the sunrise. As the first ray of sunshine on the earth, if the women take a bucket and head to a nearby river, or well, to fetch the first bucket of water of the year, which means sacrosanct, clearest water. It is believed to be blessed with good luck for the coming year. During day time, people flock to their important temple to pray and receive blessing from high Lama.
On the second day, people usually visit friends and relatives. They bring “qemar” which is filled with fried barley, barley podwer, tsampa, straw of barley, and flowers made of yak butter as a wish for the new year. They will sit down for a spirited chat while drinking yak butter tea and other Tibetan delicacies that can be only eaten during the Tibetan New Year.
On the third day of the Tibetan New Year, people will spend time visiting local monasteries where they make offerings. “Wei sang” also known as the burning pine tree branches, cypress, and other herbs to make aromatic smoke as a kind of offering for Gods is essential to the rituals on day three of the celebration.
The other important event is hanging new prayer flags on the rooftop of houses or on the mountaintop. As Tibetans hang new prayer flags, they will also splash tsampa in the air for peace and happiness in the Tibetan new year.
Gallery
Itinerary
27 February: Fly to Gongkar Airport & drive to Lhasa (3600m/11811ft) 65 km, 1hr:
Your Tibetan guide will be waiting to welcome you at Gongkar Airport. After immigration formalities, you will drive for around 45 minutes to reach the old city, Lhasa (3660 meters). After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest, drink plenty of fluids and most importantly let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. During afternoon you can go around the hotel area for light walk and sightseeing. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa (BB)
28 February: Sightseeing Tour of Potala palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market:
After breakfast you will be briefed about the day’s program. Then your guide will take you on a tour to majestic Potala palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market respectively.
Potala Palace: Also known as the “winter palace”. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. is a 13th storied complex monument rising to a height of above 117m which houses 10,000 shrines and over 200,000 images and about 1000 rooms.As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas.
Jokhang Temple: Jokhang a seventh-century geomantic temple at the heart of Lhasa is the most sacred temple of all Tibet, housed the most holy statue of Rowo Rimpoche ( Sakyamuni Buddha) crafted when he was just 12 years old. Jokhang (Chuklakhang) is considered to be a Power Place in all Tibet. Queen Bhrikuti, a Nepalese princess married to King Songtsen Gampo founded Jokhang Temple and in recognition of Queen Bhrikuti the main gate of the temple faces west towards Nepal. The most impressive structure of the Jokhang Temple is the many chapels surrounding the temple.
Barkhor Market (Bazaar): The most popular Barkhor Market (Bazaar) is a square where Tibetan handicraft items, Buddhist artifacts, carpets, paintings etc. are all in sale for your delight. At the end of the day your guide will escort you back to your hotel. Lhasa offers variety of Restaurant for both Lunch and Dinners. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa (BB)
Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala palace every day, the order of sightseeing places will be decided upon by your guide.
01 March: Sightseeing Tour of Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery:
After breakfast your guide will take you to Drepung & Sera Monastery respectively.
Sera Monastery: This monastery is approx. 5km drive away from Lhasa. Sera Monastery was founded in 1419. It sits in the prettiest and most charming atmosphere at the base of Mount Purbuchok. Sera Monastery used to be an important center for learning where in the past approx. 5,000 to 6,000 monks resided. Currently about 550 monks are supposed to be living there. The important structures inside the monastery include Coqen Hall, (the main assembly hall), three Zhacangs (Buddhist colleges) and twenty-nine Khangtsens (monk dormitories).The most intriguing feature here is the nine-meter image of Maitraya which was erected in 1419; here one can also witness the practicing of debate among the monks, who pitch their knowledge against each other.
Drepung Monastery: This Monastery is 8 km west of Lhasa. One of the three great Gelukpa Monasteries near Lhasa, the other two being Sera and Ganden. Until the occupation it served like its two sister monasteries as centre for learning and monastic training to which monks from all over Tibet would come to spend as long as 15 years methodically studying and debating the meaning of the Buddhist scriptures. For centuries it existed as a small monastic township housing thousands of fully ordained monks and other functionaries. It was founded in 1416 by Jam yang Chöje Tahsi Palden, a disciple of Tsong Khapa. O/N at Hotel in Lhasa (BB)
OR:
Tibetan Village Tour : Shal is located approx 10 km (half an hr drive) east of Lhasa with population with approx 150 families. Shal is an old Village town and most of the people are farmers or nomads. Village is quite popular for potato and barley farming and now interestingly, they have started involving locals, domestic clients self farming. One can go for an hour hike up the village where a holy mountain is located standing up tall overlooking the village. For those fit people can further climb the mountain, if time permits. The place offers a breathtaking view of the high mountains, fresh flowing stream and the open green pastures. The best part of this hike is the opportunity to see the nomad’s community, during summer time from May to October when they live in the pastures grazing their cattle. There is nunnery in the village to visit, if time permits. O/N Hotel (BB).
