Simikot Kailash Journeys 21 Days
- Overview
- Full Itinerary
- Contact
Mt. Kailash with the altitude of 6,740 m. standing tall to the west of of Tibet and to the north of the Himalayan barrier. The beautiful mountain is know for secret holy mountain for 3 great religions: Buddhism, Hinduism,and the Jain religion. To Tibetan and Sherpa Buddhism it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world. It is said that a watercourse from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. The River of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the east, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. Eccentrically enough, four major rivers do indeed originate near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej.
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Short Itinerary |
| Day 01 Onboard flight to Nepal Day 02: Arrival Kathmandu. Day 03: Tibet Permit preparation. Day 04: Tibet Permit preparation. Day 05: Fly to Nepalgunj. Day 06: Fly to Simikot - Dharapuri Day 07: Dharapuri to Kermi Day 08: Kermi to Yalabang Gompa Day 09: Yalabang to Tumkot Khola Day 10: Tumkot Khola to Yari Day 11 : Acclimatization. Day 12: Trek to Hilsa - The Nara La. Day 13: Hilsa – Dharchen. Day 14: Darchen - Tarboche. Day 15: Tarboche - Dira-puk. Day 16: Dira Puk - Drolma la. Day 17: Drolma la -Tarboche. Day 18: Tarboche - Lake Manasorovar. Day 19: Lake Manasorovar - Nylam Day 20: Nyalam - Kathmandu. Day 21: Departure. |
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Trip Cost > |
6575$/P
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International Flights > |
$1650/Person
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Regional Flights > |
$278/Person |
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Travel Innsurance > |
From $250/P |
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Cost Includes:
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Cost Excludes:
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| - All airport transfers. - Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis. - Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. - North Face Tents during the treks. - Private vehicles. - Local English Speaking Tour Escort/guide. - All sightseeing with entry fees. - All applicable govt. taxes. |
- All flights. - All applicable airport taxes. - Special entry fees for camera / video camera. - Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc. - Tips. - Travel and Personal Insurance. - Passport and Visas. - All other services different from above mentioned. |
Sector
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Hotel/Camping
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Nights
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| Kathmandu | Dwarika's | 04 |
| Nepalgunj | Batika Hotel | 14 |
| Trekking/Tibet | Camping | 01 |
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu.
Day 02: Preparing for Trek and Tibet permits.
Day 03: Preparing for Treks and Tibet permits.
Day 04: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel .
Pick up hotel in Kathmandu , transfer airport for flight to Nepalgunj. Over night Batika hotel or similar.
Day 05: Fly to Simikot (2950), Trek to Dharapuri -2400m (2300) CAMP.
After landing in Simikot, at 2910m, the thing is lunch. Our 65-km trek to the Tibetan border begins by climbing from the Simikot air-strip, and passing by the water source for the upper Simikot Khasa village. Climbing the trail from here, we reach the Simikot Lagna Pass, at 3000 m. It does not look far, but it is a long 300-metre pul to the top of forested ridge overlooking the town. The descent continues until you reach teahouses under a big wild nut tree approaching Majhgaun at the altitude of 2270m. The trail continue further passing through a Thakuri village called Tuling, and wild nut and apricot trees provide welcome shade along the bank of the River Karnali leading to Dharapori at 2300m where we make out overnight stay.
Day 06: Trek from Dharapuri to Kermi -2550m. (2350m) CAMP.
We cross the Yabka Khola (also known as Dhara-pori Khola), and soon We reach the campsite of Dharapori, which has a few teashops. Walking another 10 minutes brings us the Thakuri village of Dharapori situated on the top of a ridge which also has a police check-post. Below this village, a bridge over the Humla Karnali leads to a couple of Lama villages called Jad Kholsi and Khangalgaon. These villages belong to the Tugchulungba community and the route to these villages passes the Thakuri village of Hitan (thakuri) Kholsi. This is the last Thakuri village in the valley and the upper limit of rice cultivation. From Dharapori, the trail goes straight along the right bank of the Karnali River to the Gharapori Khola, a small tributary of the Karnali. Ascending from this stream of Dharapari Khola,the trail undulates along the Karnali River up to Chachera at 2350 m, a cave campsite used by sheep caravans. Thre is also nice waterfall nearby. Just above this waterfalls is a Lama village called Chyadog, which also belongs to the Tugchulungba community. Then climb over a ridge past swarms of lizards sunning themselves as we approach Kermi, situated besides a stream, at 2690 m. Kermi is the last Tugchulungba village.The actual route by passes Kermi and the only camp nearby is below the village.
