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Shirely S. R
Utah, USA March 17, 2013Our main goal was the circumambulation of Mt. Kailash–success! Over a year ago we planned a trip with Wind Horse Tours, Treks & Travel to China and Tibet, ending
Kailash Mansarovar Tour
Trekking around Mt. Kailash.
18
Days
TREK
Trip highlights
- Mt. Kailash trek with manasorovar
- Option to visit Guge kingdom ruins and Mt. Everest north face.
Kailash Mansarovar Tour is a pilgrimage tour package to Tibet. Mt. Kailash is the confluence of the myth and the mountain. Mount Kailash is considered to be the cosmic axis of the world. Four great rivers (Indus, Bramhaputra, Sutlej, and Karnali) originated from here, giving life to the areas they pass through. Mount Meru, described in Hindu epics as the center of the earth, is believed to be Mount Kailash. This 6638m high peak in west Tibet has been a sacred object of worship for four major religions of the world for a long time; the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and the Bons. For Hindus, Mt. Kailash is the domain of Lord Shiva. The Buddhists revere the mountain as the abode of Samvara (Demchok)-the wrathful manifestation of Buddha who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. For Jains, this is where their first prophet achieved enlightenment, and for Bons, their founder Shenrab alighted from heaven here.
This Kailash Mansarovar tour via Zhangmu offers a stunning Himalayan panorama, including Mt. Kailash and the other Himalayas. Holy Mansarovar lake, beautiful landscape, lush valleys, ancient monasteries, along with ancient Tibetan culture. Our Kailash Mansarovar tour begins in Kathmandu, where we obtain China/Tibet visa and visit some historical and religious monuments around Kathmandu valley. Next, we board on to a 4WD vehicle and drive along the Araniko Highway to Kodari(Nepal Tibet Border). For the next few days, we will be traveling across the beautiful Tibetan landscape to Mt. Kailash. We circumnavigate Mount Kailash and retrace our step the same way back to Kathmandu.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrive in Kathmandu and tour (B)
Upon arrival, meet our guide/representative and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the evening is free to pursue your interest. The next day, our representative/guide will assist you to obtain your China/Tibet visa. After completing the visa formalities, we shall have a sightseeing tour covering the World Heritage sites of Kathmandu valley, such as Swayambunath, Boudanath, and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 3 & 4: Kathmandu-Zhangmu -Nyalam (3800m/160km/7-8hrs)
Early morning, we shall drive along the Araniko Highway to Kodari(Nepal Tibet Border). After completing immigration formalities, we cross
over to the Tibetan side and drive to Zhangmu. We will try to make it till
Nyalam, which is at a short distance from Zhangmu. We will spend two nights in this area acclimatizing. We will take a short acclimatization trek to visit Milarepa’s Cave and Pelgyeling Temple, and other sights. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 5: Nyalam –Saga (Alt. 4,600m/6-7 hrs)
Drive and cross over the Lalung La pass and arrive at the sacred
lake of Pai Kutso for lunch. Lalung La (5030m) offers spectacular views of Mt. Sishapangma (8021m), Gaurishanker, and many other peaks along with the Tibetan plateau. We cross over the Yarlung Tsangpo(Brahmaputra) on a ferry and drive to Saga. Overnight in tented camp or Guest House.
Day 6: Saga-Zhongba-Paryang (4,540m/250km/6hrs)
We continue across the vast arid plains of the Tibetan plateau to the small town of Zhongba. From here, we further continue to Paryang. The Landscape changes from sandy dunes and rocky vistas to savannah type. Overnight in tented camp or guest¬house
Day 7-8: Paryang-Lake Manasarovara (4560m/250km/6hrs)
Today is the most auspicious day for us, we will drive to Mansarovar. We will get the first glimpse of holy Mt.Kailash and sacred Lake Mansarovar from Horqu. We will take a holy dip and relax, it is said that a ritual bath in Manasarover kills the sins of a lifetime. We will spend another day exploring the Mansarovar area. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 9: Lake Manasarovara-Darchen (4660m/35km/2hrs).
Today we will head towards Darchen, the base camp for the
holy Kailas Parikrama(circumambulation). After lunch, prepare for the three days of trekking. Crews will be organizing pack animals (yaks), gears, and supplies for the journey. Overnight in a Guest House.
Day 10-11-12: Circumambulate Mount Kailash(3 days)
We start our Kailash Parikarma(circumambulation trek) from Darchen. Every day, we trek 3-5 hours. The highest point on the trek is Drolma La Pass at 5636m. It is said, that those who pass this gateway will finish the Karma of a lifetime and start a new life at this point. Along the way, we will stop to visit the monasteries of Choku Gompa, Zuthulphuk Gompa, and Driraphuk Gompa. The final stretch of the trek is an easier one. We meet our vehicle at Darchen, from where we will directly drive to Chiu Gompa at the shore of Lake Manasarovar. Overnight in a Tented Camp.
