Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu (1,300 m) / Kodari / Zhangmu (2,500 m)123 Km-Nyalam (3900m).
Early morning 4 ½ hours scenic drive to Kodari (Nepal/Tibet Border) through the beautiful Nepalese countryside. Upon arrival complete Nepali Immigration and start a short walk across the friendship bridge. Meet the waiting vehicle and drive 8 kilometers to Zhangmu.
Zhangmu: Zhangmu is known Khasa in Nepali, hangs on a cliff face, its boomtown architecture having a temporary look: even the monastery roofs are sheathed in corrugated iron sheets. Complete Chinese Immigration and then drive 90 kilometers (2 hours) to Nyalam situated at an altitude of 3900 m.
Overnight at Nyalam Guest House.
Day 02: Acclimatization day in Nyalam
Overnight at Nyalam Guest House.
Day 03: Nyalam / Saga (4,350m)
Drive from Nyalam to Saga (4300m) 291km via Laluna-la Pass (5050 m), lake Paigu Tso and the Tsang po (Brahmaputra) River. The terrain starts with a rough drive over landslip areas climbing gradually with increasing altitude to arrive at Laluna – La Pass (5050 m) marked by prayer and cairns with skeletal yak heads with horns. From here, leave the main trail to Lhasa and head west descending to the serene and beautiful Lake Paigu Tso for lunch. From here, descend further to the crossing on the Tsang Po River. Cross the river on the ferry with land cruisers and trucks and then drive to the hustle and bustle of the Saga town. Because of the scarcity of camping sites in and around the village, we continue further driving for another 45 minutes to arrive at a beautiful campsite located close to the Saga river.
Dinner and Overnight at the Guest House.
Day 04: Drive Saga / Paryang
Drive from Saga via New Zongba,(4360m) 160 km to Paryang. The Yak hotel is the only livable hotel with dormitory style accommodations, but because of the frequent use of the lodge facilities by pilgrims and lack of water supply, the amenities are very dirty and basic. For camping groups, there are beautiful campsites along the Paryang River another 30 minutes beyond the village.
Dinner and Overnight at the Guest House.
Day 05: Drive Paryang / Darchen
Dinner and Overnight at Guest House.
Day 06: Free day at Darchen or Kora
Dinner and Overnight at the Guest House / Camp
Day 07: Free day at Darchen or Kora
Dinner and Overnight at the Guest House / Camp
Day 08: Drive Darchen / Lake Mansarovar
Drive from Darchen to Lake Mansarovar (4560m) 1 ½ - 2 Hrs. to commence the circumambulation around Mt. Kailash. It is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is believed to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mount Meru, said to be the center of the universe or ‘navel of the world’. Mt. Meru is often depicted as a mandala and its image occurs throughout Buddhist and Hindu parts of Asia. Images of Mt. Meru occur as far away as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobadur in Indonesia. The circumambulation of Mt. Kailash (6714 m /22,028 feet) is an important pilgrimage for religions. To Hindus, Kailash is the abode of Shiva, Tibetans call it Kang Rimpoche; Jains worship it as Mt. Asthapada, the peak from which the religion founder, Rishabanatha achieved spiritual liberation. Followers of Bon – Po, the ancient pre – Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet revere Kailash as the soul of Tibet. The circumambulation to the Hindus and Jains is known as Parikrama and Buddhists call it Kora. Tibetans often make the 52 kilometer circuit in a single day but the Indian Yatrees do it in three but this is also rushed. A four day trek is more enjoyable and rewarding.
Head west from the enclosed compound of Darchen leaving behind the village high above the Barkha plain and after 1 ½ Hrs. climb up to a series of prayer flags at 4730m from where you should have the first great views of Mt.Kailash. This is the first site of prostration known as Chaktsal-Gang. This is the first of the four chaktsal – gang on the Kora and offers an excellent view of the peak . Then head north up the Lha Chu valley and descend to, a tall pole adorned with prayer flags at 4750 meters.
Day 09: Free at Lake Manasarovar
Overnight at the Guest House
Day 10: Drive Manasarovar / Paryang
Overnight at the Guest House
Day 11: Drive Paryang / Saga
Overnight at the Guest House
Day 12: Drive Saga / Lhatse
Overnight at the Guest House
Day 13: Drive Lhatse / Shakya / Xegar
Sakya Monastery: Sakya lies 143 km to the south-west of Xigatse or 26 Kms from Lhatse. Sakya Monastery, the centre of the sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded in 1073 by Konchok Gyalpo during the rule of Sakyapas the priest patron relationship between Tibet and China was established. Sakyapas rulers reigned over Tibet for nearly a hundred years from 13-14 th century. Many of its priceless images, fresco statues, holy scriptures remaining today date back to the time of its founding.
After the sightseeing tour drive 4 1/2 hours to Xegar. Dinner and Overnight at the Guest House.
Day 14: Drive Xegar / Rongbuk
After purchasing the entry permits to the Everest region for people, and vehicles, drive to Rongbuk which is 100 kilometers from Xegar, crossing the Pangla Pass (5150m). Great views of Everest & Makalu from Pangla pass. The trail is a fairly new one but with the difficult monsoon season, work is always hampered by frequent land slides. Spend the night in the simple guest house having dormitory style accommodations that belongs to the Rongbuk Monastery. Rongbuk offers great views of Everest, look for the sunset and sunrise. Food supplies should be brought for the stay in Rongbuk. There is a small tea house run by the monastery. Bed sheets & sleeping bag is definitely required for the night.
Overnight at the Rongbuk Monastery Guest House.
Day 15: Drive Rongbuk / Nyalam
Overnight at the Guest House
Day 16: Drive Nyalam / Zhangmu / Kodari
After breakfast,drive to Zhangmu (40 kilometers) and onwards to Kathmandu (128 km.). Complete the Chinese Immigration and border formalities. The permits and Motorcycles are checked once again and then we drive down to Kodari and the Nepal Tibet Friendship Bridge. Here the porters will transfer the luggage to the Nepal side and we bid farewell to our Guide and drivers from Tibet.
Cross the friendship bridge, complete Nepal Customs and Immigration and drive 128 Km. (4 hours) to Kathmandu.
End of Arrangements |
