The Holy Mountain and Sacred Lake

According to ancient Sanskrit documents, the Gangdise Range had become a holy Mountain as early as 2,000 years before Christ. The Hindu myth has it that the "palace" for the god of gods was built on the peak of Kailash of the Gangdise Range. This important mountain in Asian history with elevation of 6,656 meters is located in the county of Bruagn in Ngari area. The Tibetan Buddhists believe that the mountain is in the shape of an olive with a grand legendary palace on the peak. Four streams flow down the mountain from four sources, each in the shape of a horse, lion, elephant and peacock, which have given names to the four famous rivers in Ngari. The mountain "palace" was home to 500arhats. It is believed that centuries ago a visiting Bangladesh monk had heard chimes of bells and drum beats from the "palace". Pilgrims today still claim that a few lucky ones may hear mysterious sounds from the mountain. Kailash crowns the Himalayan Mountains with its myriad of myths and legends and remains the focus of the religious emotions of those who feel its pull. For centuries, pilgrims have come from afar to pay homage, praying for redemption by walking around this holy mountain of purity and benevolence. A full circle around the mountain takes from 24 hours to 36 hours. This tradition of worshipping was deep rooted in ancient pagan rituals and is still alive and strong today. One myth has it that Mila Xiba, a famous Tibetan monk, subdued a heretic in battle of faith and power on Mt. Kailash. The victory has been celebrated in every Year of the Horse when pilgrimage to the holy mountain is at its height.

Lake Manasarova, one of the highest fresh water lakes of the world, is over 20 kilometers to the southeast of Mount Kailash with a total surface area of 400 square kilometers. This placid lake is a vast expanse of pristine water, absolutely beautiful under the vast and clear sky. The legend has it that Goddess Woma bathed in the lake. Because of its sheer beauty and charming myths and legends, the lake was mentioned as a celestial lake of the west in an ancient book written by Xuanzang, a Tang Dynasty monk known for his journey to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. The book was entitled "The Western Territories of the Great Tang Empire". The lake was already known to the Tibetans as Macuitso about nine centuries ago. It was believed that in the "palace of the dragon king" on the bottom of the lake were boundless treasures. The chosen ones after walking around the lake a full circle would be promised a life of plenty by a small fish, a pebble or a feather they might have picked up. After the triumphant rise of Buddhism in Tibet in the 11th century, the lake was given a Buddhist name "Manasarova", meaning "perpetually invincible". Thereafter, the lake has been regarded as a gift from Buddha with cleansing and redeeming power that will bring spiritual and physical well-being. The lake has thus gained a primordial force, which, together with the Holy Mountain Kailash, has attracted countless pilgrims to the area of Ngari. They would take the strenuous journey around the mountain and lake as a test of their faith and for an experience of the holy power. Many of them have harbored the wish of bathing in the lake for many years. There are four holy bathing spots around the lake respectively named Lotus, Fragrance, Purification and Faith. Bathing at each spot while trekking around the lake would redeem different sins. The mysterious powers of Lake Manasarova are believed to be just as great as those of the towering Mount Kailash.

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel Shanker. O/nt. at Hotel Shanker.

Day 02: In the morning visit the Pashupatinath and the Boudhanath stupa. In the afternoon group meeting to discuss on trip to Kailash. O.nt at Hotel Shanke

Day 03: Embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu – Kodari . Walk to The Friendship Bridge and drive uphill to Zhangmu . After completing custom and immigration formalities, proceed to Nyalam . O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar . (153 Kms / 6-7 Hrs)

Day 04: Stay at Nyalam (3750m) for acclimatization . The Group will be taken for a 3 hrs Trek in Nyalam . O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar.

Day 05: Drive Nyalam – Saga (4600m – 240 Kms / 6 – 7 Hrs). O/nt at Guest House.

Day 06: Drive to Paryang (4750m - 255 Kms / 5-6 Hrs). O/nt at Htl Paryang.

Day 07: Drive to Hor-Quo (4560m – 223 Kms / 5-6 Hrs ). Camp at the banks of Lake Manasarovar .

Day 08: AM Lake Manasarovar Parikarma (4520m -115 Kms / 4-5 Hrs.)
PM Drive to Darchen (4620m). O/nt at Guest House.

Day 09: Trek to Serlung Monastery and to Nandi Parbat for an excellent view of Mount Kailash . The Group will stay at Darchen and make final preparation for the Kailash Parikarma. O/nt at Guest House

Day 10: Drive ahead of Tarboche – to the trek starting point of Kailash Parikarma (13 Kms) Trek to Dirapuk (4860m – 7 Kms) approx 5 – 6 Hrs. Trek . Camp .

Day 11: Trek to Zuthul Puk (4760m – 18 Kms). approx 9-10 Hrs. Trek. Camp

Day 12: End Kailash Kora (10 Kms) approx 3 - 4 Hrs Trek . Drive to Paryang (270 Kms / 6-7 Hrs.) O/nt at Htl Paryang .

Day 13: Drive to Saga ( 255 Kms / 6-7 Hrs.) O/nt at Guest House.

Day 14: Drive to Nyalam. (240 Kms / 6 – 7 Hrs). O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar

Day 15: Drive downhill to Zhangmu and Friendship Bridge where transportation awaits for the final leg of journey to Kathmandu. O/N in Hotel Shanker.

Day 16: Transfer to airport for onward flight.

* Arrival / departure Airport Transfer,
* 3 Nights Accommodation at Htl Shanker or similar on Twin Sharing & BB Basis, 
* Halfday Sightseeing Tour Of Pashupatinath & Bodhnath, 
* Kathmandu-Kodari- Kathmandu Transfer by Coach,
* 4500 Model Japanese Land cruiser (4 Person in 1 Jeep), 
* Support Truck, Accommodation at Guest Houses throughout The Yatra,
* 1 Day Camping at Lake Manasarovar & 2 Nts Camping during Kailash Kora,
* Full Board Vegetarian Meals, 
* Trekking Staff comprising of 1 Nepali Team Leader,
* Cooks & Sherpas,
* 1 English Speaking Tibetan Guide,
* All Camping Equipment,
* Yaks & Yak-men for porterage during Kailash Kora,
* First aid kit ,
* Large Oxygen Cylinder,
* Gamow Bag,
* Satellite Phone & China Telecom Phone Sets,
* All Permits & Tibet / China Visa Fees
* 10 % VAT and 13% TSC Taxes

 COST EXCLUDES:

* Nepal Visa & Nepal re-entry visa fee ,
* Travel Insurance ,
* Emersancy Evacuation Cost ,
* Insurgent Fee (Npr.500 pp) and Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation or porterage on The Arniko Highway (Rs.500-750 pp) and
* Expenses of personal nature.
* Airport Departure Tax Rs 1695.