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Mount Kailash (Kangrinpoche) is situated in the Western part of the Tibet, has been considered sacred by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bompons for thousands of the years. For the Hindus and Buddhists, it is the center of the universe. A pilgrimage to the mountain and round it, is such a supreme goal for the faithful, it is easy to understand how after, walking overland for weeks or months, they feel, they are really approaching the center of the universe since ancient times.
Mt. Kailash has been revered as the source of four of the great rivers of the Asia, fuelled by the waters of nearby holy lake Manasarover. Rivers Indus, Brhmaputra (Tsangpo), Karnali (The sacred Ganges) have their sources within sixty miles of the mountain. One can reach this centre of the universe by joining our group or making separate tours/ treks.
The great lake Mansarover is situated in the south-west corner of Tibet and in the north-west of Nepal. It beyond high Himalayas which borders Nepal and China. Tibetan plateau in itself is unique in its geographic make up with its fauna and flora and mythical setup of ecosystem.
The lake is 20 kms from Mt.Kailash and is one of the most beautiful and sacred lake in Asia. It can be circumambulated in four or five days. It is often a gem like cobalt blue color but during storm, it can turn into a churning black sometimes.
According to Hindu and Buddisht epics, the four great rivers of the Indian sub-continent, the Indus, Ganga, Sutlej and Brahamaputra actually arise from Mansarover. In reality, only the Sutlej originates from the lake.
Mansarover has been circumambulated by the Indian pilgrims at least since being extolled in the sacred Sanskrit literature called the Puranas around 1700 years ago. Legends has that the mother of Buddha, Mayadevi was bathe at Mansarovar by Gods before giving birth to her son.
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival in Kathmandu Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu Full day of guided sightseeing in Kathmandu (including Swayumbinath, Pashupatinath and Bhodnath.Hotel.
Day 03: Kathmandu Free day. Hotel
Day 04: Lhasa Mountain flight over theHimalayas toTibet.Hotel.
Day 05: Lhasa Guided sightseeing in Lhasa (including Sera Monastery and the Jokhang Temple).Hotel.
Day 06: Lhasa Guided sightseeing in Lhasa (including the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery and the Norbulingka).Hotel.
Day 07: Lhasa Acclimatisation guided daytrip to Ganden Monastery.Hotel.
Day 08: Gyangtse Drive via Scorpion Lake toGyangtse. Explore Gyangtse Fort and Kumbum Monastery.Hotel.
Day 09: Shigatse Drive to Shigatse. Visit Tashilunpo Monastery.Hotel.
Day 10-12: On the road Driving via Saga and Paryang to arrive on day 12 at the shores of Lake Mansarovar. Camp.
Day 13: Lake Mansarovar Full day to relax and explore the area around this highly holy lake. Camp.
Day 14: Tarboche Drive to Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash and prepare for our trek. Camp.
Day 15-18: Trek around Mount Kailash In the company of Tibetan pilgrims we have four days to make the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash. On day 16 we explore a side valley that gives unparalleled views of Kailash's stunning North Face. On day 17 we cross the Drolma La Pass at 5600m, for Tibetans a symbolic act of rebirth. On day 18 we return to our camp and prepare for the celebrations of the Saga Dawa festival. Camp.
Day 19: Saga Dawa Festival This morning we join the throngs of pilgrims to attend this ancient fertility ceremony which involves the raising of the Tarboche flagpole and which is accompanied by lively and exceedingly colourful celebrations. After the ceremonies are over we return to the shores of Lake Mansarovar.Camp.
Day 20/21: On the road rive eastwards leaving the main road at Saga and making our camp near the shores of beautiful Lake Pelkhu with its dramatic views of Mount Shishapangma.Camp.
Day 22: Nyalam/Zhangmu A breathtaking day's drive as we pass over the Lalung Leh pass and 'through' the Himalayas to arrive at Nyalam or Zhangmu close to the Nepalese border. Hotel.
Day 23: Kathmandu Exiting Tibet we cross the Friendship Bridge and make the short journey back to Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 24: Kathmandu A free day or spare day in case there have been any delays en route. Hotel.
Day 25: Journey's end.
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Day 01 to 18: Same as for the 25 day trip (see above)
Day 19: Saga Dawa FestivalThis morning we join the throngs of pilgrims to attend this ancient fertility ceremony which involves the raising of the Tarboche flagpole and which is accompanied by lively and exceedingly colourful celebrations. After the ceremonies are over we drive west toward the hot springs of Thirtapuri .Camp.
Day 20: Tholing Continue to Zhada County. Visit Tholing Monastery. Guesthouse.
Day 21: Tholing Short drive to Tsaparang. Explore Tsaparang and the Guge Kingdom. Return to Tholing. Guesthouse.
Day 22: Lake Mansarovar Return to Lake Mansarovar. Camp.
Day 23/24: On the road Drive eastwards leaving the main road at Saga and making our camp near the shores of beautiful Lake Pelkhu with its dramatic views of Mount Shishapangma.Camp
Day 25: Nyalam/Zhangmu A breathtaking day's drive as we pass over the Lalung Leh pass and 'through' the Himalayas to arrive at Nyalam or Zhangmu close to the Nepalese border.Hotel.
Day 26: Kathmandu Exiting Tibet we cross the Friendship Bridge and make the short journey back to Kathmandu.Hotel.
Day 27: KathmanduA free day or spare day in case there have been any delays en route.Hotel.
Day 28: Journey's end.
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For the main journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash, and on to the Nepali border, we will be using Toyota 4500 4x4 Landcruisers that are capable of comfortably negotiating the region's occasionally rugged terrain away from the main highways. We will also be accompanied by a support truck which will transport food, fuel and camping/kitchen equipment. For the section of the journey between Lhasa Airport and Lhasa , and for sightseeing in and around Lhasa we may on occasion use a minibus.
Kathmandu we stay in a friendly and comfortable 4-star hotel, conveniently located close to Durbar Marg and within walking distance of Thamel . In Lhasa we stay at a centrally-located, 3-star Tibetan-style hotel with character and good facilities. Elsewhere on the trip we use the best available accommodation. Outside principal towns, en route to and from Mount Kailash and while at mountain, we will be camping (12 nights in total). This will be fully supported camping including the services of a cook, and dining and toilet tents. Accommodation is on a twin-share basis, however single tents/rooms can be made available on request, and on payment of a single supplement of GBP195).
The minimum group size is six with a maximum of 11 members to be escorted throughout by Tibetan and Mandarin speaker Phil Colley from The Oriental Caravan. While in Tibet we will be joined by a local Tibetan guide, a cook and experienced local drivers. Local guide and support staff in Nepal.
For information on insurance and flights please contact Travel Edge Nepal.
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