HOLY MT. KAILASH – MANASAROVER LAKE YATRA
‘an adventurous holy yatra and parikrama within world highest and largest plateau’
Highlights and Fact of Kailash Yatra:
“An adventure around world highest and largest plateau within Tibet South West
Holiest of all holy sites for four great religions Hindu-Jain-Buddhist and ancient Bon sect
Exciting drive within barren and arid terrain facing grand scenery of high snow peaks
Starting pilgrimage visit of holy Pashupatinath Temple and Buddhist Bouddhanath Stupa
Parikrama of holy Mt. Kailash and over Dolma-la highest and sacred spot of the area
Visiting vast and sacred lake Manasrover with time for puja and acclimatization days”
Trip Profile for Kailash Mansarovar lake Yatra
Trip Mode: On hotels – Guest House and Lodge or camping on parikrama
Tour Grade: Moderate to Adventurous due to high altitude on walks.
In Tibet: 09 Nights and 10 Days with both ways drive.
Highest spot: On top Dolma-La pass 5,630 m and 18,525 ft high.
Total Trip: 13 Nights and 14 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Seasons: April to October months includes monsoon seasons of June to September, as Tibet falls within rain-shadow areas blocked by high Himalayan mountain range.
Mansarovar Tour Introduction :
The Mt. Kailash and Manasrover Yatra, takes you to remote corners of this planet around South-West Tibet / China within world largest and highest table-land or a plateau.
Holy Mt. Kailash truly inspires you being in holiest of all holy spot where four major religions Hindu-Jain-Buddhism and old Bonpo sect of pre-Buddhism worship this mountains as scared and abode of Lord Shiva, and Kang Rimpoche the guru of Buddhist followers.
A small peak in front and part of Mt. Kailash where Hindu calls as Nandi a friend and vehicle of Lord Shiva, to Jain religion is known as Astha Pada where Buddhist known as Tarmo an offering.
Mount Kailash, a fascinating and holy mountain at the height of 6,714m / 22,028 ft located within Far South West Tibet and its sacred huge Manasrover Lake, which was created from the mind of holy-spirit in Hindu as ‘Manas’.
An impressive and unique mountain where four major river systems flow and start from Mt. Kailash the great Brahmaputra-Karnali-Sutlej and Indus, where four cardinal face represents the Eastern Face as Crystal, the Western Ruby, the Southern Sapphire and the main North as Gold.
Truly a spiritual center for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion-Bonpo, for Tibetans known as Kang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and considers as the naval of the world.
For Hindus Mt. Kailash is earthly manifestation of their spiritual center of the universe, ‘world pillar’ around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens and on top lives their most revered God Shiva.
A great spiritual of more than a week duration traveling within great arid landscapes with grand views of high snow capped peaks and driving through Yak grazing country leading to high passes to reach our destination at the foot of Mt. Kailash with visit of sacred Manasrover Lake.
Walk starts from the holy spot of Tarboche heading into high terrain to reach at sacred and highest point of the Yatra on top Dolma-la with fascinating close views of Mt. Kailash and then heading back to cross the border into Nepal, after a great experience and adventure of a life-time in Holy Mt. Kailash and Manasrover Lake Yatra.
Suggest Short outline Itinerary for Mansarovar Yatra by Overland, Bus:
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu via respective airlines, welcome by our yatra team and transfer to hotel. Evening Darshan Pashupatinath Aarati.
Day 02: Morning at Kathmandu, tour of holy Pashupatinath temple, Specia puja, hawan and Rudrabhisek and group briefing, prepare for packing and visa permits.
Day 03: Drive to Syabrubesi 1,465 m – 06 hrs journey.
Day 04: Drive to Kyirong 2,890 m (Kyidrong / Dzonga) in local Guesthouse- 04 hrs.
Day 05: At Kyirong acclimatization day and explore culture and custom of Tibet.
Day 06: Drive to Saga 4,400m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Drive to west side of Manasrover at Chu-Gompa 4,545 m – 06 hrs.
Day 08: At Manasrover Lake in the morning to perform puja, hawan and holy deep, afternoon short dive to Darchen 4,620 m with time to visit its busy markets.
Day 09: Day 1 holy parikrama of kailash parvat – Drive to Tarboche 4,680 m and start walk to Dhirapuk 4, 630 m – 05 hrs in lodge (very simple sharing beds) or camping.
Day 10: Day 2 holy parikrama of Kailash Parvat – Trek to Zutul-Puk 4,730 m and over high Dolma-la pass 5630m – 10 hrs via Shivatsal, Dharma Pap cave and Parvati Kunda.
Day 11: Day 3 final day of Kailash Kora – Trek to near Darchen – Changdo and drive to Saga 4,560 m – 08 hrs.
