Mount Kailash (also Mount Kailas; Tibetan: གངས་རིན་པོ་ཆེ Kangrinboqê or Gang Rinpoche; simplified Chinese: 冈仁波齐峰, Gāngrénbōqí fēng, Sanskrit: कैलाश Kailāśa) is a peak in the Kailash Range (Gangdisê Mountains), which forms part of the Transhimalaya in Tibet. It lies near the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia: the Indus River, the Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), the Brahmaputra River, and the Karnali River (a tributary of the River Ganga). It is considered a sacred place in four religions: Bön,Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. The mountain lies near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal in Tibet.
In Hinduism
According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and illusion, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailāśa, where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his wife Pārvatī. He is at once the Lord of Yoga and therefore the ultimate renunciate ascetic, yet he is also the divine master of Tantra.
According to Charles Allen, one description in the Vishnu Purana of the mountain states that its four faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli. It is a pillar of the world and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus.
In Jainism
In Jainism, Kailash is also known as Meru Parvat or Sumeru. Ashtapada, the mountain next to Mt. Kailash, is the site where the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attainedNirvana/moksa (liberation).
In Buddhism
Tantric Buddhists believe that Mount Kailash is the home of the Buddha Demchok (also known as Demchog or Chakrasamvara),[10] who represents supreme bliss.
There are numerous sites in the region associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), whose tantric practices in holy sites around Tibet are credited with finally establishing Buddhism as the main religion of the country in the 7th–8th century CE.[11]
It is said that Milarepa (c. 1052-c. 1135 CE), champion of Tantric Buddhism, arrived in Tibet to challenge Naro Bön-chung, champion of the Bön religion of Tibet. The two magicians engaged in a terrifying sorcerers' battle, but neither was able to gain a decisive advantage. Finally, it was agreed that whoever could reach the summit of Kailash most rapidly would be the victor. While Naro Bön-chung sat on a magic drum and soared up the slope, Milarepa's followers were dumbfounded to see him sitting still and meditating. Yet when Naro Bön-chung was nearly at the top, Milarepa suddenly moved into action and overtook him by riding on the rays of the sun, thus winning the contest. He did, however, fling a handful of snow on to the top of a nearby mountain, since known as Bönri, bequeathing it to the Bönpo and thereby ensuring continued Bönpo connections with the region.
In Bön
The Bön, a religion which predates Buddhism in Tibet, maintain that the entire mystical region and the nine-story Swastika Mountain are the seat of all spiritual power.
Pilgrimage
Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune. The peregrination is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists. Followers of the Jain and Bönpo religions circumambulate the mountain in a counterclockwise direction. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km (32 mi) long.
Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day, which is not considered an easy task. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the 52 km trek. Some of the devout do accomplish this feat, little daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions faced in the process. Indeed, other pilgrims venture a much more demanding regimen, performing body-length prostrations over the entire length of the circumambulation: The pilgrim bends down, kneels, prostrates full-length, makes a mark with his fingers, rises to his knees, prays, and then crawls forward on hands and knees to the mark made by his/her fingers before repeating the process. It requires at least four weeks of physical endurance to perform the circumambulation while following this regimen. The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan Himalayas. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions. According to all religions that revere the mountain, setting foot on its slopes is a dire sin. It is claimed that many people who ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process. It is a popular belief that the stairways on Mount Kailash lead to heaven.
Following the political and border disturbances across the Chinese-Indian boundary, pilgrimage to the legendary abode of Lord Shiva was stopped from 1954 to 1978. Thereafter, a limited number of Indian pilgrims have been allowed to visit the place, under the supervision of the Chinese and Indian governments either by a lengthy and hazardous trek over the Himalayan terrain, travel by land from Kathmandu or from Lhasa where flights from Kathmandu are available to Lhasa and thereafter travel over the great Tibetan plateau by car. The journey takes four night stops, finally arriving at Darchen at elevation of 4,600 m (15,100 ft), small outpost that swells with pilgrims at certain times of year. Despite its minimal infrastructure, modest guest houses are available for foreign pilgrims, whereas Tibetan pilgrims generally sleep in their own tents. A small regional medical center serving far-western Tibet and funded by the Swiss Ngari Korsum Foundation was built here in 1997.
