• Duration

      17 days

    • Group

      16 Pax

    • Difficulty

    • Accommodation

      Hotel / Lodge

    • Max.Altitude

      5050m

    • Season

      All Season

Mount Kailash (6,714m) is a very popular holy mountain in Tibet and is also known by the name of Tise, Kailash or Kang Rinpoche (Jewel of the Snows). Mt Meru (Kailash) is sacred to the Hindus, Buddhists, Janis, and the Bonpos taken as the centre of the physical and metaphysical universe. For the Hindus, the mountain represents the seat of Shiva. For the Buddhists, a terrestrial projection of the cosmic mandala of Dyani Buddhas and Boddhisatvas (which represents the Wheel of Life).

For the devout pilgrim, a visit to Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar forms the ultimate realization of their spiritual pursuit, and for the adventure-lovers it offers rugged beauty, remoteness and solitude. If you tour to Mount Kailash during the month of May it gives you the opportunity to witness the Buddhist festival of Saga Dawa while most of the other trips are planned to arrive at Mt. Kailash during the full moon period to give all participants a rare experience.

This tour offers rigorous overland driving, trekking and camping, passing the remote and wild western Tibet, in altitudes between 2,745m to 5,600m.

Itinerary

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m/4,413 ft)

    Upon arriving at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be received by our airport representatives who will warmly greet you and transfer to the hotel on a private tourist vehicle. We provide 3-star accommodation in the city and we arrange for a trip briefing with dinner in the evening.

  • Day 2
    Sightseeing in Kathmandu

    A professional guide and vehicle are provided for a day of sightseeing in and around Kathmandu city. We visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city along with other interesting cultural monuments that dot the valley. These include Boudhanath Stupa (the largest Buddhist shrines in the world), Pashupatinath (the holiest Hindu temple in the world), Durbar Squares (Palaces and fortresses of medieval Kings), along with other popular cultural attractions. We get to observe the lifestyle of Nepalese people, holy sadhus and monks, fascinating history as well as awe-inspiring architecture.

  • Day 3
    Drive Kathmandu to Nepal/China Friendship Bridge, and onto Nyalam (3,750m)

    Depart at 5am from the hotel in Kathmandu and drive to the Nepal-Tibet border along the famous Araniko Highway. We stop for a quick breakfast at Dhulikhel and lunch at Kodari. After immigration and custom formalities on both sides (Kodari and Zhangmu) we drive to the small town of Nyalam (3,750m). The total distance from Kathmandu to Nyalam is 125km. Overnight at a guesthouse.

  • Day 4
    Acclimatization day at Nyalam

    Overnight at a guesthouse.

  • Day 5
    Drive to Saga (4,450m) via Lalung La Pass (5,050m)

    After breakfast we get to enjoy the grand view of Mt. Shishapangma (8,021m), Gauri shanker and other high mountains from Lalung la Pass (5,050m). A packed lunch will be served at the sacred Lake Pigutso. The total distance travelled today will be 250 kms. Overnight at a guesthouse or in tented camps.

  • Day 6
    Drive to Paryang (4,610m)

    After breakfast we drive across the vast Tibetan plateau to Prayang (225 kms). A packed lunch will be served on the way. Total distance is 250 kms today and the approximate driving time will be 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse or in tented camps.

  • Day 7
    Drive to Manasarovar Lake (4,560m)

    The auspicious day for all travellers as we catch our first glimpse of the Holy Manas and Darshan of Mt. Kailash from the Horr Chu Pass. Total distance travelled today is 280 km and the approximate driving time is 8 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse or in tented camps.

  • Day 8
    Drive to Darchen (4,570m)

    The experience of being in the abode of God - a life-time achievement: Puja, Havana-worship, meditation, holy dip, Tarpan, later we drive to Darchen (4,570m). Preparation day for Kailash Kora. Overnight at a guesthouse or in tented camps.

  • Day 9
    Mt. Kailash Kora (parikrama) starts

    Trek to Dairaphuk Gompa (5,000 meters). Enjoy the close up view of north face of holy Mt. Kailash. Overnight in tented camps.

