Tibet – as the holiest of all holy places. For Hindus, this awe-inspiring lone peak is the representation on earth of Mt Meru, the spiritual centre of their universe and a ‘world pillar’ 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves. Hindus believe that Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva, who sits at the summit with his consort Parvati, otherwise known as the daughter of the Himalayas. The ‘Parikrama’, circumambulation, or journey round the base, of Mount Kailash, is said to wipe out a whole lifetime of accrued sins and many people report that they feel renewed or changed for the better after undertaking this spiritual journey. It is not just Hindus for whom Kailash is imbued with such great meaning. The Jains regard the mountain as the place where their first prophet achieved enlightenment and it is also of great spiritual significance for Buddhists and for those who still follow the ancient Bon religion. Buddhists call Kailash the “Precious Jewel’ peak and they, too, make many circumambulations in order to achieve enlightenment.
Additionally, the great lakes Manasarovar and Rakshas Tal which lie in the shadow of Kailash, are also manifestations of aspects of the Hindu religion and symbolize the water tanks at the entrance to every Hindu temple. Manasarovar, shaped like the sun and therefore symbolizing the light, is believed to be the lake formed in the mind of God, created to show the omnipotence of the mind of Brahma. This is why bathing in the lake and drinking in its water is a purifying process for Hindus and a way of reaching the Brahma’s paradise. Just one drop of water from the serenely beautiful Manasarovar is said to set one free from the contaminations of the poisonous world. Rakshas Tal, on the other hand, is more moon-like in shape and has come to be connected with the dark and with demonic forces. This whole area resonates with very deep mythical and religious vibrations and even agnostics cannot remain unmoved by the atmosphere, discovering a greater sense of equanimity by gazing upon this utterly serene landscape. A journey to the Mount Kailash area is truly an experience of a lifetime – and we can facilitate your great spiritual adventure by arranging a trek tailored to your special requirements. However, we recognize that some people would like to see Kailash and the holy lakes, but may be hampered by time restraints. For these pilgrims, we have devised a special itinerary which cuts the whole journey down to 14days by using helicopter transport between Nepalgunj and Simikot/Hilsa. Taking this version of the trip means that you can still enjoy the full Kailash and Lake Manasarovar experience in an unhurried manner. Below is a 14days itinerary that we have offered here. If you need to cut down your traveling time even further, we can probably adapt the program to your requirements, so please contact us for further details.
Glimpse of outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345m) airport and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Full-day Sightseeing and Preparation for the Trek.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
Day 04: Fly Nepalgunj – Simikot- Hilsa Then drive to Purang (Taklakot-3400m).
Day 05: Rest day in Taklakot (parung) for Acclimatization.
Day 06: Drive, Purang to Mansarovar Lake (Chiu Gompa-4500m).
Day 07: Drive Mansarovar Lake to Darchen (4664m).
Day 08: Drive Darchen to Yam Dwar and trek to Deraphuk (4920m).
Day 09: Zutrul Phuk to (4780m) via Dolma Pass Treks (5600m).
Day 10: Treks Back Darchen then drive to Taklakot.
Day 11: Drive to Hilsa- Fly back Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
Day 12: Full-day Sightseeing Bhaktapur and Patan.
Day 13: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Day 14: Final Departure
Special note:
We strongly advise to allot 1-2 extra days to overcome any delays. Due to the nature of travel, there is always the possibility of change in the schedule. The Tour Operator or its partners shall not be liable for any such delays. Yala Adventure has the right to change the Itinerary in the event of adverse weather condition or any unforeseen reason. The Group will be required to follow the itinerary strictly. The entire Group will enter and exit together as per schedule.
What we provide to our clients
Sleeping bag, down Jacket, Gamow bag and Oxygen. We don’t charge extra for the parikrama. If you wish to take help of a yak or horse, the cost will be approx US$ 100 for Yak and USD 200 for horse payable directly to the yak herder. All Indian pilgrims are advised to hire one. You have to understand that the yaks are not domesticated but are meant to carry luggage.
Model of payments
20 days prior to tour departure date, 100% of the total cost should reach Yala Adventure Pvt. Ltd account by telex transfer with passport of client.
Tour Cancellation policy
All notice of cancellation must be sent to our office in written. Verbal cancellations will not be entertained.
20 days before trip departure 10% of total trip cost.
15 days before trip departure 50% of total trip cost.
10 days before trip departure 90% of total trip cost.
07 days and less departure 100% of total trip cost.
Important Pre- departure information
Clothing
Casual wears and comfortable walking shoes are the rule of Tibet . Be sure to bring warm clothing as nights and early mornings can be quite chilly to downright cold. Indian Pilgrims strictly no Sari. Bring all the film, medicine, cosmetics, personal toilet items etc. that you will need from home as these are difficult if not impossible to obtain on the way. A small first aid kit is also a good idea. Also quite useful is a route map, to know where you are going and have been each day.