Walking around the holy mountain—a part of its official park—has to be done on foot, pony or yak, taking some three days of trekking starting from a height of around 15,000 ft (4,600 m) past the Tarboche (flagpole) to cross the Drölma pass 18,200 ft (5,500 m), and encamping for two nights en route. First, near the meadow of Dirapuk gompa, some 2 to 3 km (1.2 to 1.9 mi) before the pass and second, after crossing the pass and going downhill as far as possible (viewing Gauri Kund in the distance).
Mountain Kailash Tour:
Day 1: Arriving at Lhasa. We will pick you up at your arrival point either the airport or the train station and then take you to your accommodation, where you may take a rest to adjust to the altitude and relax;
Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark - Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions: the extraordinary Potala Palace. Built in the 17th century (atop the original 7th-century site), it boasts more than 1,000 rooms, including the Red Palace (where the Dalai Lama once lived), 10,000 chapels, and a labyrinth of mysterious dungeons. It took 7,000 workers and 1,500 artists and craftsmen more than 50 years to build the adjoining White and Red Palaces. This Eastern architectural triumph was the world's tallest building before the creation of 20th-century skyscrapers.
Afterwards, some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in Tibet, the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, where we are likely to see Buddhist pilgrims making clockwise circuits on their hands and knees in reverence to one of Tibet's most sacred sites. Thousands of yak-butter candles flicker inside beneath the enlightened gaze of the golden Jowo Sakyamuni, the seventh-century Buddha statue that the temple was built to house.
Then walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties;
Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing
In the morning, visiting famous Norbulingka, where the Olympic Torch Relay started in Tibet. Norbulingka means the garden of treasures in Tibetan language. Located in the west suburbs of Lhasa, this palace complex was built in the 18th century and served as the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Then have a tour for Tibet Museum to discover Tibetan history and development. As Tibet's first museum in the modem sense, Tibet Museum, situated at the southeastern comer of the Buddhist religious garden Norbulingka in Lhasa, was inaugurated in October 1999 on occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding the People's Republic of China and the 40th anniversary of the Democratic Reforms in Tibet as the product of one of 62 Chinese government funded projects launched in July 1994 in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Autonomous Region of Tibet. After the visit, you will have a general idea of the whole Tibet.
In the afternoon, go for Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called the court of wild rose. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Luckily you could see the line-up for visit the god as long as you could imagine, also the exciting debating situation of monks there every afternoon;
Day 4: Lhasa/Gyantse/Shigatse (360 km)
Drive to Gyantse this morning, on the Ganba La (4,796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m). It is one of the three largest lakes of Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometers' distance to the southwest of Lhasa, is within Langkamu county, with an area of 638 square kilometers and a coastal line of 250 kilometers. The deepest point is 60 metres. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of wild ducks. A lot of colorful ducks and geese are swimming on the surface of the lake. There is also plenty of natural fodder for the fish in the lake. The lake has a fish reserve of about 300 million kilograms.That is why it is called "the Fish Store of Tibet". The coast of the lake is an ideal pasture. All these make an intoxicating quite picture.
Upon arrival in Gyantse, visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.
