This tour takes us to the Holy places of Mt. Kailash (6714m) and Lake Mansarovar. We will see spectacular landscapes and dramatic high passes. We will enjoy an incredible circuit trek around Mt. Kailash plus a challenging trip to the unspoiled Lake Mansarovar in the far western part of Tibet. Mount Kailash is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is believed to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mount Meru. This is said to be the centre of the universe or ‘navel of the world’. Mt. Meru is depicted in the form of a Mandala, and its image occurs throughout both Buddhists and Hindu parts of Asia. Mt Kailash is holy to followers of four religions.

To Hindus, Mt. Kailash is the abode of Shiva, and nearby Mansarovar Lake is the means, or soul, of Brahma. Tibetans call Kailash Kang Rimpoche. Jains worship it as Mt. Ashtapada, the peak from which the religion’s founder, Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation. Followers of Bon-Po, the ancient pre- Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet, revere Kailash as the soul of Tibet. Mt. Kailash has long been an object of worship for all four major religious communities; for Hindu it is domain of Shiva. It is also the abode of Samvara – a multi-armed wrathful deity, who is worshipped in the Chakrasamvara tantric cycle of Tibetan Buddhism. The Jains of India also revere the mountain as the site at which the first of their saints were emancipated. In the ancient Bon religion of Tibet, Kailash was the sacred nine storeys Swastika Mountain, from which the Banpo founder Shenrab descended from heaven. The 53 km. Kailash circuit is the holiest of all of the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages as well as the beacon which draws most travellers to Western Tibet. It is said that a single Parikrama (devotional walk) erases the accumulated sins of a lifetime, whilst walking the path 108 times will achieve Salvation.

Lake Mansarovar. At an elevation of 4,558m this site, is more important to Hindus than to Buddhists. Hindu pilgrims make an 85km. circuit around Manasarovar. This is made longer and more difficult by marshes and complicated stream crossings. The Tibetans, however, being more pragmatic, often make a circuit of the lake in the winter when the streams are frozen and the route is shorter. Near Mansarovar is another large lake, Rakshas Tal; the ‘Demon Lake’ that is of a far lesser spiritual significance. Sprawling below Mount Kailash is the sacred lake Mansarovar, where, it is believed, taking a ritual bath will deliver pilgrims to Brahma’s paradise and a drink of its water will absolve them from the sins of a hundred lifetimes.

To better prepare for our Yatra, we strongly encourage you to register as soon as possible. The more time you will have for mental and physical preparation, the better.  You will enjoy and experience the incredible journey to Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.

Day to Day Activity

Day 01: Arrive in Katmandu (1300m),
Day 02: Sightseeing in Katmandu,
Day 03: Drive to Nyalam (3750m)
Day 04: In Nyalam- acclimatization day,
Day 05: Drive to Saga (4450m),
Day 06: Drive to Paryang (4600m)
Day 07: Drive to Mansarovar (4558m),
Day 08: Drive around Mansarovar to Darchen (4565m)
Day 09: Parikrama to Dehara Puk (5000m)
Day 10: Parikrama continues to Dolma-La Pass (5670m)
Day 11: Parikrama ends and drive to Saga
Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu,
Day 13: Depart Kathmandu.

Note: Whilst on tour in Tibet all meals are included. In Kathmandu accommodation is Bed & Breakfast.

» An incredible journey through  the Bhote Koshi  gorge and into the Tibetan plateau

» Spectacular landscapes and dramatic high passes

» Experience the amazing adventure to the spiritual centre of the Universe

» Celebrate life at holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar

» Dramatically changing scenery of the western Himalaya

• Day 01: Arrive to Kathmandu:
  Arrive in Kathmandu (We recommend an early morning flight to allow rest and time to prepare)
  A warm welcome awaits you when we meet you at the airport for our drive to the Hotel. There we will collect your passport in order to obtain the necessary VISA for Tibet. Late afternoon we will have a group meeting to prepare for the Yatra and collect sleeping bags, down jackets, and duffle bags.  Welcome dinner at a Traditional Nepalese Restaurant.
  Overnight comfortable Hotel, Included meal: dinner

  Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath or Kathmandu Durbar Square,
  Today your tour visits the most important Hindu temple in the valley at Pashupatinath. This houses a sacred lingam; the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva.  The Aryaghat, alongside Pashupatinath, and on the banks of the Bagmati River, is a famous funeral site for Hindus. After that, we will drive to the Buddhists’ shrine of Boudhanath.  This is one of the largest Stupas in the world and the holiest of all Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas, or Monasteries.
  After lunch, you may like to visit the old part of Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of the old city.  Here is the old Royal palace, with its intricate woodcarving and four fine towers. There are several Hindu temples; these house for different Hindu deities and images. These include the residence of Kumari, the young girl who is revered as a living Goddess from the mid 18th century.  You will see superb examples of Nepali medieval architecture around this Durbar square.  Leading away from the square, in all directions, are narrow alleys that are full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls. We have allowed sometime today for you to  make your final  preparations for Yatra, shopping, etc
  Overnight comfortable Hotel, included meal: Breakfast

