Mount Kailash (22028 feet) is the holiest and hardest pilgrimage mountain travel in the world. In Tibetan language it is called Kang Ringpohe ( a pious mountain). Mt. Kailash lies in remote western part of Tibet. Mount Kailash is the main source of water forming the major rivers Indus river, Sutlej, Brahmaputra Indus, and Karnali river….it is believed to be the sacred place of eternal bliss. In front of Kailash lies Holy Lake Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. The Majestic view of Holy Mount. Kailash can be viewed in crystal clear water of Lake Manasarovar. Hindu People believe that Holy Kailash Parbat is the home of Lord Shiva. Having the ritual bath of Holy Lake Manasarovar water it is believed that the sin we have committed will go away.
Actually the helicopter can only go till the boarder of Nepal called Hilsa in the western part of Nepal. So, the best solution of taking Heli- copter service would be taking normal flights from Kathmandu to Nepal-jung and then to Simikot. Form Simikot we will take Helicopeter to Hilsa and drive to Taklakot. Next day we drive to Manasarovar Lake and rest. Then we drive to base camp of Kailash for Parikrama /Kora. After Kora/ circumbulating Mt. Kailash, we proceed to Nyalam and come back to Kathmandu driving. Or instead of Helicopeter from Simikot Limi Valley trek can be combined with Mt. Kailash Tour. It will take a week more days trek that combines best trek in Nepal at Humla valley and trek to Mt. Kaialsh. It keeps you fit in altitude. The people are culture is unique and the best part is this trek is it we would be seeing a relatively untouched part of this world.
The following is the trip outline of Simikot- Holy Mansarovar-Kailash Tibet tour:
Day 01 : ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU (Height : 1310 M).
Welcome at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Tour Representative will greet all and escort you to the hotel for check-in and stay overnight. US Passport Holders to hand over Passports for Visa purposes. Preferably arrive on working day in the early morning hours – so that Visa application could be made same day.
Day 02: KATHMANDU VALLEY SIGHTSEEING AND TRIP PREPARATION
Sightseeing Kathmandu – Indian Passport holders desiring on joining group at Kathmandu to arrive today and merge with the group. After breakfast in the morning visit Pashupathinath temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva , it stretches on both sides of the Bagmati River which is considered holy by Hindus., Jalanarayan temple or Budhanilkantha, situated at the foot of the Shivpuri Hills in the northern-most part of the Kathmandu Valley, is about 8 km from the city. The shrine with probably the largest stone statue of Lord Vishnu in Nepal is reclining on a bed of Nagas or serpents in the middle of a small pond. The 5-m long granite image carved out of a single rock dates back to the Lichchhavi period and Shakthi Peetam called Gujeshwari - dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi. Evening briefing of the Yatra by Tour Operator. Stay overnight. After briefing - you will have free time for shopping and packing for your trip. Overnight stay at Hotel
Indian Passport holders can join this group from today at an approx... additional cost of Rs. 3,500/= per person per night (one night)
Day 03: : FLY KATHMANDU – LHASA TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT FOR YOUR FLIGHT TO LHASA
On arrival into Tibet, we will meet tour representative at the airport who will transfer us to the hotel. Taking it slow the rest of today, we could adjust to the altitude easier and quicker. Remember to drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep for the long journey ahead
Day 04: SIGHTSEEING IN LHASA (Height :- 2800)
Visit Lhasa today. We will visit Potala palace, an oldest palace of Dalai Lama, Norbulinka palace, the first Buddhist’s temple of Tibet and Drepung Monastery. Overnight stay at Lhasa.
Day 05: DRIVE LHASA - SHIGATSE (Height :- 3900).
Further our way lies the capital of a province of Tsang - Shigatse - residence Panchen Lama - the second ecclesiastic of Tibet. Early in the morning excursion in a monastery of Tashilhunpo (it was set up in 1447), visiting of a temple of the Buddha of the future - Maytreya and also other temples of a monastery. Overnight at hotel
Day 06: DRIVE SHIGATSE - LHATSE - SAGA (ALTITUDE 4050 M.)
The journey today we pass over two high passes with more than 5000 meter height with fine views. For overnight we stop in the town of Lhatse. Other things like lake, nomads chasing thousands of yaks and sheep keep you busy. By the late afternoon you will cross Brahmaputra River on our way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town, Saga for night stay.
Day 07: DRIVE TO MANASAROVER (4558M)
OVERNIGHT AT GUEST HOUSE - Day starts with full of excitement, by the late afternoon you can have the first sight of Holy Kailash Parbat and Manasarovar. Here, a small village nearby Lake Manasarovar, we will spend a night there at Guest House.
Day 08: EXPLORATION OF LAKE MANASAROVAR AND DRIVE TO DARCHEN (14975FT)
Drive Manasarovar to Darchen, Base Camp of Kailash
Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning Bath and Puja we will be heading towards Darchen. Before reaching Darchen we will be moving to Threethapuri approximately travel time will be 3 hrs and then reach Darchen , Darchen is considered as a base camp for the Holy Kailash Parikrama (walking around)
Yatris who are not going Mt Kailash Parikrama will stay at Darchen till those people going Parikrama return back
- Altitude : 4620 meters - Driving Distance : 35 km
- Driving Time hr: 1 hrk.
