Experience the profound spirituality and vibrant culture of Tibet with the Amdo Monlam Chemo Festival Tour 2025. 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.
What is the Monlam Festival?
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.
Highlights of the Amdo Monlam Chemo Festival Tour 2025
- Sacred Buddhist Ceremonies: Witness monks chanting prayers, performing rituals, and creating intricate sand mandalas that symbolize impermanence and enlightenment.
- Giant Thangka Unveiling: Marvel at the unveiling of a massive, intricately painted Thangka, a sacred Buddhist art piece, displayed on the hillside to bless devotees and visitors.
- Vibrant Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional Tibetan opera, music, and dance that reflect the rich heritage of the Amdo region.
- Engage with Tibetan Nomads: Interact with local nomadic communities to learn about their unique way of life and customs.
- Explore Amdo’s Stunning Landscapes: Visit the serene grasslands, sacred monasteries like Labrang and Kumbum, and natural wonders that make Amdo a captivating destination.
Why Join the Amdo Monlam Festival Tour?
- Cultural Immersion: The Monlam Festival or Payer festival offers a rare glimpse into Tibetan spirituality and culture.
- Authentic Experiences: Participate in local traditions, explore historic monasteries, and connect with the warm-hearted Amdo people.
- Unforgettable Scenery: Amdo’s breathtaking landscapes serve as a stunning backdrop to this spiritual journey.
Amdo Monlam Chemo Festival Tour 2025 Itinerary
| ARRIVE | Xining airport/train station | |||||||||
| DEPARTURE | Xining airport/train station | |||||||||
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Additional information
| Month | February |
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Day 1: 5th Feb — Xining – Kumbum Monastery – Repkong (2480m)
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
Day 2: 6th Feb — Repkong (2480m)
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
Day 3: 7th Feb — Repkong (2480m)
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
Day 4: 8th Feb — Repkong (2480m)
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
Day 5: 9th Feb — Repkong – Labrang (3010m)
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
Day 6: 10th Feb — Labrang (3010m)
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
Day 7: 11th Feb — Labrang – Taktsang Lhamo (3300m)
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
Day 8: 12th Feb — Taktsang Lhamo – Labrang
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
Day 9: 13th Feb — Labrang – Lanzhou (1400m)
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.
Day 10: 14th Feb — Depart from Xining or 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 2025.
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