Tibet Holy Mt Kailash Tour

Day 01: Kathmandu (1300 m.) arrival and transfer to hotel in kathmandu.

Upon  arrival in Kathmandu. Our airport representative will be waiting outside the airport terminal a few metres from the exit door. Please check your name at play card. He will bring you to hotel in kathmandu. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes.

Day 02: Free day in kathmandu or sight seeing around kathmandu valley

Hanumandhoka ( Kathamdnu Durbar Square ):

It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square , with its old  temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are, Taleju temple built by king Mahendra  Malla in 1954 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairab , the god of destruction, Nautale durbar, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the big drum and the Jaganath temple. It was listed in the UNESCO world heritage monument list in 1979.

On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairab. The screen is removed only during the Indra  Jatra festival.. there are also the Numismatic museum and Tribhuban museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka palace building . Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the mseums remain closed on Tuesday and government holidays.

Swoyambhunath ( Monkey temple)

This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base are the all seeing eyes of Lord Budhha. It is 3Km west of Kathmandu city and it situated on a hillock about 77 m commands an excellent view of the Valley. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal . It was listed in the UNSCO world  Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Budhanilkantha( Sleeping Vishnu Temple)

About 8km north of Kathmandu at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable huge statue of Lord Visnhu. Reclining on a bed of snakes.This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Boudhanath stupa (or Bodnath Stupa)

 is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet . It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha , on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu .

History

Bodnath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well as a popular tourist site.

Pashupatinath Temple :

Situated 5km east of kathamandu, the temple of Lord Shiva , Pashupatinath, with two tired golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activites performed in the Temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The Temple was listed in the UNESCO world heritage Monument List in 1979

Day 03: Drive to Nylam (150km), 3750m: Morning after breakfast drive Kathmandu to Nyalam (3800m). We drive to Friendship Bridge [Nepal – China Boarder]. Walk along for 10 minutes to cross the bridge. After accomplishment all the immigration and custom formalities meet Chinese guide and land cruiser drivers, then processed the journey to Zangmu, and Nyalam. Arrival at Nyalam and overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day 04: Rest Day at Nylam, 3750m: It is more a day for acclimatization.

Day 05: Saga/4450m: (Labug-La 5050m, Peku-tso and Saga, 245 km) On the first long driving day over the sandy and rocky land of Tibet, other sites like lake, nomads chasing thousands of yaks and sheep, keep you busy. By the late afternoon you will cross Bhramha Purtra River on the way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town. Overnight in Saga.

Day 06: Drive Paryang to Manasarover (4558m) 600 km: The longest driving day starts with full of excitement, by the late afternoon you can have the first sight of Holy Kailash Parbat and Manasarovara. Hore, it is a small village nearby LakeManasarover.

Holy-Manasarovara: At 14950-ft/ 4558m. The highest lake of fresh water with turquoise complexion in the world is full of fishes and swans. Holy Kailash Parbat, Mt. Gurula-Mandata, Lake Rashekshi are laying on its surrounding. The region is considered rich for gold and other mines, hot springs and hundreds of wild living creatures. Night halt beside Manasarovar.

Day 07: Puja and drive to Tarchen (14975ft): Manasarovara is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning Bathand Puja we will be heading towards  Tarchen. It is considered as a base camp for the Holy Kailash Parikrama.

Day 08: Trek to Dehara Puk/5000m: It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; waterfalls with some clouds in the clear blue sky makes you feel the Great God Shiva is everywhere with tons of blessings to you. Time to time the face of Kailash Parbat will keep on appearing. For 18 km trail it takes almost 7 hrs.

Day 09: Hardest but Holiest day of your pilgrimage Yatra with Dolma-La (pass) of 18600ft between two valleys: Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal, here there is the symbolical death, Pilgrimages leave the Old clothes, spin of hair or a drop of Blood in hope, that terrible Yamraja (The master of death) will attention to these signs and will allow the Yatries (travelers) to be born in spirit to pass Dolma- La. The pass associates at Buddhists with the goddess Container, and at Hindu with Parvati, divine wife misters Shiva. On the pass tourists and pilgrimage hang out the Tibetan flags, On success. While your steps goes closer to the pass, Once you reach the top, just do the holiest offerings and sit down for meditation to forget yourself. Once your steps go down, Parvati-sthal and Gauri Kunda are on the way. By the late afternoon you will arrive at Zuthal Puk (the cave of Miracles. The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here).