Day 07: Trek from Kermi to Yalabang Gompa - (3020m) CAMP.
This day, we begin by walking over a ridge to a big valley with walled potato and buckwheat fields, and climb through a sparse pine forest to a rock cairn on a ridge at 2900 m. This is the Salli Pass, where the trail meets up with the on from Limi. If we want to be proceed via Limi, turn right and follow the path into the jungle. Otherwise,descending steeply to the Tsongsa Khola (Salli Khola), We will cross a suspension bridge.After this, climb a steep rocky ridge and drop back towards the fast-flowing, light grey waters of the Humla Karnali.Climb over another ridge before descending to Yalbang Chaur, a meadow and goat herders' camp beside the river at 2760m. An annual barter trade between traders from Taklakot and the Humli people used to take place at this site in November. But, since the Taklakot people no longer face food shortages,they have stopped coming. From Yalbang Chaur, after climbing over two more ridges, We reach Yalbang village at 2890 m.From this village onwards to Yari, all villages belong to the community of the Yultsodum.Yalbang shares its hydroelectric power supply with its neighbour, Yangar,a few kilometers away. After a half-hour ascent from yalbang, We reach a newly built Nyingmapa monastery called Taglung Gompa or Yalbang Gompa at 3000 m, which has a good camping site.
Day 08: Trek from Yalabang to Tumkot Khola - (3250m) CAMP.
From this monastery, walk straight for about 15 minutes until the trail branches into two alternative trails to Muchu. The route to the straight is the old route that follows a steep trail over a high ridge called Hilling La (pass) at 3500 m. From Hiling pass, we can see the beautiful valley of Muchu and Yari. This is one of the advantages of taking the upper route. From there, the route descends sharply to the Karnali River to reach a suspension bridge where we meet the newly built trail. Fortunately, we can now follow a new route, a lower path that avoids the climb. The newly built Yangar-Muchu trail passes through the compact settlement of Yanga, in some places going through tunnels beneath the houses, then climbs behind a rock spur to a fast –flowing stream. From there, the route descends smoothly to the bank of the Karnali River at 2770m. After walking along the river, with more than an hour of ups and downs, we reach a new suspension bridge, at 2800 m, which crosses over the Karnali below Muchu, where one meet the Hilling pass trail . After crossing the suspension bridge over the Karnali river ascend to a stream, rock-hop across it and climb past apricot orchards to a totally defunct Kangnyi, marking the entrance to Muchu village at 2920 m. In this village there is a gompa where the image of Jowo (Bodhisattva) Sakyamuni has been installed. The trail passes below the gompa and stone houses of Muchu. Climb through the orchards and fields of the village to a ridge, then drop into a ravine and climb to a chorten on the opposite side. There are a few houses on the ridge, and a border police post hidden just behind it. The ridge near the chorten offers a good view of the upper part of the valley and of Tumkot village and its large white gompa on the next ridge. At the foot of the gompa is Tumkot Khola, which,at 2850m, is our campsite.
Day 09: Trek from Tumkot Khola to Yari - (3750) CAMP.
From Tumkot Khola camp, We walk straight to Bungmachhe Khola (a tributary of the Karnali) at 2900m. There you cross a wooden bridge and the Humla Karnali disappears into a steep cleft northward behind the high ridge that will make you climb uphill for the next two days. The first part of the climb from the Bungmachine Khola is quite steep. The route enters a steep, rock-filled gully. It is a long, slow slog up to Lanang ridges at 3270m. The path levels out as it ascends to a cairn, at 3310m, then descends gently through juniper trees and climbs again to Palbang, with its single tea house at 3380m. Palbang, has a Nepali name, Pani Palbang. After walking straight for about an hour, we reach the teashop of Bhyagute Pani. From there, walking straight for about half an hour, we enter the villages of Yari. After Chang Ngoi village of Yari, you reach the customs office and check post, at 3670m, and ascending about 15 minutes, you reach the beautiful Zing Jyan campsite of Yari at 3750m.