After the tour, head to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet;
Day 5: SHIGATSE-NGAMRING (5220 M), 160 KMS, 6-7 HRS
On the way, if the time is permitting, make an excursion to visit the Sakya Monastery (4.280 m). Sakya, the master monastery of the Striped Sect, is well famed with its long history, large-scale construction complex and great influence in Tibet history. Its North Monastery was built in 1073 and named Sakya (meaning gray in Tibetan) as it was situated on a gray mountain. What we see today is the Sakya South Monastery built in 1269 by Phagpa. The outside walls of the monastery were painted with red, white and gray, symbolizing Avalokitesvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani;
Day 6: SAGA, 4280 M, 190 KMS, 7-8 HRS
The road follows south of the Pelgu-Tso, continues across the plain with stunning Himalayan views. The route then follows a narrow gorge before climbing to a pass and dropping steeply down to a ferry crossing over the Yarlung Tsangpo;
Day 7: PARYANG, 4750 M, 250 KMS, 8-9 HRS
From Saga it is 145 km to Zhongba. The road is good and the trip can be completed in 4-5 hrs. There is also a small monastery at the western end of town on a hill. From Zhongba onwards the southern road deteriorates. There is also danger of vehicles getting stuck. But this section of the road has panoramic views of mountains on either side of the road;
Day 8: LAKE MANASOROVAR, 4560 M, 260 KMS, 10 HRS
Tour to holy Lake Mansorovar. From Paryang to Lake Mansorovar is a long drive of 10 hrs or more. There will be several river crossings and we drive past Mayum la pass (4600 M). The scenery is stunningly beautiful with panoramic views of the Himalayas;
Day 9: DARCHEN (4560 M), 30 KM
Arrive in Darchen, prepare for the Kailash Kora. About 30 kms north of Lake Manasorovar is Darchen, the main gateway and the village. The monastery at Darchen, Darchen Gon, is a part of the Drukpa sect. The two-story monastery structure in the center of the town serves as a trading post and shelter for pilgrims. Within the dukhang assembly hall are new and old thangka paintings and some statues, the main image being Sakyamuni. West of the gompa is the Mani Lhakhang that has a large, new mani prayer wheel. This is the site where the original old flagpole (a darchen is a flagpole for prayer flags) of Darchen was located. When beginning their kora pilgrimage around Kailash, many pilgrims often circumambulate the Darchen Gon monastery and the Mani Lhakhang before setting out. We organize yaks or ponies for the Kailash circuit trek at Darchen. And Darchen is also the Point of Exit to the Sacred Mount Kailash (Kang Rimpoche) for the Kailash Pilgrimage Circuit (Kailash Kora).
Day 10-12: KAILASH CIRCUIT TREK
Start the Kailash circuit today, this kora covers 53 kms and can be done in 3 days. We will head towards west in clockwise direction and after a few kilometers the trail climbs up to a cairn at 4730 m from where the southern face of Mt. Kailash comes to view. En route visit Tarboche where annual flagpole raising ceremony takes place during Saga Dawa.
On the fifteenth day of the fourth Tibetan month is Saka Dawa Festival. The day is believed to be the time when Sakyamuni was born; stepped into Buddhahood, and attained nirvana. Tibetans believe that a merit is an accumulation of a myriad of merits from previous days, months or years. People refrain from killing animals by liberating them and abstain from eating meats. Sutra chanting, prayer turning, Cham dancing and other religious activities dominate the occasion. Offering sacrifices to the female deity enshrined in the temple on the islet of the Dragon King Pond, boating in the pond and picnicking add more to the festive mood;
IRAPHUK - ZUTRULPHUK , 4790, 6 hrs
Will cross Drolma la pass (5630 M) and Gauri Kund Lake (5608 m) where Hindus worship and immerse themselves in the icy waters of the lake;
Zutrulphuk/Darchen/Hor, 3-4 hrs
The final end of the Parikrama is an easy 2-3 hrs walk down to where the river emerges on to the Barga plain. We complete the 3 day circuit trek of Mt. Kailash and drive to Tirdapuri where there is a hot spring. Pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash is not complete without visiting Tirdapuri for the Tibetan Buddhists. There are some tea house build up by local Tibetan people. You can have tea during the trekking;
Day 13: TIRDAPURI - KHOJARNATH - PURANG
Visit Tirdapuri Monastery and the pilgrim circuit and drive to Purang. En route visit Khojarnath Monastery;
Day 14: PARYANG
Day 15: SAGA
There are two options:
Optional A: Continue to Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 16: SAGA/NYLAM
We rejoin the main Lhasa to Kathmandu Highway where we get to see Everest as the road climbs to the Lalung La (5124m) before descending and climbing again to the Tong La at 5120m. We finally reach Nyalam and overnight at a basic hotel.
