Now is prime time to plan your Chinese New Year travel. This year, forget the beach and go for something spiritual and cultural. Something like Losar.

Losar is Tibetan New Year. It’s a two-week celebration which, this year, coincides with Chinese New Year (February 14). It’s a major festival celebrated throughout the Himalayas—from India to Nepal to downtown Lhasa. It’s very much a family occasion, but intrepid travelers are rewarded with unobstructed views of stunning religious ceremonies and a taste of that famed Tibetan hospitality.

Dharmasala in India (where the Dalai Lama lives) is the most unusual option for experiencing Tibetan New Year. During summer, upper Dharmasala (and its numerous hostels) are overrun with Buddhafied backpackers. But during Losar expect the ruckus to die down (most everything is closed anyway) and some genuine spirituality to flow forth. Make a pilgrimage to the Tsuglagkhang Temple, the largest Tibetan temple complex outside of Tibet, then check into the Tushita Meditation Center for a week-long crash course in Buddhism starting Feb. 10. Get there on Air Deccan from Delhi (RMB800, one way).

The Pokhara Valley in Nepal lays on an old India-Tibet trade route and the area still bears tremendous Tibetan influence. During Losar, the prayer flags will be flying in the small villages which dot the slopes of the Himalayas. Country Holidays has a six-day trip (RMB17,790) which sets you up at the renowned Tiger Tops Lodge. From there you trek the surrounding countryside until you get far, far off the beaten path.

Still, the best place to celebrate Losar is Tibet proper. CNAdventure is running a nine-day trip which departs Feb. 11 (US$1,100). You’ll spend Losar Eve at the Sera Monastery on the outskirts of Lhasa. The next day you’ll hang out with a Tibetan family downing traditional barley beer and snacks. Then you’ll hit the road for the more authentically Tibetan towns of Gyantse and Shigatse. Along the way, you’ll hit spectacular Yamdrok Lake where you’ll catch visions of Buddha floating in the endless, blue sky.