Day 10 : Acclimatization ( Explore around Overnight Yari on Camp (3750) CAMP.
Aclimatization day
Day 11: Trek from Yari to Hilsa – (4325m) crossing over the Nara La-4620m. From here, the trail ascends through meadows and across streams to Thado Dhunga at 4160m. We then climb to Sipsip, near the foot of the Nara Lagna pass, at 4330m. Despite the remoteness of this location, there is a considerable amount of traffic. We will meet traders, pilgrims and pack animals-goats, sheep and yaks. Local yaks and crossbreeds carrying timber to Tibet are frequently seen. The upper Humla people, especially the people from Muchu VDC have no other form of livelihood than the export of timber to Tibet. The export of raw materials from Humla, either timber to Tibet or herbs to India, does not really benefit the locals economically, and has been resorted to since the dying out of the trans Himalayan caravan trade. But now, WFO's Food for Work programme is providing at least a temporary alternative to the local people while they contribute to the building of the road. From Sipsip, the trail makes a steep, continuous ascent along the side of the ridge above Shipship to a huge rock cairn atop the Nara Lagna pass at 4580 m. A short distance below the pass, We round a ridge for a view of the Tibetan Plateau, the Humla Karnali, and the green barley fields of Sher far below. From the Nara Lagna pass, you follow the newly built trail down to Hilsa at 3730 m overnight camp.
Day 12: Hilsa – Dharchen ( Immigration formalities).
One of crew will wake up with choice of coffee/tea . We will have early breakfast today as immigration formalities will take sometimes to clear, make sure your documents are ready. After crossing the Karnali suspension bridge at Hilsa, We ascend about 20 minutes and reach at 3860m, the first border village of Tibet, called Sher on the Chinese side. This border is perhaps one of the most informal border crossings in the world and serves as a trading mart with Nepal. At Sher, Our vehicle will be waiting for us to pick up our entire tour to Tibet, Mt. Kailash. during which, weather permitting, we will have our first view of Mount Kailash just past the Gurla La. The road passed through the isthmus between the holy Rakshas Tal and Manasorovar and crosses the Barka plain to Darchen, where we bed down for the night at a government guest house. We’ll have the afternoon to do some shopping at the Tibetan bazaars, pack for the kora, and perhaps take a short acclimatization walk up the ridge below Kailash to some prayer-flag festooned ridges.
Day 13: Trek Tarboche and Chuku Gompa 4750m.
After a leisurely breakfast, we meet our team of yaks and the local ‘drokpa’ yak drivers who will escort us around the kora, yak bells ringing. Tarboche is marked by a tall flagpole adorned with thousands of fluttering, multi-colored prayer flags and kata scarves strung out in radiating lines from the pole. To the west of the Tarboche is the Chorten Kangnyi, and auspicious but somewhat repulsively-decorated archway (you’ll see...). Perched above Tarboche is the Sky Burial Site of 84 Mahasiddhas, a spot revered for once having been the burial site for lamas, and containing numerous sacred springs, cairns, and power places. Pilgrims lie down on a flat rock strewn with old clothes, bones, tsampa bowls and personal belongings and visualize their death. We set up our first camp just across the bridge from Chuku Gompa, and have the rest of the day to wander up the valley to the gompa, perched above the valley at 4780m, where pilgrims will be doing koras and rubbing parts of their body against worn areas of rock, shiny with butter, to start the kora off in an auspicious manner. Inside is a revered marble statue called Chuku Opame and a silver-inlaid conch shell with silver wings which was said to have flown here from afar, and a ‘trulku’, or reincarnated lama, resides in a cozy (but dung-smoke filled) room in the gompa. A blessing by the local lama is an extremely good start for the kora.
Day 14: Trek to Dira-puk 5160m.
