Mount Kailash is located in the Southwestern corner of Tibet, which is 21,778-feet tall. More than just a mountain, it carries significant spiritual values as it is the source of four holy rivers of Asia named as the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej, Ganges and the Indus. From Hindu mythology, it is said that Lord Shiva resides on Mount Kailash along with his wife Parvati, who is also known as Daughter of Himalaya. Thus, Mount Kailash is considered to be a spiritual center of the world which is the ultimate destination of pure souls. Lake Mansarovar is also abode of purity where several Hindus/pilgrims take a bath with a faith that it cleans away all their sins committed over a hundred lifetimes. For pilgrims, the journey to Kailash Mansarovar is a valuable and integral life changing experience.
The term Parikrama is used by Hindu to walk around the 32 mile circumference of Mount Kailash whereas the Tibetan calls it as Kora, the clockwise circumambulation. However, they both mean same – pilgrimage. The Parikrama/Kora is the main part in the journey of Mount Kailash. This is a long path trek which can be physically taxing, but with proper preparation, one can complete the trek and feel the pristine beauty/serenity of these religious sites.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrival
Upon arrival to Kathmandu Airport, our representative will drop you to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Visit to Kathmandu Valley
After having early morning breakfast at the hotel, we move for sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. The sightseeing includes the most popular historic places in Kathmandu such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhhanath, and Pashupatinath. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Nyalam
We start with an early morning drive and stop at Dhulikhel for breakfast, which is a vantage point for fine Mountain View. We pass by Tatopani and after some border formalities at Kodari, we drive to Zhangmu known as Khasa. Zhangmu is a small settlement clinging to a hillside. Further, we reach Nyalam, the “Gate to the hail”, is also known as Kuti in Nepal. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Drive to Paigu Tso
We start our drive to Paigutso. Paigutso is a beautiful lake and we drive thorugh the rugged alpine country crossing Thorongla Pass at 4970 m. from the high pass, we leave to Lalung La Pass, North of the Himalayan ranges. Then, we pass through the Digur Tang, with its enormous sand dunes and the snow peaks of Shishapangma (8012m) and Langtang (7232m). The trail descends to Paigu Tsho and upon reaching here, we are completely stunned by the beauty it carries. Overnight at camp.
Day 05: Drive to Saga
We start our drive to Kyirong, the “Valley Of Pleasure”. We will have chance to go through towns like Rukyok Tsangpo and Kyibuk Tsangpo. Following Lhartse road, we pass through Dzongkha and reach Saga, which means ‘Happy Land’. Overnight at camp.
Day 06: Drive to Paryang
Having our early morning breakfast, we follow the Rsagpo river valley. We move past many lakes like Vishnu Lake and then a towns like Donga, which is the main check post for illegal traffic. We continue to follow the Brahmaputra valley and cross Soge La Pass. Driving ahead we reach Gacho and then Paryang. Overnight at camp.
Day 07: 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 08: Trek to Dirapuk
We start our trek via Chorten Kang Nyi (Two legged Stupa). Further, we meet Darpoche (Great Prayer Flagpole). We then move past the Three Pinnacles of Longevity above the opposite cliff face, namely Amitayus, White tara and Vijaya. After few hours of walk, we are able to catch the western face of Mt.Kailash, a triangular facet of rock dripping with great drops of overhanging snow. We then reach Dirapuk. Overnight at camp.
Day 09: Drive to Zutrulpuk
We first pass the Dolma La pass and reach Lhachu River. Following the pass via Shivasthal, we watch the Mount Kailash on our right. We then descend to the valley below crossing Lake Tu Je Chenpo Dzingbu (Sanskrit Gauri Kunda), which is a holy lake and would be frozen most of the time. As we reach near Zutrulpuk, the walk becomes more pleasing. Overnight at camp.
Day 10: Trek to Darchen; Drive to Mansarovar
We cross few streams and Milerapa’s Cave. We then walk back to Darchen, which is easy. The Sherpas would organize the drive to Mansarovar then. Overnight at camp.
Day 11: 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 12 – 15: Drive to Paryang/Saga/Paigutso/Nyalamu
During these days, we retrace our journey back to Nyalamu by camping and lodge stay for overnight.
Day 16: Back to Kathmandu
Early morning, we drive our way back to Kathmandu through the Friendship Bridge. Upon 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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