The Xuedun (or Shoton) Festival is one of the liveliest and most important holidays in Tibet. Prior to the 17th century, lamas were forbidden to leave their monastery for a period of three months. At the beginning of July, when the lamas were free to leave the monastery, alms of yogurt (Sho in Tibetan) were given out by local residents to welcome their return. The lamas are no longer locked away today, and the festival, which has since been renamed the Tibetan Opera Festival, is now an occasion to perform operas and folk amusement. However, the yogurt,from which the name of the festival is derived, is still drank throughout the festival. The relic of its religious connotation is left in the custom of shining Buddha's portrait during the celebration. We will take you to the holy Tibetan capital of Lhasa to enjoy the festival and to visit some of its important temples and monasteries. We will then take a short trip to Lake Yamdrok Tso to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to relax your mind in its serene wilderness.