Kailash View from way to Tirthapuri

The tour to Mt.Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is considered the most sacred and revered pilgrimage for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists alike. Travels in the subcontinent can”t get remoter, tougher or more spiritual than this incredible journey to Mt. Kailash in Tibet - the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Mt.Kailash claimed to be the apex of the Hindu religious axis, is also one of the highest mountains in Tibet at 22,022 feet. Lake Manasarovar, at 14,950 feet is also said to be one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world.

This 17 day tour via Kathmandu is probably the most arduous journey or yatra you are likely to undertake in your lifetime. A difficult high altitude region to traverse with variable and extreme weather conditions, we need to carry food, fuel and camping equipment during this tour. It is a mammoth exercise in logistics and needs months of careful planning and ground implementation. The average altitude that you will travel on most days is a mind-boggling 15000ft! Basic lodges and tea-houses can be found en route but the plateau is so remote that it is possible to travel for several days without finding food anywhere. Roads are almost non-existent and you will travel over 2000kms on the Tibetan highlands, sometimes undertaking 300km journeys per day (with upto 8-10 hrs of rigorous travel) amidst a whirlwind of dust and cold winds, fording rivers and streams & driving through mud and slush on a path-breaking journey to the roof of the world. Permits, visas, liaising with Tibetan and Nepal associates have to be addressed and sorted out at each step. These are the conditions in which we thrive!

Why Wanderers?
• We have been organizing the Kailash yatra for the last  10 years and are well known for small group and VIP handling of clients. 
• Our group of travellers to Kailash consists of all age groups and we have taken these hardy wanderers ranging in age from 14 years to 82 years (Chairman of Cadila Pharmaceuticals)..we understand the needs of everyone perfectly.
• Our departures will have an experienced escort accompanying the group thus you are not at the mercy of unknown operators
• We provide personalized attention during the tour due to our small group size.
• Our highly informative pre-tour briefings help yatris mentally prepare themselves for the yatra.
• We use 4500cc Landcruisers which ensures that the entire journey is comfortable
• Our pricing is competitive and economical considering the inclusions
• Pure vegetarian meals throughout the tour can be provided

17 day tour to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar

(including both Kailash and Manasarovar parikramas and a tour to Tirthapuri)

Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu”s Tribhuvan International Airport (1300 m).
Pick up from the airport and drive to the hotel. Afternoon/evening free for the guests. Dinner.

Day 02: Sightseeing and final preparation/briefing in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, we will visit the Pashupatinath temple and Swayambhunath temples and return to hotel for lunch. After lunch, final preparation /briefing 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: The yatra starts. Drive to Nyalam (150km), 3750m
Morning after breakfast, leave Kathmandu to commence yatra to Nyalam in Tibet (3800m). We reach Friendship Bridge (at the Nepal - China Border) by mini-coach. Walk along for 10 minutes to cross the bridge over the gushing Bhote Kosi River and there get acquainted with Chinese guide and land cruiser drivers. They will give brief information regarding the trip then proceed on the journey to Zangmu, where all the immigration and custom formalities will be completed. We then proceed to Nyalam. Arrival at Nyalam and overnight stay at guesthouse.

Day 04: Rest Day at Nyalam, 3750m: It is more a day for acclimatization.
All meals at the guest house. We recommend short walks in the region to get acclimatized to the high altitude.

Day 05: Nyalam to Saga, 4450m: (Lalung-La 5050m, Paiku-tso and Saga, 232km). 7hrs
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 the bridge over the Brahmaputra River, called the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, and drive into Saga for an overnight halt. Camp at scenic campsite.

Day 06: Saga to Paryang (4600m). 185 km 7-8 hrs
The jeeps and trucks roll on the wide valley following rivers and grazing lands of yaks and sheep. On the far South you can see snow covered peaks of the Himalayas. Your headache may worsen due to altitude sickness! But the stark beauty of the land, forever alternating between arid and rocky formations on the one hand and greenish hues on the other, keep you riveted to the window of your Landcruiser. At other times you will see the local Tibetans attired in traditional flowing dresses with the men in cowboy hats riding a horse or a horse cart and the women with their pretty smile and colourful dresses peeping through the window.   In the evening, you will drive into your campsite.