Day 12: Drive to Kyirong – 06 hrs journey with overnight in local guest-house.
Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu via Dhunche 1,950 m and Syabrubesi – 08 hrs.
Day 14: Depart for flight for homeward bound countries.
Kailash Yatra Itinerary in Details:
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
On reaching Kathmandu on respective airlines, received by our staff for short transfer within hub of Kathmandu city, with time for briefing providing you with full information of Holy Mt. Kailash and sacred Lake Manasrover Yatra, with do’s and don’ts. Evening time group dinner is set in an restaurant serving excellent vegetarian meals while having your nice dinner.
Day 02: In Kathmandu free Special darshan of holy Pashupatinath temple, Rudraabshisek, hawan and to obtain Tibet entry and visa permits.
This morning allows you to visit famous and holiest of all Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath, a short drive east of the city and enter into temple premises and worship the deities Lord Shiva, a beautiful temple adorned with golden pagoda roof and four cardinal silver doors with main Shiva Phallus at the center.
Pashupatinath Temple the nerve center of pilgrimage on Shiva-Ratri anniversary of Lord Shiva, the small religious area also houses great temple known as Debpatan, situated 5 kilometres east of the capital city. Where only Hindus are permitted to enter the main courtyard of the temple, alien foreign tourists can view the temple from eastern side of the River.
After performing puja explore the area of Gujeswaori dedicated to Goddess Parvati consort of Lord Shiva, Rudraabshisek by brahman priest and hawan.
After a great interesting time back to hotel with afternoon free preparation for next early morning departure for Holy Mt. Kailash Yatra.
Day 03: Drive to Syabrubesi 1,465 m – 07 hrs journey.
Morning an exciting drive on Kathmandu to Dhunche-Syabrubesi highway, heading towards Himalayan foothills, on reaching at Trisuli Bazaar within warm sub-tropical area, as our journey continues towards uphill on long winding road towards cooler alpine area past farm villages and town to reach at Dhunche, at 1,950m high.
Dhunche headquarter and main town of Rasuwa district within Langtang Himal where Langtang National Park starts and ends, from Dhunche drive leads downhill on zig-zag road to reach at Syabrubesi village the home of Tamang tribe people in the shadow of Ganesh and Langtang Himal, overnight in a nice cozy lodge at Syabrubesi.
Day 04: Drive to Kyirong 2,890 m (Kyidrong / Dzonga) in local Guesthouse- 04 hrs.
From Syabrubesi morning drive leads on newly built road that links Nepal / Tibet towards Rasuwagadhi (1m800m / 15 km / 1 hr min from Syabrubesi), here received by our Tibetan counterpart guide and drivers, after completing immigration & custom formalities on both side of the frontier Nepal / Tibet at Rasuwagadhi, continue drive further to Kyirong county with first overnight stop in Tibet accommodation at local guest-house.
At Kyirong afternoon with time to relax and enjoy views of Ganesh and Langtang Himal that borders Nepal and Tibet.
Day 05: At Kyirong acclimatization day and explore Tibetan culture and custom.
At Kyirong in Tibet for acclimatization and familiarization within Tibetan soil where you can take short walks around its villages and witness interesting Buddhist culture and custom of Tibetans with views of Ganesh and Langtang Northern Face.
Day 06: Drive to Saga 4,400m – 05 hrs.
Morning after breakfast drive continues on wide vast Tibetan plateau crossing several high passes with great views of mountain range, as drive continues with some small stop around villages and nomads camps where you can view sheep’s and yak grazing.
Our journey heads towards remote corners of Tibet past many farm villages finally drive leads to a bridge over Brahmaputra River in Tibet known as Yalung Tsangpo which flows from the very source of Mt. Kailash.
After the bridge entering into Saga, a growing moderate size town with some nice lodge, hotels and restaurants, on arrival check into the best available hotels or guest houses.
Day 07: Drive to west side of Manasrover at Chu-Gompa 4,545 m – 08 hrs.
Morning drive leads past Saga town within complete wilderness, after hours’ drive where road winds to a climb over pass about 4,900 m high and then down-hill to a long stretch flat area, on a clear day great views of snow capped peaks towards North West that borders Nepal, after few hours of scenic drive reaching into a windswept village at Paryang.
Drive continues towards Kailash area with great Barkha valley within much barren landscapes, as journey leads past many small farm villages and nomads camps with large Tibetan tents serving as teahouses and restaurants.
Drive continues with climb up towards Mayam-la pass at 5,050 m high, and then with long descends to reach a near level track and then on gradual road of few hours with views of Lake Manasrover then drive heads towards western side of the lake at Chu-Gompa for overnight stop nearby Manasrover Lake with views of Mt. Kailash.
Day 08: At Manasrover Lake in the morning to perform puja afternoon short dive to Darchen 4,620 m with time to visit its busy markets.
