Experience the profound spirituality and vibrant culture of Tibet with the Amdo Monlam Chemo Festival Tour 2026. Known as the Great Prayer Festival, the Monlam Festival is one of the most significant Tibetan Buddhist celebrations, bringing together pilgrims, monks, and visitors from across the region. This extraordinary journey offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness sacred rituals, colorful traditions, and the serene beauty of Amdo’s landscapes.
The Monlam Festival originated in the 15th century, established by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Held annually, the festival is a time for prayers, ceremonies, and vibrant cultural activities aimed at promoting world peace and spiritual harmony. The Amdo region, known for its strong Buddhist traditions, celebrates Monlam Chemo with unparalleled devotion and grandeur.
Pick-up at 09:30 from your hotel in Xining and begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Kumbum Monastery, a Gelukpa-sect monastery established in 1560 in Rushar County and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. Afterward, drive to Repkong and visit the historic Rongwo Monastery, initially founded as a Sakya-sect monastery before transitioning to the Gelukpa tradition. Overnight stay in Repkong.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
Start the day with a visit to Gomar Monastery, located about 10km from Repkong, where you’ll witness a unique Tibetan breakfast gathering. Locals bring milk tea and breakfast to the monastery, sharing stories and aspirations for the coming year. In the afternoon, experience the grand ceremony of Sunning the Buddha, where a massive Thangka painting is displayed on a hillside, spreading blessings to all beings.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
Spend the day exploring Wutun Monastery and its surrounding village, the heart of Repkong’s famous Tibetan art. Enjoy captivating Cham dances and take photos of the vibrant festivities. Visit a local artist’s home to learn about the intricate process of creating Thangka paintings and other traditional crafts.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
Dedicate the day to experiencing the Cham Dance at Gomar Monastery. The sacred dances feature masked performances, healing chants, and symbolic hand gestures, all accompanied by vibrant costumes and traditional music. Learn about the centuries-old traditions and enjoy a fascinating glimpse into Tibetan culture.
Accommodation: Hongfengde Hotel
After a final morning visit to Gomar Monastery for more Cham dance festivities, drive to Labrang, a Tibetan town nestled at 2,900m above sea level. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and prepare for the next day’s exploration.
Accommodation: Jiusheng Hotel
Join the highlight of the Monlam Festival in Labrang—the annual Sunning the Buddha ceremony. Witness the display of a giant Thangka being carried to a hillside, drawing large crowds eager to receive blessings. Participate in the celebrations, which include singing, dancing, and prayer sessions.
Accommodation: Jiusheng Hotel
Experience the Cham Dance at Labrang Monastery in the morning, where pilgrims and visitors alike receive blessings from high-ranking lamas. Later, drive to Taktsang Lhamo and visit its monastery to witness the festival activities.
Accommodation: Langmusi Hotel
Return to Labrang, stopping along the way to visit the Milarepa Tower in Hezuo. In the evening, attend an exhibition of intricate yak butter sculptures, beautifully lit under lamps. Pay your respects by touching the flower shelf with your forehead in a traditional gesture.
Accommodation: Jiusheng Hotel
Participate in the morning ritual ceremony of Turning the Buddha at Labrang Monastery. Join the crowds as monks carry a 3-meter-high silk Maitreya Buddha during the kora. After the ceremony, drive to Lanzhou for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel in Lanzhou
Spend the morning at your leisure before checking out. Transfer to Lanzhou and Xining for your departure flight or train, marking the end of your unforgettable Amdo Monlam Chemo Festival Tour 2026.
The Amdo Monlam Prayer Festival is a significant Tibetan Buddhist celebration, typically held in the Amdo region (present-day Qinghai, Gansu, and parts of Sichuan) in eastern Tibet. The festival features elaborate prayers, ritual ceremonies, and offerings, with monks, pilgrims, and locals gathering to pray for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all sentient beings. It’s one of the most important spiritual events for Tibetan Buddhists in this region.
The Amdo Monlam Prayer Festival is usually held annually during the Tibetan New Year (Losar), which generally falls in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar. The dates vary each year, so it’s important to check for specific dates before planning your visit.
During the tour, you can expect to witness large-scale prayer ceremonies, vibrant Tibetan Buddhist rituals, traditional chanting, and monastic dances. The event also features intricate mandalas, butter lamp offerings, and the chance to meet pilgrims from all over Tibet and surrounding regions. It’s a deeply spiritual and culturally rich experience, offering a unique glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Yes, the Amdo Monlam Prayer Festival tour can be an enriching experience for both first-time and returning visitors to Tibet. While it involves some cultural and spiritual immersion, our guided tours are designed to accommodate different levels of familiarity with Tibetan Buddhism. Our knowledgeable local guides will help explain the significance of the rituals and ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful experience.
For the tour, it’s important to bring warm clothing, especially if traveling in winter, as the region can get quite cold. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking, and it’s a good idea to bring a camera to capture the festival’s vibrant colors and scenes (though be mindful of local customs regarding photography). If you’re participating in prayers or rituals, respectful attire and behavior are essential. Additionally, having a basic understanding of Tibetan Buddhist customs can enhance your experience.
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From Original price was: $1,380.$1,299Current price is: $1,299.
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