Day 17: NYLAM / KATHMANDU
In the early morning we drive to Zhangmu first, after you go through all the formalities of China Customers. You will be met in Kodari of Kathmandu Side. Service ends.
Optional B: Drive Back to Lhasa and leave
Day 16: Saga/Lhatse
Day 17: Lhatse/Shigatse
Continue drive back to Shigatse, have a tour to Phuntsoling Monastery en route. If lucky, you can have a chat with the Tibetan Living Buddha there.
Day 18: Shigatse/Lhasa
Drive along Yurlong Tsangpu River about 280km, taking 6 hours to get back to Lhasa. Upon arrival, the free time at your disposal.
Day 19: Lhasa/Gonggar Airport
We will take you to Lhasa airport or train station to say goodbye.
TTP -05: Zhangmu (Nepal Border) /Kailash (Drive in /Fly out)
01 Day: Pick up from Friendship bridge by car and transfer up to Zhangmu, Zhangmu
hotel (***) /BB.
02 Day: Zhangmu to Nyalam and acclimatization, hotel Nyalam (2*) /BB.
03 Day: Nyalam to Drongpa, guest house /BB.
04 Day: Drongpa to Darchen, guest house /BB.
05 Day: Start walking the 53km circuit Mt Kailash trekking to Driraphuk "Cave of
the Female Yak Horn ( 4900m ,22.5km and to walk 6hrs,guest house
06 Day - Trek over Droma la pass ( 5630m ) to Zudrul Phuk " Miracle Cave " of
Milarepa ( 4790m ), 22.9km and to walk 6hrs, guest house in Zudrul Phuk, guest
house
07 Day: End Kailash Kora Aand drive to lake Manasarovar, guest house /BB.
08 Day: Drive from Manasarovar lake to Saga, Saga hotel (3*) /BB.
09 Day: Drive from Saga to Shigatse, hotel (3*) /BB.
10 Day: Visit Tashi Lhumpo monastery and drive to Gyantse, hotel (3*) /BB.
11 Day: Drive from Gyantse to Lhasa via Yamdrok Tso lake, Gyantse Kumbum ,
hotel (3*) /BB.
12 -13 Day: Lhasa, s/s, Potala Palace, Barcor square, Jokang Gompa, Drepung
monastery, local hotel 3* /BB.
14 Day: Flight out from Lhasa.
Tour Cost:
02 -03 PAX 3080 US$ Per /person.
04 -05 PAX 2240 US$ Per /person.
06 -09 PAX 1820 US$ Per /person.
11 -15 PAX 1680 US$ Per /person.
Single Supplement: 330 US$.
The cost includes all transportation with an English guide, hotel with breakfast, all
entrance fee and permits.
Exclude: Lunch, dinner and personal soft drinks.
TTP-06: Lhasa / Kailash / Nepal Border 14 days in Tibet.
Day 01: Welcome clients at Friendship bridge, Tibet entry formalities and road to
Nyalam, guest house /BB.
Day 02: Nyalam full day for acclimatization and visits.
Day 03: Nyalam to Saga, 245 km, driving for 6-7days, guest house /BB.
Day 04: Saga to Paryang, 216 km, guest house.
Day 05: Drive to Darchen, rent yaks and prepare trek, guest house //BB.
Days 06 -08: Trekking around Kailash, PM drive to Manasarovar, GH /BB.
Day 08: PM arrival at Manasarovar lake area and overnight at guest house /BB.
Day 09: Drive to Tsaparang, check in local guesthouse /BB.
Day 10: Drive to visit Guge remains + Tuling temple, check in guesthouse /BB.
Day 11: Drive back to Tirta Puri, guest house /BB.
Day 12:Tirthapuri to Drongba, guest house/BB.
Day 13: Drongba to Nyalam, guest house/BB.
Day 14: Nyalam to Zhangmu and EXIT for KTM.
Tour Cost:
02 -03 PAX 2800 US$ Per /person.
