The Mt Kailash Tour via Simikot is a unique spiritual experience as the route leads you to the sacred Mt. Kailash and includes the 3-day Kora around the mountain. The Kora is the holy circulation of the sacred mountain. However, many Tibetans do the Kora in one day, and you will also meet prostrators who take around three weeks to complete the circuit. Certainly, Mt. Kailash is Tibet’s and one of the world’s most sacred mountains, and a destination for many pilgrims.
Further, trekking from Simikot to Tibet provides an opportunity to experience both Nepalese and Tibetan culture. First, Sightseeing in Kathmandu and trekking through Nepal’s himalayas will give you insights into Nepali culture, history and traditions. Further, we arrive in Simikot, opened to trekkers only in 1993. In fact, it is the seat of Nepal’s most remote district, Humla, several days’ walk from the nearest major village. There is a continuous stream of “Humli” people from surrounding villages trading, buying supplies and dealing with various bureaucracies. After a few days of trekking, we reach a stone pillar that marks the Nepal-Tibet border. However, just across a rickety wooden bridge, it is perhaps one of the most informal border crossings in the world. It’s a short climb to Sher, a Tibetan salt trading post at 3860m. After a short drive to Taklakot, the Chinese border guards will want to see your passport and Chinese visa. The upcoming days in Tibet and especially the Kora are going to be an unforgettable experience!
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 03: Sightseeing in Kathmandu & trip preparation
Day 04: Flight to Nepalgunj: 1 hour
Day 05: Flight to Simikot (2,985m/9,790ft), and trek to Dharapori (2,360m/7,740ft): 4 – 6 hours
Day 06:Dharapori to Kermi (2,860m/9,383ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 07: Kermi to Yalbang (2,879m/9,445ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 08: Tumkot to Yari (3,663m/12,017ft): 6 – 7 hours
Day 09:Yari to Hilsa (3,647m/11,965ft) via Nara La pass: 5 – 6 hours
Day 10: Hilsa to Purang (3,772m/12,375ft): 2 – 3 hour3s
Day 11: Purang to Montser (4,450m/14,599ft) and sightseeing in Tirtapuri: 3 – 4 hours
Day 12: Sightseeing of Garuda Valley, then transfer to Darchen (4,560m/14,956ft): 3 – 4 hours
Day 13: Kora day 1: Dira Puk Monasteries (5120m/16,792ft): 5 – 6 hours
Day 14: Kora day 2: Zuthulphuk (4790m/15,765ft) via Drolma La Pass (5600m): 6 – 7 hours
Day 15:Kora day 3: Back to Darchen (4,560m/15,000ft): 3 – 4 hours, and transfer to Manasarovar
Day 16:Tour of the Mansarovar Lake
Day 17: Mansarovar to Saga (4,600m/15,088ft): 8 – 9 hours
Day 18: Drive Saga to Kerung
Day 19:Drive back to Kathmandu via Syabrubesi (7-8 hrs)
Day 20: Final Departure
After arriving at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Nature Trail Trekking, who will drop you off at your hotel. After checking in, oyu can take a rest or visit Nature Trail’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Nature Trail where we get acquainted with the excellent Nepalese cuisine.
Kathmandu Durbar Square – Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the center of the Kathmandu valley and has some of the most interesting monuments in Nepal. The Kasthamandap, the building from which Kathmandu derived its name, the Kumari Ghar, the House of the Living goddess Kumari, the Taleju temple and the most interesting the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, now a museum are some of the interesting buildings in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Besides that the program of different kinds and gathering of people from all over Nepal makes it a lively place and the best place to understand Nepal. Swayambhunath Stupa– Swayambhunath stupa is also referred as the ‘Monkey temple’ and is one of the 7 UNESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu. Situated on a hill top about 4 Km from the city center this stupa is one of the oldest monument in Kathmandu and comes from the Vajrayana sect of Mahayana Buddhism. With a pair of eyes in each direction this place is a spiritual center for the locals and tourist visiting this area. The hill top also offers the scenic view of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayas. Khokana and Bungmati– These two Newar Villages are located in the outskirts of the Patan District and are proposed as Tentative UNESCO heritage sites by the Nepal government. Khokana has the temple of Rudryaini and is also famous for the Mustard oil production. Bungmati, 20 minutes walk from Khokana through paddy fields is full of old Newari houses and architecture. These twin villages are one of the best places to experience Nepal’s age old heritages and to observe the daily life of the People. You will feel like walking in the 18th century Europe as you go through these streets.
