Shaman festival tour of 2012

In 2012, the festival schedule is 4 AUG-12 AUG, the best part is the last 3 days<10-12 AUG>, so you should arrange your time by this schedule.

Shamans, or “Lhawa” in Tibetan, are average individuals whose bodies are inhabited by a  god at specified times of year. Through the medium of the shaman, the god then advises local people on how to maintain safety and good fortune. Special shaman's festivals are held at which villagers gather to hear the advice of the shaman. Ritual dancing and play- acting by villagers are also part of these festivals. On this trip, you will witness several shaman's festivals occurring in various villages, travel to monasteries, and visit thangka (religious painting) schools. 

The Shoton Festival 2012

The Shoton Festival Shoton is the transliteration of two Tibetan words which mean 'Yoghurt Banquet'. The festival originated at Drepung Monastery, as a celebration to mark the end of the monks' Yarné, their hundred day summer retreat. It begins on the new moon marking the end of the sixth Tibetan month. It includes performances of the musical dance dramas known as Ache Lhamo (Tibetan Opera). In other parts of Tibet the dances are part of the harvest festival, and yoghurt would be served at the feast which followed. The Ache Lhamo dances are attributed to Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as Chaksampa, a lama of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, also famous for building iron chain bridges in many parts of Tibet. The popularity of this festival was such that the government decreed it an annual event of a further five days, established at the Norbulingka. There are performances by all the established companies from throughout Tibet, some of which can perform the whole Lhamo repertoire, and some who specialize in one particular drama. Some of the stories are derived from Indian Buddhist legends, while others relate incidents in Tibetan history.

Jyekundo Horse race festival

Jyekundo(Yushu) anniversary horse race festival, Tibetan riders from far and near will gather there for the race, also many Tibetan will take part in the case in beatiful dress.This tour of anniversary horse race Festival will provide us a chance to join colorfully dressed Kham Tibetan in Kham.