04 -05 PAX 1960 US$ Per /person.
06 -09 PAX 1680 US$ Per /person.
11 -15 PAX 1540 US$ Per /person.
Single Suppplement: 240 US$.
The cost includes all transportation with an English guide, hotel with breakfast, all
entrance fee and permits.
Exclude: Lunch, dinner and personal soft drinks.
Day 1: Arriving at Lhasa. We will pick you up at your arrival point either the airport or the train station and then take you to your accommodation, where you may take a rest to adjust to the altitude and relax;
Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa's cardinal landmark - Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions: the extraordinary Potala Palace. Built in the 17th century (atop the original 7th-century site), it boasts more than 1,000 rooms, including the Red Palace (where the Dalai Lama once lived), 10,000 chapels, and a labyrinth of mysterious dungeons. It took 7,000 workers and 1,500 artists and craftsmen more than 50 years to build the adjoining White and Red Palaces. This Eastern architectural triumph was the world's tallest building before the creation of 20th-century skyscrapers.
Afterwards, some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in Tibet, the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple, where we are likely to see Buddhist pilgrims making clockwise circuits on their hands and knees in reverence to one of Tibet's most sacred sites. Thousands of yak-butter candles flicker inside beneath the enlightened gaze of the golden Jowo Sakyamuni, the seventh-century Buddha statue that the temple was built to house.
Then walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties;
Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing
In the morning, visiting famous Norbulingka, where the Olympic Torch Relay started in Tibet. Norbulingka means the garden of treasures in Tibetan language. Located in the west suburbs of Lhasa, this palace complex was built in the 18th century and served as the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas.
Then have a tour for Tibet Museum to discover Tibetan history and development. As Tibet's first museum in the modem sense, Tibet Museum, situated at the southeastern comer of the Buddhist religious garden Norbulingka in Lhasa, was inaugurated in October 1999 on occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding the People's Republic of China and the 40th anniversary of the Democratic Reforms in Tibet as the product of one of 62 Chinese government funded projects launched in July 1994 in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Autonomous Region of Tibet. After the visit, you will have a general idea of the whole Tibet.
In the afternoon, go for Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called the court of wild rose. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Luckily you could see the line-up for visit the god as long as you could imagine, also the exciting debating situation of monks there every afternoon;
Day 4: Lhasa/Gyantse/Shigatse (360 km)
Drive to Gyantse this morning, on the Ganba La (4,796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m). It is one of the three largest lakes of Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometers' distance to the southwest of Lhasa, is within Langkamu county, with an area of 638 square kilometers and a coastal line of 250 kilometers. The deepest point is 60 metres. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of wild ducks. A lot of colorful ducks and geese are swimming on the surface of the lake. There is also plenty of natural fodder for the fish in the lake. The lake has a fish reserve of about 300 million kilograms.That is why it is called "the Fish Store of Tibet". The coast of the lake is an ideal pasture. All these make an intoxicating quite picture.
Upon arrival in Gyantse, visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.
