Gyantse Damar Festival in Tibet
Gyantse is a charming town in southern Tibet, just a short drive from either Shigatse or Lhasa, that feels like a window into traditional Tibetan life. Every Tibetan lunar April, it transforms for the Damar Festival, Gyantse's biggest and most joyful event. The word "Damar" means "horse racing and archery," a tradition that has been bringing locals and travelers together for over 600 years. Let's explore what unfolds in this spectacular setting between the Gangdise Mountains and the Himalayas.
When Damar Festival kicks off, Gyantse turns into a sea of happiness. Locals from nearby villages arrive in bright Tibetan traditional clothing—long robes (chubas) in red, blue, and gold, with intricate patterns. They set up rainbow-colored tents and sun umbrellas on the grass, spreading out blankets to sit on. Walk around, and you'll smell butter tea and roasted barley snacks wafting from every tent. Everywhere you look, there are small stalls: some sell hand-carved wooden bowls, colorful Tibetan beads, or farm tools; others serve hot Tibetan noodles or sweet yogurt. It's busy, but never overwhelming—locals love greeting travelers with a smile, and many will even offer you a sip of their tea.
Early in the morning, horses decked out in red tassels and silk ribbons line up. Riders wear traditional hats and lean low over their horses' backs, faces determined. When the horn blows, the horses sprint forward, hooves kicking up dust, and the crowd roars—locals shout encouragement in Tibetan, and even travelers find themselves cheering loud.
Yak racing is just as fun, but in a more playful way. These fluffy, strong animals lumber forward with stubborn energy, sometimes stopping to sniff the grass mid-race. Riders laugh as they guide their yaks, and the crowd giggles right along—its pure joy. You'll also see archery and stone-lifting, where men lift heavy stones to show their strength.
If horse racing is the festival's energy, Kadui Tibetan Opera is its heart. This is one of Gyantse's most precious intangible cultural heritages, and watching a performance feels like stepping into an old story. Performers wear vivid costumes: long, flowing sleeves for heroes, sparkly dresses for heroines, and colorful masks. Their singing is soft and melodic, and even if you don't understand the Tibetan lyrics, the dancers' movements—twirling, bowing, and gesturing—tell the whole tale.
As the sun sets, the festival shifts to nighttime fun. A big bonfire is lit, and everyone is holding hands. Locals and travelers form a big circle, tapping their feet to Tibetan folk songs. You don't need to know the dance moves—someone will always pull you in and show you how.
Conclusion
The energy here—the pounding hooves, the shared dances, the proud smiles—doesn't just showcase Tibet's history; it celebrates Tibetan people's vibrant present.
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35 Comment ON "Gyantse Damar Festival in Tibet"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash