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Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovara - 18 Days

4WD adventures from Kathmandu with Lhasa extension possibility.

Mt. Kailash is the confluence of the myth and the mountain. It is believed to be the navel of the world from which originate four great Rivers (The Ganges, Bramhaputra, Sutlej and Indus) giving life to the areas they pass through. Mount Meru, described in Hindu epics as the center of the earth, is believed to be what we call Mount Kailash today. This 6714m (22,022 ft) high peak of Western Tibet has long been a sacred object of worship for four major religions of the world; the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bons. For Hindus, Mt, Kailash is the domain of Lord Shiva whereas Buddhists revere the mountain as the adobe of Samvara (Demchok)-the wrathful manifestation of Buddha. For Jains, this is the place where their saints emancipated from and for Bons, their founder Shenrab alighted from heaven here. The trip begins in Nepal�s capital city-Kathmandu where we obtain China/Tibet visa and also take chance to visit its medieval temples, palaces and monasteries. We will set out overland by 4 WD jeeps with well supplied Nepali crews. In most places, we will be camping, meals being cooked by our Nepali crews. After 4 days circuit trek, retrace drive to Kathmandu or extend to visit Lhasa.

Outline Itinerary
Costs & Dates

Days 1-2: Kathmandu (B)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, meet and transfer to hotel. While our crews prepare with your Tibet Permit and China visa, fresh shopping, checking gears, you can your Kathmandu Valley. Visit the Kathmandu Durbar Squares, temples and monasteries and mingle with the locals. Overnight in a middle range hotel in Kathmandu.

Days 3 & 4: Nyalam (B/L/D)

Nyalam, the first Tibetan town on this journey is situated at the altitude of 3700m and takes about 6-7 hours. We spend two nights for proper acclimatization. During this time, we take the opportunity to visit Milarepa’s Cave and visit the Pelgyeling Temple and other sights. Overnight in basic Nyalam Guest House.

Day 5: Nyalam –Saga (B/L/D)

Drive and cross two high passes and around midway, we arrive at Pelkutso Lake for lunch. Lablung La (5030m) offers spectacular views of Mt. Sishapangma (8021m/26,309ft), Gaurishanker and many other peaks, all of which are dwarfed by the Tibetan plateau. Overnight in camp or Guest House as available. (Alt. 4,600m, 306km/6-7 hrs drive)

Day 6: Saga-Zhongba-Paryang (B/L/D)

We continue across the vast arid plains to the small Tibetan town of Zhongba and drive further to Paryang for overnight in tented camp. Altitude 4,540m 250km/about 6hr drive.

Day 7-8: Paryang-Lake Manasarovara (B/L/D)

Drive to Lake Manasarovara. Today we will get the first view Mt. Kailash from Horqu, a small town by the lake.Camp by the lakeside and spend another day here exploring the shores of the Lake. Pious Hindus or Buddhist take ritual bath in the holy waters of the lake. Alt. 4560m, 250km/6hr drive.

Day 9: Lake Manasarovara-Darchen (B/L/D)

It’s a short drive of about 2 hours to Darchen. After lunch, prepare for the three days trekking. Crews will be organizing pack animals (yaks) gears and supplies for the trek. Overnight in Guest House. Altitude 4660m/35km/about 2hr drive.

Day 10-11-12-13: Circumambulation trek of Mount Kailash.

Its takes normally 3 days to complete the circuit trek of Mount Kailash but we allow an additional day for proper acclimatization. Everyday, we trek 3-5 hours. The highest point on the trek is Drolma La is 5636m. Along the way stop to visit the monasteries of Choku Gompa, Zuthulphuk Gompa and Driraphuk Gompa. The final stretch of the trek is easier one and met by our vehicle at Darchen, from where we drive to Chiu Gompa, along the Lake Manasarovra.

Day 14-17: Drive back to Zhangmu to Kathmandu (B/L/D)

Day 18: Kathmandu-Departure (B)

Transfer to airport in time for your flight back home.

Extend your trip to central Tibet

On Day 16, while the crews head back to Nepal, you can go to Lhasa, stopping for night each in Lhatse, Shigatse and Gyantse and via Lake Yamdrok Tso arrive in Lhasa.