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Kailash Mansarovar Tour
20 Days
Challenging
5,120 m
Hotel/Teahouse
Bus/Car/Flight
2-20
Autumn & Spring
Trip Highlights
- Trek to Mt. Kailash by the traditional pilgrimage route.
- Visit Lake Mansarovar and Circumambulate Mt. Kailash
- Visit Garuda Valley, which is considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization.
- Travel over the Nepal and Tibet border via trade routes.
- Know about the culture, tradition, language, social norms and ethics of two different places (Nepal and Tibet)
- Behold the mesmerizing view of mountain range and hills that can be seen throughout the journey.
- Visit the Garuda valley, a place which is believed to be the origin of
- Tibetan civilization during the ancient times when the Bon religion was most common throughout Tibet.
Overview
Tibet, a Chinese autonomous province and the sacred home of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jainists, and Bonists, as well as an apex of beauty and wonder for the rest of the globe. Mount Kailash, with its snow-capped rocky peak and revered residence of supreme Hindu god Shiva, is also thought to have been home to the founders of Tibetan Buddhism, Jainism, and Bonpo faiths. This peak is also revered by Hindus and Buddhists around the world as the exact “center of the Universe.”
The Hindus’ most sacred lake, Mansarovar, is located beneath Mt. Kailash (4580m). This lake is so large that just going around its perimeter takes three days. A single dip in the freezing water of this holy Lake is thought to cleanse the soul of all sins, paving the way to heaven after death. This Lake is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures as a must-see destination for anyone seeking liberation, the greatest level of attainment in Hinduism.
You may fly from Kathmandu to Simikot via Nepalgunj, which is located in the western region of the country. Spend one night in Nepalgunj and the next day fly to Simikot, where you will begin your journey from Simikot to Hilsa. The trip takes you through a beautiful mountain landscape, hills, Thakuri villages, rivers, and across the Nara La pass. The Tibetan plateau can be seen from the Nara La pass, which is 4580 meters high. After a seven-day hike from Simikot to Hilasa, cross the Karnali River and arrive in Taklakot on the Nepalese side of the border. You are located just south of Kailash, which Hindus and Buddhists regard as the world’s center.
Tirthapuri Holy Place (Bhasmasur Parbat)
Tirthpuri is the third holiest pilgrimage place in western Tibet. It is a region highly associated with Padmasambhava as well as events from the lives of several Buddhas and bodhisattvas, and it is an important climax to a Kailash Kora. Padmasambhava meditated in a cave within the temple. Thirthpuri is 70 kilometers west of Mount Kailash, on the right bank of the Sutlej River. Tirthpuri’s circumambulation takes roughly an hour. Both Hindus and Buddhists make required stops here, and if this location is not visited, the journey to Mount Kailash is considered incomplete.
Ashtapad:
Ashtapad, which lies in front of Nandi Mountain, is another holy mountain near Mount Kailash.
Many saints, rishis, and monks have meditated in the caves of Aspad Mountain. While a trip to Kailash and Mansarovar can be extremely fulfilling for a devout Hindu soul.Everyone from all around the world is encouraged to visit this beautiful location at least once in their lives, as the charming Lake, its cascading waves, and surrounding rocky mountains are sure to provide a thrilling and heart-pounding journey like no other. Thousands of pilgrims from all around the world travel to Nepal to enter Tibet.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu along with visa and trip preparation
- Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
- Day 04: Fly to Simikot and trekking to Dharapori
- Day 05:Trek from Dharapori to Kermi
- Day 06: Trek from Kermi to Yalbang
- Day 07: Trek from Yalbang to Tumkot
- Day 08: Trek from Tumkot to Yari
- Day 09:Trek from Yari to Hilsa via Nara La pass
- Day 10: Hilsa to Purang
- Day 11: Trek from Purang to Montser and sightseeing in Tirthapuri
- Day 12: Sightseeing of Garuda Valley, then trekking to Darchen
- Day 13: First day of Kora: Trek to DiraPuk Monasteries
- Day 14 (Second day of Kora): Trek to Dzatul-puk
- Day 15 (Third day of Kora): Trek to Darchen, and then to Manasarovar
- Day 16: Sightseeing of the Mansarovar Lake
- Day 17: Drive from Mansarovar to Saga
- Day 18: Drive from Saga to Shigatse
- Day 19: Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa
- Day 20: Final Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
You will be welcomed at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu by a representative, who will transport you to your accommodation. You will rest or visit the office after checking in. The evening will begin with a welcome suppe, where you will learn about Nepalese cuisine.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu along with visa and trip preparation
You can spend the entire day relaxing. After breakfast, you can go to the office in Thamel if you have any further questions concerning our trip. You can spend the majority of today resting and relaxing. You can take a stroll through Thamel, a major tourist destination.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
You can fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which is located in Western Nepal, after your short visit in Kathmandu. Nepalgunj is the gateway to Simikot, Humla, and is located close to the Nepal-India border. The town is an interesting Terai town that displays Nepal’s unique culture. You can go to the local market, mini-zoo, and adjacent villages in Nepalgunj.
