In the hundred ages of the gods I could not tell the glories of
(the Himalaya) .....there is no mountain like (the Himalaya) for in
it are Kailas and Manasarovar.
From the Hindu epic RAMAYANA
MT. KAILASH (6741 m) is perhaps the most sacred of
Holy Mountains in TIBET. Together with the two lakes of MANASAROVAR
& RAKAS, the region is one of the few truly nature wonders of the
world., Three of the orient's greatest rivers; the BRAHMAPUTRA, the
SUTLEJ, and the INDUS, all take their sources within a hundred kilometers
of this " SNOW CAPPED JEWEL" which attracted Hindus, Buddhists,
Jains and Bon-po’s from the four corners of Asia for centuries.
MT. KAILASH - also known as TISE or KHANG RIMPOCHE (Jewel of the snow),
has since the time immemorial been celebrated in many eastern cosmologies
as MT MERU, the axis mundi (the center of the physical and metaphysical
universe). For the Hindus, it represents the abode of Lord SHIVA and
for the Buddhists, a terrestrial projection of the cosmic MANDALA of
the FIVE DHYANI BUDDHAS & The Wheel of life.
People believe that a single Kora or Parikrama washes away the sins
of a lifetime and Buddhists believe that 108 circuits secure Nirvana
in this life. On the trek, one may encounter Bon Pilgrims circling the
route counter clockwise or the very devoted continually prostrate themselves
along the whole 32.5 miles loop. There is also the ‘inner Kora’
that passes two lakes to the south of Mt. Kailash. Tradition dictates
that only those who have made 13 circumbulating of Kailash may follow
this inner route. The mouth of the four great rivers are within 100
Km of the mountain-the Indus, The Brahamaputra, The Sutlej and the Karnali,
a major tributaries of The Ganges. The Mt. Kailash circuit is 32.5 miles
of strenuous trails which crosses the Dolma La. This pass is the route
highest point at 18525 ft. At a large boulder is a collection of offerings
where pilgrims traditionally deposit one item and take another.
Although the journey entails long rides by Land cruisers over Tibet’s
great western plateau through a region inhabited by few wild animals,
holy lakes and the occasional nomad, this existing tour involving a
four day trek with yaks in the remotest part around MT KAILASH and offers
the most fascinating experience on the ROOF OF THE WORLD. |
Itinerary
Day 01 - May 15 : 2005
Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International airport
meet, assist and transfer to the hotel.
At the hotel lobby there will be short briefing about the trip whilst
the guest are having welcome drinks. Passports will be collected to
apply for the China Visa next day. Later the guest can retire to the
allocated rooms for much deserved shower and rest.
Overnight at the Hotel Harati or similar.
Day 02 May 16 : 2005
AM: Detail briefing about the trip to Tibet
Rest of the day is free to prepare for the trip.
Overnight at the Hotel Harati or similar.
Day 03 - May 17 : 2005
Drive Kathmandu to Kodari 153 Km. Cross into Tibet
(Zhangmu) and drive for another 2 hours to Nyalam.(3750) 53km. Check
into the lodge.
Overnight at the Nyalam Guest House.
Day 04 - May 18 : 2005
Rest day at Nyalam for acclimatization.
Overnight at the Nyalam Guest House.
Day 05 - May 19 : 2005
Drive from Nyalam to Saga (4300m) 291km via Lalunala
Pass, lake Paigu Tso and Brahmaputra River.
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.
Overnight at the Camp.
Day 06: May 20: 2005
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.
Overnight at the Camp.
Day 07: May 21 2005
Drive from Paryang to Lake Manasarovar (5410m)
via Mayum La (5151 m)
Driving past Kongyu Tso through the village of Thongchen to camp near
the Chiu monastery. (The Lake Manasarovar, Hindus believe, was created
by Brahma as reflection of the depth of his soul-manas and represents
the female energy of Yoni of the Universe, while Mt. Kailsah symbolizes
the male energy of the Lingum. At 14459 ft. Lake Manasarovar is the
highest body of fresh water in the world. Holy to Buddhists alike, it
was once surrounded by 8 monasteries. Buddhist believes in Queen Maya,
Buddha's mother was carried here by the gods and some of Mahatma Gandhi's
ash was carried here from India and scattered in the Lake.