Day 10: End of Kailash Parikrama and drive to Manasarovara: After walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will be waiting for your arrival. By the late afternoon you will be at your camp beside the Lake Manasarovar.

Day 11: Drive Manasarovar to Dongpa or Saga (460km)/overnight rest at hotel.

Day 12: Drive Saga to Nylam or Zang Mu: (296km) /overnight at guest house.

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu (150 km) /overnight  at hotel.

Day 14: Transfer to airport for your onward destination

Departure dates and Prices are on the request

Trip Attraction

Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarova

Mount Kailash is a peak in the Gangdise mountains which is part of the Himalayas in Tibet, the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia—the Indus River, the Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), the Brahmaputra River, and the Karnali River (a tributary of the Ganges River) — and is considered as a sacred place in four religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and other faith. In Hindu religion, it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The mountain lies near Lake Manasarova and Lake Rakshastal in Tibet.

There have been no recorded attempts to climb Mount Kailash; it is considered off limits to climbers in deference to Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. It is the most significant peak in the world that has not seen any known climbing attempts.

A great mass of black rock soaring to over 22,000 feet, Mt. Kailash has the unique distinction of being the world’s most venerated holy place at the same time that it is the least visited. The supremely sacred site of four religions and billions of people, Kailash is seen by no more than a few thousand pilgrims each year. This curious fact is explained by the mountain’s remote location in far western Tibet. No planes, trains or buses journey anywhere near the region and even with rugged over-land vehicles the journey still requires weeks of difficult, often dangerous travel. The weather, always cold, can be unexpectedly treacherous and pilgrims must carry all the supplies they will need for the entire journey.

How long have people been coming to this sacred mountain? The answers are lost in antiquity, before the dawn of Hinduism, Jainism or Buddhism. The cosmologies and origin myths of each of these religions speak of Kailash as the mythical Mt. Meru, the Axis Mundi, the center and birth place of the entire world. The mountain was already legendary before the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, were written. Indeed, Kailash is so deeply embedded in the myths of ancient Asia that it was perhaps a sacred place of another era, another civilization, now long gone and forgotten.

Hindus believe Mt.Kailash to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Like many of the Hindu gods, Shiva is a character of apparent contradictions. He at once the Lord of Yoga and therefore the ultimate renunciate ascetic, yet he is also the divine master of Tantra, the esoteric science that regards sexual union as the most perfect path to spiritual enlightenment. According to legend, immortal Shiva lives atop Kailash where he spends his time practicing yogic austerities, making joyous love with his divine consort, Parvati, and smoking ganja, the sacred herb known in the west as marijuana, Hindus do not interpret Shiva’s behaviors as contradictory however, but rather see in him a deity who has wisely integrated the extremes of human nature and thus transcended attachment to any particular, and limited, way of being. For a Hindu, to make the arduous pilgrimage to Kailash and have the darshan (divine view) of Shiva’s abode is to attain release from the clutches of ignorance and delusion.

Kailash is sacred to other religions as well. The Jains call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the place where Rishaba, the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained liberation. Followers of Bon, Tibet’s pre-Buddhist, shamanistic religion call the mountain Tise and believe it to be the seat of the Sky Goddess Sipaimen. Additionally, Bon myths regard Tise as the sight of a legendary 12th century battle of sorcery between the Buddhist sage Milarepa and the Bon shaman Naro Bon-chung. Milarepa’s defeat of the shaman displaced Bon as the primary religion of Tibet, firmly establishing Buddhism in its place. While the Buddha is believed to have magically visited Kailash in the 5th century BC, the religion of Buddhism only entered Tibet, via Nepal and India, in the 7th century AD. Tibetan Buddhists call the mountain Kang Rimpoche, the ’Precious One of Glacial Snow’, and regard it as the dwelling place of Demchog (also known as Chakrasamvara) and his consort, Dorje Phagmo. Three hills rising near Kang Rimpoche are believed to be the homes of the the Bodhisatvas Manjushri, Vajrapani, and Avalokiteshvara.