Day 07: Drive from Paryang to Manasarover, Hore camp (4558m). 277km 8 hours.
The day starts full of excitement and by late afternoon you can have the first sight of Holy Kailash Parbat and Lake Manasarovar. We camp as close to the lake shore as possible. On the left of the campsite is Gurla Mandhata and on the right is the Holy Mt. Kailash. On a full moon night, the views are outstanding and worth the effort of staying awake at night.

Day 08: Puja, Manasarovar parikrama starts. Drive to Trugo gompa. 3 hrs.
Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing a memorable morning Bath and Puja we will commence the Manasarovar parikrama by car (subject to the streams en route being passable) and will halt at Trugo gompa on the South shore from where you will get superb views of the reflection of Mt. Kailash on the shimmering waters of the lake. This additional day gives you more time to discover the surrounding area and take more photographs of Kailash from another angle. Also it gives you another opportunity for bathing and pujas as you have a lot more time on this day. Camp near Trugo gompa.
 
Day 09: Drive to Darchen/Tarboche via Tirthapuri.
On this day, we start early and travel towards Chiu gompa, on the Western shores of Lake Manasarovar and then proceed to Tirthapuri which is about 70 kms West of Darchen and has a hot spring on the banks of the Sutlej river. Tirthapuri place enjoys close association with Guru Rinpoche. More photo opportunities on the way and a deeper excursion into the Wild West of Tibet. Although the days excursions starting from Trugo and ending at Darchen/Tarboche will take 7hrs, it is worth the travel. Evening is spent at Darchen (Alt. 14975ft)/Tarboche preparing for the parikrama staring the next day.

Day 10: Trek from Tarboche (Yamadwar) to Dirapuk. 6-7 hrs.
Wake up early in the morning and prepare for the trek. Yaks or ponies (as per availability)are hired for those who want the same and then we begin our parikrama. The trail follows along the western spur of the foothills before reaching a cairn of prayer stones where it turns north into the great western valley. After about 1 km it reaches Chorten Kang Nyi (Two legged Stupa). A few hundred meters east is The Tarboche (Great Prayer Flagpole), which is taken down and redecorated on the full moon day of the Buddha's Enlightenment Festival (around April/May each year).  Hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims come for this event. It marks the beginning of the Pilgrimage season since the Dolma La Pass is blocked by snow until April. Yamdwar, a small manmade gate with an archway, symbolises man's passage from Earth to heaven over the next 3 days. According to mythology, Kailash is the only abode of God where man can go during his life and return alive! Above the shallow depression of Tarboche is a large flat ledge of red rock. On the surface many prayers and mantras are carved. It is here that the Buddha came with 500 disciples from India. The view from this place looks down upon a wide flat expanse of the valley floor. The trail now continues up the valley. The path is not steep but climbs steadily. The red escarpments of the eastern wall tower above the valley obscuring the peak from view. After some time you pass the Three Pinnacles of Longevity above the opposite cliff face. They represent the Three deities of Longevity: Amitayus. White Tara and Vijaya. Rising higher behind this is the rock formation regarded by Hindus as the Monkey god Hanuman in Prayer to the mountain. Buddhist call it the “Torma” offering of Padmasambhava. After a couple of hours one comes upon a grassy flat populated by marmots. Rivulets of pure sweet water cross the trail. There is a rock in the middle of this spot, which is associated with Mahakala, one of the main Buddhist Protectors. From here the valley begins to turn east and, as though gazing down from the heavens, directly above is the western face of Mt. Kailash, a triangular facet of rock dripping with great drops of overhanging snow. This is a face of the mountain rarely seen in photos, yet it has a power and beauty of its own. From this turn in the valley it is another 2 hours at least before reaching Dira Puk. At this point the going is not so easy and, if it is late afternoon or near sunset, each step seems a race against time. Once Dirapuk is in sight it is important to keep to the trail. Do not be hasty. It actually passes your destination on the far side of the river. Unless you are prepared to remove shoes and socks and chance a wade through the river (which can be risky when the water is high) it is better to follow the trail down the opposite bank. The Dirapuk campsite has magnificent views of Kailash, which seems within touching distance now. Evening conversation in the dining tent revolves around the great day ahead where Dolma has to be climbed and conquered. Overnight camp.