  • Day 10
    Second day of Kailash Kora

    Trek over Dolma La Pass (5,600m) and trek down to Zudulpuk (4,800m). Overnight in tented camps.

  • Day 11
    Kailash Kora parikrama ends

    Trek to Darchen, Kailash Kora ends. On the way we visit Zuthulphuk Gompa and drive to Horr Chu to collect holy water of Lake Mansarovar to bring back. Overnight in tented camps.

  • Day 12
    Drive to Paryang

    Overnight at a guesthouse or in tented camps.

  • Day 13
    Drive to Saga

    Overnight at a guesthouse or in tented camps.

  • Day 14
    Drive to Nyalam (3,750m)

    We drive by the beautiful Pigutso Lake, enjoy good view of the Himalayan range including Shisapangama. Overnight at a guesthouse.

  • Day 15
    Drive to Kathmandu

    Drive to the Friendship Bridge (Nepal-Tibet border) and then to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

  • Day 16
    Leisure day in Kathmandu

    This is a leisure and free day in Kathmandu for exploration. You are free to go souvenir shopping, spa and more exploration of the city, or extend your trip to include bungee jumping, rafting, mountain biking, Everest mountain flight and other adventurous activities. In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner at Mul Chowk Restaurant’s cozy and elegant dining ambience.

  • Day 17
    Departure from Nepal

    The trip concludes today. You will be dropped at Kathmandu's Tribhuwan International Airport by our airport representative for your flight departure from Nepal.

What's included

Price Details

Please enquire with us for prices

Price Includes

  • - All ground transportation by private vehicle for airport and hotel pick up/drop off, sightseeing and transfers
  • - All domestic flights (if any)
  • - Accommodation in teahouses and hotels
  • - All meals during trek
  • - Entry permit to parks, monuments and cultural landmarks
  • - Trekking guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s) their daily wages, food, accommodation and other expenses
  • - Comprehensive medical kit
  • - In case of emergency, we can send helicopters for evacuation, manage all paperwork, and deal with related insurance companies (provided the client has valid insurance)
Not included

Price Excludes

  • - International airfare and airport departure tax
  • - Travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation by ground and air
  • - Nepal entry visa, obtained upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • - Rescue and evacuation
  • - Extra road transport/flight cost in case member returns earlier
  • - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and if applicable, in Pokhara
  • - Items of personal nature like laundry, communication and bar bill
  • - Tips for trip staff and driver. (Tipping is appreciated)
  • - Other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section

Life on Trek

Trekking staff

Whilst on the trek, the Nepali guides and porters will ensure that you are well looked after. Every trek has an English speaking guide, known as the Sirdar, who is in overall charge. It is his responsibility to organize the trek en route and manage the guides and porters and deal with the local peoples and they are experts in trek organization, as well as being able to discuss the local culture, religion, and landscape. In addition there will be other guides, sometimes referred to by the generic term Sherpa, who will be your walking companions on the trek and will assist the Sirdar in organizing the logistic of the trek. On camping treks there will be full kitchen crew who are responsible for all aspects of catering. And finally there will be porters who are the transportation system of the Nepali mountains. They will carry the duffle bags and other equipment as necessary.

Accommodation

  • Fully equipped Camping treks - accommodation is provided in spacious 2 person tents. We use this method for our climbing trips and some treks where lodges are less frequent.
  • Lodge trek - accommodation is provided in the local Nepali lodges, some times known as tea- houses. It is usually necessary to share a double room. We use this method for our treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions.

Food

On camping treks, all food is prepared by the trek cook - an expert in preparing delicious camp food. And most importantly, special care is taken to provide well - boiled, purified drinking water. On lodge treks, food is provided in the lodge and this ranges from delicious local specialties to common western dishes. If necessary, bottled water can be purchased from the lodges for a small fee, although many trekkers prefer to use fresh water with the added precaution of a purifying agent. You could bring some Chocolate or special energy drinks for yourself as these are hard to get in the Himalayas.