Pilgrims to Kailash, after the difficult journey getting there, are then confronted with the equally arduous task of circumambulating the sacred peak. This walking around the mountain (clockwise for the Buddhists, counter-clockwise for Bon adherents) is known as a Kora, or Parikrama, and normally takes three days. In hopes of gaining extra merit or psychic powers however, some pilgrims will vary the tempo of their movement. A few of them, practicing a secret breathing technique known as Lung-gom, will power themselves around the mountain in only one day. Others will take two to three weeks for the Kora by making full body prostrations the entire way. It is believed that a pilgrim who completes 108 journeys around the mountain is assured enlightenment. Most pilgrims to Kailash will also take a short plunge in the nearby, highly sacred (and very cold) Lake Manosaravar. The word ’manas’ means mind or consciousness; the name Manosaravar means Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment. Adjacent to Manosaravar is Rakas Tal or Rakshas, the Lake of Demons. Pilgrimage to this great sacred mountain and these two magical lakes is a life changing experience and an opportunity to view some of the most magical scenery on the entire planet.

Lake Manasarovar

Lying 20km southeast of Mt. Kailash and north to Namnani Peak, Lake Manasarovar is the highest freshwater lake in the world, with an altitude of 4,588 and an area of 412sqkm.

Lake Manasarovar, "Mapam Yumco" in Tibetan, means the "eternal and invincible jade lake" named to mark the victory of Buddhism over the local Bon Religion in the 11th century. It is Tibet’s most sacred lake and is holy to both Buddhists and Hindus. Xuan Zang(600-664AD), an eminent monk of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), described Mapam Yumco Lake in his book Records of Western Travels as "a jade pond in west".

Early legend has it that there are countless treasures at the bottom of the Lake Manasarovar. Hindus and Buddhists alike believe that the Lake Manasarovar has the power to cleanse away a person’s sins, either by drinking (Tibetans) or bathing in the water (Hindus). Many pilgrims come to Lake Manasarovar to be healed of their illnesses.

Lake Manasarovar enjoys a reputation equal to the holy Mt. kailash. Indian legend claims it to be a place where Siva and his wife Goddess Woma, daughter of the Himalayas, bathed. Tibetan legend claims it to be where the God Guangcanlong lived. In Buddhist scriptures, the lake is named the "mother of the rivers in the world".

There are 9 monasteries surrounding Lake Manasarovar. Gyiwu Monastery and Curgu Monastery are the best known of them. The area surrounding Curgu Monastery is respected as a holy and pure bathing place. The holy properties of the lake notwithstanding, the beauty and tranquility of the lake is enough to soothe a weary soul.

Lake Manasarovar and Curgu Monastery are reachable from Darchen(Ta’erqin), which is 30km to the south. Alternately, hitchhiking along the main Ngari-Burang Highway can get you to a point 6km from the lake. Walk southwest from the highway to the lake.

There are two hostels opened by Tibetans in the small villages near Jiwu Temple.

No restaurants near the attractions. The hostels provide plain rice and vegetable dishes. Travelers better bring some instant noodles or solid food. There are furnaces and dry cow dung that can be used for burning, you can cook by yourself.

Mt. Kailash Tour FAQ

Q. 01: How many days required for Mt. Kailash Yatra?

A. Holy Mt. Kailash yatra require

- 15 days by Toyota Landcruiser 4500 cc and

- 11 days by Helicopter via Nepalganj.

Q. 02: How we will be doing 15 days Yatra?

A. 16 days Kailash Yatra by 4500 cc Toyota Landcruiser

- Kathmandu to Kodari (Nepal - Tibet border) tourist bus will be used. In Tibet, 4500 cc Toyota Landcruiser will be used. Routing Kathmandu-Zhyagmu-Nyalam-Saga-Paryang-Mansarovar-Darchen Dirapuk-Zuthulpuk-Darchen-Paryang-Saga-Nyalam-Kathmandu.