Day 11: Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk 23 Km.
This day is the climax of the pilgrimage. The Dolma La lies 6 km ahead and 762 meters above Dirapuk. Physically it is the most arduous day. After an early breakfast we set off as the sun's ray breaks over the ridges above. After the footbridge the trail rises up a rocky slope. Take this gently but steadily. It soon reaches a level walk. The peak of Mt. Kailash rises to the right and can now be seen linked to a long spur, which joins the eastern ridge. This is the top edge of the glacial valley from which the Lhachu (Divine River) flows. Follow the route to Dolma Pass via Shivasthal as the other route is not possible for the pilgrims. Keep Kailash on your right. The stretch of 4 miles between Dirapuk to Dolma is very steep and extremely tiring and exacting. Be deliberately slow and use the walking stick. Stop, rest and then proceed. After a 30 minutes rest in Dolma La, we descend a steep, rock strewn path to the valley below. Just below the pass is Lake Tu Je Chenpo Dzingbu (or Gauri Kunda). In English it means the “Pool of great compassion”. It is 200 ft. below. It is an emerald green lake. This is the holiest lake. It would be frozen most of the time. A final steep descending path brings you to the valley floor. From here it is still about 4 hours to the day's destination with no shelter in between. It is vitally important to remain on the right hand side of the river, the west Bank. If not you will be trapped, unable to cross it. The walk now becomes very pleasant and relaxing (as long as the weather is clear). Finally one reaches Zuthul Puk, the cave of miracles. The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here to defeat Naro Bonchung. The statue of this great Saint is here. Overnight Camp.

Gauri Kund

Day 12: Trek Zuthulpuk to Darchen. 14 kms.  Drive to Manasarovar. Drive 1 hr. 50 km.
After breakfast, start on the last leg of the parikrama. Visit Milerapa's Cave. The main temple encloses Milarapa's shoulders and upper back. This was formed when he forced the huge rock higher to make the cave roomier. Unfortunately it now was too high and draughty. So the top of the slab (which is encased inside a mud wall) is said to hold imprints of his feet and hands where he pressed down on the rock to make it lower and just right! You may sit within the cave. A torch is useful. The walk back to Darchen is easy and exit from the valley can be reached within a few hours. There are some streams to cross. Last portion can be covered by land cruiser. After a brief rest to regroup, we start our drive to Mansarovar. Another opportunity to rest and marvel for the last time at Gods own country! Overnight camp at Manasarovar.
Day 13: Drive to Paryang (277km) 7-8 hr. Camp
Day 14: Drive Paryang to Saga (185km) 7-8 hrs. Camp.
Day 15: Drive to Nyalam.  (296km) 6-7 hr. Time permitting visit the Namkading cave of Milarepa, which overlooks the approach to the hidden valley of Lapchi Gang. These caves are invisible from the main road and a good steep walk down and above the west bank of the Mastang Tsangpo. The cave contains the rock impressions of Milarepa's seated meditation posture and handprint. Stay in Guest House
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu (150 km) 9-10 hr. Stay in 4star hotel.
Day 17: Transfer to airport for your onward flight

In 2010, we offer this trip as a private tour. So, if you have a small group of like-minded physically fit persons, then we will organise trip exclusively for you. Do let us know the exact number of persons in the group and their Nationalities. Ideal time to visit: June to September

Cost would include:
In India:
• Indepth pre-tour briefing
• Wanderers escort to Kailash and back
• Day backpack, waist pouch and cap.