What to Take
Winter wear: Gore-Tex material, though expensive, is highly recommended. Down jacket, raincoat or windbreakers, thermal under wears, Jackets, warm trousers & woolen shirts (cotton will also do), warm sweaters, woolen gloves, sun hat, comfortable shoes, light leather boots in case of snow, woolen balaclava (‘monkey cap’) & scarf/dust mask to protect your eyes & nose from dust.
Bring with you
Snacks along the way. Chocolates, dry fruit, toffees, glucose; ‘namkeen’ etc. Strong water bottle & water purifying tablets. Personal medical kit and Diamox tablet (for high altitude). Sun glasses (to protect your eyes from UV, which is especially strong in high altitudes). Sun block or sun screen lotion, wet tissues (Fresh-ones are excellent to wipe off the dust), clothes-line/clips, needle & thread, deo-spray (handy for smelly boots/feet and for a round of spray in the toilet tent!), toilet paper, torch & spare batteries, daypack (small shoulder bag), Camera & films, Binocular.
Health
This is one of the toughest high altitude road journeys on earth. You Must be physically fit – no two ways about that. Generally patients with asthma & heart problems have a problem acclimatizing to high altitudes. In your interests it is essential you should be examined by your doctor to know about your health condition and your ability to cope up with the rigors of high altitude travel for days in ‘no road’ conditions, extreme cold, dust, trekking to an altitude of 19500ft during the Parikrama, etc.
Altitude Sickness
As you are traveling over high terrain, you are likely to experience symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite, nausea, exhaustion, sleeplessness, breathlessness etc.) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take a couple of days or more depending on an individual. For this reason alone, we have made it mandatory to stay 2 nights at Nyelam (12000ft) and a night in Simikot those who take journey of Helicopter before moving on to the higher altitudes. Drink plenty of water, be calm, and do not exercise. Do not drink alcohol or smoke prior to and during the tour. We also recommend you carry a strip of diamox tablets. Do consult your physician on the dosage. We provide Gamow bag (a special equipment to prevent sickness from high altitude) on this tour.
Currency
The unit of Chinese currency is Yuan. USD 1 = 6.50 Yuan. 1 Yuan = INR 7.50 approx; Money can exchange at Bank of China at Zhangmu or from the locals at Zhangmu or Kodari. Exchange all your remaining Yuan at the end of the trip at Zhangmu itself before re-entering Nepal .
Risks & Liability
Adventure mountain club Pvt. Ltd and its associates will put every effort to make your journey smooth and pleasant. However, all the tours in Tibet are conduct strictly under the rules & regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Therefore, Yala Adventure Pvt. Ltd and its counterpart shall not be responsible for any change and alteration in the program due to unavoidable circumstances such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snow, political unrest, and cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurred thereof shall be borne by the clients on.
Today arrival in Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will be greeted by a representative from Yala Adventure. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Yala Adventure display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to hotel. After check in, you can take a rest, hang around in the city, or visit our office – it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Overnight at hotel.
After an early breakfast, you are ready to do sightseeing tour in 4 major places in Kathmandu – Swoyambhunath (Monkey temple), Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Kathmandu durbar squire. We begin today’s sightseeing tour with a visit to Swoyambhunath a 2500-year old site where, it is believed, the Radiant Lotus of the valley-mythology, settled when the water was drained by Manjushri, the god of Wisdom. The 5 dhyani Buddha’s attended by their consorts are enshrined at the base of the stupa. (Non-Hindus are not allowed inside Swayambhunath temple) then continues tour into Boudhanath it is the world,s largest stupa and of Tibetan Buddhist Culture in Nepal. Antique shops where you can buy things of your interest relating to Buddhist surrounded the monastery. After Boudhanath your next spot is The Pashupatinath temple stands along the side of Bagmati River. It is the holiest Temple for Hindus. Many people from different part of Asia visit this Temple. Temple dedicated to lord Shiva, is also a site for Hindu cremation. During the festival Shiva Ratri temple crowed by devotees. Afternoon visit Kathmandu durbar squire, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev and Parvati Temple, Machhender Bahl-holy place for the Buddhists and Hindus, Temple House of Kumari, the vestal virgin or the living goddess. Walk around the local bazaars. Overnight at hotel.
Today an early morning after having your breakfast the you will drive transfer to airport. Then arrive at Nepal Jung airport, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to Nepalgunj (Administrative Head Quarter of Western Nepal), arrival in Hotel & refresh. Evening – tour briefing. Overnight at hotel.
An early morning transfer to airport flying to Hilsa (the border between Nepal and China). But before reaching Hilsa, your Helicopter must land at SIMIKOT (the administrative head quarter of Northern frontier of Nepal) because the boarder immigration office of Nepal is situated here only and according to the regulation of Nepal, you must put exit stamp on your Passport before you leave for China (Kailash). The entire formalities take about 30 to 45 minutes. After completing the formalities in Simikot, you continue our journey to Hilsa. Once you land at Hilsa, you cross the River Karnali through a suspension bridge and get entered to the China side then continue TREKKING up to the “Sher village”. The Chinese immigration Office and Boarder Check Post is situated in Sher village. Your vehicles (Land Cruisers & truck) are waiting there as well. The actual trek takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach Sher from the suspension bridge. Due to the different pace of walking, it may take at least two hours to gather all group members & luggage in immigration office up in Sher. However, the formalities don’t take long time but it depends on the mood of Chinese Police. From Sher, it takes another an hour to reach Taklakot (Purang -3700m).