02 March: Drive to Shigatse (3,900m/12795ft) via Gyantse (3950m /12956ft) 360km, 5 hrs:
Leaving Lhasa and a drive of 360km, taking about 5 hours including break for lunch at one of the villages’ en-route. We will drive over two spectacular high passes – the Kampa La at 4750m and Karo La at 5010m, over, and along the beautiful deep blue green Lake called Yamdrok Lake or Turquoise Lake. The landscape of the Tibetan Plateau is truly unusual and spectacular. We will arrive in Gyantse an old Tibetan Town against a backdrop of magnificent 14th-15th century fortresses and temples. Here we will visit Pelkhor Chode Temple & Khumbum respectively.
Pelkor Chöde:Work started on the monastery by Rabten Kunzang in 1418 under spiritual guidance of Tsongkhapa’s disciple Khedrup Je, and was completed seven years later in 1425. Remarkably preserved, many statues and paintings inside date back to the time of its founding. Although the shrines are predominantly Shakya, it was traditionally unaffiliated and used as common assembly place. Today it is looked after by the Gelukpas.
Kumbum: Rabten Kunzang in July 1427 embarked on his most ambitious project – the construction of the Kumbum (or Tashi Gomang Chöten), which was probably completed in 1439. the gilded copper roofing and the final consecration ceremonies, however not completed until 1474. the term Kumbum means having 100,000 images and refers to a particular style of stupa construction in which chapels are housed in ascending symmetrical stories.
Further we will drive for about an hour and we will reach the 2nd Largest city of Tibet – Shigatse. O/N at Hotel in Shigatse (BB)
03 March: Drive to Shegar (4200m/13776ft) 300km, 5hr:
After breakfast you will be visiting Tashilumphu Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. There are about 39 amazing chapels inside including the huge Maitreya Chapel coated with gold; its workmanship certainly impresses everyone.After detailed visit of Shigatse, we will visit the local markets for shopping and local sightseeing. Then travel along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape driving for approx 5 hrs. past small town of Lhatse. You will be crossing one of the highest Gyatso la pass (5220m) of the tour. As the route opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en route to Shegar. O/N at Hotel in Shegar (BB)
04 March: Trip to Rongbuk (5100m/16728ft), drive to Old Tingri (4300m/ 14107Ft.) 200 km, 4 hrs:
Away from Shegar, you will drive to the south crossing Pang La pass at 5150m. Along the drive you can bask in the splendor of majestic views of snow-capped peaks from Makalu to Shishapangma. After driving for approximately 100 km, you eventually reach Rongbuk at 5100m. You can then view spectacular sight of Mount Everest. You have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5150m.) which is approx. 15 minutes walk further. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for it. After an awesome experience you will be drive back to Old Tingri for your overnight stay. O/N at Hotel in Old Tingri (BB)
05 March: Drive to Kyirong (2300m/7544ft) 240km, 4hrs:
We drive along Peiku Tso ( Lake) and arrived Dzonkha (Kyirong Xian), then drive further 70km cross high pass Yangdo La 5326m/17470ft to Nepal border town of Kyirong. O/N at Hotel/ Guest house in Kyriong (BB)
06 March: Drive to Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft) 170 km, 10hrs:
After breakfast, drive 25 km to the border and the immigration point. After Chinese Immigration formalities we cross into Nepal by foot and meet Nepali representative and vehicle at the Nepal side called Timure, Rasuwa Ghadi. After Nepali immigration formalities, you drive to Kathmandu. It is an interesting combination drive of dirt and paved road along the Langtang national park through smaller town of Syabrubensi and Dunche (ideal place for lunch) and finally reach the main national highway at Galchi. You will experience more traffic along the road. Tour Concludes.
Rates
SERVICES INCLUDED:
·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.
·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 Lungta).
Note: Offer Prayer flag or Lungta (string of prayer flag) in high passes, temple for good fortune or long life.
SERVICES EXCLUDED:
·Tibet Visa Fee as per the nationality
·Airfare Kathmandu – Lhasa– Kathmandu (Fare as per availability).
·Travel insurance.
·Expenses during any rescue operation.
·Lunch and Dinner (US$ 10 per person)
·Alcoholic beverages & bar bills.
·All expenses of personal nature, phone calls, laundry etc.
·Gratuity to staff.
·Services of Porterage and other vehicles in between in case of landslides and other natural calamities beyond our control and expenses incurred during rescue services.
·Services not mentioned herein.
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