Mount Kailash, 6,740m. is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty, with 4 great faces. It is the spiritual enter for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion – Bonpo. To Tibetans it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world. It is said that a stream from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. The River of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the east, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. Strangely enough, four major rivers do indeed originate near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. For the Tibetans also, it is a particularly special place in that their poet saint Milarepa, spent several years here meditating in a cave.
For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spiritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic ‘world pillar’ 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top live their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati. For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions. Over the centuries pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves of sin, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.
- Itinerary Overview
- Detailed Travel Plan
- Included / Excluded
- Travel Notes
- Departure Dates
- Day 1 : Arrive Kathmandu
- Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing tour
- Day 3 : Drive to Kathmandu – Kodari – Zhangmu - Nyalam
- Day 4 : In Nyalam
- Day 5 : Drive Nyalam to Saga
- Day 6 : Drive Saga to Paryang
- Day 7 : Drive Paryang to Darchen
- Day 8 : Drive Darchen to Chhu Gompa
- Day 9 : Drive Chhu Gompa / Tarboche / Dirapuk
- Day 10 : Drive Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk
- Day 11 : Drive Zhuthulphuk to Paryang
- Day 12 : Drive Paryang / Saga / Nyalam
- Day 13 : Drive Nyalam / Zhangmu / Kodari / Kathmandu
- Day 14 : Departure
- Day 1 : Arrive Kathmandu
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from Explorer Nepal will meet you at the airport and escort hotel. The representative will help you check into hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Check in and Overnight at the hotel.
- Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing tour
After breakfast at the hotel commence the sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Bouddhnath Stupa.
Pashupatinath: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in Pagoda Style has gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temples are the cremation grounds.
Boudhnath: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Furthermore it is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style Platforms surrounded by colourful private family houses. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list this site is considered very much like Mecca for the Buddhists.
Overnight at the hotel.
- Day 3 : Drive to Kathmandu – Kodari – Zhangmu - Nyalam
Drive from Kathmandu to Kodari (Border of Nepal/ China). The distance we travel is 130 kms and the drive takes 7-8 hrs. under normal road condition Upon reaching the border, customs formalities will be carried out. We will have lunch here and drive up to Zhangmu (9300 ft) which is the main entrance of Tibet. In Zhangmu, you will be received by our guide and help you complete all custom and immigration formalities. Then transfer to Nyalam (12500 ft) which takes some 3 more hours.
Check in and Overnight at the hotel.
- Day 4 : In Nyalam
Spend the whole day at Nyalam for acclimatization. On this day we carry out acclimatization training as well.
Nyalam , traditionally known as Tsongdu is a small Tibetan town near the Nepal border. It is the county seat of Nyalam County in Shigatse prefecture (part of the historical Tsang Province of the old Tibet). It is 35 km from Zhangmu town in the same county, which is the point of entry to Nepal. Nyalam is situated at 3,750m above sea level.
Once a town of stone buildings and tin roofs, it was nicknamed 'The Gate of Hell' by the Nepalese traders because the old trail between Nyalam and the Nepalese border was so treacherous to negotiate. Today Nyalam is fast growing little town made of concrete buildings located on the Friendship Highway between Lhasa and the Nepal border.
Overnight at the hotel.
- Day 5 : Drive Nyalam to Saga
After breakfast drive to Saga which will take almost 7 hrs (240 km). During the drive, you will pass through the first highest pass of Lalung La Pass (5000 m) and encounter superb view of Himalayas and natural beauty.
Upon arrival at Saga, check in to Local Guest House.
- Day 6 : Drive Saga to Paryang
After breakfast drive to Paryang which will take almost 7–8 hrs (240 km). During the drive you can enjoy distance view of beautiful snow capped mountains and nomad people. Upon arrival at Paryang, check in at the Local Guest House.
Check in and Overnight at guest house.
- Day 7 : Drive Paryang to Darchen
After breakfast, we depart for Darchen which is 45 kms. and takes 2 hours. This is a small village close to Mount Kailash. Mentally we prepare ourselves for the Parikarma of Mount Kailash next day. This is the day we reach to the point from where we get the first view of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
Check in and Overnight at guest house.
- Day 8 : Drive Darchen to Chhu Gompa
Those who opt out of the Parikarma stay back at Darchen for two nights. Then we start the Parikarma (circumambulation) of the Lake Mansarovar to reach Chhu Gompa which is on the banks of Lake Mansarovar. The drive to Chhu Gompa is 280 kms. and takes 10 hours.
Check in and Overnight at guest house.
- Day 9 : Drive Chhu Gompa / Tarboche / Dirapuk
Today is the day of Parikarma. In the morning we drive for Tarboche (8 kms, 30 minutes drive) from where we start our trek to Dirapuk. The trek distance is 18 kms. and takes 5 hrs.
Check in and Overnight at guest house.
- Day 10 : Drive Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk
In the Morning we start our trek from Dirapuk to Zuthulphuk. We trek through Drolma La Pass which is at an altitude of 5812m, the highest point in the course
of our journey. This is the most challenging day for pilgrimage with the total distance of 22 kms and 9 hrs. trek.
