Mount Kailash, located in far west corner of Tibet it is the most sacred peak of Asia. The beauty of the 6700 meter high Mount Kailash, that looks like a symmetrical cone shaped rock capped by pure crystalline ice all the time, is echoed in various mythological and literary works.
Hindu pilgrims consider the mountain to be the home of their God-Lord Shiva. For Buddhists, Mount Kailash is said to be the Center of the Universe-the axis mundi in Asian cosmology. Every year hundreds of pilgrims travel from all over the Indian sub continent and Tibet to make the ritual circumambulation around the mountain in their quest for enlightenment and this trek will join them on their journey.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Nyalam (3750m.) 150 kilometers which takes about 8 to 9 hours. Stay overnight at hotel in Nyalam.
Day 02: A rest day at Nyalam for acclimatization.
Day 03: Drive from Nyalam to Pelku-Tso to Saga (4280m., 250km, which takes bout 8 hours). Today's drive involves crossing of two high passes and passes by a lake called Pelkutso where you will be served packed lunch. Lablung La (5030m.) offers spectacular views of Mt. Sishapangma (8021m.), Gaurishanker and many other peaks, all of which are dwarfed by the Tibetan plateau. You will cross the Bramhaputra River just before Saga. Overnight camp in Saga
Day 04: Drive from Saga-Zhongba-Paryang (4540m, 255km, 8 hrs). It is at Saga where you will connect the main road from Lhasa. You continue on across the vast dry plains to the small Tibetan town-Zhongba and from here further to Paryang for overnight stay.
Day 05: Drive from Paryang to Lake Manasarovara (4560m, 250km, 8 hrs). Today's drive involves crossing of several rivers but has some of the most panoramic scenery. Today, crews will set your camp by the sacred Manasarovar Lake-which according to Hindu mythology was formed in the mind of Brahma-the creator of the world. Today, you will have the first Darshan of holy Mt. Kailash from Horqu. Stay overnight in a camp.
Day 06: Rest at Lake Manasarovara. Today, you will rest at Manasarovara Lake for holy dip, puja and other ritual performance. You can take leisurely walk or excursion along the lakeside. Stay overnight in a camp. Lake Manasarovara is the most venerated of the Tibet's lakes. According to Hindu mythology, it was formed in the mind of Brahma-the creator of the world for his sons to bathe after having performed austerities. Indian pilgrims get purified by taking a dip in the holy water and also would like to fill up the bottle with holy water to bring back home. Not many people are interested in taking the Kora of Lake Manasarovara as it's a tough 4 days trekking with well supplied team but you will cover some portion of road by jeep
Day 07: Early morning you will drive to Manasarovar Parikarma by Jeep. If time permits, visit Chui Gompa. In the afternoon you will drive to Darchen (4560m.). Stay overnight at Guest House in Darchen.
Day 08: Drive for approximately 8 kilometers from Darchen Tarboche, the trek starting point of Kailash Parikarma. Trek to Dira Puk (4775m.) 12 kilometers which takes about 6 to 7 hours. Stay overnight at Guest house.
Day 09: Continue drive to Parikarma over Dolma La Pass (5650m.) to Zuthul Puk (4700m.) 22 kilometers Which takes about 10 to 11 Hrs. Stay overnight at Guest house.
Day 10: The Kailash Kora ends today after an easy trek of about 14 kilometers. You will then proceed to Hor Qu (4560m) at Lake Manasarovar. Stay overnight at Guest house.
Day 11: Drive from Darchen to Paryang (4540m.). The road is rough and there are some rivers to cross. Wild antelope and kiang (the Tibetan wild ass) are a common sight. This is the land of the Drogpa nomads and you will pass many encampments with large herds of sheep and goats. The drives are long, bumpy and often dusty but the scenery is magnificent. Photo stops are a must!
Day 12: Drive from Paryang to Saga. It is another long day drive, 255 km to Saga passing through the small, dusty town of Zhongba en route. Stay overnight at a camp.
Day 13: Drive from Saga to Nyalam (3800m.) via Paigutso. Leaving Saga, you will cross the Yarlung Tsangpo [Brahmaputra River] by ferry and continue our journey for 110km across the vast open plains. Stunning Himalayan views, particularly of Shishapangma, accompany us as you head towards a huge lake, the Paigutso. You will continue driving south towards the Nepalese border, joining the Friendship Highway. You cross a high pass, the Lalung La (5200m.) and come to the small town of Nyalam.
Day 14: Drive from Nyalam to Kathmandu. From Nyalam, you drive down to the border town of Zhangmu. From Zhangmu, it’s a short drive to the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border where you part with your Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where you will be met by your Nepalese staff. After completing the re-entry formalities you continue the drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5-6 hours.
