Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is believed to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mt Meru, said to be the center of the universe or ‘navel of the world’ . Mt. Meru is depicted as a mandala, and its image occurs throughout both Buddhista and Hindu parts of Asia. Images of Mt Meru occur as far away as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobadur in Indonesia. Mt Kailas is holy to followers of four religions. To Hindus, Kailas is the abode of Shiva and nearby Manasarobar Lake is the means or soul of Brahma. Tibetans call Kailas 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 Kailas as the soul of Tibet.
Another geographical factor that contributes to the mystical aspect of Kailas is that nearby are the headwaters of four major rivers of the Indian subcontinent, the Sutlej, Karnili (a major tributary of the Ganges), Brahmaputra and Indus. The mouths of these rivers ate more than 2,000 km apart, yet they all have their source within 100 km on Mt Kailas.
The circumbulation of Mt Kailash is an important pilgrimage for Hindus, Brddhistats and Jains. Hindus perforn a parikarama, Buddhistas call it a Kira. Iou are welcome to do either of these, or simply make a trek around the peak. Tibetan Buddhists believe that a single kora washes away the sins of one life and that 108 circuits secure nirvana in this life. Devout Tibetans often make the 52 km circuit in a singles day. Indian Pilgrms make the circuit in three days, but this also is rushed, particularly since the circuit, though mostly level, involves the crossing of a 5630m pass. A four-day trek is for more enjoyable and rewarding.
Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims make a clockwise circuit of the peak. Bon-Po tradition is to circumambulate in the opposite direction. As you circle Kailash by the traditional rout, you will meet followers of Bon-Po making a Kora in the opposite direction. When I was at Kailash there was a large contimgent of Bon-Po pilgrims from faraway Kham and Nakchu. We were astounded at the huge number of adherents to what has been described as an ‘ancient pre-Buddhist’ religion making the counterclockwise circuit.
There is also an ‘inner Kora’ that passes two lakes to the south of kailash. Tradition dictates that only those who have made 13 circumambulations of Kailash may follow this inner route. This tradition is so important to Tibetans that we were required to assure our hosts that we would not violate the sanctity of this route before they allowed us to proceed to Darchan.
Manasarovar:
At an elevation of 4510m, is more important to Hindus than to Buddhists. Hindu pilgrims make an 85km. circuit around Manasarovar that is made longer and more difficult by marshes and complicated stream crossings. The Tibetans, being more pragmatic, often make a circuit of the lake in the winter when the streams are frozen and the route is shorter. Near Manasarovar is another large lake, Rakshas Tal, the ‘Demon Lake’ that holds far less spiritual significance.
Trithapuri:
It is situated 70 Km west of Kaiash which on the bank of River Satlaj. It is very colorful area with Hot spring. It is believed that it is the place where demon Bhasmasure was burnt to ash.
The area is made from red and white mountains.
Trip Itinerary :
Day 01: Kathmandu (1300 m.) arrival: Pick up from the airport/ Drive to hotel/ briefing/ Dinner.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Breakfast, trip to temples and back to Hotel for lunch. After lunch, final preparation for yatra i.e, checking and demonstration of equipments which will be used during yatra. If any body needs to buy or get things on hire, our staff will give you company. Dinner.
Day 03: Drive to Nylam (150km), 3750m: Morning after breakfast leave Kathmandu to commence yatra to Nyalam [3750M]. We reach Friendship Bridge [Nepal – China Boarder] by mini-coach. Walk along for 10 minutes to cross the bridge and there get acquainted with Chinese guide and land cruiser drivers. They will give a brief information regarding the further trip then proceed the journey to Zangmu, where all the immigration and custom formalities are ought to be accomplished. After the accomplishment of all formalities, we proceed to Nyalam. Arrival at Nyalam and overnight stay at guesthouse.
Day 04: Rest Day at Nylam, 3750m: It is more a day for acclimatization.