11 days Kailash Yatra by Helicopter

- Kathmandu - Nepalgang - Simikot - Hilsa (by helicopter) - Taklakot - Mansarovar - Darchen - Dirapuk - Zuthulpuk - Darchen - Mansarovar - Taklakot - Hilsa - Simikot (by helicopter) - Nepalganj - Kathmandu.

Also 3 days Mt. Kailash Parikrama.

Q. 03: In how many days would I finish Mt. Kailash Parikarma and how long it is?

A. Holy Kailash parikarma is approx 52 kms trek to be completed in 2 nights / 3 Days. Night camping in Dirapuk & Zuthul-puk.

Q. 04: What is the best time to travel?

A. Holy Mt. Kailash yatra starts in the last week of April till September every year.

Q. 05: What is Land cruiser?

A. Land cruiser is four wheel driven Japanese vehicle. We allow maximum four people in one Land cruiser + 1 driver + 1 Sherpa (staff).

Q. 06: How many days would I need to hire the Yak / Horse and a Porter during the whole trip and how much it costs?

A. If you do not want to trek you can hire horse/pony for parikarma. Parikarma (kora) that is for 3 days. It will cost you approx. Yuan 1000 per Yak with Yak man.

Q. 07: What are the hidden charges i.e. to be paid direct?

A. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, Accidents, Natural disaster & Political action. Following are the charges not included during yatra.

- Yak and Yak man cost

- Rescue or evacuation if need, Tibet visa separation cost

- Travel insurance, drink, laundry, Telephone/fax, Additional transportation cost.

- If you are not going for Kailash Parikrama due to any reason and staying back at Darchen for three days, you have to pay extra INR 1500 per day for accommodation and food in Darchen.

- Airport tax of Kathmandu. To be paid cash direct at the airport while taking return flight.

Q.08: How much amount we should carry and in what form whether travelers cheque, Doller or Tibetian cash or Indian Rupees

A. In Kathmandu you may use USD OR Indian Currency (however denominations of INR 500 & 1000 is not allowed in Nepal). For Tibet you will need Chinese Yuan only. for 14 days in Tibet we suggest you to carry approx Yuan 2000 Per Person. Which you may need for emergency and to pay for horse during Kailash Parikrama. Balance (unused Yuan) may be exchanged again on the way back.

INR 100 = NPR 160

INR 100 = CNY 14 (CHINESE YUAN)

You can exchange Yuan in Kathmandu or in Tibet border. Most of the yatri exchange their currency in Nepal-Tibet border.

Q. 09: How about accommodation facilities etc. ?

A. 3/4 Star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and guest house accommodation in Tibet. However, camping accommodation will be provided during parikrama of Holy Kailash.

Q. 10: What is your cancellation policy?

A. Cancellation Policy:

30 days before departure date, 20% will be charged as cancellation.

15 days before departure date, 50% will be charged as cancellation.

07 days before departure date, 100% no refund at all

Q. 11: Do you provide something?

A. We Provide:

• Camping Equipments (to be returned at the end)

• Sleeping bags (down with inside extra cover), (to be returned at the end)

• Jacket (down) (to be returned at the end)

• Oxygen Back-up & Gaymo Bag.

Q. 12: What medical reports do I need to carry?

A. No medical report is required but we insist every yatri to consult their doctor before traveling to high altitude. Also every yatri must declare their physical status and specify if they are allergic to any medicine.

Q.13: Besides the passport what other official documents will I need on the yatra?

A. You need to carry:-

Valid Passport with 4 passport size photographs

Medical Insurance Policy. (Not compulsory)

Q.14: Is it essential or good to commence the tour on a full moon day?

A. You can commence your yatra any day. Some people prefer to reach at Mansarovar or Kailash on full moon day.

Q.15: Can we take children with age group of 6 and 10 years?