From Tarboche and Chuku Gompa, we follow the Lha Chu river through a serene, meadow-lined valley, hopping over small streams, the west face of Mount Kailash towering above us. The river enters a narrow canyon with high, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Midway along the trek at the second prostration point the secret entranceway to the Inner Kora is visible to the right. One must complete 13 koras to enter inside. Continuing up the valley, the north face of Kailash comes into view just as we reach the 13th century monastery at Dira-puk. There are two routes to the camp from the convergence of the valleys, and we have the choice of crossing a small moss bridge and following a small path to the gompa, which has awesome views of the north face of Kailash, or continuing on along the main trail. We camp opposite the river from the gompa, immediately below the massive north face of Kailash. A sunset walk up to the ridge overlooking the north face is a must!
Day 15: Trek to Mani Camp (over the Drolma La - 5630m).
We now leave the Lha Chu Valley just as the sunrise turns the snow peaks gold and pink, and enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards the 5,630 meter Drolma La. Although the altitude makes the trekking difficult, the masses of pilgrims performing their acts of devotion along the way are continuously intriguing. Those extremely devout pilgrims prostrate themselves the entire way around Kailash, kneeling down and extending their bodies and hands in front of them in prayer (and marking the beginning of the next prostration). The trail is lined with sacred sites: butter, coin and flag-covered rocks, rocks with footprints of saints, rocks to climb over, under or through, hillsides of discarded clothes as offerings and other significant sites. It's a tough climb to the prayer-flag festooned summit, but it’s all worth if from the top as juniper incense burns and thousands of colorful prayer flags send prayers out into the surrounding valleys. We take the lead from the many pilgrims up top and stop for lunch before the descent to the east valley. Below us lies the Lake of Compassion, Thukpe Dzingbu, one of the highest lakes in the world. We will camp in the valley below the pass at the eastern face of Mount Kailash at a camp called Mani camp.
Day 16: Trek to Darchen, drive to Tarboche 4750m.
Another couple of hours of bright early morning trekking along a boulder-filled river brings us to Zutul-puk Gompa (4790m), with Milarepa’s meditation cave and imprints of his hand, food and head prints. A monk with a Polaroid takes photos of the Tibetan pilgrims in all their finery for 5 RMB! Afterwards, it’s an easy walk along some impressive gorges and around many mani stones and mani walls back to the Barka plains and dusty Darchen where our jeeps await us. The kora is finished - we’ve erased our sins, endured extremely cold nights and mornings, crossed one of the highest passes in the world, met countless fellow pilgrims, sent prayers of peace out to the world.
Day 17: 13 Drive to Chiu Gompa and Lake Manasorovar.
Good karma acquired all around, this morning we will pack up camp and drive along the beautiful bluffs near Lake Manasarovar to Chiu (or bird) Gompa, spectacularly situated on a craggy cliffside along the northwest shores of the lake, and where the ubiquitous Guru Rimpoche left behind a meditation cave and reputedly spent the last seven years of his life. We set up camp right on the shores for perhaps the ultimate Tibetan sunset. Note: Our itinerary is dictated by road and bridge conditions, and the location of good camp spots. The drivers, guides and sherpas decide where we camp so the following itinerary is approximate only.
Day 18: Lake Manasorovar to Nylam.
Day 19: Nyalam - Kathmandu.
Day 20: Departure.
Day 02: Preparing for Trek and Tibet permits.
Day 03: Preparing for Treks and Tibet permits.
Day 04: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel .
Pick up hotel in Kathmandu , transfer airport for flight to Nepalgunj. Over night Batika hotel or similar.
Day 05: Fly to Simikot (2950), Trek to Dharapuri -2400m (2300) CAMP.
After landing in Simikot, at 2910m, the thing is lunch. Our 65-km trek to the Tibetan border begins by climbing from the Simikot air-strip, and passing by the water source for the upper Simikot Khasa village. Climbing the trail from here, we reach the Simikot Lagna Pass, at 3000 m. It does not look far, but it is a long 300-metre pul to the top of forested ridge overlooking the town. The descent continues until you reach teahouses under a big wild nut tree approaching Majhgaun at the altitude of 2270m. The trail continue further passing through a Thakuri village called Tuling, and wild nut and apricot trees provide welcome shade along the bank of the River Karnali leading to Dharapori at 2300m where we make out overnight stay.
Day 06: Trek from Dharapuri to Kermi -2550m. (2350m) CAMP.
