Tibetan Festivals

Discover the vibrant Tibetan festivals and experience the cultural traditions and spiritual celebrations that define Tibetan life.

If you want to immerse yourself in the heart of Tibetan culture, there’s no better way than joining in on the vibrant Tibetan festivals. These events offer a rare chance to witness the living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and experience firsthand the deep-rooted reverence the locals have for their sacred land. From colorful celebrations to ancient customs, every festival reflects the spiritual and cultural richness of Tibet.

To make sure you don’t miss out, we provide uptodate information on the best Tibetan festivals to attend. Check out our festival calendar and recommended tours to plan an unforgettable adventure that connects you with the soul of Tibet.

Get a Glimpse of Tibetan Festivals & Calendar in 2026

Tibetan Festivals	Date in 2026	Highlights	Region
Tibetan New Year (Losar)	Feb.18	Join the Buddhist kora	Entire Tibet
Peach Blossom Festival	N/A	Visit Tibetan villages	Nyingchi
Saga Dawa Festival (The holiest one)	May 31	Enjoy singing and dancing	Entire Tibet
Tashilhunpo Thankga Festival	Jun.8 – Jun.30	Buddha Thangka unfolding	Tashilhunpo Monastery
Gyantse Horse Racing Festival	N/A	Meet Tibetan nomads	Gyantse
Nagqu Horse Racing Festival	N/A	Explore lives of Tibet nomads	Nagqu
Ongkor Festival	N/A	Explore the farmland	Entire Tibet
Shoton Festival (The most popular)	Aug.12	Giant Thangka unfolding	Entire Tibet
Bathing Festival	N/A	Bathe with locals in the lake	Entire Tibet
Tibetan Fairy Day	N/A	Tibetan women visit Jokhang	Entire Tibet
Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival	N/A	Light oil lamps & Visit Jokhang	Lhasa

Top 4 Tibetan Festivals

Tibetan Calendar Year Introduction

Tibetan Calendar Year, also known as Losa Festival, is a traditional festival of the Tibetan people, and the Han Chinese Lunar New Year is roughly the same. Festival activities filled with a strong religious atmosphere, is a national festival to entertain god and entertain people, celebrate and pray. ‌1 Time: calculated according to the Tibetan calendar, it starts from the first day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar and ends on the 15th, lasting 15 days. The Tibetan New Year in 2024 will coincide with the Gregorian calendar from February 10 to February 17.

About Shoton Festival

Shoton Festival is an important festival in Tibet, during which grand religious activities and folk activities are held, such as viewing the Buddha in Drepung Monastery, Zongjiao Lu Kang and Rinka, viewing the Tibetan opera and so on. ‌ Time: The exact time of Shoton festival depends on the Tibetan calendar, but it usually takes place in the summer.

Butter Flower Festival Introduction

Butter flower Festival is a traditional festival in Lhasa, Amdo Tibetan areas and other places. During the festival, people will use ghee and flour to make a variety of colorful lights, which will decorate the city in a picturesque way. ‌24 Time: Generally around the fifteenth day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, the corresponding festival of butter in 2024 is February 24 in the Gregorian calendar.

About Saga Dawa Festival

Saga Dawa, also known as Buddha’s Auspicious Day, is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist festival associated with three important events in the life of the Buddha (birth, enlightenment, Nirvana). ‌Time: April 15 of the Tibetan calendar, the corresponding Gregorian calendar time changes according to the conversion of the Tibetan calendar to the Gregorian calendar.

Other Can’t-miss Tibetan Festivals

Important religious activities in Lhasa, Kangba Tibetan areas, Amdo Tibetan areas and other places, lasting for a long time. Chubu Temple jumping God, Zhigongti Temple jumping God: Chubu Temple and Zhigongti Temple summer ritual is one of the contents, with a strong religious color. Shigatse Buddha Exhibition Festival: Every year on May 14 to 16 of the Tibetan calendar, Tashilhunpo Temple will hold a grand Buddha exhibition. A festival closely associated with the Buddhist faith, in which devotees make pilgrimages and prayers to temples or mountains. In addition, Tibet also has festivals with local characteristics, such as Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival and Sanjiang Tea Horse Culture and Art Festival, which not only enrich the cultural life of the Tibetan people, but also attract a large number of tourists to experience the unique charm of Tibet.