A. Yes, can take children (physically normal) along with you but at your own risk because you know your child better.

Q.16: What are the precautions taken for the children?

A. You have to take same precautions as you are taking for yourself.

Q.17: Will one oxygen cylinder be sufficient for four of us?

A. Our team will provide oxygen cylinder in emergency. Usually, oxygen cylinder is not required. However, some yatri prefer to carry their own handy oxygen cylinders. You may buy small portable cylinder in Tibet. It may cost approx. Yuan 15-20 Per cylinder.

Q.18: What will be the charges for children?

A. Yatra cost is same for children.

Q.19: Will your cook be traveling with us during the entire trip. Will he be carrying stove and utensils can he make vegetarian items.

A. Yes, cooks will be traveling with you during the entire trip. They will carry all necessary cooking items with them and you will get only vegetarian food during yatra.

Q.20: Can we prescribe the menu for cooking on daily basis?

A. Yes, you may discuss and suggest your choice. If possible, and other yatris agree our cook will not mind cooking your choice of food.

Q.21: Is VISA cost included in the total tour cost?

A. Yes, cost of Tibet Visa is included. However, cost of Nepal visa is not included (applicable for foreign nationals only). Indian passport holders do not need Nepal Visa.

Q.22: Can we find some helpers to help our kids/luggage during the trekking part of the journey? Will they be available there or do we have to take them with us.

A. Yes, you can get helpers/porters for your kids/luggage, the charge may be approx Yuan 150 per day.

Q.23: What will be the arrangement in case there is any break down of vehicle (Land Cruiser)?

A. We will send another Vehicle (Land Cruiser).

Q.24: Are there any frequent landslides on the way?

A. No, it depends on weather.

Q.25: Is good sanitation available during the camping days?

A. Yes, toilet tents may be made available.

Q.26: Availability of drinking water on the yatra?

A. Water bottles / pure natural mineral water may be made available.

Q.27: Where we can find facial cream and all other items?

A. You can buy everything in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our executive will guide/help you.

Q.28: Can I bring video camera and digital camera? Weather we will have possibility to recharge the batteries or is there any restrictions to use these things.

A. Yes, you can bring camera & videos along with you. The voltage in Tibet is 220V. Can be re-charge most of the places but not during 3 days parikrama. We suggest to travel with extra batteries.

Q.29: What about communication possibilities?

A. Darchen (base camp of Mt. Kailash) is the last point where communication facility is available. Mobile will not work in Kailash region. It works only in town. Our guides will be using satellite phones during parikrama.

Q.30: Is there any pandit available?

A. No, you have to bring your pundit.

Q. 31: When we should book the Holy Mt. Kailash Yatra and how to book?

A. You should book this yatra minimum 45 days in advance. To book, we need copy of passport (1st page only) with 25% advance deposit.

Q. 32: Is it necessary to send our document with advance 45 days before?

A. Yes, we must send copy of your passport to China for approval.

Q. 33: How can we make advance payment?

A. We have following payment options:

- Pay on line through credit card OR

- Swift transfer to OUR BANK account. Contact us for our bank details.

- Pay by credit card.

- Send a Demand Draft by courier.

Q.34: If we are not feeling comfortable or physically fit for parikarma then what we will do.

A. In such case, you must stay back in Darchen for 3 days.

Q.35: What type of medical test is required for this trip?

A. TMT test. (not compulsory)

Q. 36: What we must carry?

A. Be sure you have the needy items !

Warm clothes, water bottle, water purification tabs, sun tan lotion utility knife, dusk musk, medicine for headaches, fever, colds, stomach disorders and diamox (unless you are allergic to sulpha drugs) for altitude sickness, It is also good to carry dry fruit, juice powder, breads, candy, canned or packed food, nuts, pickles and biscuits.

* if you do not have any of the above items, our executive will assist you in Kathmandu.

Q. 37: Do you have any age restriction?

A. No, we do not have any age restrictions. If you are physically fit you may travel but we insist every one to consult their doctor and must mention that you are going to high altitude. Couple of old aged people travelled with us and have successfully done the parikrama.