Description
Mount Kailash tour via Simikot starts with a visit to the Garuda valley, a place believed to be the cradle of the Tibetan civilization during the ancient times when bon religion was practiced throughout Tibet, long before Buddhism was introduced. Next, we circumambulate Mt. Kailash and tour Mansarovar Lake, both of which hold great natural, cultural and religious significance. Then we get back to Kathmandu via Saga and Zhagmu.
Mount Kailash is known as a holy site among Hindu, Buddhist and jain holding significance as the residence of Lord Shiva. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is undertaken by thousands of Yatris every year and known for its religious value, cultural significance and physical beauty with thrilling nature. Mount Kailash Tour via Simikot provides you with opportunity to enjoy the awesome beauty of both Nepal and Tibet landscapes. On our Simikot to Kailash journey we travel along ancient pilgrimage routes and trade links, trekking across the border to Tibet.
What to Expect?
Get to the world’s highest fresh-water Lake Manasarovar, at an elevation of 4,583 meters which is also is a world famous pilgrimage destination for all the Hindu, the Buddhist, the Jain and the Bon devotees and also witness 6714 meters elevated Peak, Mount Kailash with the diverse landscape, and peaceful surrounding accompanying the Mount Kailash tour via Simikot.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Mount Kailash tour via Simikot starts after your arrival at the airport in Kathmandu you will be greeted by one of our representatives who will later transfer you to the hotel. After hotel check in you can decide whether you would like to have a relaxing rest at the hotel or hang around the streets of Kathmandu (If you have leisure time). You will be briefed about our next day’s travel plan by our company representative. O/N you stay at the hotel.
Day 02: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 1 hour
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 also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. 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.
Day 03: Fly to Simikot (2,985m/9,790ft) and trek to Dharapori (2,360m/7,740ft) 4 – 6 hours
Enjoying the Mount Kailash tour via Simikot, today 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. Overnight in Dharapori.
Day 04: Dharapori to Kermi (2,860m/9,383ft): 5 – 6 hours
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.
Day 05: Kermi to Yalbang (2,879m/9,445ft): 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.
Day 06: Yalbang to Tumkot (3,073m/10,082ft): 5 – 6 hours
On the sixth day of Mount Kailash tour via Simikot , 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.
Day 07: Tumkot to Yari (3,663m/12,017ft): 6 – 7 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.
Day 08: Yari to Hilsa (3,647m/11,965ft) via Nara La pass: 5 – 6 hours
Enjoying the Mount Kailash tour via Simikot, 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.
Day 09: Hilsa to Purang (3,772m/12,375ft): 2 – 3 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.
Day 10: Purang to Montser (4,450m/14,599ft) and sightseeing in Tirtapuri: 3 – 4 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.
Day 11: Sightseeing of Garuda Valley, then transfer to Darchen (4,560m/14,956ft): 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 archeological 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.
Day 12: Hike to Dira Puk Monasterys (5120m/16,792ft), 5 – 6 hours
On the twelfth day of Mount Kailash tour via Simikot, 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 Chhuku 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.
Day 13: Hike to Zutulpuk (4790m/15,765ft): 18km, 6 – 7 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 Zutulpuk where we come across the incredible Thugje Zinbu (Lake of Compassion) and a few ancient meditative caves. Overnight in Zutulpuk.
Day 14: Hike to Darchen (4,560m/15,000ft): 14km, 3 – 4 hours and transfer to Manasarovar
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.
Day 15: Tour of the Mansarovar Lake
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 Manasarovar.
Day 16: Mansarovar to Saga (4,600m/15,088ft) 495 km, 8 – 9 hours
Today, we 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 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. Overnight in Saga.
Day 17: Saga to Shigatse (3,900m/12,795 ft): 445km, 8-9 hours
From Saga we travel to Shigatse via Latse. Our trail will be along the Tsangpo River in a region crisscrossed by the upper Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Upon reaching Shigatse, we freshen up and later visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery which was founded by Pachen Lama in 1447. Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 18: Shigatse to Lhasa (3,650m/11,972ft): 265km, 4-5 hours
After breakfast, we drive towards Lhasa. On the way, we visit Shalu Monastery. Founded in 1040, Shalu Monastery is known for its beautiful and ancient mural paintings. After the tour we continue to Lhasa. On the way, we come across the Karo La Pass (5,045m). Before reaching Lhasa, we also cross the Khamba La Pass (4,794m) with a brief halt to savor the beauty of the Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet and the beautiful Nazin Kang Sang glacier (7,252m). Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 19: Fly to Kathmandu
Your Mount Kailash tour via Simikot terminates today so after breakfast, drive towards the airport and then board the flight towards Kathmandu enjoying the spectacular view of landscapes.
Cost Includes:
- Accommodation on Hotel/Guest House and tent Camp. As per the above itinerary.
- Transportation by 4WD Land crusier.
- All Sightseen and entrance fee as per the itinerary.
- All Necessary Travel and Trekking Permit.
- All trekking Equipment- including mattress and tent.
- Supporting Truck to bring logistic support + foods. (Above 03 Pax)
- Yak and Yak man During the Trek to bring Luggage and food.
- Nepali Supporting Staff (Sherpa, Cook and helper) from Kathmandu.
- Meal Plan: Full board (B/L/D) Basis.
- Necessary Government taxes and Service charge.
Cost Excludes:
- Sleeping bag and Down jacket (Good Quality thick one)
- Laundry,Telephone call and hot water Bottle
- Personal expenses
- Tips for Guide, Driver and Sherpa Staffs
- Travel expenses
- Gyammow Bag (Pressure Bag)
- Medical fee if in case of emergency
- Hiring porter or Horse.(Pony)
- Rescue and Evacuation Service
- Any Additional cost due to Natural calamity and Unforeseen Circumstances and etc.
- Nepal re- entry visa fee (If coming to Nepal)
Trip Note
During the trip; weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factor, that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered. We will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!
