Aba (Ngawa) Monalm Festival Tour

Altitude: 3,290m | Driving: 400km, 6-7 hours

Welcome to Sichuan! Your journey begins at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, where you will meet your guide and fellow travellers. From Chengdu, we embark on a scenic drive northwest, ascending from the Sichuan Basin onto the Tibetan Plateau.

The route takes us through Dujiangyan, past the Longriba Grasslands, and over the Ayila Mountain, where winter snows blanket the landscape in white. As we climb, the air grows thinner, and the vistas expand—rolling hills give way to vast, open grasslands dotted with nomadic tents and grazing yaks.

We arrive in Aba County (3,290m) in the late afternoon. Aba is a small Tibetan town that swells dramatically during festival week as pilgrims and their families pour in from across the plateau. After checking into our hotel, we take a gentle walk to acclimatise and feel the pre-festival excitement building. In the evening, your guide will provide a detailed briefing on the festival schedule and what to expect in the days ahead. Overnight in Aba.

Altitude: 3,600m

Today, we experience the unique traditions of Nangshig Monastery (Langyi Si), the largest and most important Bon monastery in China, with a history dating back nearly 900 years to its founding in 1107.

Morning: The Horseback Procession

The day begins early as we travel to Nangshig Monastery, situated on a hillside overlooking the valley. The 14th day of the first Tibetan month is one of the most spectacular days at Nangshig, featuring a grand horseback procession that draws participants from all surrounding villages.

Hundreds of Khampa riders gather at the monastery, their horses adorned with colourful saddles, bridles, and ceremonial trappings. The riders themselves are dressed in their finest traditional regalia—fur-trimmed robes, antique swords, and heirloom jewellery passed down through generations. This procession recalls the military reviews of ancient Tibetan kingdoms and the epic tales of King Gesar, the legendary warrior-king of the Tibetan epic.

As the procession winds its way around the monastery, the air fills with the sound of chanting, the jingle of horse trappings, and the excited murmurs of thousands of spectators. The scene is a photographer's dream—a living tableau of colour, movement, and cultural pride.

Afternoon: Cham Dances

Following the procession, the focus shifts to the monastery courtyard, where monks perform the sacred Cham (masked dances). These elaborate ritual dances, which continue from approximately 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, are not mere performances but are considered a form of meditation and a way to impart spiritual teachings through symbolism.

The dancers wear magnificent costumes and carved wooden masks representing Buddhist deities, protectors, and demons. The dances depict the triumph of good over evil, the taming of demonic forces, and the protection of the Buddhist teachings. Accompanied by the deep resonance of long horns, the clash of cymbals, and the rhythmic beating of drums, the dancers move in hypnotic patterns that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Throughout the day, you'll have opportunities to observe the crowds of pilgrims who have gathered—families picnicking on the hillsides, elders reciting mantras, children playing in the snow. The atmosphere is one of joyful devotion, a celebration of community and faith.

As darkness falls, we return to Aba. Overnight in Aba.

Altitude: 3,290m

The 15th day of the first Tibetan month is the Full Moon and one of the most sacred days of the Monlam Festival. Today, we visit Gomar Monastery and Ngayul Monastery (Saige Si) to witness the exquisite butter sculpture (torma) exhibition and participate in prayer ceremonies.

Morning: Gomar Monastery

We begin at Gomar Monastery, where monks have spent weeks creating intricate sculptures from colored yak butter. This ancient art form, unique to Tibetan Buddhism, involves shaping butter (traditionally mixed with ash to create a paste-like consistency) into elaborate representations of deities, flowers, animals, and mandalas.

The sculptures are displayed in the monastery courtyard, illuminated by countless butter lamps. Each detail is rendered with astonishing precision—the folds of a deity's robe, the petals of a lotus flower, the flames surrounding a protective deity. The temporary nature of these sculptures—they will melt and be discarded after the festival—serves as a powerful reminder of the Buddhist teaching of impermanence.

