Kailash Yetra
Mount Kailash is a mysterious mountain for travellers. But for Buddhist, Hindus and Bonpo faithful it is the abode of God Shiva; it is their sacred land. Kailash peak and Manasarover Lake are situated at 4500 meter above sea level; it is at the highest elevation on the Tibetan plateau. It is the source of holy rivers of south Asia like Indus, Sutlej, Brahamaputra and Karnali although its barren and dry features the lake and the mountain has magnetic influence to devotees and visitors alike.
Day 01: Kathmandu (1300m) :
On arrival we will pick you up and transfer you to the Hotel. Leisure time for oration walk around city O/N at Hotel with twin sharing room on B/B basis.
Day 02: Kathmandu-Nyalam(3800)
An early departure (around 6am - after breakfast) starts our yatra to Kailash from Kathmandu. The trip will take us through the valleys of Dhulikhel, Sunkosi River and Bhotekosi River, passing through lush green countryside, over dramatic cliffs and through numerous smaller villages and towns. We will be at the Nepal-Tibet border by noon. Here we will stop for lunch and the guides will process the immigration paperwork. After crossing the border we drive for another 2 hours and spend the rest of the day acclimatizing at 3800m in Nyalam.
Day 03: Nyalam (3800m) :
We will spend the day acclimatizing in Nyalam with easy hikes into the hills nearby and by walking in and around the local town. This helps a lot to make the body fit for the rest of driving days.
Day 04. Nyalam to Zhongba (4400m) :
Past Nyalam the road climbs up to La Lung (5050m) then drops down before heading to the western part of Tibet. From this point you will see stunning views of the Himalayas and chain valleys, as well as some of the highest peaks (8000m) including Shisha Pangma (8012m). You will see the grazing lands of yaks and sheep, the traditional villages and Bhramaputra River are also highlights on the long driving day. By late afternoon we will arrive in the town of New Zhongba.
Day 05: Zongba to Lake Manasarovar (4600m).
By late afternoon the drive through green pastures and massive valleys yield to the first sighting of Mount Kailash and blue waters of Lake Manasarovar. We will drive around the lake. Lake Manasarovar is considered the holiest of all of Tibet's many lakes. According to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, the four great rivers of the Indian sub-continent (the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ganges (Karnali), and Indus) all flow from its shores. This day offers a wonderful opportunity to visit the great lake and take in the spectacular views of Mt. Gurula Mandhata (7694m) to the south and Kailash (6638m) to the north. From there we will visit the Trugo monastery before heading to the Chiu monastery for an overnight stay. A short acclimatization hike to Chiu Monastery will allow the body to adjust further, and also help see the beauty of this small worship-place.
Day 06:Manasarovar to Darchen (4600m) :
In the morning, the tour staff will set up private bathing tent on the shores of Lake Manasarovar for the traditional sacred bath most pilgrims perform before Parikrama (walking around) of the holy mountain. Once cleansed, you can perform the Fire Ceremony with Mantra Chants as you wish. After lunch we will be head north towards Darchen, a small town with all the basic facilities and considered the base of Holy Mountain. If you wish your driver will be happy to plan a trip to either the amazing Tirthapuri (Hot Springs) on the way to Darchen or visit Austapad once you are there in Darchen. (Please note that driving to Trithapuri and Austapad is not included with your guide. Generally it they do collect small fee from each guest).
Day 07: Trek to Derapuk (4910m), north of Kailash. Total hiking: 14km, 6-7 hours :
Our first day of trekking around Holy Kailash begins at Tarbuche. As we make our way along the route we pass numerous chortens (stupas) as well as the sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddas. We will walk through the Yama Dvaar – the Gate of the God of Death to start the Parikrama. We will also take in wonderful views of cascading creeks, streaming waterfalls and the mighty west face of Kailash. We will pass the Chukku monastery and arrive at the Derapuk monastery about 5 hours later (depending on walking speed), where we will stay in the pilgrims' lodge. A short hike to see the awe inspiring north face of the great Kailash. EXTRA - Personal helpers and horse for a backup support is recommended to have on trekking/parikarma days.
Day 08: Trek to Zuthul Puk (4780m). Total hike: 18km, 10-12 hours :
The hardest day of the pilgrimage is also the holiest. We will cross Shivasthali - a rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns draped with the clothes left as offerings by pilgrims who have come before us. Further hiking ascents up to Dolma-La pass (5640m) and a marvelous sight of Gaurikunda. After a short break at the top of the pass to put prayer flags, we will head down the steep trail to our eventual campsite at Zuthul puk monastery (4790m), site of the cave of miracles where the greatest Tibetan yogi Milarerpa meditated and developed the powers of flying. Along the way we will be having wonderful sights of high peaks, streams, waterfalls and mountain caves.
Day 09: Trek to Zuthul Puk (4780m). Total hike: 18km, 10-12 hours :
The hardest day of the pilgrimage is also the holiest. We will cross Shivasthali - a rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns draped with the clothes left as offerings by pilgrims who have come before us. Further hiking ascents up to Dolma-La pass (5640m) and a marvelous sight of Gaurikunda. After a short break at the top of the pass to put prayer flags, we will head down the steep trail to our eventual campsite at Zuthul puk monastery (4790m), site of the cave of miracles where the greatest Tibetan yogi Milarerpa meditated and developed the powers of flying. Along the way we will be having wonderful sights of high peaks, streams, waterfalls and mountain caves.
Day 10: Drive to Saga (4400m). Stay in Hotel :
We will rush back towards Kathmandu, on the same great road, after living in low-oxygen levels for so many days. We will stay overnight in the famous town of Saga where all the upgraded hotels, restaurants and shops are available to make yourself refresh.
Day 11: Drive from Saga to Zhangmu(2220m):
We drive through deep gorges, quickly changing from the browns and yellows of Tibet, to the lush greens of the lower slopes of the Himalayas. Waterfalls seem to fall from the clouds into the racing streams deep in the valleys. We overnight in Zhangmu
Day 12 : Zhangmu-Kathmandu:1300m
FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE This morning, we officially leave the Friendship Highway (2000m) and cross the border into Nepal. Change your Yuan back to US$’s or Nepalese Rupees on the road here. Ensure that the chinese stamp your passport on exit from Tibet!!!! We are met by our friendly local representative and we start our drive back to Kathmandu. We stop in a small village for lunch, then continue on to Kathmandu.
On arrival get your Nepal visa (USD25).
Cost Includes
# 1 Night accommodation in Kathmandu
# Kathmandu – China Border – Kathmandu by private coach
# Tibet Permit Visa Fee
# Accommodation at Guest House during Tibet Visit
# All vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
# Transportation in Tibet by Luxury A/C Coach
# Supporting truck to carry equipment
# English speaking Tibetan guide
# All necessary travel & trekking permit as per our Itinerary
# Supporting crew members (Cooks, Helpers & Sherpas)
# Oxygen cylinders for emergency use & medical kit bag
# Escort for airport pick up & drop off
# All applicable taxes & service charges.
Cost Excludes
# Travel insurance / Rescue and evacuation service
# Personal expenses
# Nepal re-entry Visa fee
# Tips for guide & driver
# Horse riding during the Parikrama
# Air ticket to and from Kathmandu .
# Extra Hotel charge in Kathmandu if early return from
# Tibet or extra stay at Kathmandu
# Visa splitting charge and extra transportation cost, if returning early from Tibet.
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