  Day 03: Drive to Nyalam (3750m),
  6 hours driving.
  After an early breakfast we depart for the Tibet border. Lunch break is at Tatopani, near to the border.  After completing Nepali customs and immigration formalities, we will have about a 10 minutes walk across Friendship Bridge into Tibet, and then there are further immigration formalities. After completion of these we will join our land cruiser - 4 passengers, plus a driver per vehicle.  It’s a 30 minute drive from Kodari to Zhangmu. Here the Chinese border police will check both the passports & visas, again.  From Zhangmu there is a 2 hour scenic drive to Nyalam.
  Overnight Guesthouse, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 04: Rest day in Nyalam to acclimatise
  After breakfast we will take a short walk through Nyalam village to visit a monastery. Then you will have the option of a 2 hour trek for acclimatisation, or to enjoy a rest at the guesthouse.
  Overnight Guesthouse, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 05: Drive to Saga (4450m),
  5 hours driving.
  The road today is bumpy but an incredible journey.  You will enjoy views of snow capped mountains; we will be passing through the first high pass of Lalung La Pass (5050m).  From here there are magnificent views of high Himalayas such as Gaurishankar, Shishapangma (the only 8000m peak entirely in Tibet), and Lang tang Himal. We will be crossing the holy river Brahmaputra. We will spend the night at the guesthouse in Saga.  Hot showers are available here.
  Overnight Guesthouse, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 06: Drive to Paryang (4500m),
  5 hours driving.
  The road condition is fair.  Enjoy the vast Tibetan Plateau; the landscape changes through sandy dunes to rocky vistas and savannah type scenery.  We spend the night in Paryang.
  Overnight Guesthouse, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 07: Drive to Mansarovar (4558m),
  5 hours driving.
  Today is the most auspicious day for all of us - we will have our first glimpse of the holy Mt. Kailash and sacred Lake Mansarovar. A lifetime achievement: here we will have the opportunity to take a dip in the holy lake.  After that we will have time to explore around the Mansarovar area.
  Overnight Camp, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 08: Drive around Mansarovar towards Raksas Lake to Darchen (4600m),
  3 hours driving.
  After completing the sight-seeing of Raksas Lake, we will be heading towards Darchen. This is considered a base camp for the Holy Kailash Parikrama (devotional walk).We will remain at the guesthouse at Darchen today. There we will organise our back pack as well as repacking our luggage for Parikrama days.  One duffle bag between two people is allowed.
  Overnight Guesthouse, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 09: Parikrama to Dehara Puk (4890m),
  About 6/7 hours walking.
  Today, it will seem as if the heavens have opened up to allow us a glimpse into the world of gods and goddesses.  We will walk 18 kms through the valley with the Holy Ganges River on our left and with Mount Kailash on our right. The feelings of today can only be experienced by oneself and not described……  Have your camera handy to capture amazing views of holy Mt. Kailash.
  Overnight Camp/ Guesthouse, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 10: Parikrama continues to Dolma-La Pass (5670m),
  About 6/7 hours walking.
  Hardest but Holiest day of our pilgrimage Yatra with Dolma-La (pass) of (5670m/ 18,600ft).Between two valleys: Yamasthal needs to be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal while our route is closer to the pass.  Once we reach the top, there will be the option to make the holiest offering and to sit down for a while for meditation.  Parvati-stal and Gauri Kund are on the way.  By the late afternoon we will arrive at Zuthal Puk (the cave of Miracles).
  Overnight Camp, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 11: Parikrama ends and drive to Saga,
  3 hours walking and 3 hours driving.
  Parikrama ends and we drive to Saga.  After walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will be awaiting our arrival.  We will continue our drive to Saga and arrive by the evening.
  Overnight Guesthouse, Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

  Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu (150 km),
  6 hours driving.
  Following an early morning start, we will depart Saga and drive to the border town of Zhangmu. Here, we will clear customs formalities and continue our journey back to Kathmandu.
  Overnight comfortable Hotel, included meal: Breakfast

  Day 13: Depart Kathmandu,
  The trip ends after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to the airport for the flight back home.
  Included meal: Breakfast,

  Note: If you would like to extend your trip, we can organise an early morning scenic mountain flight (fly the best, fly to Everest), Manakamana Darshan day trip, Muktinath Darshan tour, Lumbini spiritual tour and Janakpur pilgrimage tour.

Price Includes

» Welcome and Farewell Dinners
» 3 nights’ accommodation at a 4 star hotel in Kathmandu, on twin share basis with breakfast
» Accommodation in Tibetan lodges or tents
» All vegetarian meals while on Yatra
» English Speaking Nepali Tour Leader and Tibetan Guide
» Tibet Visa & Permit Fee
» Yaks & Yak men for luggage during Parikrama
» Ground transfers in Tibet using Toyota Land Cruisers
» Sherpa staff (trekking guides, porters, cook, etc)
» Portable altitude chamber bags
» Oxygen cylinders in each Land Cruiser
» Specially designed Kailash Yatra T-Shirt
» Sleeping bag (to be returned upon completion of journey)
» Down jacket (to be returned upon completion of journey)
» Duffle bag ( to be returned upon completion of journey)

Price Excludes

» Airfares from Home - Kathmandu - Home
» All beverages, photography charges, web usage, and telephone calls.
» Extra nights in Tibetan lodges (except as specified in itinerary)
» We require that all clients provide sufficient personal travel insurance to cover items - see below
» Travel Insurance of Client
» Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation and porters
» All meals while in Kathmandu
» Horse rental while on Parikrama days (approx Cost US $200) or personal porter (Approx Cost US $100) in Total.
» Emergency evacuation costs (cost for rental of Land Cruiser) (medical and rescue insurance is strongly recommended). We advise you to purchase zero deductible insurance.
» Staff and Driver Tips (10% of the Yatra cost is customary)