Nepal and Kailash Mansarovar Tour 10 Night 11 Days

On the second day, you will embark on a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. The itinerary includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath.

Pashupatinath Temple: Begin your day with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned as the oldest temple in Nepal. It attracts countless devotees, and it is believed that a visit here can cleanse one of their sins. Following the temple visit, enjoy breakfast before proceeding to the Monkey Temple.

Swayambhunath: Located atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex. This site offers a unique opportunity to witness the coexistence of Buddhist and Hindu religious practices, as well as panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley below. The stupa, a distinctive dome-shaped Buddhist structure, is a historically significant shrine in the region. In addition to prayer wheels and exquisite paintings within the monasteries, Swayambhunath boasts the largest Buddha statue in the country.

Boudhanath: Boudhanath, also known as Boudha, is situated about 11 kilometers from the city center, in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Its colossal mandala design makes it one of Nepal's largest spherical stupas. This stupa symbolizes the three-dimensional representation of Buddha's journey towards enlightenment. The stupa's base represents Earth, the white dome symbolizes water, the spire represents air, and the umbrella-shaped top symbolizes emptiness.

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The third day of your journey involves driving from Kathmandu to Kyirong. You will follow the Pasang Lhamu highway in Nepal, making your way to the Kyirong border via Dhunche and Syabrubesi. The distance from Kathmandu to Kyirong is approximately 150 kilometers, and the journey will take around 7 to 8 hours by Jeep, primarily due to the challenging off-road conditions.

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Early in the morning, set out on a drive from Kyirong to Saga. The road covers a distance of 108 kilometers and will take about 3-4 hours to reach your destination. This drive will take you through Lhatse and Sang Sang, so it's advisable to commence your journey early in the day.

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After enjoying breakfast in the morning, your expedition continues from Saga to Lake Manasarovar, which is approximately 455 kilometres away and will take around 6 hours to reach. It's essential to start early in the morning as today's journey covers a substantial distance. After covering about 150 kilometers, you'll arrive at Old Dzongba, a settlement of Tibetan herders. From Old Dzongba, your drive will take you through high mountain passes and expansive pastures on your way to Paryang, a small town with a Chinese military presence. As you continue westward from Paryang, you'll make a stop at Horchu River, which hosts a military checkpoint.

It's another two-hour drive from Mayum La to reach Lake Manasarovar. Depending on your arrival time and weather conditions, you can perform the sacred dip and pooja either today or tomorrow.

Lake Manasarovar: This sacred lake ranks among the world's highest freshwater lakes, with an elevation of 4,583 meters and covering an area of 412 square kilometers. The northern part of the lake is broader than the southern end, with the deepest point exceeding 70 meters. The lake's water is evident, allowing visibility to great depths. In Tibetan, Manasarovar translates to the "invincible lake." In the 11th century, Buddhism prevailed over the local Bon Religion, leading to the renaming of the lake from "Machui Co" to "Manasarovar," signifying the "Invincible Lake," in the hopes of attracting more believers in Tibet.

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After a morning meal, set out on a drive to Darchen. Darchen is located 32 kilometers from Lake Manasarovar, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes to reach your destination.

Darchen: Positioned at the base of Mount Kailash, Darchen is a serene village situated directly in front of the sacred Mount Kailash, 330 kilometers southeast of Shiquanhe. Darchen stands at an altitude of 4,575 meters (15,010 ft.). Each year, thousands of travelers, pilgrims, and photographers from around the world visit this small village to witness the holiest mountain in Tibet, turning the village into an international center.

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Following breakfast, drive to Yama Dwar, also known as Tarbochi, located 15 kilometers from Darchen, a journey of about 15 minutes. From Yama Dwar, your trek to Dirapuk, located on the north face of Mount Kailash, commences. The trail takes you along a winding and pebbled path, with occasional ascents to higher terrain.

Dirapuk: This monastery is positioned near Mount Kailash and offers a spectacular view of the mountain's north face. As thousands of pilgrims undertake the holy trek around Kailash each year, they make a stop at this monastery along the way. The monastery was constructed around the retreat cave of the yogin Gotsangpa, who discovered the path around Mount Kailash with the guidance of a yak, which led to the monastery's name. In Tibetan, "Dira" signifies "female yak horn," and "Puk" means "cave." The area around the monastery's stupas is an excellent location to capture photographs of Mount Kailash's north side.

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Today presents the most challenging, longest, and exhilarating segment of your spiritual journey. You will need to trek for at least 8 to 9 hours to reach your destination, Zhuthulbuk. Starting from Dirapuk, the trail ascends rapidly to Shivasthal, taking a winding and zigzag path. Shivasthal is a place where Tibetans make offerings (food, clothing, alcohol, etc.) to the deceased souls of their family members, friends, and relatives, believing that these offerings will be received by the departed souls in heaven. This is also where the trail to the inner Parikrama route diverges.

From Shivasthal, the path ascends gradually until you reach Dolma Pass (5620 meters). After crossing Dolma Pass, you'll descend a short distance to reach Gaurikunda, an auspicious lake along the route. From here, the trail descends rapidly, leading you to the valley floor. The final stretch of the journey follows the river bank until you reach Zhuthulbuk. Zhuthulbuk has a few small houses, as there are no guesthouses available in the area.

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The day begins with an easy 3-hour walk on flat terrain to complete the Kailash Kora. After the walk, you will return by car to Saga, and you are likely to arrive in Saga by evening.

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Today, you will retrace your route back to Kyirong. Along the way, you can make stops at scenic spots to take pictures and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.

