Mt. Kailashand Lake Manasarovar by road

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

For Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains from India, a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash (6638 m, 21778 ft) and Manasarovar Lake is a sacred one for ultimate salvation. Kailash is home and abode of Lord Shiva in Tibet, an autonomous region in China. Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra can be commenced directly from Kathmandu via Rasuwagadhi Border by road and by Flights and Roads via Nepalgunj and Simikot. Those who desire direct transportation by helicopters to Simikot, helicopters can be arranged. This spiritual pilgrimage is a divine trip of life to the purest home of the most revered lord Shiva. Pilgrims will walk around Mt. Kailash in its base. The trek around the mountain is strenuous in challenging terrain under harsh conditions and adverse weather. Our company has tailored the The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Kathmandu, Nepal to cater the need and interest of the pilgrims and visitors seeking the spiritual journey. Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar is deeply rooted in religion and mythology.It is the land where Lord Shiva lives with his consort Parvati. According to religious texts, the abode of creator Brahma is called Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Vishnu is called Vaikuntha and the abode of Lord Shiva is called Kailash. Kailash is the only god's abode someone can go and return back in this life after experiencing the divinity. It is believed that a single set of parikrama around Mount Kailash washes away sins of a lifetime while 108 parikramas will help achieve salvation or Nirvana. The parikrama or kora of Kailash is a three-day trek, 53 kms long and is performed in a clockwise direction. The Dolma pass is the highest point at 5630m. Gouri Kund (5608m), just ahead of the pass, is a group of five small kunds of different shapes containing emerald green water. It is also called the lake of compassion where Parvati bathed. The parikrama starts from Darchen and can be completed comfortably in three days. The locals do it in one long day! Hindus believe that Goddess Parvati has taken the form of the Manasarovar Lake and that deliverance is assured for people taking a bath in Manasarovar. Even drinking the waters of the lake frees a human being from sins committed in a hundred lives. It is believed that Parashuram's ashram too is situated on a hill on the banks of the Manasarovar. Brief information of Major Landmarks In and around Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Mt. Kailash (6638 m, 21778 ft): Situated in Tibet, China It is also called Kang Rinpoche or ‘The precious Jewel of the Snow’. Four major religions respect this mountain. Hindus consider it as the abode of Lord Shiva. Buddhists consider it as the manifestation of Sakyamuni, the Buddha. For the Jainis, this is the place of their first saint Adinath’s emancipation. For Bons, the followers of pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, their founder saint Shenrab is said to have descended on its peak. Mt. Kailash also known as Mt. Meru, is referred to as the navel of the earth. Four great rivers flow within a radius of 50 kms in four different directions. To the South is the sapphire face from where Karnali flows the Karnali, from the West flows the Sutlej, from the gold face on the North flows the Indus and eastwards flows the Brahmaputra, locally known as Yarlang Sangpo. Lake Mansarovar: Situated at 4590m/14800ft, it is one of the largest freshwater lakes at such altitude. Major rivers like Sutlej, Indus, Brahmaputra and Karnali have sources near the lake. Mansarovar is what remains of the Lake Tethys, considered the source of all creation. As the legend goes, Brahma created this lake for his meditation. Literally speaking it is manas+sarovar. ‘Manas’ refers to the mind of the God Brahma, the lake being its outward manifestation. The lake is at a height of 4560m with a circumference of 80 km, which can be trekked in about three days. It has a depth of 300 feet and covers an area of 320 sq kms. It is amongst the highest fresh water bodies in the world. It is believed that Sapta rishis come to bathe every morning in this lake between 3 to 5 am and this time is called 'Brahmamuhurta'. According to a legend, Queen Maya was given a bath by the Gods in its waters before she gave birth to Buddha. Holy also to Buddhists, it was once surrounded by 8 