Since pre-historic times, Mount Kailash has been considered the naval of the universe by Hindus and Buddhists alike. The pyramid-shaped mountain is the source of four rivers: the Sutlej, the Karnali, the Indus, and the Brahmaputra. This trek follows the old pilgrimage and trade route over the Himalayan range from western Nepal onto the Tibetan plateau. Travel in this remote corner of the world is more of an expedition than a trek, but requires no mountaineering skills. The trek begins in Simikot, accessible by air, and heads west towards Yari before crossing the 4,325 m / 14,200 ft Nara La (pass) and into the roof of the world. A vehicle is waiting to take you to Talkakot and Lake Mansarovar (4,558m / 17,716 ft), a holy lake with healing powers. A three-day trek around Mount Kailash, crossing a 5,400m / 14,954 ft pass, allows time to mingle with other pilgrims. The return route crosses the Tibetan plateau by vehicle to Zhangmu, near the Nepal border.
» Trip Outline
Trekking and Tour Days
17
Total days in Nepal and Tibet
21
Trekking grade
04
Maximum Altitude
5630m
Best time
May - September
Trekking Type
Camping Basis
walking per Day
5-6 Hours in average
Driving per Day
6-7 Hours in average
» Where are you going?
Days
Programmes
Day 01
Kathmandu:
Pick up then Transfer to hotel and handle check in. Short briefing that afternoon followed by orientation walk. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02
Sight seeing:
Around Kathmandu valley: The holy place of Pashupatinath temple, Shoyambhunath temple, Boudhanath Stupa & Kathmandu Darbar Square), arrange the necessary permit for Trekking and Climbing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03
Kathmandu to Nepaljung: About an hour flight to Nepaljung. Alternative is a 12 hours bus ride. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04
Nepalgunj to Simikot (2856m) to Majgaon (2400m)
Morning we take flight to Simikot, 45minutes flight offer you such a great landscape of Terai (low lands) as well as The Mahabharat hills and more mountain ranges. After finished the Immigrations clearance, the group will meet our trekking crew, we set of our trek to Majgaon. The trail climbs to the Simikot Lagna in about 2 hours, and then starts to descent steeply into the Karnali gorge and to Majgaon. Overnight at camp.
Day 05
Majgaon to Danda Karmi (2550m)
About 6/7 hours trek leads you to the Danda Karmi. The trek hike up to the upper Karnali River valley, passing through the Toling and Dharapani village as well as several beautiful waterfalls and gradually ascending towards Karmi village. Overnight at camp.
Day 06
Danda Karmi to Yalbang Chaur (2700m)
Karmi is the first village that you will be passing; this village is inhabited by upper Humla people of Tibetan sect. Afterwards, Contour up the valley only to descend rather steeply to the Sali Khola with its beautiful stream flowing through the forest. Walking takes 6-7 hours. Overnight at camp.
Day 07
Yalbang Chaur to Tumkot Khola (2800m)
Walking about 6 hours. The trek climbs gradually to the village of Yalbang. From here the upper trail passes through Toothpaling monastery, while the lower one leads directly to the village of Yankhar. Another 3 hours of hiking around the bend of the Karnali brings to the bridge below Muchu. From Muchu the trail drops gently to the stream below reaching the settlement of Tumkot. Overnight at camp.
Day 08
Tumkot Khola to Yari (3450m)
It takes about 5/6 hours trek. After crossing a wooden bridge over Tumkot Khola. You veer - of the Karnali gorge towards Yari village and the Nara La Pass; the trail will lead into Tibet. The trail climbs steadily up the Mountain side to a distant Yari. Yari is the last Nepali village, before heading towards Nara La. Overnight at camp.
Day 09
Yari to Sher (3600m) Over Nara La Pass (4325m)
About 6/7 hours trek. It takes about 3 to 4 hours trek to the Nara La Pass from Yari. The Nara La Pass is marked by Mani stones and prays flags. Travelers have put there crowned by many flag poles & strings of colorful prayer flags. The descent to meet the Karnali once again is steep. Precipitous & narrow winding & following the ridges to drop giddily to the river far down below. Overnight at camp.
