Mt. Kailash, 6,740 m. is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty, with 4 great faces. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion - Bonpo. To Tibetans it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world. It is said that a stream from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. The River of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the east, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. Strangely enough, four major rivers do indeed originate near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. For the Tibetans also, it is a particularly special place in that their poet saint Milarepa, spent several years here meditating in a cave.

For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spritual centre of the universe, described as a fanatastic 'world pillar' 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top lives their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati.

For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions.

Over the centuries pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves of sin, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.

Trip highlight

The Kailash & Manasarovar region in western Tibet attracts the sincere Buddhist, Hindu, Jain & Bon devotees to worship in the icy waters. The entrance of Mt. Kailash is a 6,656 meters high pyramid of travel restrictions increasing numbers of adventures is coming here to admire the spectacular view of nature. On this trip, we first drive from Kathmandu to Kodari (Nepal - China Border) then to border town of Zhangmu and Nyalam same days. From Nyalam, we head onto Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar and after complete Kora. We descent back to Kathmandu via same route from Zhangmu border.

Trip Facts

Trip Name:Kailash Mansarovar Tour
Total Duration: 17 days
Best time: May - July and September - October ( August is not highly recommended, although people do the trip)
Style: Guided Trip, fully supported trek
Grade: Moderate
Maximum elevation: 5600 mtr ( Dolma la pass)
Accommodation: Hotel /Resort/Lodge/Camp
Transport: Car/Van / Bus / flight included

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu. We will receive you at airport and transfer to the hotel /welcome dinner (D) Day 02: After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath & Boudhnath. PM: A pre-departure Group meeting will be held to provide the Group with all the necessary information regarding the Tour. Overnight at Hotel (B, L, D) Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Nyalam (3750m) 150 Kms. /8-9 Hrs. Overnight at Hotel/guest house in Nyalam. (B,L,D) Day 04: Drive Nyalam to Yak Kharkha (4675m) 240 Kms/8-9 Hrs. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 05: Drive Yak Kharkha to New Dongba (4500m) 160 Kms/6-7 Hrs. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 06: Drive New Dongba to Mayumla Phedi (4500m) 210 Kms. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 07: Drive Mayumla Phedi to Manasarovar (4560m) 120 Kms. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 08: AM Manasarovar Parikarma by Jeep. Time permitting visit Chui Gompa. PM Drive to Darchen (4560m). Overnight at Guest House in Darchen. (B,L,D) Day 09: Drive approx 8 Kms from Darchen Tarboche, the trek starting point of Kailash Parikarma. Trek to Dira Puk (4775m) 12 Kms/6-7 Hrs. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 10: Continue Parikarma over Dolma La Pass (5650m) to Zuthul Puk (4700m) 22 Kms/10-11 Hrs. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 11: The Kailash Kora ends today after an easy trek 14 Kms. Proceed to Hor Qu (4560m) at Lake Manasarovar. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 12: Drive Hor Qu to Mayumla Phedi (4500m) 120 Kms/6-7 Hrs. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 13: Drive Mayumla Phedi to New Dongba (4500m) 210 Kms/7-8 Hrs. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 14: Drive New Dongba to Yak Kharka (4675m) 160 Kms/5-6 Hrs. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 15: Drive Yak Kharkha to Nyalam (3750m) 240 Kms/6-7 Hrs. Overnight in Camp. (B,L,D) Day 16: Drive downhill to Friendship Bridge where transportation awaits for the Groups final leg of journey to Kathmandu (1300m) 150 Kms / 8-9 Hrs. Overnight at Hotel (B,L,D) Day 17: Transfer to airport for your onward journey. (B)