We cross the Yabka Khola (also known as Dhara-pori Khola), and soon We reach the campsite of Dharapori, which has a few teashops. Walking another 10 minutes brings us the Thakuri village of Dharapori situated on the top of a ridge which also has a police check-post. Below this village, a bridge over the Humla Karnali leads to a couple of Lama villages called Jad Kholsi and Khangalgaon. These villages belong to the Tugchulungba community and the route to these villages passes the Thakuri village of Hitan (thakuri) Kholsi. This is the last Thakuri village in the valley and the upper limit of rice cultivation. From Dharapori, the trail goes straight along the right bank of the Karnali River to the Gharapori Khola, a small tributary of the Karnali. Ascending from this stream of Dharapari Khola,the trail undulates along the Karnali River up to Chachera at 2350 m, a cave campsite used by sheep caravans. Thre is also nice waterfall nearby. Just above this waterfalls is a Lama village called Chyadog, which also belongs to the Tugchulungba community. Then climb over a ridge past swarms of lizards sunning themselves as we approach Kermi, situated besides a stream, at 2690 m. Kermi is the last Tugchulungba village.The actual route by passes Kermi and the only camp nearby is below the village.
Day 07: Trek from Kermi to Yalabang Gompa - (3020m) CAMP.
This day, we begin by walking over a ridge to a big valley with walled potato and buckwheat fields, and climb through a sparse pine forest to a rock cairn on a ridge at 2900 m. This is the Salli Pass, where the trail meets up with the on from Limi. If we want to be proceed via Limi, turn right and follow the path into the jungle. Otherwise,descending steeply to the Tsongsa Khola (Salli Khola), We will cross a suspension bridge.After this, climb a steep rocky ridge and drop back towards the fast-flowing, light grey waters of the Humla Karnali.Climb over another ridge before descending to Yalbang Chaur, a meadow and goat herders' camp beside the river at 2760m. An annual barter trade between traders from Taklakot and the Humli people used to take place at this site in November. But, since the Taklakot people no longer face food shortages,they have stopped coming. From Yalbang Chaur, after climbing over two more ridges, We reach Yalbang village at 2890 m.From this village onwards to Yari, all villages belong to the community of the Yultsodum.Yalbang shares its hydroelectric power supply with its neighbour, Yangar,a few kilometers away. After a half-hour ascent from yalbang, We reach a newly built Nyingmapa monastery called Taglung Gompa or Yalbang Gompa at 3000 m, which has a good camping site.
Day 08: Trek from Yalabang to Tumkot Khola - (3250m) CAMP.
From this monastery, walk straight for about 15 minutes until the trail branches into two alternative trails to Muchu. The route to the straight is the old route that follows a steep trail over a high ridge called Hilling La (pass) at 3500 m. From Hiling pass, we can see the beautiful valley of Muchu and Yari. This is one of the advantages of taking the upper route. From there, the route descends sharply to the Karnali River to reach a suspension bridge where we meet the newly built trail. Fortunately, we can now follow a new route, a lower path that avoids the climb. The newly built Yangar-Muchu trail passes through the compact settlement of Yanga, in some places going through tunnels beneath the houses, then climbs behind a rock spur to a fast –flowing stream. From there, the route descends smoothly to the bank of the Karnali River at 2770m. After walking along the river, with more than an hour of ups and downs, we reach a new suspension bridge, at 2800 m, which crosses over the Karnali below Muchu, where one meet the Hilling pass trail . After crossing the suspension bridge over the Karnali river ascend to a stream, rock-hop across it and climb past apricot orchards to a totally defunct Kangnyi, marking the entrance to Muchu village at 2920 m. In this village there is a gompa where the image of Jowo (Bodhisattva) Sakyamuni has been installed. The trail passes below the gompa and stone houses of Muchu. Climb through the orchards and fields of the village to a ridge, then drop into a ravine and climb to a chorten on the opposite side. There are a few houses on the ridge, and a border police post hidden just behind it. The ridge near the chorten offers a good view of the upper part of the valley and of Tumkot village and its large white gompa on the next ridge. At the foot of the gompa is Tumkot Khola, which,at 2850m, is our campsite.
Day 09: Trek from Tumkot Khola to Yari - (3750) CAMP.
