Category:
Independent Travel - Tibet
Ref:
MK
Places Visited:
Kathmandu - Nylam - Pelgu Tso - Saga - Paryang - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Diraphuk - Zutrulphuk
Duration:
15 days
Time of Year:
May - October
More information
Mount Kailash is 6638m, there are many mountains in Tibet which are higher but Mount Kailash is the most revered and most holy of them all. Some believe the mountain to be the centre of the universe. The Buddhists believe it to be the home of the ‘Buddha of Supreme Bliss’, the Hindus believe it to be the home of Lord Shiva. According to Bon religion Mount Kailash is the nine-story ‘Swastika Mountain’ which is the seat of all spiritual power and the Jains believe that the founder of their faith achieved ‘nirvana’ here. Mount Kailash is also the source of four mighty rivers; the Indus, the Karnali, the Brahmaputra and the Sutlez and is perhaps the most beautiful of all the Himalayan peaks. It is the most significant mountain that has never been climbed; it is off-limits to climbers out of respect to Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Just below the mountain is the splendid lake Manasarovar, at 4556m above sea level it is the highest fresh water lake in the world. The Hindus believe that Lord Brahma created the lake from His mind hence the meaning of Manasarovar is ‘lake of the mind.’ It is said that the waters of the lake will wash away all sins and therefore, pilgrims visiting Mount Kailash, will also stop here to bathe in the icy waters.
This route is the most direct approach to Mount Kailash; it takes six days to drive into the mountains to the start of the trekking trail. The trek is a 53km circuit around the summit, going at a slow and steady pace this will take three days. There will be time for acclimatisation before the trek and experienced guides will be with you at all times. All people wishing to do the trek must be in good physical condition and have some trekking experience. The maximum height that you will camp at is 4790m; it is advisable to consult your GP as to whether you are fit to travel to such heights.
Travel to and from the trek is done by 4 x 4 Toyota Land Cruisers and camping will be in our two-man dome expedition tents. A Tibetan guide will be with you for the duration of the trip and the driver and crew will assist you in setting up and breaking camp as well as cooking the meals whilst camping. All meals except in Kathmandu are included on this tour.
If it is your first time to the area and would like time to explore the Kathmandu Valley before or after the tour, please book pre/post tour accommodation accordingly. We can also provide excellent guides for cultural tours around the historical sites.
Minimum of 2 people, groups will be able to get a lower rate.
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu
On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel in the centre of Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Depending on flight times there may be time to explore the lively Nepali capital. Thamel is a great place to absorb the friendly atmosphere of Kathmandu and also a good place to buy trekking gear in preparation for your trip. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Hotel)
Day 2: Kathmandu - Nylam (130km)
Today you will leave Kathmandu and begin your journey into the Himalayas. From Kathmandu the road climbs upwards out of the Kathmandu valley, passing through scenic Nepali countryside. You will cross from Nepal into Tibet at the Kodari border. From here the road rises steeply by way of a series of switchbacks, there are magnificent mountain views and deep gorges as you proceed through the town of Zhangmu and on to Nylam. Overnight in Nylam. (Guest house, 3750m)
Day 3: Nylam - Pelgu Tso (57km)
This morning you will continue your journey into the Tibetan heart land. Leaving Nylam, the road climbs steeply up to the Thong-la pass (5120m) then drops down before climbing again to the Lalung-la pass (5124m). To the south there are views of Shisha Pangma (8012m). Our destination is the beautiful Pelgu Tso Lake. Tonight you will have the first night under canvas, the crew will help you put up your tents and get dinner on the go whilst you relax and take in your magnificent surroundings. Overnight Pelgu Tso. (Camp, 4595m)
Day 4: Pelgu Tso - Saga
