Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is believed to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mt Meru, said to be the center of the universe or ‘navel of the world'. Mt. Kailash is described with reverence as the abode of Lord Shiva who is revered as the destroyer and transformer of the Hindu Triad and his divine consort Parvati. This extraordinary mountain is regarded as the 'heart of the universe' by Hindus, Buddhists, the Jains and the Bons. For Hindus, Mt. Kailash is abode of Shiva and the near by Mansarovar is the soul of Brahma, Tibetans call Kailash Kang Rimpoche and followers of Bon-Po, the ancient pre- Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet, regard Kailas as the soul of Tibet, Jains worship it as Mt Ashtapada, the peak from which the religion's founder, Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation.
As described in great Hindu epic, Ramayan, there is no place on the earth for Hindus besides Mt. Kailash where all the knowingly or unknowingly committed sins of the life time are eliminated by the sight of it just as the due is dried up by the morning sun. Mt. Kailash stands as only virtue for an absolution of living creature. The supremely sacred site of four religions and billions of people, Kailash is seen by no more than a few thousand pilgrims each year due to its remote location. The adverse weather condition and journey by rugged four wheel drive make the trip a bit difficult. However the quest of spiritual and religious quest direct people to this unique destination of being the world's most venerated holy place.
The 53 Km. Kailash circuit is the holiest for all Hindu as well as Buddist pilgrims. It is said that a single Parikarma of Mt. Kailash erases the committed sins of a lifetime, while 108 circumbulation will achieve Salvation.
Lake Mansarovar, the sacred lake stunningly set on the Tibetan plateau at an elevation of 4510m, and bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata is more important to Hindus than to Buddhists. To complete the revered Mt. Kailash yatra, Hindu pilgrims make 85km. circuit around Manasarovar crossing streams. Hindus has strong faith that the ritual bath will deliver a pilgrim to brahm's paradise and drink of its water releases the sins of a hundred lifetimes.
ITINERARY :
Day
1
Meet at the airport and transfer to hotel.
2
After breakfast, half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu: Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Swayambhunath. After lunch final preparation for the journey / yatra, checking of equipment and assisting of renting or buying of gear if needed.
3
Drive from Kathmandu to Nyalam (3700m) 175 Km /9 hrs. Over Night at Guesthouse.
Journey begins after breakfast at 6:00am on Araniko highway passing the scenic spot Dhulikhel than following the river valleys of the Sunkoshi and Bhotekoshi rivers. We arrive at Nepal – China border by afternoon. After immigration formalities, we proceed to Zhangmu and then to Nyalam ( if the time permits depending on the road condition ).
4
Rest day for acclimatization. Overnight at Guesthouse.
5
Drive to Saga ( 4200m. ) 232 km / 8 hours. Overnight at guest house / camp.
We drive up to the La Lung ( 5124m. ) and descend before heading to the western part of Tibet. The road to east goes to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, and we move forward to the west. The road is rough and the driving is difficult but the journey is compensated by the stunning views of the Himalayas, specially the Shisha Pangma ( 8012m. ). We will cross Bhrahmaputra ( a holy river ) by afternoon and further driving will take us to Saga.
6
Drive to Paryang ( 4500m. ) 285km. / 8 hrs. Overnight at guesthouse / camp.
We drive through enormous valleys, the grazing land of yaks and sheep following several rivers. The beautiful landscape and the views of snow capped peaks entertain the whole day.
7
Drive to Lake Mansarovar ( 4000m. ) 298km. / 9 hrs. Overnight camp
We continue driving through the rough road passing through green pastures and gigantic valleys and get the first sighting of Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansaroval. We drive to Thogu, the holiest bathing gate of Manas.
8
Drive to Darchen ( 4520m. ) 60km. Overnight at guesthouse.
Lake Mansarovar is revered as the most holy lake among the lakes in Tibet. According to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology Mansarovar is the source of the four great rivers: The Brahmaputra, Ganges, Indus & Sutlej of the Indian subcontinent. We get the opportunity to observe this beautiful lake, take a holy bath and do some puja. The great views of Mt. Gurla Mandhata ( 7728m. ) on the south and Mt. Kailash on the north enhance the journey.
9
Drive to Tarpuche ( 5 km. ) and trek to Deraphuk ( 4860m. ) 15 km / 7 hrs. . Overnight camp.
The first day of trekking starts at Tarpuche. We pass through numerous chortens as well as the site of the 84 Mahasiddas having the magnificent views of water falls and the west face of Kailash. We will pass Chukku Gompa and arrive at Deraphuk Gompa for the overnight camping.
10
Trek to Zutulpuk Gompa 4760m. ) 18 km. / 8 hrs. Overnight camp.
Today is a hard day, we walk through rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns drapped with the clothes offered as a spiritual sign of death. We get the sight of Gaurikunda, one of the holiest sites in the journey. We ascend to Dolma La Pass ( 5630m. ) and descend through steep trail to Zutul Phuk Monastery ( the cave where Milarepa had meditated ), the camp site for the overnight camping.
11
Trek to Darchen and drive to Horaa ( 4500m. ). Overnight camp
We trek for three hours and arrive at Tangsar. We drive to Lake Mansarovar and camp.
