Mount Kailash Tour

Trip Duration 19 Nights/20 Days
Trip Code NAP-KLS - 505
Trip Grade Sightseeing/Hiking and driving.
Trip Cost On Request
Best Time Mar- Jul / Aug–Nov

Overview

Mount Kailash tour will lead you to one of the most revered holy sites in the entire world.  Mount Kailash tour begins after the arrival of all participants in Kathmandu. The Hindus, Buddhists, and Bon followers all believe that a walk around this site erases all the sins of your life. Mt. Kailash has been a lodestone to pilgrims and adventurous travellers for centuries but until recently very few had set their eyes on the Sacre Mountains. This situation has begun to change in recent years because of improved roads, new bridges and telephone lines, they make it more accessible. The easiest way to travel to Mt.Kailash is taking Land cruiser trip.

The trip will also take us to Lake Mansarovar, another holy site close to Mt. Kailash. Experience more religion and culture as you walk with around this wondrous lake with both Indian and Tibetan Pilgrims. Mt. Kailash can be visited from Late April to December. Best time approach is May, June, July, September and October.

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour begins after the arrival of all participants in Kathmandu, the group will meet up with the staffs of Nepal Adventure Point for introduction and briefing about the trip. The next day is the day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be taken around for a tour of Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan and Swoyambhunath - the monkey temple. This tour will help you to understand about the historical and cultural background of Nepal, Kathmandu valley and the people of Nepal. The next couple of days are for checking equipments, final preparations, packing, Tibet visa and other necessary document for this trip.

After official procedure, we drive towards Nepal/Tibet border up to the Friendship Bridge through Arniko Highway, where you will receive by our Tibetan guide and after completion of the immigration formalities then we drive to Nyalam (3750m) and we continue drive to Pigutso, Saga, Paryang to Lake Manasarovar, tour along the way to visit important sites together with magnificent Himalayan views. We will visit the picturesque Chiu Monastery on the North West shore of the lake with the imposing sight of Mount Kailash in the background. From there, we re-cross the vast arid plains before heading south to the Nepalese border and returning to Kathmandu and the farewell dinner will be at typical Nepali restaurant enjoying together with Nepali culture show program. This is truly the trip of a lifetime with stunning scenery and cultural highlights.

Highlights

* Kathmandu city excursion
* Scenic scheduled flight to Lhasa city from Kathmandu
* Tibetan people of diverse groups and cultures
* The holy waters of Manasarovar Lake
* Rare Bon-Po monasteries, the religion in Tibet that predated Buddhism
* Sharing trail with the pilgrims on the 'Kora' of Mt Kailash, including the crossing of the formidable 5,636m Drolma-La Pass

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Sightseeing/Hiking and driving.
Trip Duration 19 Nights/20 Days
Trip code NAP-KLS - 505
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu-Kodari/Lhasa-Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude Dolma-La and Zuthul Puk (5650m)
Trip Cost On Request
Group Size Minimum 4 upto 32 passengers
Accessibillity Scenic road-head drive to and from Kodari from Kathmandu through the Arniko Highway
The Route Kathmandu drive to Nepal/Tibet board to reach Lhasa, after completing Kailsah and manosavor tour, fly back to Kathmandu
Season Mar- Jul / Aug–Nov
Trip Valid This offer is valid on reservations made from September through December 31, 2018.
Trip Facilities Standard hotel/Lodge both part of Tibet and Nepal,

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the evening at hotel about the daily program activities by your Group Leader/Guide.

Our representative will collect your original passport for issue the Tibet Visa and our tour guide will take to you historical monuments sightseeing around Kathmandu valley such as Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Kathmandu Dubar square, Sywambhunath and rest of day to prepare for Tibet tour. 

On arrival in Lhasa, you will be met our local Tibetan agent. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3650m). It takes around an hour to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. 

Day 4-5 our guided tour will follow by visiting - Jokhang Gompa - Jokhang is the holiest Gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims, butter lamps permeating the air, and find gruesome Gods in hidden annexes. There is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. After walking the holy inner circle complete a circuit of the Barkor, the market surrounding the Jokhang, for good luck. It is the best market to shop for all things Tibetan. Drepung and Sera Monasteries – Sera is one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet, renown for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard each afternoon. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Drepung was founded in the 14th century and was once the largest Gompa in the world. These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred, but there is still much of interest to see here, as the structure escaped relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Norbulingka - Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and is in a quiet and relaxing garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace - The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrusted gold and silver Stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

Day 4-5 our guided tour will follow by visiting - Jokhang Gompa - Jokhang is the holiest Gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims, butter lamps permeating the air, and find gruesome Gods in hidden annexes. There is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. After walking the holy inner circle complete a circuit of the Barkor, the market surrounding the Jokhang, for good luck. It is the best market to shop for all things Tibetan. Drepung and Sera Monasteries – Sera is one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet, renown for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard each afternoon. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Drepung was founded in the 14th century and was once the largest Gompa in the world. These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred, but there is still much of interest to see here, as the structure escaped relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Norbulingka - Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and is in a quiet and relaxing garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace - The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrusted gold and silver Stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

Driving along the Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba-La, at 4794 m, with a brief halt to take in the majestic views of Yamdrok-Tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, standing at 7252m. On turning westwards, you come across the Karo-La pass at 5045m. If you take a glance at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down onto the road. After driving 261 km, beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse. 

Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century historical fort, overlooks the entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has a large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After you enjoy exploring Gyantse, you take a 90 km drive and arrive at Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, which lies at an altitude of 3900 meter. 

