Potala Palace Historical Ensemble in Lhasa

Composed of the majestic Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Norbulingka Summer Palace, masterpieces of Tibetan architecture and centers of Buddhist spirituality.

Losar (Tibetan New Year)

Between February and March (according to the Tibetan lunar calendar).

The most important festival of the year. Families clean their homes, make religious offerings, wear traditional clothing, and celebrate banquets for several consecutive days.

Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival)

August.

Famous for the spectacular display of a gigantic Buddha Thangka on the slope of Drepung Monastery at dawn, accompanied by performances of traditional Tibetan opera (Ache Lhamo) at Norbulingka.

Saga Dawa Festival

May or June (fourth Tibetan lunar month).

It commemorates the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Buddha. Thousands of devotees perform pilgrimages and the solemn hoisting of the great mast of prayer flags is celebrated at Tarboche (Mount Kailash).

Nagqu Horse Racing Festival

Early August.

One of the most spectacular nomadic celebrations. Shepherds and horsemen from across the plateau compete in horse racing, archery and equestrian displays of great skill.

Butter Lamp Festival (Chunga Choepa)

First Tibetan lunar month (end of the Great Monlam Prayer).

Lhasa and the streets of Barkhor are illuminated with thousands of oil lamps and impressive ephemeral sculptures sculpted from colored yak butter.

Cham Monastic Dances

On various dates according to each monastery.

Religious ceremonies where monks dressed in elaborate robes and mystical masks perform ritual dances to the rhythm of long trumpets (dungchen) and drums to ward off evil spirits.