monasteries. Lake Manasarovar represents the female energy of Yoni of the Universe, while Mt. Kailash symbolizes the male energy of the Lingum. Rakshas Taal (Lake): To the west of Lake Manasarovar is Lake Rakshas Tal. It is connected to Lake Rakshas Tal by the Ganga Chhu channel. In Buddhism, Lake Manasarovar, which is round like the sun, and Lake Rakshas Tal, shaped as a crescent are respectively regarded as 'brightness' and 'darkness'. Rakshas Tal’s salty water, a stark contrast to the fresh water of Lake Manasarovar.It is here Ravaana, the devil of Treta Yuga meditated and prayed to lord shiva and received eternal power which he used to terrorized the world and lord Vishnu in his avatar as lord Ram killed him and freed the world from his terror. This lake is adjacent to Manasarovar and several major rivers start from this lake. Yama Dwar: It is the entrance to the Kora and Parikrama for Mt. Kailash. It is located at 4,724m, 15,500 feet. Every home needs a main gate from which visitors can enter. Since Kailash Parbat is the home of Lord Shiva (as the white people call Him), Yam Dwar serves at its main gate from which all the devotees enter the parikrama route around Mount Kailash. Yam Dwar, which deals with heaven and souls, is guarded by Yamraj. Yamraj brings mortal souls to his Yamlok and passes judgments on the deceased person’s merits and sins, evaluating their deeds and releasing them for the ultimate cosmic journey to heaven or Kailash. While no one knows where Yamraj stays, we can visit places associated with Yamraj at this mysterious door around Kailash Parvat. It is also believed that Yamaraj stays in Kalichi or Patal, which is located beneath the Earth. This is why in Hinduism, it is encouraged to perform good Karma. Shiva Tsal: Climb past piles of clothing at Shiva- tsal (5330 m / 17490 ft). As a part of their custom, Tibetans leave an article of clothing or a drop of blood here as part of leaving their past life behind them. Continue past thousands of small rock cairns to a large cairn at 5390 m passing the Dikpa Karnak, a sin testing stone. It is said that those without sin can squeeze through the narrow hole between the boulders while a sinner no matter how small cannot pass through! The trail now leads across a boulder field and climbs through large rocks to a tiny stream. Climb onto a ridge and continue gently on to the Dolma La at 5630 m / 18470 ft.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,324 m/4,344 ft) — Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer to the Hotel. Depending on your time of Arrival in the morning and early afternoon, an evening visit to nearby Temples and Stupa can be organized. For late arrivals it’s a straightforward hotel transfer. Day Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing — We will organize a tour to visit Pashupatinath temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical power center of Nepal and a world heritage site. We will leave at 8 am after the breakfast. Last minute shopping for the Kailash trip can be done in Thamel area where you will have the choice in shops selling adventure gears. Briefing or the trip and introduction with other members will be conducted in the hotel before the dinner. You will receive a printed copy of leaflet with programs and schedule of the trip. Those who desire Mountain Flights to see the Himalayas including Everest can choose to do so in the morning. It’s an hour flight departing early in the morning at 6:30 am however weather can cause delays. Seats are subject to availability. Day Day 3: Kathmandu to Syabrubeshi (1,460 m / 4,790 ft) — After breakfast, the group will depart at 7:30am for a 6-7 hrs 125 km trip to Syabrubeshi from Kathmandu following the Trishuli River. Occasional bathroom break and lunch will be provided along the way. In the event of adverse conditions on the roads caused by landslides or flood, our company will make an effort to organize transfers by helicopter. Day Day 4: Syabrubeshi to Kyirong (2,774 m / 9,101 ft) — After early breakfast, the group will depart Syabrubeshi for Rasuwagadhi (1850m), a 15 km drive and enter China after immigration formalities at the Border. There will be a rush at the border with other pilgrims. You will then embark on a comfortable jeep or bus ride of 110 km to the town of Kyirong in Tibet accompanied by Nepali Sherpa Guides as well as Tibetan Guides. The Nepalese guides will facilitate your logistics, meals and accommodation. Upon arrival in Kyirong, you will check into the Guest