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In the early morning, embark on a journey to the Nepal-Tibet immigration checkpoint. You will cross the Friendship Bridge and complete immigration procedures on both sides. After successfully exiting Nepal, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu where you can check in and take a well-deserved rest.

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Your last morning will be free, and as your flight departure time approaches, you will make your way to the airport to catch your onward flight.

•   The best time to visit the Mount Kailash region is from April to the first half of October. During this period, the average temperature in the area hovers around 8 to 9 degrees Celsius. However, it's important to note that the monsoon season begins in July and continues through August, so it's advisable to double-check the weather for these months before embarking on your journey to Mount Kailash.

•   Another factor to consider is that snowfall is expected when you reach Dolma-la Pass, which is part of the pilgrimage route. Therefore, it's highly recommended to bring cold-weather clothing to stay comfortable during this portion of the trip.

•   For those looking to experience a unique cultural event during their visit, the best time to visit Mount Kailash is during the Saga Dawa Festival, which typically falls on the 15th day of June. This festival is a significant and auspicious occasion for pilgrims and travelers alike, offering a memorable cultural experience in the shadow of this sacred mountain.

• Travelling to Mount Kailash from Tibet involves several permits and documents, depending on your route. Here's an overview of the permits and documents you'll need:

If traveling from Tibet:

1.     Tibet Travel Permit: This is a primary requirement for traveling in Tibet and is typically arranged by a travel agency as part of your tour package.
2. Alien's Travel Permit: This permit is required to visit certain areas of Tibet that are restricted to foreigners. It is also usually arranged by your travel agency.
3.    Military Permit: If your journey includes areas near sensitive border regions, a military permit may be necessary. Your travel agency will arrange this if needed.
4.     Foreign Affairs Permit: In some cases, a foreign affairs permit may be required for specific regions. This will also be arranged by your travel agency.
5.     Frontier Pass: To visit the Mount Kailash region, a frontier pass is essential, and it is typically obtained by your travel agency.

If opting for a tour via Kathmandu:

•  In addition to the permits mentioned above, if you choose to embark on a Mount Kailash tour from Kathmandu, you will also need a China Group Visa. This visa is typically processed through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu and is a collective visa for your tour group.
• It's crucial to work with a reputable travel agency or tour operator to ensure all the necessary permits and documents are obtained for your specific itinerary. The agency will guide you through the permit application process and help make your journey to Mount Kailash a smooth and memorable experience.

1. Recognizing Normal Symptoms: When embarking on a journey to high-altitude regions like Mount Kailash, it's important to understand that mild symptoms like dizziness, headache, drowsiness, and chest tightness are common reactions to high altitudes. These are normal and not a cause for immediate concern. As long as you slow down and avoid vigorous activities, you can manage these symptoms.
2. Acclimatization Time: Most itineraries to Mount Kailash allow for gradual acclimatization. The journey typically takes around 4 days from Lhasa to Darchen, which provides ample time to adapt to the higher elevation. If you are sensitive to altitude sickness, consider taking an extra day or two to rest in Darchen before proceeding to Kailash.
3. Avoid Showering: It's recommended not to take a shower during your stay at higher altitudes. This can help your body adapt to the local climate and reduce the risk of catching a cold or worsening altitude sickness. Instead, you can use wet tissues and hot water for cleaning.
4.  Hydration: Drink plenty of liquids along the way to stay hydrated. Proper hydration can help alleviate some altitude-related symptoms.
5.   Diet: Maintain a wholesome diet with foods that are easy on your stomach. Avoid heavy or spicy meals that might exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort.
6.  Medications: Carry common medications such as aspirin (for headaches), cold medicine, and gastrointestinal medicine in case you need them.
7. Use Local Assistance: If you have a lot of luggage, consider hiring a yak and porter to help with the load. If you are physically weak or experience severe symptoms, you can also ride on a horse provided by local Tibetans.
8.  Immediate Descent: If altitude sickness symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to descend to a lower altitude. Safety should always be a priority, and descending can provide quick relief from severe symptoms.

It's essential to be mindful of your body and prioritize acclimatization and safety during your journey to Mount Kailash. Altitude sickness is manageable with proper precautions, allowing you to fully enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of the region.

•       According to regulations, Tibet travel agencies are unable to arrange visits to Mt. Kailash for Indian Passport Holders. However, we can provide you with Tibet tours in other areas, with Ngari being a suitable option. There is a specific organization called the "Pilgrim Center" that can arrange Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian nationals with fixed tour itineraries. Please feel free to reach out to us for free consultation and assistance in planning your travel. We're here to help you explore other beautiful regions and experiences in Tibet.

•      The total distance is around 52 kilometres. Usually, three days are enough to finish it. But some people could even finish it within two days. But we arrange for three days for our clients as per the ordinary situation.

•  The journey to Mt. Kailash typically begins in Lhasa and spans a distance of 1,210 kilometers. As you travel along this route, the altitude gradually increases, allowing you to better acclimatize to the high-altitude plateau environment.

•  Normally, there should be no issue if you don't have any cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or pulmonary diseases. We've had a client who was over 70 years old and completed the Mt. Kailash tour in July 2019. However, we can't guarantee that the trek in the Kailash area will be suitable for you, as individual experiences may vary.

•   For small group tours, yak service for luggage is typically not included, so you would need to manage your luggage and trek at an elevation of 4,500 meters (13,124 feet) by yourself. Alternatively, you can hire a yak or a porter to carry your luggage or even ride a horse to assist with the trekking.

•  It's advisable to seek professional advice from your doctor to ensure you are physically prepared for the journey. Bringing a sleeping bag is also recommended in case it is needed during the trek. Safety and preparation are key to a successful and enjoyable experience at Mt. Kailash.