
Tibet one of those extraordinary destination where indeed adventure lurks around every corner! Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Tran Himalayan drive, through mountain, passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. It culminates on an arid plateau - a veritable treasure trove of architectural masterpieces - the Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest in the country The Jhokhang - a spiritual centre, and the awesome palaces of the Dalai Lama - Norbulinga (the summer palace) and the Potala (the traditional seat). Ancient Barkhor Bazaar still barters the bric -- a -- brac, in a region that's not so much a little strange as utterly surreal. Pilgrimage to Mansarovar and the Holy 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, and Lake Mansarovar at 14,950 feet is said to be the highest fresh water lake in the world. Certainly a difficult region to reach due to the variable and extreme weather conditions. The distance from Lhasa for example is approximately 2000 km.
Only during the last few years have lots of ordinary and not so ordinary travellers, been able to experience this region. Road conditions are difficult much of the time and we have to make many preparations to ensure that we have a reasonable chance of reaching Kailash. We need to bring our own food and camping equipment. Basic lodges and teahouses can be found but the plateau is so remote that it is possible to travel for several days without finding food available. To travel for days on this remote plateau with the chance encounters of nomads herding their sheep or yaks is to be transformed into another way of life, to see and become part of such a devout pilgrimage as shown by pilgrims around Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is to put some aspects of our western way of life into proper perspective.
We begin the tour by travelling to Kathmandu and departing by road to the Nepal/Tibet border town of Zhangmu where we collect our Transport. We travel by the SOUTHERN route and after our pilgrimage (religious or secular) we return by the same route. The day-to-day program is outlined as follows:
Day 01: Arrive to Kathmandu:
(We recommend an early morning flight to allow rest and time to prepare) A warm welcome as we receive you at the airport and drive you to a palace hotel –We will collect your passport to obtain VISA for Tibet. Dinner at a Traditional Nepalese Restaurant. Overnight in the Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Pashupatinath Darshan, Boudhnath Stupa and Patan Visit
After Breakfast, we will depart at approx 9 am to Pashupatinath temple. Proceed for sightseeing tour to Boudhnath and Patan Darbar square. Lunch on your own. Final Preparation for Yatra, shopping, etc... In the evening we will have a group meeting to prepare for the Yatra and collect Sleeping bags, Down Jacket, and Duffle Bags. Dinner on your own. Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Nylam (12,303 Feet Elevation) Travel Time 5 - 6 Hours
After breakfast we depart for the Tibet border. Lunch at the border. Clear Nepali customs/immigration and a 15 minute walk across Friendship Bridge to Tibet where the Chinese border police will check passport & visa. Here, our land cruiser awaits (4 yatris plus a driver per vehicle). 30 minute drive from Kodari to Zhangmu, where second immigration formalities have to be done. From Zhangmu to Nylam is 3 to 4 hours scenic drive. Overnight at Guesthouse in Nylam.
Day 04: Rest day in Nylam to acclimatize (12 303 Feet Elevation)
After breakfast we will take a small walk through Nylam village to visit monastery. An option for a 2 hour trek for acclimatization or rest at the guesthouse. Overnight at the same guesthouse.
Day 05: Drive to Saga (14,409 Feet Elevation) Travel Time 6-7 Hours
The road today is bumpy. Enjoy the view of snow capped mountains; we will be passing through the first highest pass of Lalung La Pass (5000m) where a magnificent view of high Himalayas can be seen such as Gaurishanker, Shishapangma, and Langtang Himal. We will be crossing the holy river Bhramaputra. Overnight at hotel in Saga. Hot Shower Houses available here
Day 06: Drive to Paryang (14,180 Feet Elevation) Travel Time 6-7 Hours :
The road condition is fair. Enjoy vast Tibetan Plato, landscape changes from sandy dunes to rocky vistas to savannah type. Overnight at guest-house in Paryang.
Day 07: Drive to Mansarovar (14,954 Feet Elevation) Travel Time 7- 8 Hours
Today is the most auspicious day for all of us as we will see the first glimpse of holy Mt.Kailash and sacred Lake Mansarovar. A lifetime achievement: here we will perform a holy dip, Relax and explore around the Mansarovar area. Overnight in a tent/camp.
Day 08: Drive around Mansarovar towards Raksas Lake to Darchen (14,975 feet Elevation)
After completing the site seeing of Raksas Lake, we will be heading towards Tarchen. It is considered a base camp for the Holy Kailash Parikrama. Overnight in Darchen Guesthouse Today, we will pack our Back Pack and Repack our luggage for Parikrama days. One Duffle bag per two people is allowed.
Day 09: Parikrama to Dehara Puk (16,404 Feet Elevation)
Today, it feels as if the heavens had opened up for us and allowed us to peek inside the world of gods and goddesses. We will walk 18 kilometers through the valley guided by Holy Ganges River on our left and shadowed by Mount Kailash on our right. The feeling of today can only be experienced by one and not described…Have your camera handy to capture amazing views of Mt. Kailash. Overnight in a guesthouse or tent
Day 10: Parikrama continues to Dolma-La Pass (19,500 Feet Elevation)
Hardest but Holiest day of our pilgrimage Yatra with Dolma-La (pass) of 19,500 ft between two valleys: Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal while your steps go closer to the pass. Once you reach the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for meditation. Parvati-stal and Gauri Kunda are on the way. By the late afternoon you will arrive to Zuthal Puk (the cave of Miracles. The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here). Overnight in tents
Day 11: Parikrama ends and drive to Mansarovar
After walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will be waiting your arrival. By the late afternoon you will be at your camp site on other side of Lake Mansarovar. We will rest and drive to Saga at night.
Day
12: Arrive Saga by early morning (185km)
Travel Time 7-8 hrs Rest, Shower, and shop in Saga for the day. Overnight in Saga
Day 13: Drive to Zhangmu (180 KM) 5-6 hrs
Overnight in Zhangmu
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu (150 km) 5-6 Hrs
This day includes clearing customs and changing border. (today you will have an option to Bungee jump 160. Farewell Dinner to celebration end of our Yatra
Day 15:Transfer to airport for your Flight home sweet home… :)
NET COST INR OR USD PER PERSON FOR FIXED GROUP JOINING BASIS
| S.No. | TYPE OF TOURS | LAND CRUSIER BASE | TOUR COST | SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
| 01. | Economy | Normal | USD 2700 | USD 425 |
| 02. | Deluxe | USD 450 | USD 3100 | USD 750 |