Day 10
Sher to Purang / Taklakot (3930m) to Manasarovar (4560m)
You will start your trek, passing through a village of Sher, the first Tibetan village that you come across along the trail. The gravel trail continues, twisting & bending finally reaching the village of Kocher. Here, you will see the famous Gompa of Kochernath. Shortly after crossing the Nepal/Tibet border which is marked only by a stone pillar, we meet our transport and drive about 130km, via the large trading centre of Taklakot, to Manasarovar, the most venerated of Tibe t's many lakes. Overnight at camp.
Day 11
Manasarovar:
Today will be spent at Manasarovar, acclimatize to the altitude and exploring this fascinating place. We will visit the picturesque Chiu Monastery on the North West shore of the lake with the imposing sight of Mt Kailash in the background. Overnight at camp.
Day 12
Manasarovar to Darchen (4500m) / Tarboche (4750m)
About 2 hours drive takes you to the Darchen at the base of Mt. Kailash. From Chiu Gompa, the bus journey again continues heading north to a village called Darchen. Darchen is a small settlement at the button of the Southern slopes of the holy mountain - Kailash. In the past it was a Drokpa village (Village of the nomads - not a permanent settlement or short trek to Tarboche. Overnight at camp.
Day 13
Tarboche to Dira-Puk (4900m)
After Lha Chu you reach Tarpachan, and by the meadows there are numerous flagpoles, from this point you can have the stunning view of the holy mountain - Kailash, at the far distance, and the Gompa of Chugu is also seen on the far side of high the high waterfalls. The trail continues twisting and turning then finally reaching the distinction -Dri-Phunk. This is a long trek, walking takes approximately 6-7 hours. Settle in for the night camp opposite to the lone monastery of Dri-Ra Phunk. Overnight at camp.
Day 14
Dira-Puk to Zutul-Puk (4790m) over Dorma La Pass (5630m)
From Dri-Ra Phunk the trail to Dorma La pass gain height, steadily through open area of many stone cairns heaped up by the pilgrimage to the Sacred Mountain. After having reached Dorma La pass, you will notice one, the only one so huge boulder fastened with strings of colorful prayer flags, this happen to make the highest point of the long journey to this holy part of mountain. From here the trail descends, passing by the holy lake of Guari Kund. It is believed, here the pilgrims who have come on pilgrimage, fill their water bottles to carry the water, for friends and relatives. From this lake side the trail keeps following down the eastern side of the valley of the Dzong Chu River, and reaches the cave monastery of Zuthul Phunk. It is long days walk; time taken is approximately 7-8 hours. Overnight at camp.
Day 15
Darchen / Manasarovar (Chiu Gompa) to Paryang (4750m)
Today is a long drive, about 300km, to Paryang. Along the way, we cross the Mayun-la and make several river crossings. The scenery along this section is some of the most panoramic of the entire journey. Overnight at camp.
Day 16
Paryang to Saga (4600m)
We continue driving today along a 255km stretch of road to Saga, passing through the small, dusty town of Zhongba en route. Overnight at camp.
Day 17
Saga to Peiko-Tso
Leaving Saga, we cross the Yarlung Tsangpo [Brahmaputra River] by ferry and continue our journey for 110km across the vast open plains. Stunning Himalayan views, particularly of Shishapangma, accompany us as we head towards a huge lake, the Peiku-Tso. Overnight at camp.
Day 18
Peiko-Tso to Zangmu (2300m)
Today we drive 180km south towards the Nepalese border, joining the Friendship Highway. We cross a high pass, the Lalung La [5200m], and come to the small town of Nyalam. From here, the road drops steeply down through a mossy gorge with cascading waterfalls, before reaching the border town of Zhangmu. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19
Zangmu to Kathmandu (1300m)
From Zhangmu, we drive down a very steep section of switchbacks to the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border. We say goodbye to our Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where we will be met by our Nepalese staff. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the 123km drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20
Kathmandu.
Free day for shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 21
Departure
Transfer to airport for final departure to onward destination.
Expenses of personal nature i.e. soft/hard drinks, tips etc
International airport tax US$24 per person only
Bar bills and Beverage
Tips for staff
Rescue jeep incase needed if some one go back earlier than group
Extra cost incurred in case of Landslide or natural problem
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Sleeping bag and Jacket
Note:
Given itinerary is suitable for keen walkers who are able to walk for 4-5 hours in a day, As you are traveling in a remote mountain region, we can not guarantee the weather condition, it could be change unexpected. There will be experience Nepali leader or guide and helpers. The guides and their helpers’ assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.
For further information and price details please write us: info@clubmountain.com
