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.

Only during the last few years have many ordinary or not so ordinary travellers been able to experience this region. Road conditions are difficult most of the time and we have to make many preparations to ensure that we have a reasonable chance of reaching Kailash. Basic lodges and tea houses may be found but since the plateau is so remote and the availability of food is so uncertain, we have to carry our own food and camping equipments.

To travel for days on this remote plateau with the chance encountering nomads herding their sheep or yaks is to be transformed into another way of life, to see and become part of such a devout pilgrimage as shown by pilgrims around Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is to put some aspects of our modern way of life into their proper perspective.

We begin the tour by travelling from Kathmandu to the Nepal/Tibet border town of Zhangmu where we collect our transport for further journey. We travel by the SOUTHERN route and after our pilgrimage we return by the same route.

The Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive into Kathmandu (1300m)
Arrival in Kathmandu, pick up at the Airport. Transfer to Hotel & Dinner. Overnight.

Day 02 : Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Breakfast in Hotel. After breakfast there will be briefing about your tour to Mt. Kailash. After briefing the group proceeds for sightseeing to Pashupatinath. Lunch at Hotel. After lunch, one can spend the afternoon free for shopping or rest. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 03 : Kathmandu (1300m) To Nyalam (3800m) 156 kms - 9 Hrs
After early morning breakfast we begin our journey travelling north west of Kathmandu (1300m) to Kodari - 112 kms, along the Arniko highway. This drive offers spectacular views of the Himalayan Ranges and Nepal’s traditional farming villages. Lunch will be provided at the Nepal / Tibet border. After completing Immigration formalities at Kodari, Nepalese Immigration office, we collect our transportation from the friendship bridge on the Bhote Koshi River and drive further 8 kms to the first Chinese town of Zhangmu (2220m). After completing immigration and custom formalities at Chinese Immigration office we drive to Nyalam - 34 kms, for overnight. The drive to Nyalam a trading frontier is through lush green vegetation with winding roads and innumerable waterfall.
                                                                                                                   
Day 04 : Rest Day for Acclimatization At Nyalam (3800m)
We will spend the whole day here for acclimatizing. Short walks in the surrounding areas. Overnight.

Day 05 : Nyalam (3800m) To Saga (4800m) 280 Kms - 9 Hrs
After breakfast we drive 280 kms from Nyalam to Saga (4840m), enroute we will be passing through the first highest pass of Lalung La Pass (5000m) where a superb view of high Himalayas can be seen from Gaurishanker, Shishapangma to Langtang Himal. Drive past Khunmen Tso, Sinling, Karru Ongchen and Peigutso Lake (4400m). We continue driving crossing the river “Yarling Tsangpo” known as Bhramaputra, by ferry to reach Saga. Overnight.

Day 06 : Saga (4840m) To Paryang (4540m) 260 Kms - 8 Hrs
After breakfast we drive to Paryang through the windswept territory passing many villages and camps of Yak herders with distance view of snow capped mountains. On this day the road is quite flat, hence the drive will be comfortable compared to other days. Overnight.

Day 07 : Paryang (4540m) To Lake Manasarovar (4550m) 280 Kms - 9 Hrs
From Paryang we drive to Mayum River for 112 km and have lunch. After this we continue driving crossing Mayum La pass (5200m) and arrive at Horchu. Today is the day of lifetime, as you will have the first sight (darshan) of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Overnight in camps.

Day 08 : Puja & Parikrama at Lake Manasarovar (4550m) To Darchen (4575m)
It is a day for Puja & Purification bath in the holy lake. Take a parikrama of lake Manasarovar (72kms - 2.5 hrs) by jeep and then drive onwards to Darchen covering a distance of 52 kms - 2 hours. Overnight in camps/lodge.