In Nepal:
• 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu on twin share basis with all meals (vegetarian) starting with dinner on Day 1.
• Half day Kathmandu sightseeing in Non AC coach.
• Airport transfers in Non AC coach.

In Tibet:
• 13 nights accommodation in Tibet using our self contained expedition style walk in tents.
• Transportation in Tibet (ex-Zangmu) in 4500cc Landcruiser (4 persons per Jeep)
• Tibet Visa & Permit Fee (normal)
• Yaks and Yak men for luggage only during Kailash Parikrama
• Services of English speaking guide in Tibet.
• Services of our trekking equipment: High altitude walk-in sleeping tents with cots, dining tent, toilet tent (checmical,commode and dug pit), a washing tent, kitchen tent.
• Sherpa staff including Nepali guide and trained cook.
• Gamow bag, Oxygen cylinders, Sleeping bags
• Down jackets and walking sticks on returnable basis.

Cost Excludes:
• Airfare to Kathmandu; Tibet/China urgent visa fees (US$ 35 per person)
• Departure airport tax at Kathmandu airport INR 500/ NC 770 per person.
• Porter charges for carrying your personal luggage in case there is a landslide on the way to Kodari at Nepal border (keep INR 500 aside per person one-way)
• Yaks/ponies and yak men for personal use (for Kailash parikrama @ USD 120 per person, payable in Yuan)
• Stay at Darchen guest house for 2 nights in case you are not doing the parikrama @ approx 120 yuan per person per night (Meals will be given by us).
• Re-entry charges at Kodari INR 500 approx (in case your passport is not stamped on arrival at Kathmandu airport or at entry points)
• INR 300 per person border custom charge at Kodari
• Personal items, clothing, entrance fee at sightseeing spots.
• Extra costs that may arise due prolonged delays or postponement of flights due to mechanical reasons, acts of nature, riots, curfew, government regulations or any conditions whatsoever, which are beyond our control; Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
• Insurance against loss of baggage, damage, theft of personal belongings, medical, accident, death or emergency evacuation.

Visa Arrangements for Tibet (China):
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Chinese group visa will be stamped on your passport (Mon, Wednesday and Friday: 0930-1130 hrs).

Prior to departure we require the following documents:
• CLEAR PHOTOCOPY OF THE PASSPORT
• NAME IN FULL AS IN PASSPORT & NATIONALITY
• GENDER / SEX & DATE OF BIRTH & PROFESSI0N
• PASSPORT NUMBER, PASSPORT ISSUE DATE, PASSPORT EXPIRY DATE.
• 4 PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS

Visas for Nepal:
• Indian nationals do not require Nepal re-entry visa. However Indian nationals should have their passport stamped (upon arrival) at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. If arrival stamp is missed then client has to pay INR 500 at the Kodari border, which is not included in the tour cost.
• Foreign nationals should have a double entry visa as they are exiting from Nepal on their way to Tibet and entering Nepal once again. Single re-entry visa is no more issued in Ktm.
• The applicable fee for SINGLE ENTRY is USD 30 / MULTIPLE ENTRY USD 50 which can be obtained by clients in their own country or at the port of entry. The above rules sometimes change without intimation. We request all passengers to enquire exact costs closer to the date of departure.
• Pls note that all Foreign Nationals are entitled to 3 days Gratis Visa at the time of entry & exit. Therefore, if any Foreign Nationals or NRI'S are only visiting Nepal for Kailash Yatra, they can avail free visa if their stay in Nepal is less than 3 days during enter and exit

Currency: The unit of Chinese currency is Yuan. USD 1 = 6.9 Yuan. 1 yuan = INR 5-6 approx; Money can exchange at Bank of China at Zhangmu or from the locals at Zhangmu or Kodari. Exchange all your remaining yuan at the end of the trip at Zhangmu itself before re-entering Nepal.