Simikot is one of the most remote regions which lies in the Far Western Humla District of Nepal. It is the starting point of the trek to the Mount Kailash. During the trek, you’ll go through the hidden valley of Humla to the western Tibet’s Mount Kailash. Several routes and trading links will be crossed along with Nara Langa pass and the border trade post at Hilsa. From Mount Kailash, you’ll be driven to sacred Lake Manasarovar. After that, you’ll be driven toward central Tibet and Lhasa where you will visit the famous places such as Jokhang, Norbulingkha, Depong, Shakya monastery, Tashilunpo monastery, Palkhor monastery and many more.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrival
Upon arrival to Kathmandu Airport, our representative will drop you to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu/Lhasa
Having our breakfast early morning, we catch international flight to Lhasa and upon arriving here, you will be transferred to the Hotel. Lhasa comprises of narrow streets and white washed houses where windows are framed in black trapezoids. The new Lhasa was built around the base of the Potala and is now characterized by straight, broad streets, Chinese style department stores and government houses. Lhasa is a friendly city and you will find Tibetans with smile. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Lhasa Tour
In the morning, we visit Potala Palace, an architectural wonder with gold roofs high above the town, more than 300 meters above the valley. From here, the valley can be observed from directions all around. The present Potala was built in 1645 – 1693 in the Fifth Dalai Lama’s reign. It was the center of religious and political power of Dalai Lamas. There are more than 1000 rooms which were the living quarters of Dalai Lama and also the magnificent golden tombs when they died. With more than hundreds of chapels and shrines, halls and corridors, thousands of gilded statues, it is the Tibet’s pantheon of Buddhas, Boddisattvas, saints and demons and still remains as a beloved shrine.
In the afternoon, we visit Norbulingkha and Jokhang Monasteries. Norbulingkha is known as the Jewel park containing palaces of 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas while Jokhang is the spiritual center of Tibet and its oldest part dates back to 7th century. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Lhasa Tour continued
We start by visiting Drepung Monastery lying 8km west of Lhasa. It was founded in 1416 AD by disciple of Tsongkhapa and had over 10000 monks governed 700 subsidiary monasteries. The monastery itself was divided into four Tantrick Colleges, where they specialized in different branches of knowledge. At present, around 400 monks and novices live here.
In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery, Sera meaning “Merciful Hail” lying on the northern edge of Lhasa. Sera also had three colleges but the chanting halls and chapels seem dark and demonic. Today, the monastery has 300 monks. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Lhasa Tour continued.
Early morning we visit Ganden Monastery situated 70 km east of Lhasa at 4300 m in a bowl like amphitheater from where dramatic view of Lhasa River valley can be captured to the fullest. It was founded in 1409 AD by Tsongkhapa.
In the evening, we take a visit at Tebetan Medicine Hospital. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Drive Lhasa/Gyantse
We drive along the Tsangpo River to Gyantse, which was once the Tibet’s most important trade city route, India-Nepal-Lhasa. We will have the pleasure to witness the town dominated by rocky ridge topped by a ruined fortress. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Drive Gyantse to Shigatse
With our short drive to Shigatse, we then visit Tashilunpo Monastery, meaning “Heap of Glory”, which was the seat of Panchen Lamas. The monastery lies at the foot of Dolmari or “Tara’s Mountain” and was founded in 1447 AD by Gendum Drubpa, who was a disciple of Tsongkhapa. The Tashilunpo includes the Jamba Chenmo (Maitreya Hall) that has 86 feet Maitreya Buddha, Kudung (the stupa of 4th Panchen Lama), Tsegchen Dukhang (Great Assembaly Hall), Ngape Dratshang (Tantric College) and Tshenyi Dratshang (the debating college).
We will also observe the 9 storey high thangka walls on the ground. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08 – 10: Drive to Namring/Zhongba/Paryang
We drive from Shigatse to Namring to Zhongba to Paryang following the appealing views of the surroundings and camping at all these places for overnight stay.
