Latest Updates

MT.KAILASH Claimed to be the apex of the Hindu religious axis is also one of the highest mountains in Tibet at 22,022 feet, and lake Mansarover at 14,950ft is said to be the highest fresh water lake in the world, certainly a difficult region to reach with variable and extreme weather conditions. The distance from Lhasa for example is approximately 2000 Km.

Only during the last few years have few ordinary or not so ordinary travelers been able to experience this region. Road conditions are difficult much of the time and we have to make many preparations to ensure that we have a reasonable chance of reaching Kailash. We need to bring our own food and camping equipment. Basic lodges and tea-houses can be found but the plateau is so remote that it is possible to travel for several days without finding food available.

To travel for days on this remote plateau with the chance encounters of nomads herding their sheep or yaks is to be transformed into another way of life, to see and become part of such a devout pilgrimage as shown by pilgrims around Mt.Kailash and Lake Manasarover is to put some aspects of our western way of life into their proper perspective.

We begin the tour by traveling to Kathmandu and departing by road of the Nepal/Tibet border town of Zhangmu where we collect our transport. We travel by the SOUTHERN route and after our pilgrimage religious or secular we return by the same route. The day-to-day program is outlined as follows.


01. After breakfast drive to Nepal China border after the completion of some formalities proceed further ascent to a small town of Zhangbu but beautifully settled at an elevation of 2220m.After finished the formalities again at Zhangbu, we drive further along with the river Sun koshi ( river of gold) with a great view of changing topography gradually from lush and green vegetation to arid highlands , to a very typical village of Nyalum (3750m.) O/n will be at hotel/ camp with dinner.


02. Layover for acclimatizes, walk around.


03. A very long and tired able drive to Saga (4840m.) after crossing the river Yarlung (Bramha Putra in India) by ferry.


04. Drive over bumpy and dusty roads to Purang (4580m.)


05. Drive likewise more further towards our destination , after few hours drive. Mt. Kailash will abreast splendidly, alongwith a great view of pristine water of holy Manasarovar. everyone feel and imagined deeply looking over the Kailash, the god of gods Lord Shiva is on a golden throne with a legendary Woma, blessing over them. Proceed further to typical tiny village of Hore. Most of the peoples are here Tibetans, few Chinese military seems in and around the barrier, checks the travelers of their visa and Kailash permits respectively


06. Journey starts little early towards the holy lake of Manasarovar, couple of houses are boosting to give a shelter to the pilgrims, wants to take a bath in a hot-spring nearby after paying of 10 Yuan.


07. Walk to the lake for a purification of bath, taking pooja articles, whenever they arrived every one fills by heart the close presence of god, must be somewhere here.


08. Drive to Darchen(4700m.) will start your trek for circumambulation as far to Dirapuk one will have the excellent view of north face of Holy Mt. Kailash.    

 

09. Climb past piles of clothing at Shivasthal, elevation 5330 meter Ascends to Dolmala pass 5800m. And again ascends to Dolma la at 5630 meters, this is the hardest part of parikrama. The trail is rocky at first then descends to the lake Gauri-kunda at 5450 meters. Hindu pilgrims are supposed to break the ice and bath in its water. More switchbacks lead down to the valley of Lham Chhukhir at 5150 meters, there is a footprint of Lord Shiva. Again descent to Zuthulpuk at 4890 meters. Zuthul - puk means a miracle cave. There is a Gompa, where the saint milarepa stayed, meditating and eating only nettle. His footprint still remains on the roof. View of the east face of ailas is superb.

10. Trek returns to Darchen, where your land cruiser would be awaiting you and drive return back to Hore again. O/N.

11. Hore to Purang.


12. Purang to Saga.


14. Saga to Nyalam.


14. Nylam to Kathmandu.


On the above programmed the roads are not tarred. The average distance covered is 30-40 Kms per hour, except while traveling from Saga to Tsongpa, where one can travel at an average speed of 70 to 80 Kms an hour. Most of the roads are bumpy, sandy and one has to cross through three major rivers where there are no bridges. At Saga the river has to be crossed by ferry.
The climate in Tibet can be extreme varying from 25 C. in the daytime to -5 C to -10 C. at night. Winds blow at a speed of 60-80 Kms per hour, and some times may be more.
The best time to travel is from early May to end of June and again during the month of September.
 

ACCESSORIES: We recommend that you bring the following items to make your journey more comfortable
 

1.) Personal first aid Kit.
 

2.) Toilet kit with toilet paper.
 

3.) Flashlight with extra batteries.
 

4.) Sun Glasses.
 

5.) Water bottle-unbreakable
 

6.) Note book, Pens, Pencils.
 

7.) Camera and film and extra batteries for electronic cameras.
 

8.) Binoculars.
 

9.) Duffel bag: Long(36inches or so) Heavy duty canvas or nylon bag that can be secured with a padlock. Waterproof it by lining with a thick plastic bag.
 

10.) Rain Gear: Your raincoat should be roomy and have water proof hood.
 

11.) Footwear's: Your hiking boots should have thick soles and be high enough to provide adequate ankle support. A spare pair of thongs or sneakers to wear in camp.
 

12.) Pocket knife, sewing kit, Compass, Altimeter, Butane Cigarette Lighter Towel, Plastic bags (a few of each size-strong), dust masks, strong Sun cream Money Pouch or belts etc.
 

13.) Water purification tablets.
Further the clients should be aware of the following:
 

ALTITUDE SICKNESS: This is an environment related condition that can affect anyone who ascends too rapidly to high elevations without acclimatizing properly. (Suggest reading any book on Trekking, which has a chapter on this. If unable please let us know and we shall furnish the same.)
 

RESPONSIBILITY: All arrangements within Tibet are solely at the discretion of the China Tibet Tourism Corporation (CTTC),a government organization, and we have no control over the quality of the vehicles or the facilities. CTTC reserves the right to change itineraries without advance notice, depending on the weather and road conditions.
 

COMMUNICATION: You may give our address as your forwarding address as it is not possible to send mail to you after you leave Kathmandu, but they will be kept very carefully until your return.
If you intend to send out mail, post cards and stamps are available in Zhangmu and can be posted from Zhangmu. Long distance calls will be available at Zhangmu and Saga.
 

CURRENCY: All major foreign currencies and TCs are accepted in Zhangmu Bank in return for Yuan.
 

CUSTOMS FORMALITIES: Valuable goods taken for personal use (camera, radio, watch, video, jewelry) should be declared at customs office by completing a Customs Declaration Form and brought back on return journey. Antiques must be properly certified otherwise they may be confiscated.
 

PAYMENTS: A 50 percent deposit must be sent in advance in favor of Mountain Way Trekking, Pokhara. The balance payment must reach us 30 days from the date of departure.
 

Latest Blog Posts