Nepalgunj to Simikot flight: 1 hour.
Simikot to Hilsa flight: 20 minutes.
Hilsa to Sher trek: 1 hour.
Sher to Taklakot drive: 1 hour.
Purang Guesthouse
Today, you will have rest in Taklakot for acclimatization purpose. In fact, you have gained an enormous height within a day while coming in Taklakot, so before making any further journey to the higher elevation, your body should be acclimatized properly with the atmosphere in high altitude. So, it is significantly important to spend a day here for your health. However, we can also arrange a short visit to the Khojarnath temple (the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman) which is an optional program and you have to pay for transport (going and coming back) as well as the entrance fee of the temple. OR, you may stroll around the city on your own and visit the ruins of ancient Taklakot. Khojarnath temple: Khojarnath temple is the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman. The temple (Monastery) is 1100 years old. Takalakot to Khojarnath temple 45minutes (one way) by Jeep.
An early in the morning, after having your breakfast, you will departure for Lake Manasarovar (4560 m- Chui Gompa). The drive takes about 2hours. On the way, we will have a short break in Rakshas Taal (Lake Ravana) to take some pictures & observe the sceneries. After taking a short break in Rakshas Taal, you will continue your journey to Lake Manasarover. After having holy dip and lunch, you will depart for a circumambulation around the lake Manasarovar on jeep. The journey around the lake requires approximately 3 hours.
The distance of Mansarovar circumambulation: 72 km
Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar: 3 hours.
Jeep tour around Lake Manasarovar: 3 hours.
An early in the morning, perform Pooja (worship) & Snan (holy dip) after that we head out to Darchen (Mount Kailash base camp, 4662m).
Lake Mansarovar to Darchen – 40 km
Lake Mansarovar to Darchen drive – 1 hour & 30 nimutes.
An early in the morning, drive to Yam Dwar (OR Serson, 10 kms / 4750m), the auspicious gateway to the Parikrama (circuit) around Mt. Kailash. As well as, this is the sky burial sites of local Tibetan people. From here, you can see the closest view of Mt. Kailash. Also, this is the particular place from where the group normally splits in two parts. Those, who are willing to perform the holy circumambulation around the Mt. Kailash will start trekking from “Yama Dwar” and the rest of the people who are not willing to go for trekking will return Darchen on Jeep and wait for others to come. The trail to Deraphuk is easy & flat however because of the high elevation, you will find difficulty to walk. The total journey to Deraphuk Gompa (4890m/18km). requires a 5 to 6 hours respectively. However, it depends on your pace.
An early in the morning start up hill trekking to Dolma-La (5600 m). This is the toughest day of this journey. The entire trail up to Dolma-La is gradually up and from here the trail rapidly drops down to the next valley floor (Zutulphuk). The holiest water pool (glacial lake – Gauri kunda) is just situated beyond this pass. This is the lake, people believe, where Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva used to take bath. After making downhill trek to the valley (the next side of the high pass), the trek up to Zutulphuk Gomba requires another two hours.
Today, you will complete the circumambulation around Mt. Kailash. The trek will be finished near Darchen where our vehicles will be waiting to fetch you and transfer to Taklakot. Evening, you will be in Taklakot.
Today an early in the morning, after having your breakfast, you will drive to Sher village then trek down to Hilsa (45 minutes) and take Helicopter flight to Nepalgunj via Simikot. From Nepalgunj airport, you will directly flight Kathmandu. Our representative will escort transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast we take you to Bhaktapur old durbar squire where you will witness unique culture and finest display of craftsmanship. Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal which has remained untouched by western culture. Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple and fifty-five windowed Malla Palace are the living prides of Bhaktapur and you will tour around all these places and drive you to Patan durbar squire to explore Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and many other places of Patan, you feel as if Patan has been unveiled before you as an open museum showcasing intricately carved windows, intrinsic roof struts, statues of gods and goddesses, temples designed in pagoda style with erotic carvings and repoussé metalwork facades and many other exquisite facets. You will also get to see handicraft centre in Patan. Overnight at hotel.
Today, you have leisure day for relax or shopping in Kathmandu so you can do your own activities by yourself or consult with company to arrange extra activities. Preparation for your final departure flight. An evening last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show, taking some beautiful snaps and making up your mind for the returning journey. You can have a greetings exchanging among friends and buy some souvenirs. Overnight at hotel.
Today your all tour programmed are ending, it’s saying goodbye, after having your breakfast, you will drive transfer to International airport, for your Final Departure flight next destination, wonderful country of Nepal.