After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border is the gateway to Simikot and the Humla region. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
We take a 40-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot and admire the beauty of the soaring mountain cliffs from our airplane. Simikot, the headquarters of the Humla District, is cut off from the rest of the country due to its remoteness. While here, we learn about the local people and their rich culture, which is closely tied to the Tibetans because of the close proximity of the two places. We have lunch at Simikot and also register for the permit at the police office. From Simikot, we ascend for a while, then descend towards the village of Tuling. We continue walking through jungles and villages along the Karnali River towards Dharapori, where we stay overnight. Walking time: 4-6 hours
Today our walk is on relatively flat trails beginning with the trail alongside the Karnali River. We walk along the fields cultivated mainly with barley, buckwheat, rice and potatoes. There are two hot springs near Kermi where we may soothe our aching bodies. We can also visit ancient Buddhist monasteries close to Kermi: Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. Overnight in Kermi. Walking time: 5-6 hours
Today’ trek is a flat and steep ascent until reaching a small pass and crossing a suspension bridge over the Salli River. From here one can enjoy views of the beautiful pine trees and the mighty Karnali River. We will also visit the remote Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. Overnight in Yalbang. Walking time: 5-6 hours
We walk on a trail above the Karnali River. As we ascend further, the greenery begins to vanish and so do the smaller bushes. They give way to pine trees and rocky hills. After reaching Tumkot, we visit Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, one of the most important Sakya monasteries in the Tibetan region. Overnight in Tumkot. Walking time: 5-6 hours
Today’s trek is on a relatively easy trail above the Karnali River. After walking a few miles we begin to notice the change in climate, vegetation and landscape which becomes more rocky and secluded. The trees that you see are not pine trees anymore. They are now short and low junipers. Overnight in Yari. Walking time: 6-7 hours
We cross the first pass of the trek today, the Nara La pass (4,620m). The vegetation is bleak by now and the landscape is familiar to that of Tibet. After crossing the pass we will be greeted by excellent views of the beautiful Tibetan plateau and Yari Village. From here on, it is a shaky descent down until Hilsa, a border town which is also a dropping point for the pilgrims on their way to Mt. Kailash by helicopter. Overnight in Hilsa. Walking time: 5-6 hours
We walk across the Friendship bridge at Hilsa where the Chinese officials will check our permits and passports. We also meet our Tibetan guide here. We ascend from Hilsa to Purang and pass Rinzin Zangpo Gompa and Kangje Village along the way. In Purang, we visit the ancient Purang Gompa and explore the unique Buddhist frescoes of the 12th century. Overnight in Purang. Walking time: 2-3 hours
On our way to Montser we pass through Rakshas and Mansarover lakes. After reaching Montser, we settle down for a while then visit Tirtapuri (4510m). Located northwest of Mount Kailash, the Tirthapuri Hot Springs are closely associated with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Pilgrims bathe in pools fed by the springs, visit the monastery containing the guru’s footprint and dig for healing stones along a one-hour pilgrimage route. After touring Tirtapuri we return back to Montser to spend the night. Walking time: 3-4 hours
It takes us around 2 hours to reach the Garuda Valley that lies to the southwest of Mt. Kailash. It contains mysterious caves, some of which have never been explored. Many believe that this was the cradle of the Tibetan civilization during the time of the Shang Shung kings, long before Buddhism reached the roof of the world. For those interested in the archaeological and historical sites, Garuda Valley will be a dream come true. After touring the amazing valley we move to Darchen, a small town situated right in front of the sacred Mount Kailash. Overnight in Darchen. Walking time: 3-4 hours
Today, we begin our Kora of Mt. Kailash. The first day out of Darchen involves a six-hour hike in a deep valley through walls of red rock. We continue across the plain to Shershong. We further cross a bridge leading to Chuku Gompa which is high on the hill visible from the valley. The trail leads to Dirapuk from where we will have a stunning view of the north face of Mt. Kailash. Overnight in Dirapuk. Walking time: 5-6 hours
Today will be the most difficult section of our journey. We climb Drolma-la Pass at 5,750m/19,910ft. The pass whose name literally means the pass of Tara is beautiful and is filled with five-colored praying flags. From Drolma-la Pass, we descend to Zuthulphuk . At Zuthulphuk , we come across the incredible Thugje Zinbu (Lake of Compassion) and a few ancient meditative caves. Overnight in Zuthulphuk. Walking time: 6-7 hours
We gradually wind out of the valley towards Barka plain. After completing the holy Kora of Mount Kailash at Darchen, we drive for 2 hours to Mansarovar Lake. The lake holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. As per Hindu theology, Lake Mansarovar is a personification of purity, and one who drinks water from the lake is believed to go to the abode of Lord Shiva after death. Buddhists also associate the lake with the legendary lake known as Anavatapta in Sanskrit where Queen Maya is believed to have conceived Buddha. Overnight in Mansarovar. Walking time: 3-4 hours
Today, we circumambulate the beautiful Mansarovar Lake which has a circumference of 90 km making it one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. The belief is that the Kora of Mount Kailash is completed only with a holy dip in the lake and a drink of its holy water relieves one from the sins of a hundred lives. We circle round Mansarovar by Jeep, and if time permits, we visit Chui Gompa, another attraction of Manasrovar. Overnight in Mansarovar.
Today, we have to accomplish a long drive from Mansarovar to Saga traversing through the sacred historic Chiu Monastery. We continue driving past Hor Quo and across the Mayum La pass (5,200m). While passing through, we will have glimpses of small towns like Zhongba and Paryang. This journey covers 270 km from Mansarovar to Paryang and adjoins Saga, 255 km away from Paryang. From Saga instead of going towards Lhasa, we drive along a different route to Kathmandu. Overnight in Saga.
Today, we have to accomplish a long drive from Mansarovar to Saga traversing through the sacred historic Chiu Monastery. We continue driving past Hor Quo and across the Mayum La pass (5,200m). While passing through, we will have glimpses of small towns like Zhongba and Paryang. This journey covers 270 km from Mansarovar to Paryang and adjoins Saga, 255 km away from Paryang. From Saga instead of going towards Lhasa, we drive along a different route to Kathmandu. Overnight in Saga.
We retrace our journey back to Kerung from Saga. Kerung is a border town where we will spend the night. Overnight at a hotel in Kerung.
We clear our customs in Kerung before driving back to Kathmandu. Now you need deep trekking massage and some relaxation. Overnight at hotel.
The Kailash adventure in the Himalayas comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. A representative of Nature Trail will take us to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.
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