house and serve tea/coffee and light snacks. You may stroll around the hotel and nearby markets while the staffs prepare your dinner meal. Guesthouses / Hotels in Kyirong are Dormitory style. Note: Your High Altitude Journey begins from Kyirong and you may feel uncomfortable breathing or have headaches, nauseas etc. We advise you to stay hydrated so drink plenty of water, tea, juice etc. Carry hydrating ORS and local snacks from your hometown. Do not hesitate to communicate about your situation with our representatives. We will carry Pulse Oxymeters, Oxygens and Medicines but you will have to exercise precautions to stay safe. Day Day 5: Acclimatization in Kyirong — We reserve this day for your Acclimatization in Kyirong in order to get adapted with the altitude and keep you fit for the onward journey in high altitude. From here on, drink at least 4 litres of water complemented by tea and juice. You may hike around for a few hours taking deep breaths. You may meditate and chant Bhajan Kirtans with your team and companions. The guides may also take you to Saga if the situation permits. Day Day 6: Kyirong to Saga (4640 m/15223 ft) — It’s a beautiful 105 km, 2.5 hrs drive in the Tibetan Plateau through the mountains and plains. We will cross Brahmaputra River also known as Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet. Saga is a small town and is situated at 4640m/15223 ft. We have gained approx. 2000 m in a day and this can cause headaches to some visitors. As advised, drink plenty of fluid complemented by ORS and stay hydrated. Do not take a chance if your health deteriorates. Note: If it is possible, the guide may take you to a town called Zhongba to reduce the travel time to Mansarovar the next day. Day Day 7: Saga to Manasarovar ( 4,590 m/15,060 ft) — The 410 km, 7 to 8 hrs drive starts at 7:00 am to cover the long distance and several checkpoints which consume time. It’s another beautiful drive in the Tibetan Plateau. A brief stop will be made before Mayum la Pass (5211 m /17096 ft) at the check post. On this drive, you will reach the holy lake Mansarovar and also see the highly revered Mt. Kailash. We will rest at the guest house near the lake. Visitors/Pilgrims may enjoy the view of the lake and immerse in spirituality under the moonlight at night. It is a sight to behold and you will be mesmerized. We advise you to go in a group accompanied by a Sherpa guide. Wear warm clothes, gloves and carry a head lamp or torch and a whistle with you for your safety Day Day 8: Lake Mansarovar to Darchen (4670m / 15320 ft) — - Lake Manasarovar to Yama Dwara/Darchen: 45 km, 1 & half hour drive - Elevation at Darchen - Overnight at a guesthouse in Darchen Pilgrims may perform hawan rituals/ puja following a bath from the lakewater in the morning. Chinese law prohibits visitors/pilgrims to get inside the lake for the dip and our guides will get you the water in a bucket. Please observe caution as the water will be in frigid condition. The grandeur of the lake with the view of Mt. Kailash is simply unbelievable beauty. After the bath and prayers, we are ready to take you to Darchen and will travel on the road with the view of Rakhasa Taal (lake) and Chiu Gompa, a revered Monastery. By this time, visitors will have gone around 2/3rd of the lake. The remaining part of the parikrama will be completed while coming back from Darchen after the Kora or circumambulation of the holy Mt. Kailash. We will reach and spend our evening at the guest house in Darchen. Day Day 9: 1st Day of Kora parikrama of Mt. Kailash: Drive 6km and trek 12 km to Dhiraphuk (4920m / 16138 ft) — - Yama Dwar to Dhiraphuk (10 km): 5 - 6 hour trek- Elevation of Dhiraphuk: 4920 m/16,138 ft - Overnight at a guesthouse in Dhiraphuk You will wake up early, take a light breakfast and drive 6 km to a place called Tarboche. Pilgrims will visit Yama Dwar or the gate of Yamaraj before the Kora/Parikrama Trek starts. Tarboche is south of Mt. Kailash and for those who face difficulty to trek, a porter pony or horse can be hired. The price and availability of porter, pony or horse is controlled by local union and organizers have no control besides being a facilitator. Tarboche is the starting point of Kora or Parikrama. We will cover 12 km trek to Dhiraphuk Gompa (Monastery) in moderate pace. It’s important to take it slow as breathing will be difficult at that Altitude as the air is thin. We will make frequent stops for tea and continue to Dirapuk. The view of Mt. Kailash from Dhiraphuk is Majestic. We