Check in and Overnight at guest house.
- Day 11 : Drive Zhuthulphuk to Paryang
In the morning after breakfast, we begin our journey back to Paryang. The distance to Paryang is 280 kms and takes about 11 hrs.
Check in and Overnight at a Guest House.
- Day 12 : Drive Paryang / Saga / Nyalam
Breakfast at the hotel. After the breakfast drive to Nyalam.
Check in and Overnight at the Guest House.
- Day 13 : Drive Nyalam / Zhangmu / Kodari / Kathmandu
After breakfast at the hotel in the morning drive downhill to Zhangmu and Friendship Bridge (Nepal/China border) where transportation awaits for the final leg of journey to Kathmandu.
Lunch en-route to Kathmandu at local restaurant.
Evening explore Thamel, the epi-center for shopping in Kathmandu. It can be a stressful place because of the street vendors, rickshaw drivers and high speed motorbikes. But there is no question that it is jam- packed with shops, selling everything from ready-to-wear Western clothes, embroider T-shirts, Tibetan carpets, clothing, Thangkas (Buddhist paintings) and curios (“singing bowls” etc), Pashmina shawls, Nepali souvenirs like khukuris (Gurkha’s traditional knife) and madals (drums), jewellery, paper products (the local lokta plant is used to make a fine & unique paper – a nice and practical souvenir or gift), colorful masks and puppets, metalwork & woodcarvings
Farewell dinner with cultural dance show at local restaurant.
Taste authentic organic Nepalese food. Enjoy simultaneously local folk dances and songs. Fascinating Nepalese cultural décor and artifacts bring past and present alive.
Overnight at the hotel.
- Day 14 : Departure
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to international airport fly to home.
We ensure that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime.
Our representative from Explorer Nepal will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.
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Included
- Meet, assisted upon arrival at the airport by our office representative.
- All arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary by a/c vehicles.
- Nights twin/double room accommodation using 3 Star hotel in Kathmandu on full board basis [fully vegetarian meals].
- Accommodation in Tibet with breakfast lunch and dinner [Pure veg. Meals] using Guest Houses except during Kailash Parikarma accommodation will be at Tented camp.
- Mineral water throughout the Kailash Yatra.
- Kathmandu / Kodari / Kathmandu transfer by coach.
- In Tibet, all land transfers by as per the itinerary using deluxe bus or as per the group size.
- Support truck to carry luggage, food and equipment etc.
- Yak & Yak men for trekking equipment and food during Kailash Parikarma.
- One half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour as per the itinerary with our local English speaking guide including entrance fees.
- Highly qualified and experienced Sherpa staff throughout the trip.
- Tibetan guide.
- All camping gears as per the itinerary.
- Air compressor bag [Gammo bag].
- First Aid Kit.
- Oxygen cylinder.
- Tibet travel permit.
- Local mobile [Chinese SIM card will be available on request].
- Windcheater jacket, duffle bag, certificate from company after completion of the tour, Manasarovar water etc.
- Farewell dinner at local restaurant with cultural dance show.
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Excluded
- Tibet / Chinese Visa fee [as above].
- All personal expenses like telephone calls, tips, shopping, laundry, cold/hard drinks etc.
- Personal call from Mobile phones, there will be charge as per the use.
- Personal use of pony/porter during Parikarma [Kora] & Tipping.
- Service which are not mentioned above inclusion part.
- Evacuation cost, travel insurance.
- Extra cost incurred in or due to unforeseen reasons such as road blockage due to landslide, heavy snowfall, extra night stay mentioned than above etc.
Important Notes
1. This trip operates at altitudes over 3500m (max altitude 5630m). Whilst we travel slowly allowing plenty of time to acclimatise you may experience headaches, nausea, lethargy on arrival in Lhasa. It is important to be aware of the affects of altitude on one's tolerance especially on long driving days. 2. Accommodation in western Tibet (particularly at Everest Base Camp) is extremely basic - only multi share rooms may be available and little or no running water. Basic pit toilets. 3. The sun is intense - hat and sun screen are essential as well as drinking plenty of water as altitude exacerbates dehydration
You need to Bring:
Passport (with photocopies)
Photos for Nepal visa on arrival
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travellers cheques
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Hand sanitizing lotion
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Moisturizer, Lip balm
Insect Repellent
Water bottle, Plastic mug, Cutlery
Tampons
Sleep sheet
walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for April-November. Hat and gloves Wool jumper / sweater / fleece.Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweights during winter months.Down jackets in winter.Umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry or dustfree.
Camera and film
Reading/writing material, cassettes/CDs or other entertainment for long travel days.
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Laundry No laundry .. you can wash yourself. Visas CHINA – Expert Asian Tours and Travel from Nepal will arrange a group visa for China. This is the only way groups may enter China from Kathmandu.
NEPAL - All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: single entry visa valid for 15 days - US $25: Single Entry Visa for 30 days - US $40 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $100
Money: You can change in Hotel or in Bank.
ATM: in Lhasa you can use.
Weather: Most of the time Cold.
Best time: May-September.
Note : Tibet tour can be cancelled in very Short notice, so please prepare for Alternative Program.
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