From Tumkot Khola camp, We walk straight to Bungmachhe Khola (a tributary of the Karnali) at 2900m. There you cross a wooden bridge and the Humla Karnali disappears into a steep cleft northward behind the high ridge that will make you climb uphill for the next two days. The first part of the climb from the Bungmachine Khola is quite steep. The route enters a steep, rock-filled gully. It is a long, slow slog up to Lanang ridges at 3270m. The path levels out as it ascends to a cairn, at 3310m, then descends gently through juniper trees and climbs again to Palbang, with its single tea house at 3380m. Palbang, has a Nepali name, Pani Palbang. After walking straight for about an hour, we reach the teashop of Bhyagute Pani. From there, walking straight for about half an hour, we enter the villages of Yari. After Chang Ngoi village of Yari, you reach the customs office and check post, at 3670m, and ascending about 15 minutes, you reach the beautiful Zing Jyan campsite of Yari at 3750m.
Day 10 : Acclimatization ( Explore around Overnight Yari on Camp (3750) CAMP.
Aclimatization day
Day 11: Trek from Yari to Hilsa – (4325m) crossing over the Nara La-4620m. From here, the trail ascends through meadows and across streams to Thado Dhunga at 4160m. We then climb to Sipsip, near the foot of the Nara Lagna pass, at 4330m. Despite the remoteness of this location, there is a considerable amount of traffic. We will meet traders, pilgrims and pack animals-goats, sheep and yaks. Local yaks and crossbreeds carrying timber to Tibet are frequently seen. The upper Humla people, especially the people from Muchu VDC have no other form of livelihood than the export of timber to Tibet. The export of raw materials from Humla, either timber to Tibet or herbs to India, does not really benefit the locals economically, and has been resorted to since the dying out of the trans Himalayan caravan trade. But now, WFO's Food for Work programme is providing at least a temporary alternative to the local people while they contribute to the building of the road. From Sipsip, the trail makes a steep, continuous ascent along the side of the ridge above Shipship to a huge rock cairn atop the Nara Lagna pass at 4580 m. A short distance below the pass, We round a ridge for a view of the Tibetan Plateau, the Humla Karnali, and the green barley fields of Sher far below. From the Nara Lagna pass, you follow the newly built trail down to Hilsa at 3730 m overnight camp.
Day 12: Hilsa – Dharchen ( Immigration formalities).
One of crew will wake up with choice of coffee/tea . We will have early breakfast today as immigration formalities will take sometimes to clear, make sure your documents are ready. After crossing the Karnali suspension bridge at Hilsa, We ascend about 20 minutes and reach at 3860m, the first border village of Tibet, called Sher on the Chinese side. This border is perhaps one of the most informal border crossings in the world and serves as a trading mart with Nepal. At Sher, Our vehicle will be waiting for us to pick up our entire tour to Tibet, Mt. Kailash. during which, weather permitting, we will have our first view of Mount Kailash just past the Gurla La. The road passed through the isthmus between the holy Rakshas Tal and Manasorovar and crosses the Barka plain to Darchen, where we bed down for the night at a government guest house. We’ll have the afternoon to do some shopping at the Tibetan bazaars, pack for the kora, and perhaps take a short acclimatization walk up the ridge below Kailash to some prayer-flag festooned ridges.
Day 13: Trek Tarboche and Chuku Gompa 4750m.
After a leisurely breakfast, we meet our team of yaks and the local ‘drokpa’ yak drivers who will escort us around the kora, yak bells ringing. Tarboche is marked by a tall flagpole adorned with thousands of fluttering, multi-colored prayer flags and kata scarves strung out in radiating lines from the pole. To the west of the Tarboche is the Chorten Kangnyi, and auspicious but somewhat repulsively-decorated archway (you’ll see...). Perched above Tarboche is the Sky Burial Site of 84 Mahasiddhas, a spot revered for once having been the burial site for lamas, and containing numerous sacred springs, cairns, and power places. Pilgrims lie down on a flat rock strewn with old clothes, bones, tsampa bowls and personal belongings and visualize their death. We set up our first camp just across the bridge from Chuku Gompa, and have the rest of the day to wander up the valley to the gompa, perched above the valley at 4780m, where pilgrims will be doing koras and rubbing parts of their body against worn areas of rock, shiny with butter, to start the kora off in an auspicious manner. Inside is a revered marble statue called Chuku Opame and a silver-inlaid conch shell with silver wings which was said to have flown here from afar, and a ‘trulku’, or reincarnated lama, resides in a cozy (but dung-smoke filled) room in the gompa. A blessing by the local lama is an extremely good start for the kora.