Shigatse was previously both a stronghold and a monastery city. At the western tip beneath Mt Drolmari, lies Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is the major attraction of Shigatse. Today you shall get to visit this ancient monastery, which is also the seat of the Panchen lamas and one of Tibet's four great monasteries. After the visit to the monastery you will get to explore Shigatse's free market. The free market bustles with vendors offering a selection of practical and souvenir items. Later in the day, you drive along the Friendship Highway to Lhatse. After a drive of 157 km, you will finally reach the small dusty town of Lhatse. Good restaurants, well-stocked shops and guesthouses are available in Lhatse. This place has many ruined dzongs(forts) which were built by the Tibetan kings in the olden days. The small Changmoche Monastery lies at the west end of the town. ;In Lhatse, you will meet your Nepalese Sherpa cooking staff. They reach Tibet by traveling overland from Kathmandu. They will be in charge of the cooking and camping chores from this point onwards. 

Heading away from Lhatse, the road goes past the Tsang Po river (Brahmaputra River). Further ahead, a river valley sprawls over and you see picturesque traditional villages. This drive provides plenty of opportunity to photograph the scenic vistas. Thereon, the road moves towards the northern route. On covering 295km, you reach Saga at an elevation of 4,600 meters. 

Taking another 255km drive from Saga to Paryang, you weave your way through the small dusty town of Zhongba amidst charming views. When you arrive at Paryang, you prepare yourself for the forthcoming Mount Kailash tour and trek. 

Prior to Mount Kailash tour and trek you have to traverse along 270 km distance from Paryang to Manasarovar. This route takes you to the beautiful and sacred Manasarovar Lake amazingly set on the Tibetan plateau bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata; Extraordinary landscape. As you near this sacred lake, historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the north-west shore of the lake. From this vantage point, you can even get a glimpse of the majestic Mount Kailash and Gurla Mandata. This journey leaves you spiritually fulfilled. 

Free day in Manasarovar. While the trekking crew is busy with the camping arrangement, you can explore the scenic area. Hindus believe that in order to complete the Kailash pilgrimage one should bathe in the sacred Lake Manasarovar. 

Early in the morning you meet your team of Tibetan yak drivers with the yaks, who will escort you around the kora. Further ahead from Holy Mansarovar Lake, you trek past verdant meadows and picturesque streams to Lha Chu Valley. The trail overlooks a river cascading over a narrow canyon with high steep cliffs. En-route, the north face of Kailash comes into view. The trail then approaches the 13th century monastery of Dira-Puk. Visiting this monastery serves for an insightful experience. Eventually, you will conclude the trek of the day at Dira-Puk. 

Lha Chu Valley blurs as you turn towards Drolma Chu Valley. You ascend to Drolma La (5630m), the highest point of the trip. But soon after the breathtaking view of Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion, at the summit, you realize that this tough and challenging ascent has indeed been worthwhile and fruitful. Several prayer flags can be seen at the summit. Further on, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zutul-Puk, which houses a monastery and several fascinating caves. These caves were used for meditation. Milarepa’s cave is one of the most ancient and popular. Milarepa’s footprints and elbow prints is believed to be imprinted all over this cave filled with mani stones. You then reach Zutul-Puk. 

Away from Zutul-Puk, you follow the trail through Bharkha plain leading to Darchen. It is an easy walk along some impressive gorges and around many mani stones and mani walls back to the Bharkha Plains and dusty Darchen. The kora has come to an end – you have erased your sins, endured cold nights and mornings, crossed some of the highest passes in the world, met countless fellow pilgrims and sent prayers of peace out to the world. Shortly after arriving at Darchen, you board the waiting vehicle for a short drive to Chiu Gompa, on the shores of Mansarovar Lake. 

After the Parikrama or Kora around Mount Kailash over the 5630 meter Drolma La (pass), clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus, and anti-clockwise for followers of the ancient Bon religion, which is said to erase the sins of a lifetime, you take a 300 km drive crossing Mayum-la and several rivers. On the way you pass green pastures and nomadic herdsmen with their horses and flocks of sheep. 

You continue the drive for another 255km that takes you to Saga passing through dusty town of Zhongba and a few smaller passes. 

Crossing Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra river) by a ferry, you drive 250 km to Nyalam. Soon after leaving Saga, the road opens into a wide flat plain and passes through a huge turquoise lake, the Peiku-Tso, with the spectacular Shishapangma (8027m) rearing up in the background. You further drive across Lalung La (5200m) with picturesque hamlets and craggy windswept hills dotted with tumbling glaciers and finally reach Nyalam, lying at 3750 meter.

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. Here you part with your Tibetan guide and driver and walk to the 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 condition, should take about 5-6 hours drive.

After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Cost Included

Cost Includes in Tibet Part
* Accommodation on twin sharing with breakfast mentioned as per above the itinerary
* All camping equipment whilst camping
* Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner) whilst camping
* Support truck to transport food, luggage and camping equipment.
* All airport transfers
* Sightseeing as per itinerary 
* English speaking interpreter/guide (Tibetan)
* Tibet entry permit
* Chinese visa fees
 
Cost Excludes in Tibet Part
* International flight, departure taxes
* Mountain bikes
* Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, and laundry
* Meals apart from breakfast on non-camping portion of the trip
* Travel insurance
* Emergency evacuation
* Tips and gratuities
* And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

Cost Excluded

Cost Includes in Nepal Part
* Accommodation: 4 night’s hotel in Kathmandu on bed breakfasts basis 
* Activities: One day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer and surface road-head transportation.
Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes and official service charges.

Cost Excludes in Nepal Part
* Lunch and Dinner while in City
* Bar bills and Beverages
* Optional activities

Trip Notes

Write Review

Start Your review
Rate Now
(120 character minimum)