Manasarovar is a symbol of religious harmony. It has been an embracing point for both the Hindus and Buddhist. The Buddhist believes that the mother of lord Buddha was taken to Manasarovar in her dream by the god for the holy bath. The holy bath purified her and made her able to have Buddha in her womb. Another legends says Buddha sitting on the lotus flower floats on the surface of the lake.

Day 09 : Drive to Tarpoche (4740m). Start Trek Around MT. KAILASH (6714m) To Diraphuk (4860m) 17Kms - 7 Hrs.
Yatris will leave the Main Camp Site as soon as possible after breakfast in land cruisers to Tarpoche covering a distance of 8 kms. Tarpoche is better known as the outer “Asthapath”. From here the trek starts around Mt. Kailash (6714m) through Shersong, the rebuilt Chukku Gompa to Diraphuk. Overnight stay at Diraphuk. Those not willing to do the Parikarama will drive back to Lake Manasarovar and wait for the Parikarma group to return. Overnight in tented camps.

Kailas Parikrama (52 Kms)
The 52 kms (32 miles) Mount Kailash Kora (Parikrama) is the holiest of all pilgrimages for a Hindu. Like all other pilgrimage circuits, the kora describes a clockwise circum - ambulation of the mountain and includes various sites of religious significance along the way. Most visitors complete the Kailash kora in three days. Before the start of the trek one has to be thoroughly acclimatized to the altitude.
The Kora commences at 4575m from Darchen, a small settlement at the mountain’s south base and in the process visits four monasteries and crosses the high Drolma La Pass (5680m) before descending back to Darchen again. Many Tibetan pilgrims complete the Kailash kora in a long day of walking. Generally they aim to complete three circumambulations of the sacred peak, though for the hardy and determined 13 is a particularly auspicious number. Ascetics go for the ultimate in circumambulatory glory: 108 circuits. It is said that a single circumambulation erases the accumulated sins of a lifetime, while 108 circumambulations are a one-way tickets straight to nirvana.

Day 10 : Diraphuk (486m) To Zuthulphuk (4790m) Trek 22 Kms - 9 Hrs
Early breakfast will be served and the group will set off as the sun’s rays break over the ridges above. After the footbridge the trail rises up a rocky slope. Take this gently but steadily. It soon reaches a level walk. The peak of Mount Kailash rises to the right and can now be seen linked to a long spur, which joins the eastern ridge. This is the top edge of the glacial valley from which the Lhachu (“ Divine River”) flows.

This day is the climax of the pilgrimage. One has to pass through Drolma La Pass - 5680m - highest altitude on this tour. Today is the day that every pilgrim talks about, the most difficult journey of the yatra. Physically it is the most arduous day. At the pass is a large boulder depicting Tara, festooned with prayer flags. Here too Tibetans leave a memento of themselves such as a tooth, a lock of hair or even a personal snapshot.

After perhaps 30 minutes, we descend a steep, rock-strewn path to the valley below. Just below the pass is Lake Tu-je Chenpo Dzingbu (Skt. Gauri Kund; Eng. “Pool of Great Compassion”). Take great care now because it is easy to sprain your ankle or worse. You must negotiate steep staircases down to a snowfield. The only way down is to jump from boulder to boulder across a large rock fall. On the ridge above is a formations known as the Lekyi Ta-ra (“Axe of Karma”), as though one’s moment ripen in an accident, suffering or death.
                                                                                                                  
A final steep descending staircase brings you to the valley floor. From here it is still about 5 hours to the day’s destination with no shelter in between. It is vitally important to remain on the right hand side of the river, the West bank. If not, you will get trapped, unable to cross it. The walk now becomes very pleasant and relaxing (as long as the weather is clear and there is no howling gale.) The path follows the gentle slope of the valley over grassy fields and clear brooks for several Kilometers before it narrows and turns further south the merge with another valley before reaching Zuthulphuk, the “ Miracle Cave” of Milarepa. Overnight stay in the Second Camp.

