Losar (Tibetan New Year): Celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar, falling between February and March in the Gregorian calendar. Losar is one of the biggest festivals in Tibet.
Monlam (Great Prayer Festival):
Tibet's largest religious festival, first held in 1409. It runs for five days in February or March, corresponding to the 4th through 25th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar.
Butter Lamp Festival:
Held on the final day of Monlam to celebrate Shakyamuni's victory over the Lord of Six Shen. It traditionally takes place at Barkhor Bazaar.
Saga Dawa:
The holiest day in Tibet, marking three events at once: the Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment. It falls on the 15th day of the 4th month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to May or June in the Gregorian calendar.
Gyantse Horse Racing and Archery Festival:
Horse racing and archery are both hugely popular in Tibet, and Gyantse is historically considered the site where this festival originated. It falls on the 18th day of the 4th Tibetan month, around May or June.
Shoton Festival:
Also known as the Yogurt Festival, one of Tibet's largest celebrations, held from the 1st to the 5th day of the 7th Tibetan month — around August or September.
Ghost-Expelling Festival:
As its name suggests, this festival is held to drive out evil spirits ahead of the new year. It takes place on the 29th day of the 12th Tibetan month, around February or March.
