Horses have been good companions of the Tibetan people for generations. Therefore, festivals themed in horse race are imperative. The horse race festivals are held in many areas, among which, The Changtang (Nagqu/Naqu), Gyantse, Damxung and Tingri Horse Racing Festivals are most famous.

Among all, the Gyantse Dhamak (Dama, Horse Racing and Archery) Festival can be dated back to 500 years ago, initially for consecrating the Gyantse Prince Dharma Gungsang Raodainpo, who had the Palkor Monastery and Palkor Pagoda built, as well as to his highly esteemed grandfather. At the beginning, it was mainly for religious events, and later on evolved to horse race as a predominating event and it spread over to Lhasa, Changtang and Gongbo, etc. The festival actually begins with religious events such as mantra reciting, holy dancing and displaying images of Buddha, etc, between the 30th day of the third Tibetan month and the 18th day of the fourth month each year. Then it proceeds to horse race on the 18th and 19th, and archery contests on 20th and 21st. Besides, there are also some other events for fun included such as yak race, donkey race and so on. Availing themselves of the golden opportunity, merchants of different levels are also busy with their trading. In short, all the people in Gyantse city abandon themselves to jubilees in this period.

The Qiangtang Kyagqen Horse Race Festival is also very famous. Compared to that of Gyantse, the vast expanse of grassland in Northern Tibet is more suitable for horse race. Making full use of this natural condition, people here hold the event annually, which is similar to that of Gyantse, but more thrilling and exciting, because the riders here are younger and thus more daring.