Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar (18 Days Simikot to Kailash)

Simikot is located in far western Nepal, and is about as remote as you can get! Your trek will take you through a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhist and Nepali Gurung cultures. The vertiginous Himalayan trails climb up to a dramatic plateau at over 4000m. Still a traditional pilgrimage route to the holy Mt. Kailash, this trek will reward you with dramatic views and a sense of intimacy with Nepal like no other trek.
Highlights: The uncontrived nature of both the region and people will leave you with a lifetime of memories - truly a wondrous trek experience!

Mt. Kailash, 6,740 m. is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty, with 4 great faces. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion - Bonpo. To Tibetans it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world.

South of Mount Kailash, across the great plain of Barga at the base of the majestic Mount Gurla Mandhata lies the two lakes Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. They are the highest bodies of fresh water in the world, with Mansarovar (330 sq km), at 4,558 meters, about fifteen meters higher than Rakshas Tal. Mansarovar is the larger of the two lakes and considered by Buddhists and Hindus to be more worthy of veneration. Buddhists believe that Queen Maya, the Buddha's mother, was carried here by the gods and washed prior to given birth to the Buddha.

Different people has different ideas of it’s description. You will feel the real difference in this world. Go there, see and feel the difference once in your life time!

Departure : On Request.
Main Season : April - November
Duration : 18 Days
Maximum Height : 6740m.
Entry : Simikot
Exit : Zhangmu

Day 01 : FLY TO NEPALGUNJ
Our first day is a relaxing one as we fly only ninety minutes to Nepalgunj, a bustling city in southwest Nepal.

Day 02 : FLY TO SIMIKOT & TREK TO DHARAPOKHARI
Another short flight will take us to Simikat. Simikot is the center of Humla, Nepal's most remote and majestic district. Our experience crew will meet us for the first time today and begin our trek. The day will be filled with barley fields, beautiful forested ridges, and even walnut and apricot tress. It is a great way to start our trek. We will spend the night in Dharapokhari, a small village.

Day 03 : TREK TO SALLI KHOLA
Today we continue trekking towards Salli Khola. Our route leads us up steep slopes and along a cool river. We even get to see a waterfall along the way. Another ridge will be followed as we enter a large potato and buckwheat valley. A solemn pine forest and short descent will take us to our campsite along the river. Fall asleep to the calming sounds of rushing water!

Day 04 : TREK TO MUCHU [2920m]
In the morning we cross another rocky ridge before getting to sandy meadows and widespread valleys. Goat herders can be seen many times along the way. In the afternoon we will follow the meandering trail above the river and over a bridge. We will spend the night in the small village of Muchu!

Day 05 : REST DAY
Today is a day to rest and explore this quiet ancient village of Muchu. Take it easy and immerse yourself in some of the Nepalese culture.

Day 06 : TREK TO SIPSIP
From Muchu, we follow the trail over a ridge to the Tumkot Khola and then walk along the rocky stream bed for a short distance before beginning a steep climb through a rock-filled gully. We pass through Palbang and its bright yellow mustard fields to the small settlement of Yari and beyond here the route climbs up the valley towards a pass, the Nara Lagna. We camp below the pass in a meadow known as Sipsip.

Day 07 : TREK TO HILSA [3720m]
A steep ascent in the morning will take is to the top of the Nara Lagna pass. Our first amazing views of the Tibetan Plateau come into view as we climb down the pass. The day will end with a rocky slide down to Humla Karnali.

Day 08 : TREK TO TAKLAKOT &DRIVE TO MANASAROVAR
Our transport vehicles will meet us after the Tibetan border crossing and take us to the holy Lake Mansarovar. Be prepared for an awe-inspiring experience!

Day 09 : AT MANASAROVAR
Today will be a day to rest and experience the magic of this holy site. We will take it easy but also meet with local pilgrims and visit the beautiful Chiu Monastery. Mt. Kailash looms in the distance

Day 10 : DRIVE TO TARBOCHE
After only a 35 km drive we will reach Tarboche. Tarboche marks the start of our religious 53 km trek around the mountain. Finally we have arrived!

Day 11 : TREK TO DIRA-PUK
Lush green meadows and babbling mountain streams compliment our walk through the Lha Chu Valley. We then trek through a narrow river canyon. Enticing waterfalls and steep cliffs surround us. The north face of Kailash finally comes into view as we reach Dira-puk, a 13th century monastery.

Day 12 : TREK TO ZUTUL-PUK
After trekking through the Drolma Chu Valley we climb the prayer flag laden Drolma La pass. It is a relief to cruise downhill towards Zutul-puk, with a view of an alluring mountain lake in the distance. Thukpe Dzingbu Lake is known as the Lake of Compassion. We can also explore several ancient meditation caves!

Day 13 : TREK TO DARCHEN
This is our final day of the kora and a delightful day at that. Several stream and splendid gorges surround us. Ravishing views of Mt. Kailash are abundant on our walk today. The night will be spent in Darchen, a desert-like area.

Day 14 : DRIVE TO PARYANG
We must leave early today for our drive back to Paryang. However, it is not a wasted day as some of the best scenery on our trip is seen in this section. Relax and enjoy the unparalleled beauty of this drive.

Day 15 : DRIVE TO SAGA
Today is another driving day as we head towards Saga. Take in the sights of the small dusty towns along the way!

Day 16 : DRIVE TO PEIKU-TSO
In the morning we will take a ferry across the Yarlung Tsangpo [Brahmaputra River]. As we continue our journey stunning Himalayan views surrounds us once again. Some of the attractions include Shishapangma and our end destination of Peiku-tso, a large majestic lake.

Day 17 : DRIVE TO ZHANGMU
Another 180 kilometers is tackled as we head down the Friendship Highway. Along the way we pass through the small town of Nyalam. After Nyalam we descend down through a mossy gorge and brilliant cascading waterfalls. We will spend the night in Zhangmu, a border town.

Day 18 : DRIVE TO KATHMANDU
In the morning we cross the Bhote Kosi River using the Friendship Bridge. At this point we must bid a fond farewell to our Tibetan guide and go through all the border formalities. Our last night will be spent in the bustling city of Kathmandu. Sadly our trip has come to an end.

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