Day 13-17: Drive Zhangmu - Kathmandu
From Chiu Gompa, we retrace the drive back to Kathmandu, following the same route. Overnight in a Hotel.
Day 18: Kathmandu-Departure
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight back home.
Other options for an overland tour:
This is a better option if you have time available.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 2 & 3: In Kathmandu for touring and for visa
Day 4: Fly to Lhasa and rest.
Day 5 & 6: In Lhasa for touring
Day 7: Drive to Gyantse and tour Gyantse
Day 8: Short drive to Shigatse and visit Shigatse
Day 9: Enroute, visit Sakya and stay in Shegar
Day 10: Drive to Rongbuk and visit Everest Base Camp.
Day 11: Drive to Saga
Day 12 & 13: Drive to Dongba and then to Manasarovar
Day 14: Drive to Darchen
Day 15, 16 & 17: Circumambulation trek of Mount Kailash.
Day 18: Tirthapuri-Tholing (Zanda)
Day 19: Excursions of the ruins of Tsaparang and Tholing of Guge kingdom.
Day 20: Tsaparang to Lake Manasorovar (Chiu Gompa)
Day 21: In and around Lake Mansarovar
Day 22: Drive to Paryang
Day 23: Drive to Saga
For departure from Lhasa Day 24: Saga to Lhatse.
Day 25: Lhatse to Lhasa
Day 26: Departure
For departure from Kathmandu Day 24: Drive from Saga to Zhangmu border.
Day 25: Drive from Zhangmu to Kathmandu
Day 26: Departure from Kathmandu.
Group SizePrivate with your own Group
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MealsOnly breakfast in Kathmandu and all meals during the tour.
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Trip AccommodationGuest houses and tented camps
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RouteKathmandu,-Nyalam-Saga, Paryang,-Lake Manasarovara- Darchen,-Circuit Trek and retrace drive to Kathmandu.
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Trip Type Trekking
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Trip SeasonsMarch-April-May-August-September-October
Best MonthsJanuary, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Prices & Dates
Starting from USD$ 3550, it’s tier priced (per person in US$) based on number of participants and type of hotels.
Cost Information on request
Included
- All transfers by private vehicle.
- Accommodation in 3-4* category hotel in Kathmandu, tented camp, and guest houses while on tour.
- Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu whereas all meals during the tour.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley with entrance fee as per itinerary.
- Kathmandu-Kodari-Kathmandu overland transportation by a private jeep as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tibet sightseeing entrance fee.
- Chinese visa and Tibet travel permit.
- Tibet border picks up by private jeep as per the itinerary.
- English speaking local Tibetan guide for the Tibet part.
- Insurance for Nepalese staff. ( Tour guide, and driver)
- All government Tax and service charges.
Not included
- Nepal entry visa.
- International flight to and from Kathmandu.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal Travel Medical Insurance.
- Personal expenses such as bar, beverages, tips and gratuities, laundry, telephone, battery recharge, etc.
- Any extra cost forced upon by changing the itinerary due to your health, natural condition, political situation, or early return from the trek.
- All other personal expenses not listed in the included section
Trip Guide/Leader
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Hem Raj Bastola
×Hem Raj Bastola
Hem Raj Bastola is a permanent inhabitant of Pokhara-25. He has been working as a tour and trekking guide since 2010. Formerly he has worked as a guest service agent at the hotel Pokara Grande. He started his career as a Cave guide, ticket sales man at Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave in Pokhara. So must of his working experience is related to tourism and hospitality industry. Beside his guiding profession, he enjoys reading and writing poetry. His poets have been published in different forums and medias. When get free time loves to work in the field as well.
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Vijaya Gyawali
×Vijaya Gyawali
Bijaya Gawali permanent resident of Kausaltar, Bhaktapur, Nepal is one of the experienced City tour Guide in Kathmandu valley, Nepal. He has completed his bachelor degree from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu Nepal. He has got several pieces of training including City tour guide licence. He has started his career working in 4-star hotels in Kathmandu for 12 years. He has been working as a city tour guide in Kathmandu valley since He loves to meet new people, reading newspapers and listening music. When he has free time, he goes out with family and friends. Bijaya Gawali is not only the english speaking guide but also the french guide. His knowledge of French language gives him an edge in handling our French guest better. He has joined to this company since 2014, and he is well versed in both English and French language and taken care of our guest very well.
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Tashi
×Tashi
Mr. Tashi is from the Amdo region of Tibet. Studied Tibetan Buddhism and English literature in Varanasi India from for 5 years. He speaks excellent English and some Hindi, and wonderful Mandarin Chinese.
His passion for the scenery of his homeland has led him to deepen his knowledge of Tibet’s less traveled paths, particularly in the central and western Tibet (Kailash area), where he traveled and led so many groups to. His patience and detailed oriented personality has earned him a really good judgement from our guests.