Overnight in Nepalgunj.
Day 04: Fly to Simikot and trekking to Dharapori
You will fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot in 40 minutes and gaze at the magnificence of the soaring Himalayan cliffs from the air. Simikot, the Humla District’s headquarters, is shut off from the rest of the nation due to its remoteness. You can learn about the local people and their rich culture, which is intimately linked to Tibetan culture due to the two countries’ proximity. You can eat lunch at Simikot and then go to the police station to get our permit. You climb for a while from Simikot before descending to Tuling settlement. We continue going along the Karnali River, passing through woods and villages on our way to Dharapori.
Overnight in Dharapori.
Day 05:Trek from Dharapori to Kermi
The hike begins with a trail by the Karnali River, which is pretty level. We stroll across fields primarily planted with barley, buckwheat, rice, and potatoes. Near Kermi, there are two hot springs where you can relax your weary muscles. Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa are two historic Buddhist monasteries adjacent to Kermi.
Overnight in Kermi.
Day 06: Trek from Kermi to Yalbang
The hike today is a flat and steep ascent to a tiny pass and a suspension bridge across the Salli River. Views of the lovely pine woods and the huge Karnali River can be seen from there. The Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery can also be visited.
Overnight in Yalbang.
Day 07: Trek from Yalbang to Tumkot
You will walk above the Karnali River on a trail. As you climb higher, the foliage and smaller bushes begin to disappear. Pine trees and stony hills replace them. You will visit Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, one of the most important Sakya monasteries in the Tibetan region, after arriving in Tumkot.
Overnight in Tumkot.
Day 08: Trek from Tumkot to Yari
The hike today takes you above the Karnali River on a rather easy track. You observe a difference in climate, vegetation, and landscape after a few miles, which becomes more rugged and solitary. The trees you see are no longer pine trees. They are now junipers that are short and low.
Overnight in Yari.
Day 09:Trek from Yari to Hilsa via Nara La pass
Today you will cross the Nara La pass, the trek’s first pass (4,620m). The vegetation has died away, and the environment resembles that of Tibet. You will observe spectacular views of the Tibetan plateau and Yari Village after crossing the pass. From here, it’s a hazardous descent to Hilsa, a border village that also serves as a drop-off point for pilgrims flying to Mt. Kailash by helicopter.
Overnight in Hilsa.
Day 10: Hilsa to Purang
You will cross the Hilsa Friendship Bridge, where Chinese officials will examine your permits and passports. This is also where you will meet your Tibetan guide. You will travel from Hilsa to Purang, passing through Rinzin Zangpo Gompa and Kangje Village. In Purang, you will visit the historic Purang Gompa and see the 12th-century Buddhist murals.
Overnight in Purang.
Day 11: Trek from Purang to Montser and sightseeing in Tirthapuri
You will cross via Rakshas and Mansarover lakes on our way to Montser. After arriving in Montser, you will rest for a little before heading to Tirtapuri (4510m). The Tirthapuri Hot Springs, located northwest of Mount Kailash, are closely identified with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Along a one-hour pilgrimage walk, pilgrims bathe in spring-fed pools and visit the monastery with the guru’s footprint, and dig for healing stones.
Overnight in Montser.
Day 12: Sightseeing of Garuda Valley, then trekking to Darchen
The Garuda Valley, located southwest of Mt. Kailash takes us around 2 hours to arrive. It has some strange caves that have never been visited. Many people believe that this was the cradle of Tibetan culture during the Shang Shung kings’ reign, long before Buddhism reached the pinnacle of the world. Garuda Valley will be a dream come true for anyone interested in archeological and historical attractions. You will then travel to Darchen, a little town located directly in front of the sacred Mount Kailash, after visiting the wonderful valley.
Overnight in Darchen.
Day 13: First day of Kora: Trek to DiraPuk Monasteries
Today is the first day of our Mt. Kailash Kora. The first day out of Darchen entails a six-hour hike through a deep valley with red rock cliffs. You will carry on to Shershong over the plain. And then you will continue on to a bridge that leads to Chhuku Gompa, which is visible from the valley high on a hill. The trail goes to Dirapuk, from where you will have a spectacular view of Mt. Kailash’s north face.
Overnight in DiraPuk.
Day 14 (Second day of Kora): Trek to Dzatul-puk
Today will be the most challenging day of our journey. At 5,750m/19,910ft, you will reach Drolma-la Pass. The Tara Pass, as its name implies, is stunning and adorned with five different colored praying flags. You will descend to Dzutul-puk from Drolma-la Pass. You will come across the amazing Thugje Zinbu (Lake of Compassion) and a few ancient contemplative caves at Dzutul-puk.
Overnight in Dzatul-puk.