We may also participate in or observe prayer ceremonies in the main assembly hall, where monks chant in deep resonance, accompanied by ritual instruments. The atmosphere is solemn and deeply moving.

Afternoon: Ngayul Monastery (Saige Si)

In the afternoon, we visit Ngayul Monastery, a Jonangpa school monastery. The Jonangpa tradition, with its distinctive teachings on emptiness (Zhentong), was historically suppressed in central Tibet but survived in the Amdo region. Ngayul Monastery preserves this unique lineage and its artistic traditions.

Here, we may witness additional prayer ceremonies and have the opportunity to explore the monastery's architecture and art. The quieter atmosphere offers a contrast to the larger, more crowded sites.

Evening: Butter Lamp Offerings

As night falls, we have the opportunity to participate in the lighting of butter lamps—thousands of flickering flames that illuminate the monastery courtyards. This act of offering light symbolises the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination of wisdom. The sight of countless flames against the cold winter night, accompanied by the murmur of prayers, is profoundly moving.

Overnight in Aba.

Altitude: 3,290m

Today is the spiritual climax of our journey—the Giant Thangka Unveiling at Gertse Monastery (Gerdeng Si) , the largest monastery in Aba County and the main Gelugpa institution in the region. This is the "festival within the festival," drawing the largest crowds and featuring the most spectacular single event of the Monlam celebration.

Pre-Dawn: Preparing for the Ceremony

We rise well before dawn (around 5:00 AM) to secure our position on the hillside where the Thangka will be unveiled. Even in the pre-dawn darkness, pilgrims are already gathering, their flashlights creating trails of light up the hillside. The temperature hovers well below freezing, and the air is thick with anticipation.

Sunrise: The Unveiling

As the first light of dawn touches the surrounding mountains, a profound hush falls over the tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered on the hillside. Suddenly, the deep, resonant sound of long Tibetan horns (dungchen) echoes through the valley. A procession of monks emerges from the monastery, carrying a massive, rolled-up bundle—the giant Thangka.

The Thangka at Gertse Monastery is truly enormous, measuring approximately 45 meters high and 25 meters wide—a silk appliqué image of the Buddha that requires dozens of monks to carry and unfurl. Slowly, ceremoniously, the monks spread the giant image down the specially prepared hillside, covering it initially with a protective veil.

At the most auspicious moment, determined by astrological calculation, the veil is drawn back, revealing the sacred image to the rising sun. In that instant, thousands of white Khata (ceremonial scarves) are thrown into the air as offerings, fluttering down like snow. Pilgrims prostrate themselves on the frozen ground, their faces illuminated by faith. The monks begin their deep, resonant chanting, and the air fills with the smoke of juniper incense.

This moment of collective devotion, set against the stark beauty of the Tibetan winter landscape, is one of the most powerful religious scenes in the Buddhist world. The Thangka remains displayed for several hours, allowing pilgrims and visitors to circumambulate and receive its blessing.

Afternoon: Monastery Exploration

After the ceremony, we return to town for a late breakfast and a chance to rest. In the afternoon, we explore Gertse Monastery in greater depth. Founded in 1870, this sprawling complex houses over 1,000 monks and features a magnificent main assembly hall, numerous chapels, and a 2-kilometre kora (circumambulation path) lined with more than 5,000 prayer wheels.

We'll visit the main temple, which houses a renowned medicine Buddha statue made of clay mixed with medicinal substances, and explore the monastery's collection of thangkas, scriptures, and ritual objects. The monastery's location on the edge of Aba town offers beautiful views of the surrounding valley.

In the evening, we may have the opportunity to witness additional rituals or simply rest after the intense emotions of the day.

Overnight in Aba.

Altitude: 3,290m

Today, we visit Kirti Monastery, another important Gelugpa institution in the Aba region. While the largest public ceremonies have concluded, the monastic community continues its prayers and rituals, and this day offers a more intimate glimpse into monastic life.

