Shoton festival is rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and was originally a religious observance.
Tibetan opera performances, known as "Lhamo." Tibetan opera combines various art forms, including singing, dancing, and acting.
One of the most famous events during the Shoton Festival is the "Great Buddha Display" at the Drepung Monastery.
People crowded along the corridor by the foot of the hill, ready to receive the Buddhists "touching head" blessing, which involves gently hitting people on the head with a rolling golden cloth.
Linka means picnic in Tibetan. During Shoton Festival, local Tibetan people go to Norbulingka or the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo River for Linka.

TRAVEL SCHEDULE

DAYS CITIES  TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ACCOMMODATIONS
1 Lhasa Airport/Train Station Pickup Hotel
2 Lhasa Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street Hotel
3 Lhasa Grand Thangka Show for Shoton Festival Ceremony in Drepung & Sera Monastery Hotel
4 Lhasa Tibetan Opera Show in Summer Palace – Norbulingka Hotel
5 Lhasa Airport/Train Station Transfer /

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

PRICE INCLUDES PRICE EXCLUDES
Permits: All required permits to Tibet include a Tibet Entry Permit and Travel Permit(Chinese visa not included). China Visa: You should apply for it in your country. (except for flying from Nepal). If any visa invitation is needed, please inform us. Visa Invitation is a free offer.
Accommodations: Well-selected 3/4-star hotels with breakfasts (or you can upgrade to better levels with extra charges). Flights: No international or domestic flights included.
Transport: From 5-seat cars to 61-seat tour buses, different types based on group size, but all are new and comfortable. Gas fees and parking fees are all included. Meals: No lunches or dinners included (your guide can make recommendations according to your needs).
Entrance Tickets: All included except for optional activities. Tips: Tips to tour guide and driver.
Guide: A knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan guide will escort you for the trip. Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities.
Travel Insurance: A free one from a Chinese insurance company, but you should buy one from your country for better insurance services. Extra Expenses: Additional days’ cost caused due to unexpected situations such as natural disasters, political incidents, or any other force majeure.

Shoton means “yogurt” in Tibetan language. Shoton Festival can be traced back to the middle of the 17th century. The most important event is a giant Thangka display at Drepung Monastery in the morning and Sera Monastery in the afternoon. Thousands of pilgrims come here at midnight to witness this event.

Popularity 91%
Difficulty 5%
Cost Performance 90%
WHY TRAVEL WEST CHINA NOT OTHER AGENCIES
No Hidden Charge:
Hotels and admission tickets are included. Cost of the hotels will be excluded if you’d like to book on your own.		 Admission tickets and/or hotels excluded which can be a $100-500 surcharge.
More Unique Tours:
We arrange more unique tour activities to experience local life.		 Just common city tours with a higher price.
Competitive Price but Excellent Service:
We offer excellent service but competitive prices as a local licensed travel agency registered with the Tibet Tourism Bureau and Ministry of Culture and Tourism.		 Some are not real agencies but middlemen. Their services, even travel permits to remote areas cannot be guaranteed.

  • Customized private tour according to your requirements and needs.

  • Guaranteed Potala Palace tickets even in the hot travel season.

  • 100% Promised Tibet entry permit and travel permit.

  • Secured Train tickets to/from Tibet.

  • FREE days in Lhasa can be arranged.

  • BIG discounts for kids or seniors. Please consult your travel advisor for more information.