Overnight at the Camp.
Day 08: May 22: 2005
Rest and explore Manasarovar Lake.
Overnight at the Camp.
Day 09: May 23: 2005
Drive from Manasarovar to Darchen (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. The prayer flags are replaced annually
during the Sakya dawa festival on Buddha’s birthday, the full
moon day during the Tibetan month of May / June. Nearby is the Chorten
– Kang – ni. It is considered an auspicious act to pass
through the small archway formed by the two legs of this Chorten. The
trail continues across the plain to Shersong and after about an hour
arrive at the bridge leading to the Nyanri Gompa, perched high on the
hillside above. All the monasteries on the Kailash circuit were destroyed
during the Cultural Revolution. Nyanri Gompa also known as the Chhuku
Gompa because of the image of Chhuku Rimpoche it houses, was the first
to be rebuilt and contains a few treasures that were rescued from the
original gompas. Trek from Darchen to Chhuku bridge – 4 Hrs. and
side visit to Chhuku Monastery – 30 minutes.
Set the campsite a little further from the bridge.
Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Day 10: May 24: 2005
Trek from Chhuku Gompa to Drira Phuk – 4
Hrs.
AM: Participate in the Saka Dawa festival.
Noon: After quick lunch start trek to Drira Phuk. The normal pilgrims
route stays on the east bank of the Lha Chu but for better views of
Kailash and generally better Campsites, cross the best bank trail across
a scree slopes to arrive at a good camping ground at Damding Donkhang
(4890 m) a grassy spot that offers good views of the West face of Mt.
Kailash. It is also known as the Valley of yaks as one can see hundreds
of Yaks grazing on the meadows. However we continue on further crossing
the side streams Belung Chu and Dunglung Chu on rocks as the North face
of Kailash comes in view. On the opposite side of the Lha Chu you can
see several groups of nomads tending herds of goats and yaks. Pass their
tents carefully like most Tibetans they keep ferocious Tibetan mastiff
dogs. As one reaches the Gompa and a frugal guest house at Drira Phuk,
you are rewarded with a fine view of the North face of Mt. Kailash.
The three lower hills in front of Mt. Kailash from this vantage point
are the manjushree, Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani representing wisdom,
kindness and power. The Drira Phuk Gompa was rebuilt in 1985.
Dinner and Overnight at the Camp.
Day 11: May 25: 2005
Trek Shabje Drakthok
Start trek from Drira Phuk and immediately cross the Lha Chu on a
wooden bridge. If one continues to trek up the Lha Chu, they would eventually
reach the true source of the Indus. The Kora route makes a serious climb
on to a moraine eventually meeting the trail from the East bank. The
trail now climbs more gently to a meadow full of fat marmots (phiya)
at 5212 meters. This is a good campsite that will make the pass crossing
easier than to have camped at Drira Phuk but it is dangerous to Camp
at higher altitudes because of acclimatization problems. The snow covered
pass to the right, the Khado Sanglam is protected by a lion faced Dakini
goddess. Pilgrims may cross this difficult pass only on their auspicious
13th circuit of the mountain.
Climb past piles of clothing at Shiva-tsal (5330m) and Tibetans leave
an article of clothing or a drop of blood here as part of leaving their
past life behind them. Continue past thousands of small rock cairns
to a large cairn at 5390 meters passing the Dikpa Karnak, sin testing
stone. It is said that those without sin can squeeze through the narrow
hole between the boulders while a sinner no matter how small cannot
pass through. The trail now leads across a boulder field and climbs
through large rocks to a tiny stream. Climb onto a ridge and continue
gently on to the Dolma La at 5630 meters.
A big boulder on the pass representing the goddess Dolma (better known
by her Sanskrit name Tara) is festooned with prayer flags and streamers.
It is traditional to leave and take something as part of the collection
of coins, prayer flags, teeth and other offerings attached to the rock.
This is the physical and spiritual high point of the Kora. The trail
from the west side of the pass is steep and rocky at first and then
begins a series of switchbacks as it passes Gauri Kund, the lake of
mercy and 5450 meters. Many more switchbacks and steep descents leads
to the valley and then further descend for about an hour to arrive alongside
the Lham Chhukhir at 5150 meters, the evenings campsite on the banks
of a river near Shabje Drakthok. Shabje Drakthok has foot prints on
a huge rock which pilgrims believe belong to Lord Buddha.