Morning: Kirti Monastery

We travel to Kirti Monastery, situated in a beautiful valley outside Aba town. Here, we may witness:

• Morning prayers in the assembly hall, with monks chanting in unison
• Debate sessions in the monastery courtyard, where monks engage in lively philosophical discussions
• Butter sculpture displays (some monasteries extend their exhibitions)
• Daily life of the monastic community

The quieter atmosphere allows for more contemplative observation and, with appropriate permission, interaction with monks who may be willing to discuss their practice and the significance of the festival.

Afternoon: Local Exploration

In the afternoon, we have time to explore Aba town and its surroundings. Options include:

• Visiting local Tibetan handicraft shops for authentic souvenirs
• Walking the kora paths around town, joining local pilgrims
• Photographing the winter landscapes surrounding Aba
• Visiting smaller monasteries not on the main festival circuit

This flexibility allows you to process the intense experiences of the past days and capture images that may have been missed during the main events.

Overnight in Aba.

Altitude: 3,290m–4,520m | Driving: 80km round trip

After four intense days of festival immersion, today we escape into the dramatic winter landscape of Lianbaoyeze, one of the most sacred mountain ranges in the Amdo region. Lianbaoyeze, meaning "Mountain of the Great Treasure" in Tibetan, is considered the ancestral mountain of the Khampa people and is revered by both Buddhists and Bonpos.

The Winter Wonderland of Lianbaoyeze

Located approximately 40 kilometres from Aba town, Lianbaoyeze is a stunning massif of granite peaks rising to over 5,000 meters. In winter, the landscape transforms into a frozen wonderland—the jagged peaks dusted with snow, alpine lakes frozen into expanses of turquoise and blue ice, and the air so clear that every detail stands out in sharp relief.

We'll explore the Zagara Tso lake, its surface now transformed into a surreal expanse of blue ice, cracked and textured by the extreme cold. The contrast between the deep blue of the ice and the white of the surrounding snow creates otherworldly photographic opportunities.

Wildlife Viewing

Lianbaoyeze is also home to diverse wildlife adapted to the harsh winter conditions. With luck and patience, we may spot white-lipped deer, blue sheep, or even the elusive snow leopard. Birdwatchers should watch for lammergeiers (bearded vultures) circling the peaks.

We return to Aba in the late afternoon, our souls refreshed by the encounter with this sacred landscape.

Overnight in Aba.

Altitude: 2,600m | Driving: 200km, 4 hours

Today, we begin our journey back toward Chengdu, but not before one more beautiful stop. After breakfast, we depart Aba and drive east toward Guergou Valley, a scenic area known for its hot springs and beautiful mountain scenery.

Scenic Drive

The route takes us through the dramatic landscapes of the eastern Tibetan Plateau, with snow-capped peaks, frozen rivers, and occasional nomadic settlements. We'll stop for photographs and to stretch our legs, enjoying the final views of this highland region.

Guergou Hot Springs

We arrive in Guergou Valley in the late afternoon and check into our resort. Here, you can soak in natural hot springs—a perfect remedy for cold muscles after days of standing in sub-zero temperatures. The contrast between the snow outside and the warm mineral waters is pure bliss.

The resort offers comfortable accommodations and excellent facilities. This evening is free for relaxation, reflection on the extraordinary experiences of the past week, and perhaps a final celebration with fellow travellers.

Overnight in Guergou Valley.

Altitude: 500m | Driving: 275km, 4 hours

After breakfast, we complete our journey back to Chengdu, descending from the Tibetan Plateau to the Sichuan Basin. The landscape transforms dramatically as we lose altitude—from snow-covered mountains to green hills, from yak pastures to bamboo groves. We arrive in Chengdu in the early afternoon. Your guide will transfer you to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you the memories of an extraordinary cultural adventure—the giant Buddha revealed at dawn, the hypnotic Cham dances, the warmth of pilgrims' devotion, and the ancient faith of Aba's sacred monasteries. 

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