Day 11 : Zuthulphuk (4790m) To Darchen (4575m) Trek 13 Kms - 6 Hrs & then drive to Manasarovar (4550) 52 kms - 2.5 hrs
The morning can be spent exploring the caves and visiting the temples and shrine that has been built around Milarepa’s cave. A married elderly couple supervises the temple, which is usually an active residence for over half a dozen Tibetan devotees, helpers, or relatives who continuously busy themselves with the tasks of maintaining the buildings.

One imagines Milarepa’s disciples meditating here. Many of the caves contain meditation platforms, self-contained by dry stonewalls which divide them from their cooking partitions and entrance areas. It is well worth the short climb up to these caves before beginning the final stage of the trek.

Once we reach near Darchen land cruisers will be waiting to take the group back to Manasarovar Camp Site where you will meet rest of the group members. Overnight near the lake.

Day 12 : Rest Day at Lake Manasarovar (4550m)
This day will be a complete rest day for spiritual bathing in the lake, offering puja & exploring the surrounding area. Overnight in camps.

Day 13 : Lake Manasarovar (4550m) To Paryang (4540m) 280 Kms - 8 Hrs
After breakfast we start tracing our footsteps returning home leaving the Holy place by driving up to Paryang. Overnight.

Day 14 : Paryang (4540m) To Saga (4840m) 260 Kms - 8 Hrs
Drive back from Saga to Nyalam. Overnight.

Day 15 : Saga (4840m) To Nyalam (3800m) 280 Kms - 7 Hrs
Drive back from Saga to Nyalam. Overnight.

Day 16 : Nyalam (3800m) To Kathmandu (1300m) 156 Kms - 7 Hrs
Drive from Nyalam to Zhangmu (Chinese Immigration Office) for custom and immigration formalities. After completing we proceed to Nepal border. Again we have to complete the Immigration and Custom formalities at Kodai (Nepal Immigration Office). And then finally we drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 17 : Departure
Transfer to Airport for departure.                                                                     

Cancellation charges as follows shall apply:

- 35 days before departure 25 % of the tour cost.
- 34 -25 days before departure 50 % of the tour cost.
- Less than 25 days no refund.

On the above programme the roads are not tarred. The average distance covered is 30-40 kms per hour, except while travelling from Saga to Tsongpa, Most of the roads are bumpy, sandy and one has to cross through three major rivers where there are no bridges. At Saga the river has to be crossed by ferry.

The climate in Tibet can be extreme varying from 25 C. in the daytime to -10 C. at night. Weather condition from May to September can be expected to be dry and sunny with precipitation in July and August. Winds blow at a speed of 50-60 kms per hour, and at times more.

Tour Cost Includes the following -

ACCOMMODATION :
For accommodation in high altitude, tents will be provided. While camping we shall be providing 2 man tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and camping equipment, except for personal clothing. Laundry services will not be available.

FOOD & BEVERAGE :
We will be providing strictly vegetarian meals cooked by our Sherpas, who will be taken from Kathmandu. Sufficient supplementary food like biscuits, nuts, pickles, bujias, swahilis, can be brought in. Lunch will be packed of light snacks & will be distributed every day at breakfast time. You are suggested to fill your water bottle with drinking water before leaving for daily journey. You may also fill your flask with hot tea for the journey.

TRANSPORTATION :
From Kathmandu to Kodari by private mini bus. From Kodari to Zhangmu by truck. For rest of journey you will be travelling in Japanese 4 wheel Driven Land Cruisers and no walking is required (Other than at landslides). Trucks will be carrying the entire luggage and camping gear except while doing the Parikrama. (Circumambulation).

STAFF :
Sherpas who are capable to work & cook on high altitudes will be accompanying the group. They will be in charge of setting of tents, cooking etc.

VISAS AND DOCUMENTATION :
You must be in possession of a valid passport for at least 9 months. We will obtain your visa for Tibet, and will require the following information when making your reservation. Full name as it appears in your passport, passport number, date of expiry, place of issue, nationality, date of birth and occupation. Two passport size photographs are also required.

