Highlights:
“Enjoy the dramatic change from lush green forest to dry and arid terrain
Adventure around world highest and largest plateau of South West Tibet
Grand vista of high snow-capped peaks on exciting scenic driving journey
Beautiful large holy Lake of Manasarover on the laps of sacred peak Kailash
Walk around four cardinal faces of Mt. Kailash crossing high Dolma-La Pass”
Overview
Introduction:
Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarover Journey, an adventure of a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the world’s highest and largest plateau.
Mt. Kailash is an amazing mountain regarded as the holiest of all holy places for all Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain followers. As well for a pre-Buddhist sect of Bon religion, for Hindu the abode of Lord Shiva, for Buddhist Kang Rinpoche.
The Jain worship as Asta Pada, the center of the universe, a mountain, and a major source of four great rivers.
Truly a mountain of significance value, and hence respected as a holy peak separated from other Himalayan ranges. Mt. Kailash at 6, 638 m and 2, 1778 feet high, one of the forbidden mountains to climb.
Located on a windswept valley Far South West of Tibetan vast plateau, the home of nomadic settlers in early days. At present due to accessibility of a good driving road makes the trip to Mt. Kailash much easier and possible.
The only hard to encounter on this journey it’s the high altitude, where visitors require extra days for acclimatization. We have allowed some rest days to cope with the altitude making the trip safe and enjoyable for all.
Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarover Journey, begins from the capital of Nepal in Kathmandu, with a familiarization tour. Allows you to understand the culture and heritage of Buddhism traditions similar to Tibet customs.
Start the Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarover Journey, an exciting drive heading North of Kathmandu valley towards the Langtang Himal region.
The journey takes to Dhunche, the headquarter town of Rasuwa district, then reaches Syabrubesi village the gateway to Tibet.
Drive follows a winding trail following the river upstream to the border of Nepal and Tibet / China at Rasuwagadhi. At the border on Tibet side received by our native Tibetan guide and driver for driving to Kyirong within Tibet.
Kyirong is a small border town on the backside of the massive Ganesh and Langtang Himal range. From here onward into vast Tibetan dry plateau on the road to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarover. Entering within the high plain of the world’s highest plateau and a tableland enclosed by high towering peaks.
A scenic overland journey heading towards high passes then reaching at Saga, where the route from northern Tibet and Lhasa joins. Located close to the great Brahmaputra or Yalung Tsangpo River, which flows from holy Mt. Kailash.
After an overnight at Saga town, the adventure leads further west past old village Drogba, and then at windblown Paryang village.
Slowly drive leads closer towards our main highlights, as route leads over Myam-La pass to reach huge Lake Manasarover. Another pleasant rest day at Manasarover Lake in the shadow of Mt. Kailash and Gurla Mandata Himal range.
One of the largest Lakes in Tibet, pilgrims from India, Nepal, and Tibet pay homage for worship. As well for a dip and bathe in the holy lake, from Manasarover drive leads to the start of the pilgrimage. From a holy place of Tarboche, situated West of Mt. Kailash walk leads on dry arid plain towards high Dolma-La pass.
A high altitude walks to Dhiraphuk, with a steep climb to the highest spot of the journey at Dolma-La Pass. A circuit covering four beautiful cardinal faces of holy Mt. Kailash, starting from south, west, and reaching the north side.
From Dolma enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Kailash North Face, the top itself a sacred place festooned with prayers items. After reaching the main highlight and tough part of the adventure at Dolma-La. A slow descend takes you to the wide plain valley of Lamchu then reaching the last overnight stop at Zutulphuk.
Zutulphuk, located on the eastern side of Mt. Kailash a sacred place with few lodges, and a holy cave. Where 11th Century saint Milarepa meditated in the cave, his footprints can be seen inside the cave.
The Parikrama, circuit, and Kora finally end reaching a road-head near Karnali River, east of Darchen town. After completing the holy walk around Mt. Kailash return journey back to Kyirong for last overnight in Tibet.
From Kyirong enter Nepal for an exciting drive to Kathmandu, after a mesmerizing and adventurous Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarover Journey
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,345 m and transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Kathmandu with sightseeing tour, Tibet briefing and preparations.
Day 03: Drive to Syabrubesi 1,430 m and transfer to lodge-06 hrs.
Day 04: Drive to border town at Kyirong in Tibet / China 2,890 m – 04 hrs.
Day 05: Rest day at Kyirong for acclimatization with short hike.
Day 06: Drive to Saga 4,400 m – 06 hrs.
Day 07: Drive to Paryang 4,550 m – 05 hrs.
Day 08: Drive to Manasarover Lake 4,570 m/ 15,060 ft. – 06 hrs.
Day 09: At Manasarover rest day for acclimatization.
Day 10: Drive to Tarboche via Darchen 4,600 m, walk to Dhiraphuk 4,900 m.
Day 11: Trek to Zutulphuk 4,760 m via Dolma-La 5,630 m -06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek near Darchen and drive Saga via Mayum-la – 07 hrs.
Day 13: Drive to Kyirong 2,890 m transfer into guesthouse – 05 hrs.
Day 14: Drive to Dhunche town 1,950 m – 04 hrs.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel – 06 hrs.
Day 16: International departure for homeward bound.
Best seasons for Mt. Kailash Overland Journey:
The best time for Mt. Kailash Overland Journey, from the late spring to autumn seasons, late spring April and May, and autumn/fall begins from September to October months.
April & May are fine and clear days most of the time, with longer sunlight hours but can get overcast in the late afternoon with chances of snow sometimes. Autumn / fall is another best time for tour and adventure around Tibet with a fine clear day. But days are short with sunlight hours can be freezing cold, especially in the morning, and night times will be clear with bright starry nights. Chances of snowfall around higher areas.
For interested people can visit Tibet and Mt. Kailash Journey during summer times of June to August also. As Tibetan plateau falls within a rain shadow, where monsoon dark rain clouds are blocked by the southern great Himalaya range.
That is why Tibetan landscapes are dry with less rain and not enough moisture.
Religion and Culture:
Tibet with a population of near 6 million, includes 7.5 million Chinese settlers, the estimated population within the TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) or Xizang Autonomous Region. 93% are Tibetans and 6 % are Han Chinese, whilst the rest live in the Tibetan areas outside the TAR.
Dominated by 91% with Tibetan Buddhism, while a minority of 12.5% of the total population is bound to the native Bon or folk religions.
Few Muslims have migrated earlier for trade from the famous Silk Routes.
Tibet famous people from all parts of the country with various ethnic tribes of Tibet, like Kham, Amdo, and Drokpa the nomads. Tibetans from all parts of Tibet follow strong Buddhism religion and culture of ancient Buddhism heritage with many monasteries of great religious significance.
