Gyantse Horse Race Festival originated since the 15th century, the festival takes place when the pasture turns green and lush. Hundreds of horsemen dress up themselves and their horses to take part in thrilling horse racing.
The annual horse racing festival is held on the sixth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. Legend says that this festival was initiated by the Gyantse Prince Gungsang Rabten in living memory of his father. In the beginning, it was mainly a religious ceremony with a few entertainments. Later on, it was added horse racing, archery, wrestling, and shooting. Currently, there are also Tibetan Opera, music and dancing, track and field, and ball games. Along with this, there is a swap meet and an open market to buy authentic Tibetan crafts and a picnic where you can enjoy Tibetan food with hospitable local Tibetans.
Gyantse is situated in a valley between high mountains, about 245 kilometers southwest of Lhasa. Compared to the rest of Tibet, it preserves a more of the traditional way of life as Gyantse has managed to hang onto its small-town charm and laid-back atmosphere. There’s plenty of attractions to see in and near Gyantse, like Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse Dzong and Palkhor Monastery on the northern side of Gyantse.
Program for Gyangtse horse racing and archery festival
| Day 1 | Time | Item | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Day | 10:00 Morning Afternoon Evening | Opening Ceremony Horse Racing Dance and song Performance | Damak Stadium Cultural stadium |
| 2nd Day | Morning Afternoon | Yak Racing, Tug of wall Dance and song Performance | Damak Stadium |
| 3rd Day | Morning Afternoon | Horse Racing, Niejia Dance and song Performance | Damak Stadium |
| 4th Day | Morning Afternoon | Racing and shooting, Stone Lifting, Stone Racing Dance and song Performance | Damak Stadium |
| 5th Day | Morning Afternoon | Horse Racing, Closing Ceremony | Damak Stadium |
