Losar Festivities: A Tibetan New Year Tour Celebration
Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Tibet and among Tibetan communities worldwide. Celebrated over a period of several days, Losar marks the beginning of a new year according to the Tibetan lunar calendar.
During Losar, the streets of Tibet and Tibetan settlements come alive with vibrant colors, music, and festivities. Traditional Tibetan costumes, known as “chubas,” are worn, and the air fills with the sound of drums, cymbals, and trumpets.
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Upon arrival in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, you will be greeted by a local Tibetan guide. You will then be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 2: Visit Potala Palace and Barkhor Street
Begin your Losar celebrations by visiting the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Explore its magnificent halls, chapels, and courtyards and marvel at its architectural wonder.
In the afternoon, take a walk through Barkhor Street, the lively pilgrimage circuit around the Jokhang Temple. Observe pilgrims circumambulating the temple, spinning prayer wheels, and engaging in various devotional practices.
Day 3: Attend Losar Monks’ Dance Performances
On the eve of Losar, grand masked dance performances known as “Cham” are held at Jokhang Temple and various monasteries around the city. These dances depict Buddhist mythology and folklore and are an integral part of Losar festivities.
Get up early to witness the spectacular monks’ Cham performances. Admire the vibrant masks, elaborate costumes, and mesmerizing movements as the monks bring Buddhist legends to life.
Day 4: Celebrate Losar in a Tibetan Family Home
Experience the true spirit of Losar by visiting a local Tibetan family home. Participate in traditional New Year rituals, including butter tea ceremonies, exchanging greetings, and indulging in a feast of festive Tibetan cuisine.
Day 5: Explore the Sera Monastery
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sera Monastery, one of the “Great Three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. Witness the vibrant morning prayer ceremonies, listen to monks engage in philosophical debates, and explore the monastery’s serene courtyards and temples.
Day 6: Trek to Ganden Monastery
Embark on a picturesque trek to Ganden Monastery, situated in a high-altitude valley north of Lhasa. Spend the afternoon exploring the monastery, renowned as the supreme seat of the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Day 7: Farewell and Departure
Say farewell to the vibrant culture of Tibet as you depart from Lhasa. Carry with you cherished memories of the Losar festivities and the unforgettable experiences you’ve encountered during your Tibetan New Year tour.