Day 05 Saga/4450m: (Labug-La 5150m, Peku-tso and Saga, 232km) On the first long driving day over the sandy and rocky land of Tibet, other things like lake, nomads chasing thousands of yaks and sheep keep you busy. By the late afternoon you will cross Bhramha Purtra River way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town, Saga for night.
Day 06: Paryang (4600m) 230 km 7-8 hrs: Jeeps and trucks roll on the wide valley following rivers and grazing land of yaks and sheep. Far south you can see snow covered peaks near by you, lots of rocky peaks and sand duns give you an ideal world. Depends on season, nomads and other mobile shopkeepers are attired by beautiful traditional costume, waiting your arrival with hot tea and other supplies along with big smile.
Day 07: Drive Paryang to Manasarover (4558m) 277km 8 hours: The longest driving day starts with full of excitement, by the late afternoon you can have the first sight of Holy Kailash Parbat and Manasarovara. Hore, a small village near by Lake Manasarover.
Holy-Manasarovara: At 14950-ft/ 4558m. The highest lake of fresh water with turquoise complexion in the world is full of fishes and swans. Holy Kailash Parbat, Mt. Gurula-Mandala, Lake Rashekshi are lying on its surrounding. The region is considered rich for gold and other mines, hot springs and hundreds of wild living creatures. Night will be spending at Chu Gumba.
Day 08: Puja and drive to Tarchen (14975ft) 40km:
Day 09: Trek to Dehara Puk/5000m: It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; water falls with some clouds in the clear blue sky make you feeling that Great God Shiva is every where with tons of blessing to you. Time to time the face of Kailash Parbat will be keep on appearing. For 15 km trail it takes almost 7 hrs.
Day 10: Hardest but Holiest day of your pilgrimage Yatra with Dolma-La (pass) of 18600ft between two valleys: Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal while your steps go closer to the pass. Once you reach the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for meditation to forget yourself. Once your steps go down, Parvati-stal and Gauri Kunda are on the way. By the late afternoon you will arrive Zuthal Puk (the cave of Miracles. The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here).
Day 11: End of Kailash Parikrama and drive to Manasarovara: After walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will be waiting your arrival. By the late afternoon you will be at your lodge/camp.
Day 12: Drive Pary to Saga (460km) 8-9 hrs.
Day 13: Drive to Nylam or Zang Mu: (296km) 6-7 hr.
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu (150 km) 9-10 hr.
Day 15: Transfer to airport for your onward flight.
Note :- If above program itinerary that don’t suit to you and wish to modify above itinerary then please let us know and we’ll be happy to create a tailor made itinerary especially for you. It is also possible to combines above trip with Jungle safari, rafting, Mountain flight or with any travel plans, just shares your interested with us. We will design and arrange your holiday accordingly.
Price For The Trip: The total cost for the trek or tour you decide you want to do will depend on several different factors. The type of accommodation you prefer in Kathmandu will make a difference to the overall cost (budget to 5 star accommodations). The mode of transport you prefer will also affect the cost of your package, for example prices vary greatly between flying versus private car/van, tourist or local buses. The camping trek and teahouse trek made a difference in the cost. The number of guides and porters required will also affect the total cost of your trek. For these reasons, the same trek/tour can vary in price quite substantially.
Trip COST INCLUDES :
- 3 night’s accommodation at 3 or 4 star hotel in Kathmandu on twin share basis.
- 11 nights accommodation in Tibet using guesthouse /camp.
- Tibet Visa & Permit Fee [Normal].
- Yaks & Yak Men for luggage during Kailash Parikrama.
- Ground transfers in Tibet using Toyota Land Cruisers or bus as applicable.
- Services of English speaking guide in Tibet.
- Services of our trekking equipment and Sherpa staff.
- All Trekking & camping equipment including Gyamo Bags, Sleeping bags and oxygen cylinder
Trip Cost does not includes :
- using extra nights in lodge (except the mentioned on itinerary).
- Yak/porter for personal using
- Rescue/ evacuation or all the extra cost because of partition from the main group or serious health condition.
- Flight or any costs TO or FROM Kathmandu from your destination/ home town.
- No cost is including for those who separate from the main group