will rest at a guest house near the Dirapuk Monastery. We will have warm soup and traditional Khichdi for dinner and call it a day. We reach an elevation of 5210 m en route to Dhiraphuk. Note: Group Members who do not want to trek can return back to Darchen or Taklakot, bordering Nepal. Guides can arrange for the stay at the hotel. Also, an optional trip from Darchen to visit Ashtapad can be arranged at an additional cost and subject to approval by local authorities. Direct payment will have to be made to the Tibetan Guides. Additionally, pilgrims can also visit Charan Sparsh located at 5475m and 3 km from Dirapuk. It is not an easy trek so pilgrims have to brace for the challenges of extreme high altitude. This is done to touch the feet or base of Mt. Kailash, considered to be abode or Lord Shiva Himself. Usually this is not part of the package and visit depends on weather conditions. Guide’s discretion is important. Day Day 10: 2nd Day Kora/Parikrama from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk (4820 m/15,810 ft) — - Dhiraphuk to Zutulphuk: 21 km (8 - 9 hours trek)- The highest point to cross over: Dolma La pass (5600 m/18,368 ft)- Elevation of Zuthulphuk: 4820 m./15,810 ft. - Overnight at Guesthouse (Mud house) – dormitory Pilgrims will wake up early for the long 2nd day Kora/ Parikrama of 22 km. Dawn lights are magical and Mt. Kailash turns Golden with the the 1st ray of light from the Sun. No one should miss this moment to see GOLDEN KAILASH. We will take light breakfast, tea and begin our trek to Zuthulpuk. It is the toughest day in the trip as the trek is a steep uphill climb toward Dolma – La Pass (5630 m/18368 ft). There are prayer flags at the pass, revered as a Shiva-tsal where lord Shiva found refuge in the Himalaya. Then it’s steep downhill to Gauri Kunda (lake). According to the myth, pilgrims performing parikrama or kora must leave behind a used cloth, ornament, lock of hair or a drop of blood symbolizing renunciation (tyaga) of this life and misery to attain Moksha (ultimate liberation). We will rest at a guest house near Zuthulpuk Monastery. Note: If you do not feel comfortable, you will have to request the guide to make arrangements for the return to Darchen. Descending is the best practice to avoid High Altitude Sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness. Additional expenses of meals, accommodation and transportation will have to borne by you. Day Day 11: 3rd day of Kora / Parikrama to Darchen and Drive to Saga: (4640 m/15223 ft) — - Zutulphuk to trek ending point: 08 km, 3 hours- Trek ending point to Darchen: km, 2 hours - Overnight at a Guesthouse in Saga This is the last day of trek. Pilgrims/visitors will wake up early, have light breakfast and continue the trek 6km, mostly downhill to reach a point where vehicles await and head to Darchen. We will refresh in Darchen and head to Saga by vehicle completing the parikrama of Lake Mansarovar. Day Day 12: Saga to Kyirong (2774 m / 9101 ft) — After Breakfast, we will embark on our journey east towards Kyirong. We will cross the Brahmaputra River and cruise in the vast Tibetan Plateau on the northern side of the Himalayas. Mt. Sishapangma, the youngest among the 14 8000ers, Mt. Gaurishankar and Pieko-Tso Lake is visible in good weather. We will stay a night in Kyirong at 2700m. Guests will be able to sleep better in Kyirong. It will be the last night in Tibet. Day Day 13: Kyirong to Kathmandu Via Rasuwagadhi (262km, 1324 m, 4344 ft) — After breakfast, we will drive to Nepal-China border and complete the border formalities to enter the southern side. It is 6-7 hrs drive to Kathmandu from the Border depending on the traffic. You will reach hotel in the evening where nice and warm dinner awaits after you get fresh. Our representative will do a small debriefing of the trip during the course of dinner. Day Day 14: Return back to your hometown from Kathmandu — You will be transferred to the Airport from Hotel for your return journey back home. If your flight is late, we can check you out early keep the luggage in the hotel and organize a visit to temples or historical sites at an additional cost.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu (1,324 m/4,344 ft) — Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will receive you at the airport and transfer to the Hotel. Depending on your time of Arrival in the morning and early afternoon, an evening visit to nearby Temples and Stupa can be organized. For late arrivals it’s a straightforward hotel transfer.+