Overnight at the Camp.
Day 12: May 26: 2005
Trek to Darchen and drive to Hor Qu
Trek from Shabje Drathok along the river, even though the trail is
better and less marshy on the other side, it is better to keep to the
west side of the river which is actually the main route as it becomes
too large below to cross back. Follow the river continuously as the
trail makes an uninteresting descent of the valley. When crossing the
stream of the Khado – sanglam, arrive at another Chaksal Gang,
the third prostration point and from which point is the last view of
the east face of Mt. Kailash during the circumambulation. After about
2 ½ - 3 hrs arrive at the Zutul-puk Gompa 4790 m where there
is a cave in which the saint Milarepa is said to have meditated. Among
the miracles he performed were adjusting the height of this cave to
make it more comfortable. His footprint still remains on the roof. Trek
along the Jhong Chu River to a bridge, cross it and climb a little before
descending to 4610 m, the last prostration point (Chaksal Gang) but
sadly there are no views of Mt. Kailash but there are good views of
Lake Mansarovar and Mt. Actually the vehicles can come up to this point
but if one does want to continue on to Darchen to complete the full
circle, a trek for about one hour through Mani wallsand carved yak skulls
will lead you back to Darchen.
Upon arrival at Darchen, board the waiting vehicles for about two
hours drive to the campsite past the settlement of Hor Qu to the northeast
corner of the Lake Mansarovar.
Overnight at the Camp.
Day 13: May 27: 2005
Drive from Hor Qu to Paryang – 9 Hrs..
Overnight at the Camp.
Day 14: May 28: 2005
Drive from Paryang to Saga– 8 Hrs.
Overnight at the Camp
Day 15: May 29: 2005
Drive from Saga to Nyalum. - 7 Hrs.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 16: May30: 2005
After breakfast drive to Zhagmu 2 hrs and complete
the Chinese border formalities and drive for 8 kms. to the Nepal border.
Cross the friendship bridge and enter into Nepal at Kodari. Complete
immigration formalities and board the waiting vehicles for the 5 hour
drive to Kathmandu.
Overnight at the Hotel Harati or similar.
Day 17: June 01: 2005
Free for final minute packing and shopping until transfer to the airport
for (June 10) final departure.
MT. KAILASH
(KATHMANDU/ZHANGMU/KAILASH/ ZHANGMU/KATHMANDU )
Total Duration: 16 nights / 17 days
NETT PER PERSON US$ 2048.00
Single Supplement US$ 150.00
Cost Includes:
- Arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu in a private deluxe a/c
Van / coach accompanied by an English speaking representative from Sacred
Summits (P) Ltd..
3 nights stay at the Hotel Harati Or similar (3 star) in Kathmandu on
bed and breakfast basis.
- Kathmandu / Kodari drive in a deluxe non a/c vehicle.
- Lunch on the Kathmandu / Kodari drive in a non A/C vehicle
- Fully organized 13 nights / 14 days Mt. Kailash program as per itinerary
with accommodations in 2/3/4 bedded accommodations in Nyalam or on any
enroute stopover hotels (whichever available) and on twin sharing basis
at the Hotel Zhangmu in Zhangmu with all meals, and all camps on fullboard
basis backed by landcruisers for the clients, a truck with sherpas,
cook, food and trekking equipment such as North Face VE 25 (3man) tents,
mattresses, toilet tent, dining tents, all Tibet permit and services
of Yaks and Yak men to carry luggage during the trek around Mt. Kailash
- Kodari / Kathmandu drive in a non A/C vehicle
- Lunch on the Kodari / Kathmandu drive.
Cost Excludes:
- Nepal entry and re-entry visa fees.
- Tibet / Chiva Urgent Visa Fees of US $ 62.00 for US Nationals and
US $ 45.00 for other nationals
- International airfares and airport tax on departure.
- Personal insurance and evacuation charges.
- Hire of Yaks/horses or porters for personal use
- Entrance fees to monasteries and photography charge (if applicable)
- Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, laundry etc.
- Tips for guide and porters
- Sleeping bags. (available on hire in Kathmandu @ US $ 1.50 per day
/ per bag) |