Day 14: Trek to Dira-puk 5160m.
From Tarboche and Chuku Gompa, we follow the Lha Chu river through a serene, meadow-lined valley, hopping over small streams, the west face of Mount Kailash towering above us. The river enters a narrow canyon with high, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Midway along the trek at the second prostration point the secret entranceway to the Inner Kora is visible to the right. One must complete 13 koras to enter inside. Continuing up the valley, the north face of Kailash comes into view just as we reach the 13th century monastery at Dira-puk. There are two routes to the camp from the convergence of the valleys, and we have the choice of crossing a small moss bridge and following a small path to the gompa, which has awesome views of the north face of Kailash, or continuing on along the main trail. We camp opposite the river from the gompa, immediately below the massive north face of Kailash. A sunset walk up to the ridge overlooking the north face is a must!
Day 15: Trek to Mani Camp (over the Drolma La - 5630m).
We now leave the Lha Chu Valley just as the sunrise turns the snow peaks gold and pink, and enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards the 5,630 meter Drolma La. Although the altitude makes the trekking difficult, the masses of pilgrims performing their acts of devotion along the way are continuously intriguing. Those extremely devout pilgrims prostrate themselves the entire way around Kailash, kneeling down and extending their bodies and hands in front of them in prayer (and marking the beginning of the next prostration). The trail is lined with sacred sites: butter, coin and flag-covered rocks, rocks with footprints of saints, rocks to climb over, under or through, hillsides of discarded clothes as offerings and other significant sites. It's a tough climb to the prayer-flag festooned summit, but it’s all worth if from the top as juniper incense burns and thousands of colorful prayer flags send prayers out into the surrounding valleys. We take the lead from the many pilgrims up top and stop for lunch before the descent to the east valley. Below us lies the Lake of Compassion, Thukpe Dzingbu, one of the highest lakes in the world. We will camp in the valley below the pass at the eastern face of Mount Kailash at a camp called Mani camp.
Day 16: Trek to Darchen, drive to Tarboche 4750m.
Another couple of hours of bright early morning trekking along a boulder-filled river brings us to Zutul-puk Gompa (4790m), with Milarepa’s meditation cave and imprints of his hand, food and head prints. A monk with a Polaroid takes photos of the Tibetan pilgrims in all their finery for 5 RMB! Afterwards, it’s an easy walk along some impressive gorges and around many mani stones and mani walls back to the Barka plains and dusty Darchen where our jeeps await us. The kora is finished - we’ve erased our sins, endured extremely cold nights and mornings, crossed one of the highest passes in the world, met countless fellow pilgrims, sent prayers of peace out to the world.
Day 17: 13 Drive to Chiu Gompa and Lake Manasorovar.
Good karma acquired all around, this morning we will pack up camp and drive along the beautiful bluffs near Lake Manasarovar to Chiu (or bird) Gompa, spectacularly situated on a craggy cliffside along the northwest shores of the lake, and where the ubiquitous Guru Rimpoche left behind a meditation cave and reputedly spent the last seven years of his life. We set up camp right on the shores for perhaps the ultimate Tibetan sunset. Note: Our itinerary is dictated by road and bridge conditions, and the location of good camp spots. The drivers, guides and sherpas decide where we camp so the following itinerary is approximate only.
Day 18: Lake Manasorovar to Nylam.
Day 19: Nyalam - Kathmandu.
Day 20: Departure.
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Trip Info
- Arrival Info:
Our representative will be arriving at the airport you will be landing. Please look for a board with your name or South Asian Holidays. Upon welcome greetings, you will be transfered to hotel. - Hotel Info:
Hotel we book are carefully selected and located in the city center unless you requested different hotel by name and category. - Guide Info:
We carefully select our guides who knows the route well and lead several group for the same trip you booked.