After the tour, head to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet;
Day 5: SHIGATSE-NGAMRING (5220 M), 160 KMS, 6-7 HRS
On the way, if the time is permitting, make an excursion to visit the Sakya Monastery (4.280 m). Sakya, the master monastery of the Striped Sect, is well famed with its long history, large-scale construction complex and great influence in Tibet history. Its North Monastery was built in 1073 and named Sakya (meaning gray in Tibetan) as it was situated on a gray mountain. What we see today is the Sakya South Monastery built in 1269 by Phagpa. The outside walls of the monastery were painted with red, white and gray, symbolizing Avalokitesvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani;
Day 6: SAGA, 4280 M, 190 KMS, 7-8 HRS
The road follows south of the Pelgu-Tso, continues across the plain with stunning Himalayan views. The route then follows a narrow gorge before climbing to a pass and dropping steeply down to a ferry crossing over the Yarlung Tsangpo;
Day 7: PARYANG, 4750 M, 250 KMS, 8-9 HRS
From Saga it is 145 km to Zhongba. The road is good and the trip can be completed in 4-5 hrs. There is also a small monastery at the western end of town on a hill. From Zhongba onwards the southern road deteriorates. There is also danger of vehicles getting stuck. But this section of the road has panoramic views of mountains on either side of the road;
Day 8: LAKE MANASOROVAR, 4560 M, 260 KMS, 10 HRS
Tour to holy Lake Mansorovar. From Paryang to Lake Mansorovar is a long drive of 10 hrs or more. There will be several river crossings and we drive past Mayum la pass (4600 M). The scenery is stunningly beautiful with panoramic views of the Himalayas;
Day 9: DARCHEN (4560 M), 30 KM
Arrive in Darchen, prepare for the Kailash Kora. About 30 kms north of Lake Manasorovar is Darchen, the main gateway and the village. The monastery at Darchen, Darchen Gon, is a part of the Drukpa sect. The two-story monastery structure in the center of the town serves as a trading post and shelter for pilgrims. Within the dukhang assembly hall are new and old thangka paintings and some statues, the main image being Sakyamuni. West of the gompa is the Mani Lhakhang that has a large, new mani prayer wheel. This is the site where the original old flagpole (a darchen is a flagpole for prayer flags) of Darchen was located. When beginning their kora pilgrimage around Kailash, many pilgrims often circumambulate the Darchen Gon monastery and the Mani Lhakhang before setting out. We organize yaks or ponies for the Kailash circuit trek at Darchen. And Darchen is also the Point of Exit to the Sacred Mount Kailash (Kang Rimpoche) for the Kailash Pilgrimage Circuit (Kailash Kora).
Day 10-12: KAILASH CIRCUIT TREK
Start the Kailash circuit today, this kora covers 53 kms and can be done in 3 days. We will head towards west in clockwise direction and after a few kilometers the trail climbs up to a cairn at 4730 m from where the southern face of Mt. Kailash comes to view. En route visit Tarboche where annual flagpole raising ceremony takes place during Saga Dawa.
On the fifteenth day of the fourth Tibetan month is Saka Dawa Festival. The day is believed to be the time when Sakyamuni was born; stepped into Buddhahood, and attained nirvana. Tibetans believe that a merit is an accumulation of a myriad of merits from previous days, months or years. People refrain from killing animals by liberating them and abstain from eating meats. Sutra chanting, prayer turning, Cham dancing and other religious activities dominate the occasion. Offering sacrifices to the female deity enshrined in the temple on the islet of the Dragon King Pond, boating in the pond and picnicking add more to the festive mood;
IRAPHUK - ZUTRULPHUK , 4790, 6 hrs
Will cross Drolma la pass (5630 M) and Gauri Kund Lake (5608 m) where Hindus worship and immerse themselves in the icy waters of the lake;
Zutrulphuk/Darchen/Hor, 3-4 hrs
The final end of the Parikrama is an easy 2-3 hrs walk down to where the river emerges on to the Barga plain. We complete the 3 day circuit trek of Mt. Kailash and drive to Tirdapuri where there is a hot spring. Pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash is not complete without visiting Tirdapuri for the Tibetan Buddhists. There are some tea house build up by local Tibetan people. You can have tea during the trekking;
Day 13: TIRDAPURI - KHOJARNATH - PURANG
Visit Tirdapuri Monastery and the pilgrim circuit and drive to Purang. En route visit Khojarnath Monastery;
Day 14: PARYANG
Day 15: SAGA
There are two options:
Optional A: Continue to Kathmandu, Nepal
Day 16: SAGA/NYLAM
We rejoin the main Lhasa to Kathmandu Highway where we get to see Everest as the road climbs to the Lalung La (5124m) before descending and climbing again to the Tong La at 5120m. We finally reach Nyalam and overnight at a basic hotel.
Day 17: NYLAM / KATHMANDU
In the early morning we drive to Zhangmu first, after you go through all the formalities of China Customers. You will be met in Kodari of Kathmandu Side. Service ends.