In the morning you will be woken early and after breakfast, break camp and continue by road to Saga. The scenery today is quite different as you cross the vast plain with stunning Himalayan views. In the afternoon the road follows a narrow gorge before climbing to a high pass. The road then drops steeply down to the Yarlung River. The river is crossed by ferry and the road continues to Saga. Overnight in Saga. (Camp, 4280m)
Day 5: Saga - Paryang (255km)
This morning you will leave Saga and head for Zhongba. This part of the journey can be done in good time as the roads are in good condition. In Zhongba, time permitting, you can visit the small monastery situated on a hill overlooking the town. From Zhongba the road deteriorates and the going is slow. The views along this section are particularly spectacular. Early evening you will arrive in the small town of Paryang. Overnight in Paryang. (Camp, 4750m)
Day 6: Paryang - Lake Manasarovar (260km)
From Paryang to Lake Manasarovar is a full days driving on poor roads with many river crossings. The highest point of today’s drive is the Mayum la pass (4600m). The whole drive will offer panoramic Himalayan views. You will make camp on the shores of the beautiful Lake Manasarovar. Overnight at Lake. (Camp, 4560m)
Day 7: Lake Manasarovar
Today is free for you to relax, reflect on your achievement and enjoy the incredible scenery around the Lake. This place is truly inspirational, so remote and peaceful and exquisitely beautiful that you could imagine you were in the heavens. Overnight at Lake Manasarovar (Camp, 4560m)
Day 8: Lake Manasarovar - Darchen (30km)
Today you have a short drive to the start point of your trek. First you will drive to the town of Darchen, just 30km north Lake Manasarovar. Here the crew will organize the yaks and ponies ready for the trek. Overnight in Darchen. (Camp, 4560m)
Day 9: Darchen - Diraphuk
Today you will begin the 53km circuit. You will set out west in a clockwise direction, the trail starts gently but then rises to a cairn at around 4730m, from this point the spectacular, southern face of Mt. Kailash comes to view. Trekking time today is about six hours, you will pass through Tarboche where annual flagpole raising ceremony takes place during Saga Dawa. Overnight at Diraphuk. (Camp)
Day 10: Diraphuk - Zutrulphuk
Toady the trek will take you over the Drolma la pass (5630m) then after a descent, up to Gauri Kund Lake (5608m) Here you may see Hindu worshipers immersing themselves in the icy waters of the lake. Again the trekking time will be around six hours. Overnight at Zutrulphuk. (Camp, 4790m)
Day 11: Zutrulphuk - Lake Manasarovar
Your final day on the trail is an easy 2-3 hour hike down to where the river emerges on to the Barga plain. The Land cruisers will be waiting to take you the short distance to Chiu Gompa at Lake Manasarovar. Chiu Gompa is a beautiful monastery set up on a hill overlooking Lake Manasarovar. Having visited the monastery you will return to the shores of the lake where you will set up camp for the night. Overnight at lake. (Camp, 4560)
Day 12: Lake Manasarovar - Paryang
Today you will begin your journey back to kathmandu. First heading to Paryang where we have booked a guesthouse to allow you to get maximum rest after a long trek. Overnight in Paryang. (Guest house, 4750m)
Day 13: Paryang - Saga
Today you will return on the road by which you came to Saga. On arrival in Saga we will again book you into a guesthouse which will allow you more time to explore Saga. Overnight in Saga. (Guesthouse, 4280m)
Day 14: Saga - Nylam
Your last day in Tibet will be journeying back to Nylam where you will check into the same guesthouse that you used on arrival. Any gear that you left here can be re-claimed. Overnight in Nylam. (Guesthouse, 3750m)
Day 15: Nylam - Kathmandu
This morning you will drive via Zhangmu to the Friendship Bridge, from here you will continue to the Kodari border crossing. Here you will be met by our company representative, once all the formalities are finished you will continue down into the kathmandu Valley and to our hotel in kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Hotel)
Day 16: Tour ends
Today our tour ends in Kathmandu. We will provide a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Depending on flight times there may be some time for sight-seeing in the Kathmandu Valley. Tour ends Kathmandu.
Itinerary detail