Sakya Monastery's Cham Dance Festival

The Cham Dance Festival at Sakya Monastery often takes place in July—usually in late summer or early autumn. To avoid missing this spectacular event, it's wise to plan your trip with up-to-date information, as the Gregorian calendar dates vary each year. The festival draws both local pilgrims and international tourists, so the area can get busy during peak hours.

Exploring Sakya Monastery

Sakya Monastery is located in Sakya County, about a 3-hour drive from Shigatse, at an altitude of around 4,310 meters.As a masterpiece of architecture and a repository of Tibetan cultural heritage, it is divided into North and South Temples. The South Temple, better preserved and more accessible, covers 45,000 square meters and features a fortress-like structure that blends military and religious design. Its grand scripture hall, the heart of the monastery, houses rows of cushions for monks to chant and pray. At the back of the hall, a row of vivid Buddha statues stands tall. The hall also boasts a priceless white conch shell, a gift from Kublai Khan to Phags-pa, a key figure in Tibetan history. Beyond the main hall, the scripture storage area is a sight to behold—shelves reaching the ceiling hold over 2,000 handwritten Buddhist scriptures, some dating back hundreds of years. The monastery also houses cherished sutras written on palm leaves, invaluable relics that offer a glimpse into ancient Tibetan scholarship. The North Temple, though more ruinous, sits on a hillside offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley, making it a favorite spot for photographers.

What to Expect During the Cham Dance Festival

The festival day begins with religious ceremonies inside the monastery, where monks prepare for the dance by chanting prayers and blessing their costumes and masks. As the morning sun warms the courtyard, the dance performances start, drawing crowds of pilgrims who press forward to offer khata and prayers. The monks move in synchronized steps, their heavy masks and robes swaying with each motion, while the deep sound of dungchen horns echoes through the valley. The atmosphere is a powerful mix of reverence and joy—local families spread out blankets to picnic, children run around laughing, and pilgrims spin prayer wheels as they watch. Throughout the day, you'll also find local vendors selling traditional snacks like tsampa and butter tea, giving you a chance to taste authentic Tibetan flavors. Remember to be respectful: ask permission before taking photos of the monks or pilgrims, and avoid stepping on prayer flags or other sacred items.

Conclusion

If you want to explore at your own pace, we also offer private custom tours tailored to your interests, whether that's delving deeper into Tibetan Buddhism, capturing stunning photos of the festival or simply immersing yourself in local life.