Morning freee at holy Lake Manasrover located in Western Tibet between Mt. Kailash 6,714 meters and Gurla Mandhata Mountain Range stands at 7,694 meters.
Where Lake Manasrover floats beneath the shadow of holy Mt. Kailash as this lake forms the mind of God, as the name Manas.
Here interested pilgrims can perform puja rites with dips in this sacred lake within shallow area by the shore.
In Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religion, the holiest lake of Asia; best time to go around Lake Manasrover is in late autumn and early spring when the streams and rivers are low. It is then possible to walk very near the shoreline, an optional drive around Manasrover Lake can be done on request which takes about four hours.
With time here after performing puja an interesting short hike to Chu Gompa located on a shelf of a over-hanging cliff cave, adorned with Buddhism arts and ancient idols of Lord Buddha and other high Gurus.
Afternoon a short drive takes you at the centre and main town of Kailash in Darchen with many shops-stores and lodges with Guest-House, an interesting market to visit around and observe Tibetan traditional life and culture, during auspicious time this place flooded with Tibetan and Indian pilgrims for Kora, parikrama or holy circuit walks.
Day 09: Drive past Darchen (Yamadwar to Tarboche 4,680 m and start walk to Dhirapuk 4,970 m –
05 hrs in lodge or camping.
After Darchen with time at sacred Lake Manasrover, morning starts with a short drive on Barkha valley beyond Darchen town to reach Tarboche, one of the holy spot of the region with excellent views of Mt. Kailash West Face from here our holy walk begins leading north on a wide terrain towards Shershong, then with gradual climb of nice walk reaching to our overnight stop at Dhiraphuk Gompa, with magnificent views of holy Mt. Kailash North Face.
Here depending upon the season with mass number of pilgrim’s staying either in guest houses on sharing beds or tents with our own camping facilities.
Day 10: Trek to Zutul-Puk 4,760 m and over high Dolma-la pass – 10 hrs.
From Dhiraphuk and highest spot for overnight stops, morning walk continues heading uphill trail onto moraine of more than two hours, then with steep climb to reach on top Dolmo-la pass at above 5,630m /18,525ft.
A holy spot closest views of Mt. Kailash North Face and the highest point of this adventurous pilgrimage, a big boulder represent goddess Dolma or Dromo (Tara) festooned with thousands of prayer flags and offering by both Hindu’s and Buddhist pilgrims.
This holy spot a physical and spiritual high point on pilgrimage, parikrama or Kora, after a nice break here walk leads to a long descend towards Lamchu wide valley a flat area, on reaching at the bottom of Dolmo -la pass, a pleasant walk reaches you at a small Zutul-Puk Gompa for overnight stop, either in lodge or in tented camp.
Zuthul means cave in Tibetan, this place named after a holy cave in which poet, and saint Milereppa meditate in early 11th century, his footprints can be seen on the cave roof top.
Day 11: Trek to near Darchen and drive to Saga 4,560 m – 08 hrs.
Today last day of our holy parikrama and circuit or Kora in Tibetan, morning walk leads to a nice gradual walk for few hours on winding trail, to reach a narrow valley into a river gorge of great Karnali River, Changdo.
From Changdo, short walk to meet the trail heading towards Darchen, where walk ends for a drive just an hour before Darchen, after completing our holy trek drive towards near Mayum-la pass base and continue to Saga town for overnight stop.
Day 12: Drive to Kyirong – 07 hrs journey with overnight in local guest-house.
An exciting time at Kailash drive back to reach Kyirong frontier town, journey leads past great Tibetan dry plateau taking a newly opened route of five hours overland drive to reach border town of Tibet-China and Nepal at Kyirong for last overnight stop in Tibet.
Day 13: Drive to Kathmandu Via Dhunche 1,950 m, Syabrubesi – 08 hrs.
Farewell to our Tibetan guides and drivers as morning starts on leaving Tibet with short drive to cross border of Nepal and Tibet / China at Rasuwa-Gadhi.
After completing visa and custom formalities then enter into Nepal at Rasuwa Gadhi, here again to complete immigration process and continue drive on rough dirt road for a while to reach at Syabrubesi village, after a short refreshing break journey continues on winding uphill to reach at Dhunche town. Continue overland journey back to Kathmandu with scenic views of mountains, green scenery of hills and farm fields within nice villages and towns as drive brings you back at hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu.
On reaching Kathmandu transfer to your respective hotels with time for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
Day 14: Depart for international flight home ward bound or to respective countries.
Last day in Nepal after a great journey and pilgrimage with ever-lasting experience on Holy Mt. Kailash Yatra, as per your international flight departure time transfer to Kathmandu international airport for homeward bound or to your respective destinations.
For pre planning and information abut the kailash tour please visit the link.