GUIDE / ESCORT :
Chinese English speaking guide will escort the group throughout along with a tour leader from Kathmandu.

The Tour Cost Excludes the following :

INSURANCE :
We recommend that you insure yourself against Sickness, Emergency Rescue, Accident Hospitalization, etc.

CLOTHING :
As temperatures vary greatly between day and night (from 25 degrees centigrade to below 0 degrees centigrade), it is best to wear layers of warm clothing. All Jewellery is best left at home. Following clothes are recommended but you must remember that all of your clothes including accessories must come inside a soft bag. Any extra clothes will have to be left in Kathmandu.

High altitude warm jacket with down can be rented at Kathmandu. You have to bring 3/4 sets of under garments, 1 full & half warm pullover, 03 cotton full sleeve shirts, silk/or/full warm blouse & polyester sarees, 2 light loose cotton pants, 2 sets of very warm track suite which we suggest you to wear with shirt & Sweater as required, a monkey cap or muffler, warm gloves, light tennis shoe and light sandal, 2 thin type of body towels, 3/ 4 handkerchief. Rain gear full covering with hood and it must be very roomy so as you may require to wear it with full clothes including warm jacket. If you require some special items like sun glasses, track suite, sun cream, unbreakable thermos flask, walking stick, Chap Stick, water purification tablets etc we will guide you to buy them in Kathmandu.

PHOTOGRAPHY :
Still cameras and home video cameras are allowed into China.

MEDICINE AND HEALTH :
Oxygen cylinder with mask/pipe will be carried on this tour. At present, no health certificates or inoculations are required for entry into Tibet. However, because of the rugged mountain terrain, high altitude, and non-availability of good medical facilities, we require a certified from a doctor certifying that you are medically fit for high altitude travel. Please remember that you should be very honest while getting the certificate. This is important for your own benefit keeping in mind that any illness in this regard may create unwanted problem for the entire pilgrimage. We also strongly suggest that you immediately start a brisk walk of 6/7 Kms per day to tone up your body. At altitudes it is advisable not to exert one self and to drink plenty of fluids at least 2-3 litres of water per day from the day you arrive in Kathmandu. You should also take very light meals from Kathmandu itself.

ACCESSORIES :
We recommend that you bring the following items to make your journey more comfortable.

1) Personal first aid kit containing medicines for Headache, Fever, Cold, Diarrhea, Nausea, Body Ache and antibiotics.
2) Complete Toilet kit, Shaving kit, Chap Stick, Sun cream, Soap, and Toilet paper etc.
3) 4 cell Flashlight with extra batteries.
4) Sun Glasses with UV protection
5) Water bottle-unbreakable with 2 lit capacity.
6) Note book, pens, pencils, Camera, film and extra batteries.
7) Big size metal mug with handle, metal plate for dinning and spoon.
8) Foot wears: Your hiking boots should have thick soles and high enough to provide adequate ankle support.
9) Pocket Knife, Sewing kit, Dust Mask and Water purification tablets.
10) Binoculars recommended.

Further the clients should be aware of the following -

ALTITUDE SICKNESS :
This is an environment related condition that can affect anyone who ascends too rapidly to high elevations without acclimatizing properly. The mildest form of altitude illness has been called acute mountain sickness AMS. Headache, nausea, lassitude are all common symptoms. However other signs may also be the result of mild AMS. These include diarrhoea, sleeplessness, short of breath, pulmonary oedema etc. The most commonly used medication for altitude sickness is Acetazolamide or Diamox. Please consult a doctor for administration.

COMMUNICATION :
The last place to make any international call will be from Darchen.

RESPONSIBILITY :
All arrangements within Tibet are solely at the discretion of the Local Tourism Bureau which is a government organisation; they reserves the right to change itineraries without advance notice, depending on the weather and road conditions.