
Definitive Guide to Shoton Festival in Tibet for 2025
Nothing is more attractive than an experience in the Tibetan tradition festival to feel the passion of Tibetans. In this coming summer, the grand Shoton Festival will be held in Lhasa. It’s exactly an optimum chance to immerse yourself in original Tibetan’s life. The opening ceremony of the 2025 Shoton Festival will start on August 23, and will end on August 29. Many tourists specifically choose to travel to Tibet during this time period so as to better understand the local customs and practices in Tibet. Learn some information about Shoton Festival, so you can set about preparing your travel plan. According to the Tibetan interpretation, Shoton Festival is a festival for eating yogurt, so it is also called the "Yogurt Festival", which means you are sure to amply taste the Tibetan yogurt.
Buddha Unfolding in Drepung Monastery
Shoton Festival start with the Thangka unveiling ceremony. The monks will slowly carry a huge Buddha Thangka out of Drepung Monastery. Thangka is usually tens of meters long and about ten meters wide. With the sound of Dharma trumpets and chanting sutras, the ceremony will officially begin. The monks and the believers will pray together for blessings. The Thangka is slowly unfolding. The ceremony of Buddha Unfolding is not only a religious activity, but also an important way for the Tibetans to express their respect for the Buddha and pray for auspiciousness.
Tibetan Opera in Norbulingka
Norbulingka, a royal garden located in Lhasa, is transformed into a Tibetan opera hall during the Shoton Festival. Tibetan opera performance teams come together here to present a wonderful Tibetan opera show for Tibetans and tourists. Walking through the lush forests and pavilions of Norbulingka, you seem to be in a mobile stage, and you may encounter a moving story at every corner.
Celebrate Linka with a Picnic
During Shoton Festival, Tibetans will wear festive costumes, and go to Norbulingka, the Lhasa River or the park to enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors with family and friends. Everyone will spread carpets or Tibetan rugs under the shade of trees and sit together to enjoy a leisurely time. On this occasion, you can enjoy yogurt, highland barley wine, butter tea, Tibetan snacks, etc. You can sing, dance, and play Tibetan cards on the grass.
Tips for the Shoton Festival
Thangka unveiling ceremony is at the break of dawn, so you have to get up very early to see the moment of Buddha unfolding. Bring a moisture-proof cushion to make you feel more comfortable during the ceremony. Sera Monastery will also hold unveiling ceremony. Although the scale is not as large as Drepung Monastery, it is easier without climbing mountains.
It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes, pay attention to sun protection and carry rain gear.
The temperature difference between day and night is large, remember to take a thick coat to prevent catching a cold.
Tibetan opera performances will take a long time. It is recommended to take a small portable bench.
34 Comment ON "Definitive Guide to Shoton Festival in Tibet for 2025"
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
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.