 Blog PostsFriends         | Celebrating the Tibet Shoton Festival 2013 (Aug. 06th----Aug.121th)The Shoton Festival is one of grand festivals in Tibet. “Shoton” means yoghurt in Tibetan.The origin of the festival started from the 17th century. According to the rule of Gelu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the 6th month in Tibetan calendar was the retreat period when monks and nuns of all monasteries were prohibited from going out to avoid stamping on or hurting little bugs. Then, on the 1st day of the 6th month in Tibetan year when the ban was lifted, they went down the hill one after another. And the peasants and herdsmen would serve yoghurt to them. During the festival, Tibetans, no matter male or female, old or young, will pour into Norbulingka Summer Palace in knots, with colorful bags on back and barley wine barrels in hand. Some will set up tents, put carpet on the ground, and lay out barley wine, dishes and other holiday foods. Horseracing is a favorite activity for Tibetans. It not only provides a good place to assemble and exchange experience in agriculture and animal husbandry in spare time, but also shows the spirit of Tibetans. Consequently, horse racing has become an indispensable activity in almost all the Tibetan festivals that are handed down and spread among the people.04Aug—12 Aug. Lhasa—Shoton festival—Shigatse—Mt.Everest--Lhasa (Aug. 04th) Day01: Fly to Lhasa oernight in Lhasa Taking the morning flight into Tibet, upon your arrival, local guide will meet you and transfer you to Lhasa. On the way, you can enjoy the heart - beating highland view along the Yalu Zangbu river (the longest river in Tibet, the lower reach in India is called Brham Putra river); in the afternoon, you are free for good relaxing (Aug.05) Day02: Lhasa sightseeing- overnight in Lhasa In the morning, visit the grand - looking Potala Palace, which was built in the 7th century for the King. In the afternoon, visit Jokhang temple and stroll in the famous local bazaar - Parkhor street. Here, you can deeply feel the life of common people and see how the people are preparing for their grand festival. (Aug. 06 Day03: Join the Shoton Festival overnight in Lhasa Today is the first day of Shoton Festival, in the past, this festival was a purely religious celebration, later in the rule of 5th Dalai Lama, this festival was open a little to some people with high social status, with time going on, it becomes a common public celebration held in Drepung monastery first, then move to Norbulinka palace. In the morning of this day, pay early visit to Drepung monastery to join the grand opening ceremony - Sunning the Tangkha (a huge woven hangings ), this ceremony marks the official set-off of this festival. In the afternoon, go to Norbulinka to join people's celebrations such as singing songs, dance circles, local exchange market, Tibet opera show and so on. (Aug. 07) Day04: Lhasa-- Lake Yamdrok----Shigatse (360 Km)- -overnight in Shigatse Drive to Gyantse, the famous historical city in Tibet, along the Kyichu River. On the Ganba La (4,796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 mh). Upon arrival, have a tour to Gyantse Dzong, then the Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. Then continue to drive to get to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. (Aug. 08) Day05. Shigatse---Tashihunpo monastery--- Shegar, (250Km)-overnight in Shegar, Tashihunpo monastry This ancient building was founded in 1447. There is a 26meters high with more than 300kg of gold coating image of Maitreya - the future Buddha seating inside the Chapel of Maitreya. Also, you can visit the Palace of the Panchen Lamas. this day can make you tired as you basically spend the whole day on the road diving. However,the landscape alongside changing form lush fields to pea grass give you much to see.Shegar,also know as New Tingri,is the last stop before Everest Basa Camp.Refresh yourself here and don’t forget to wash your dusty face. (Aug..09) Day06. Shegar,-Mt.Everest Basa Camp---- Shigatse (470Km) -Overnight in Shigatse Although it ¡s just 100Km from Shegar to Basa Camp(5200mh),it may take about 4 hr since the cracked winding roads demand much caution.but the views are stupendous on a clear day,and feature a huge sweep of the Himalaya range including peaks over 8000m,Makalu,Lhotse,Everest,Gyachung and Cho Oyu.when you finally get to Base Camp,the first sight of the mighty Everest simply leaves you speechless.All the hardship you bear along the way makes sense at this while. After visiting Back to Shigatse. (Aug..10) Day06.Shigatse----Lhasa(280km).Stay overnight in Lhasa. (Aug..11) Day07, Lhasa--Namtso Lake--Yangpachen Geothermal Field/Lhasa(500km) overnight in Lhasa. After breakfast by car to Namtso Lake,one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet as named “the sky Lake”,the highest salt lake in the world(4800mh), .Enroute you may also enjoy the scenery of north Tibet.after a lunch ,then drive to Yangpachen Geothermal field ,the most famous one in Tibet,and also visit Yangpachen Geothermal Power Station there, and return to Lhasa in the afternoon. (Aug..12) Day08 Lhasa—chengdu (by fly) Transfer by bus to airport ,end of the service http://www.tibetperfecttravel.com           |