Day 15 (Third day of Kora): Trek to Darchen, and then to Manasarovar
You will make your way out of the valley and into the Barka plain. You will drive for 2 hours to Mansarovar Lake after finishing the holy Kora of Mount Kailash in Darchen. Both Hindus and Buddhists revere the lake as a sacred site. Lake Mansarovar is a personification of purity in Hindu mythology, and anyone who drinks water from it after death is said to proceed to Lord Shiva’s dwelling. Buddhists also connect the lake with the legendary lake of Anavatapta, where Queen Maya is said to have given birth to Buddha.
Overnight in Manasarovar.
Day 16: Sightseeing of the Mansarovar Lake
Today, you will walk around the gorgeous Mansarovar Lake, which has a perimeter of 90 kilometers and is one of the world’s highest freshwater lakes. The Kora of Mount Kailash is said to be completed only by taking a holy bath in the lake and drinking its holy water, which is said to cleanse one of the sins of a hundred lives. You will drive around Mansarovar in a Jeep and, if time allows, visit Chiu Gompa, another Manasrovar destination.
Overnight in Mansarovar.
Day 17: Drive from Mansarovar to Saga
You will have a lengthy drive ahead of us from Mansarovar to Saga, which will take you through the hallowed old Chiu Monastery. You will drive on past Hor Quo and over the Mayum La pass (5,200m). Small towns such as Zhongba and Paryang will be visible as we pass through. The travel from Mansarovar to Paryang is 270 kilometers long, and it passes through Saga, which is 255 kilometers away. Instead of continuing on to Lhasa, you will take an alternate route to Kathmandu from Saga.
Overnight in Saga.
Day 18: Drive from Saga to Shigatse
You will drive from Saga to Shigatse through Latse. The Tsangpo River runs through a region crisscrossed by the upper Brahmaputra and its tributaries. You will freshen up in Shigatse before visiting the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which was founded by Pachen Lama in 1447.
Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 19: Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa
You will go after breakfast for Lhasa and stop at Shalu Monastery on the way. Shalu Monastery, which was founded in 1040, is famed for its exquisite and antique mural paintings. Following the excursion, we will travel to Lhasa. We pass via the Karo La Pass on our trip (5,045m). You will also pass the Khamba La Pass (4,794m) on your way to Lhasa, with a quick stop to admire the grandeur of the Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of Tibet’s three major sacred lakes, and the stunning Nazin Kang Sang glacier (7,252m).
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 20: Final Departure
Today is the last day of the Kailash journey in the Himalayas. Nothing to do but exchange emails with fellow travelers and organize images. About 2-3 hours before the scheduled departure, a representative will transport you to the airport.
What is included in Kailash Mansarovar Tour
- Sightseeing of Kathmandu city
- Kathmandu Nepalgunj-Simikto by flight
- Tibet group Visa Fee.
- All meals during camping trek
- Accommodation at Guest House during Tibet Visit.
- All vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) at Kailash Side.
- Transportation in Tibet side by A/C Transportation.
- All camping cooking equipment.
- Simikot permit
- English speaking Tibetan guide.
- All necessary travel & trekking permits as per our Itinerary.
- Supporting crew members (Cooks, Helpers & Sherpa’s) at tibet side.
- Oxygen cylinders for emergency use & medical kit bag.
- Escort for airport pick up & drop off.
- All applicable taxes & service charges.
What is Excluded
- Travel insurance / Rescue and evacuation service.
- Personal expenses.
- Nepal re-entry Visa fee for NRIs.
- Tips for guide & driver.
- Air ticket to Kathmandu & return back to home.
- Extra Hotel charge in Kathmandu if early return from Tibet or extra stay at Kathmandu.
Best Time
Nepal and Bhutan share a climate that ranges from high mountains to low-lying sub-tropical lowlands and jungles. Both nations have comparable climates and are best visited during the same season. The finest months to visit are March to April (spring) and October to December (fall and early winter), when the air is pure and fresh and the skies are clear. The months of January and February are cooler, while the months of June, July, and August (summer) are the monsoon season.
Tibet: April to October is the greatest season to visit since the temperature is warmer, fresher, and there are more sunny skies. It is normally very cold from November to March, but it is still possible to visit provided the route is not obstructed by snow, especially in locations like Namtso,, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, etc.
Gear and Equipment
The following are the list of things that you need during your trip:
Clothes:
- Down Jacket
- Windcheater
- Cap
- Gloves
- Warn woolen socks
- Quality trekking boots with gripping sole
- Muffler/ scarf
- Warm trouser
Equipment:
- Trekking poles
- Headlights
- Sleeping bag
- U-lock
- Oxygen
- Survival blankets
- Insect repellent, etc.
Electronics:
- Phone charger
- Power bank
- Torch
- Headlight
- Headphone/ earphone, etc.
Others:
- Dry foods
- Trekking map
- Snacks
- Mineral water
- Prescribed medicines
- Water bottle, etc.