A typical trekking day

A typical day revolves around the Nepal sunrise and sunset. The day starts with an early wake up call. You then pack up your gear and enjoy a rousing breakfast before starting your morning's walk. The Sirdar will already be organized loads to porters and or animals, and your group will then set off on the trail at a leisurely pace, enjoying the view and stopping to take photographs. After 2-3 hours walk you stop for lunch. This lasts for about 90 minutes which gives you time to relax, or explore the local village. The afternoon's walk is usually shorter and we arrive at the campsite or tea-house in plenty of time to relax and savour the surroundings. Later in the evening dinner is served, giving you an opportunity to sample the delicious food, talk over the day's events, and look forward to another special day on the trails of Nepal.

Health and safety on the trek General

  • A comprehensive first aid kit is carried on the trek. However we advise that you also carry your personal first aid kit which includes specific items of preference.
  • We will, in an emergency, arrange for helicopter evacuation. (Note that you are required to hold insurance for this unlikely eventuality).
  • All meals on our camping trips are prepared to strict hygiene standards specifically for our groups, under the supervision of the trekking staff.
  • We use tea-houses that we now have strict hygiene standards and provide a broad menu.

High Altitude

Anyone can be affected by Altitude Sickness. However, our itineraries are specifically designed to minimize the risks associated with trekking to high altitudes by building in acclimatization and rest days. In the event of any symptoms we will ensure that the individual descends to a lower altitude to gain a quick recovery.

And finally……….. It must be stressed that whilst trekking in the Nepal Himalaya is challenging and rewarding, you must be prepared for he occasional inconvenience or discomfort. The correct mental attitude to trekking is as important as being physically prepared.

Equipments

All equipment and food, and your own personal backpacks are carried by the porters or pack animals. It is only necessary to carry a camera or small daypack ! On camping treks all necessary camp equipment is provided - this includes dining tent, dining table and chairs, toilet tent, foam mattresses, and all cooking equipment. The only kit that you will need to bring is your own personal equipment and clothing.

Recommended Trekking Kit

The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.

Footwear

  • Walking boots with suitable ankle support that have been worn - in prior to the trek, and which are waterproof.
  • Trainer or casual shoes, for trekking andor for traveling
  • Warm socks for colder areas.
  • Gaiters ,,in case of rain or snow.

Leg wear

  • Loose, casual trousers for trekking.
  • Thermal leggings for colder areas.
  • Long skirt for women as an alternative to trousers
  • Waterproof trousers

Body

  • Selection of T-shirts, and long sleeved shirts, preferably not cotton.
  • Thermal shirt for colder areas.
  • Warm shirt, possibly fleece, for colder areas.
  • Fleece jacket or warm wool jumper.
  • Windproof, waterproof outer shell garment for higher altitudes.
  • Down jacket (optional for cold nights & mornings: can be hired in Kathmandu cheaply)

Head Hands

  • Wool or fleece hat, or balaclava.
  • Hat or cap for sun protection while trekking.
  • Sunglasses or goggles.
  • Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
  • Warm gloves.

Other Items

  • Strong rucksack, or large holdall to be carried by porters
  • Day sack to be carried personally.
  • Plastic bags or stuff sacks to storeseparate trekking gear inside your main bag.
  • One liter water bottle.
  • Personal first aid kit to include essential items.
  • Sleeping bag 4 season.
  • Torch, ideally head torch.
  • Camera and film! - for those not to be forgotten shots of the Himalaya.
  • Toilet items and towel.
  • Large handkerchief bandana for neck.

Recommended Mountaineering Kit

In additional to the items mentioned above for trekking the following is a list of the additional specialist items which are required for the trekking peaks.

  • Plastic or Leather mountaineering boots, with gaitors & crampons that have been tested for a good fit.
  • Fleece trousers or salopettes.
  • Additional mitts and gloves suitable for climbing.
  • Ice ace, and ski poles (Note: ice axe can hired in Kathmandu)
  • Climbing harness
  • 2 X tape slings
  • 2 X screw gate karabiners.
  • Descended abseil device Ascender