- Dinner & Overnight at Hotels
Day 09: KAILASH PARIKRAMA. DRIVE TO VALLEY OF THE GOD AND TREK TO DERAPUK/4909M.
Today is the highlighted day of our journey. The most exciting part, sacred circumambulation around Kailash, commences today from Yama Dwar. From Darchen, it is another half an hour to reach Yama Dwar.
Our Yaks, porters and horses are waiting here for us. Those who are making circumambulation around Kailash on feet can instantly proceed for Derapuk; rest of members can commence their journey after taking their horse/s and porter/s. The Total walk to Derapuk is for 4 to 5 hours but the timing depends on your own pace. The route is quite easy, flat but mild ascend. Due to its extreme elevation, we feel tired while walking and need to have break very frequently. From Derapuk view of North face of Kailash in a distance.
Yatris who are not going Mt Kailash Parikrama will stay at Darchen till those people going Parikrama return back
- Overnight at Shisapanga Guesthouse
- Yama Dwar- Dhriraphuk: 10 km | 5 - 6 hour trek.
- Elevation of Dhriraphuk: 4920 m./16,138 fts
- Expected temperature: day time:-12 to 18 degree Celsius/night time: -5 to -8 degree.
- Average climatic condition: windy and partly cloudy & rainy.
Day 10: CHARAN SPARSHA OVERNIGHT AT DERAPUK.
Those desiring to do Charan Sparsh shall trek from Derapuk to and fro Mt. Kailash Charan Sparsh and return back to Derapuk to stay overnight at Derapuk. Those who do not want to do Charan Sparsh will stay at Derapuk for the day.
Day 11: : TREK TO ZUTHULPHUK BY CROSSING SHIVSTAL KHANDRO SANGLAM LA PASS
Trek –Derapuk – Kuber Kund – Zuthulpuk. We start early trek to Shivstal, Khandro Sanglam La the Secret Path of the Dakini Khandroma Is An Alternative Route Around Mount Kailash. Passing through the pass one will come to the Kuber valley and the view of Kuber Kund become visible. Trek toZuthulpuk. and stay overnight at Zuthulpuk.
Overnight Norpel Guesthouse or Monastery guesthouse (Mud house) | dormitory.
- Derapuk to Zutulphuk: 18 km | (8 - 9 hours trek).
- Elevation of Zutulphuk: 4820 m. /15,810 fts.
- Expected temperature: 14 to 22 degree Celsius/ night time: -3 to -5 degree
- Average climatic condition: windy
Day 12: FINISH KAILASH KORA AND DRIVE BACK TO DARCHEN(8 KMS). OVERNIGHT
During the morning, we will be exploring the caves and temples around the Milarepa cave. After breakfast, we will hike some 3-4 hours to complete our Kora and get back to the village of Darchen. We will have lunch there, and Overnight at Hotel.
Day 13:
Rest day at Darchen and preparation for Nandi Kora
Day 14:
Early morning group proceeds to Asthapad – trek from Asthapad to Saptarishi Caves and thereafter to Nandi Hills Parikrama and return back by night to Asthapad. Drive back to Darchen. If possibility of overnight stay in tents near Nandi Hills then preferably stay overnight in tents. If not stay overnight in Darchen / Manasarovar.
Elevation: - 5900 M for Saptarishi cave
Time: - 10 hrs
Temperature: - 15 degree
Day 15: DRIVE SAGA / PELKU TSO LAKE / OLD TINGRI / EVEREST BASE CAMP (340KM, 7 HOURS)
Today cross the Bhramaputra River and continuous drive through sandy plain, nomads herders with their yaks and sheep also can be seen along the road, at the middle of the way you will take a stop at the stunning view of Pelku Tso Lake on the left and Mt. Shishapama(8012m) on the right, further driving through the pasture meet you with friendship highway and then to Old Tingri, from there you can see the mighty peaks of Mt. Everest(8844m) and Mt. Cho Oyu(8201m) far in the distance to the south. Continue another 100km to reach Rongbuk where the Everest Base Camp located. Enjoy the stunning sunset at your guest house. Overnight at monastery guest house or tent guest house. (dorm bed)
Day 16: DRIVE TO SHIGATSE. OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL (B, L, D FOUR STAR HOTEL)
Morning you can choose to hike to Everest Base Camp (2 hours) or take the local sightseeing bus. Afterwards start driving back to Saga. Overnight at Saga
Day 17: DRIVE TO KERUNG
OVERNIGHT AT GUEST HOUSE - Start from Saga / Purang and reach the village of Kerung on a comfortable ride. Night Halt at Kerung
Day 18: HELICOPTER FLIGHT FOR KATHMANDU
Cross the border Shyabru Besi and take a helicopter and reach Kathmandu. Those flying out of Kathmandu could come back to Kathmandu.
Day 19: FINAL DEPARTURE TO HOME
Note: We can take you to Ice Lingma and Sapta-Rishi Cave which is also called Inner Parikrama/Kora. For this we have to be physically fit. We have to have spare day to go for it. )
