Shotun Festivals

Shotun in Tibetan means sour milk banquet. As Tibetan operas are performed and Buddha paintings are exhibited at this time, it is also called -Tibetan Opera Festival- or -Buddha Exhibition Festival-.

Shotun festival is the most important and attractive for the Tibetans with full of ethnic songs and dances along with famous Tibetan opera performing at Norbulingka Palace. Hundreds of thousands of Tibetan gather at Drepung, Sera monastery to see the famous Buddha Thangka.

Origination of Shotun festival: Tsongkapa master had initiated a rule on monks to concentrate on meditation in monasteries from april to june according to Tibetan lunar calendar to avoid killings and earning demerits during that days. After finishing these days, the local Tibetan laymen use to serve them curds, perform Tibetan opera and will go for picnics and later strengthen to new festival in Tibet.

During this eleven days tour presents two jewels of Asia's heritage. It combines Six days in the spectacular capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, with a five day tour of Tibet. First few days we spend time visiting Palaces, Temples, Stupas and making 4-5 hours hiking from Nagarkot to Sankhu. Afterwards we fly to Lhasa taking 75 minute excellent mountain flight over the Himalaya.

Travel to the ancient Buddhist Capital Lhasa. Visit the famous Potala Palace, the Jokhang, great monasteries and walk through the bustling Barkor Market. A fine introductory tour to the heart of Tibet.

• Hundreds of Tibetan people gather at Drepung and Sera monastery with well ethnic dress up.
• Lamas carrying the giant Jampa Thangka and hanging on foot hill of Gebeiwotse mountain early in the morning.
• The sound of sutra bugle reverberating through the valley.
• Gaint hanged Jampa thangka at Drepung and Sera monastery.
• Tibetan opera performance at Norbulingka Palace.
• Woderful yak racing and horsemanship display.
• Hundreds of journalist from all over the world.
• Sangsol(burning of Tuja leaves along with Tsampa and butter) at the whole cities.
• Crowded Tibetan peoples throwing White Khada on the giant Thangka.