Day 11: Drive to Manasarovar
We drive our way to Lake Mansarovar at an altitude of 4558m, which is one of the highest body of fresh water. Mount Kailash appears awesome from here. Overnight at camp.
Day 12: Day at Mansarovar
We explore the Mansarovar today at the height of 4557m. The place consists of the highest body of fresh water; the lake is full of fish and swans and the lake has turquoise complexion. We can collect the stones and water to take back home as these are considered the holiest being connected directly to Kailash Parvat. Overnight at camp.
Day 13: Drive to Darchen
We drive to Darchen today passing by lakes and Mayum La Pass. Also, we move past Nyogze Lake, which is also known as Hanuman Lake. Overnight at camp or lodge.
Day 14-19: Around Mount Kailash (Circumambulate around Mount Kailash)
During these days, we explore the Mount Kailash surrounding at its best. The mount Kailash is a scared mountain for all Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bonpos. The mountain is identified as the mighty Mount Meru, the peak at the center of the universe associated with the fierce deity emchong. And as a Bon center, the mountain has its own popularity in the fols religion of Tibet.
It is belied that in the history in a legendary contest, a magic took place between Buddhist saint, Milarapa and Naro Bhun Chon, the Bon priest. And because Milerapa won the contest, the mountain has significance in the Buddhists.
Mount Kailash has the purest water as the largest rivers of Asia, Indus, Sutlej, Ganges, Karnali, Tsangpo, and Brahmaputra, all originates near Kailash. A walk from here, would take you to Dolma La Pass.
Day 20: Drive south to Burang (Taklakot)
We drive to Taklakot (also known as Purang or Burang) eyeing on the fields of blue and yellow poppies and gentians over the Gur La pass (4939m). Also, view of Gurla Mandatta is aweinspiring from here. Overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 21: Burang to Beyond Sher
Continuing our drive to first Tibetan village, we walk through the gravel path towards Kocher that comprises of famous Gompa of Kochernath. We then trek to Sher crossing the Karnali River. Overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 22: Beyond Sher to Dho Zhong Dzong (Before Yari)
We move past the steep trail and cross Nara La pass, which is marked by a heap of stones, flag poles and strings of colorful prayer flags that travelers placed there. Upon reaching here, we enjoy the fascinating views around and walk to Dho Zhong. Overnight at camp.
Day 23: Dho Zhong Dzong to Riverside camp (Beyond Tumkot Khola)
We first walk via Yari, known as the last Nepali village before heading to Nara La. The trail drops to Tumkot Khola. Overnight at camp.
Day 24: Riverside camp to Sali Khola (Beyond Yalbang Chaur)
Crossing bridge over Karnali River and following the same, we reach Yalbang, where we visit Toothpaling Gompa. After spending sometime at the monastery, we walk down to reach Sali Khola. Overnight at camp nearby Sali Khola.
Day 25: Sali Khola to Danda Kermi
With our short climb to Sali Lagna pass, we then descend to Kermi village from where the Saipal Mountain visible and appears wonderful. Overnight at camp.
Day 26: Danda Kermi to Majgaon
We walk towards a small Brahmin and Chhetri settlement passing by Dharapani and Toling. Overnight at camp.
Day 27: Majgoan to Simikot
Beginning with uphill walks, we then descend to Karnali gorge. From here, we move past Simikot Lagna and then reach Majgaon. Overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 28: Fly Simikot/Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
We catch early morning flight to Nepalgunj via Simikot that takes around 45 minutes and we hop over the Mahabharata hills, Bheri river valley and the Karnali River. Then from Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
(Note: The above itinerary is a just a guideline. Our Tibet Agent reserves the right to change the itineraries as required. Itineraries are subject to change to suit the local conditions and other factors. At times the flights may either be delayed or even cancelled for a day or more, mostly because of bad weather. At such condition, we recommend our guests to have one extra day in Kathmandu post trek.)
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