Optional B: Drive Back to Lhasa and leave
Day 16: Saga/Lhatse
Day 17: Lhatse/Shigatse
Continue drive back to Shigatse, have a tour to Phuntsoling Monastery en route. If lucky, you can have a chat with the Tibetan Living Buddha there.
Day 18: Shigatse/Lhasa
Drive along Yurlong Tsangpu River about 280km, taking 6 hours to get back to Lhasa. Upon arrival, the free time at your disposal.
Day 19: Lhasa/Gonggar Airport
We will take you to Lhasa airport or train station to say goodbye.
TTP -05: Zhangmu (Nepal Border) /Kailash (Drive in /Fly out)
01 Day: Pick up from Friendship bridge by car and transfer up to Zhangmu, Zhangmu
hotel (***) /BB.
02 Day: Zhangmu to Nyalam and acclimatization, hotel Nyalam (2*) /BB.
03 Day: Nyalam to Drongpa, guest house /BB.
04 Day: Drongpa to Darchen, guest house /BB.
05 Day: Start walking the 53km circuit Mt Kailash trekking to Driraphuk "Cave of
the Female Yak Horn ( 4900m ,22.5km and to walk 6hrs,guest house
06 Day - Trek over Droma la pass ( 5630m ) to Zudrul Phuk " Miracle Cave " of
Milarepa ( 4790m ), 22.9km and to walk 6hrs, guest house in Zudrul Phuk, guest
house
07 Day: End Kailash Kora Aand drive to lake Manasarovar, guest house /BB.
08 Day: Drive from Manasarovar lake to Saga, Saga hotel (3*) /BB.
09 Day: Drive from Saga to Shigatse, hotel (3*) /BB.
10 Day: Visit Tashi Lhumpo monastery and drive to Gyantse, hotel (3*) /BB.
11 Day: Drive from Gyantse to Lhasa via Yamdrok Tso lake, Gyantse Kumbum ,
hotel (3*) /BB.
12 -13 Day: Lhasa, s/s, Potala Palace, Barcor square, Jokang Gompa, Drepung
monastery, local hotel 3* /BB.
14 Day: Flight out from Lhasa.
Tour Cost:
02 -03 PAX 3080 US$ Per /person.
04 -05 PAX 2240 US$ Per /person.
06 -09 PAX 1820 US$ Per /person.
11 -15 PAX 1680 US$ Per /person.
Single Supplement: 330 US$.
The cost includes all transportation with an English guide, hotel with breakfast, all
entrance fee and permits.
Exclude: Lunch, dinner and personal soft drinks.
TTP-06: Lhasa / Kailash / Nepal Border 14 days in Tibet.
Day 01: Welcome clients at Friendship bridge, Tibet entry formalities and road to
Nyalam, guest house /BB.
Day 02: Nyalam full day for acclimatization and visits.
Day 03: Nyalam to Saga, 245 km, driving for 6-7days, guest house /BB.
Day 04: Saga to Paryang, 216 km, guest house.
Day 05: Drive to Darchen, rent yaks and prepare trek, guest house //BB.
Days 06 -08: Trekking around Kailash, PM drive to Manasarovar, GH /BB.
Day 08: PM arrival at Manasarovar lake area and overnight at guest house /BB.
Day 09: Drive to Tsaparang, check in local guesthouse /BB.
Day 10: Drive to visit Guge remains + Tuling temple, check in guesthouse /BB.
Day 11: Drive back to Tirta Puri, guest house /BB.
Day 12:Tirthapuri to Drongba, guest house/BB.
Day 13: Drongba to Nyalam, guest house/BB.
Day 14: Nyalam to Zhangmu and EXIT for KTM.
Tour Cost:
02 -03 PAX 2800 US$ Per /person.
04 -05 PAX 1960 US$ Per /person.
06 -09 PAX 1680 US$ Per /person.
11 -15 PAX 1540 US$ Per /person.
Single Suppplement: 240 US$.
The cost includes all transportation with an English guide, hotel with breakfast, all
entrance fee and permits.
Exclude: Lunch, dinner and personal soft drinks.
