Mount Kailash via Simikot Trek

Trip Duration 24 nights/25 days
Trip Code NAP-KLS – 506
Trip Grade Moderate to strenuous trail.
Trip Cost Prices on request
Best Time Sep - Nov / March - April

Overview

Mount Kailash  via Simikot trek is a journey which takes you through Nepal’s wild western region of Humla to Tibet's mythical Mount Kailash and holy Manasarovar Lake. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva resides at the summit of Mount Kailash. Accorded the virtual status of a paradise, the place is visited by no more than a few thousand privileged pilgrims every year. Lake Mansarovar, at 14,950 feet is also said to be one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. Set between awe inspiring silver mountains, the lake is majestically calm and placid. As per Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma created this lake through his mind, hence the name 'Mansarovar'.

Mount Kailash tour via Simikot begins after the arrival of all participants in Kathmandu, the group will meet up with the staffs of Nepal Adventure Point for introduction and briefing about the trip. The next day is the day for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will be taken around for a tour of Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath, Patan and Swoyambhunath - the monkey temple. This tour will help you to understand about the historical and cultural background of Nepal, Kathmandu valley and the people of Nepal. The next couple of days are for checking equipments, final preparations, packing, Tibet visa and other necessary document for this trip.

After official procedure, we fly to Simikot which is situated at an elevation of 2910 meter from here it takes 6/7 days to reach the Tibetan border, which will provides plenty of time to acclimatize. The route open for travelers from 1993, before opening Simikot-Hilsa route travellers used to travel to Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar either via Lhasa or via Zhangmu. This route is the shortest and most practical for trekkers in terms of both elevation and distance.

From Hilsa we enter to the Tibetan border and keep on trekking to Sher, where you will receive by our Tibetan guide and after completion of the immigration formalities then we drive to Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. We will visit the picturesque Chiu Monastery on the North West shore of the lake with the imposing sight of Mount Kailash in the background. After visiting Manasarovar, we continue tour to Tarboche, Dira-Puk, Zutal Puk, Darchen, Paryang, Saga, Shigate, Gyantse to Lhasa city. The tour along the way visiting such important sites as the Sakya Monastery, Shigatse, the Shalu Monastery and Gyantse with magnificent views of mountain scenery. Finally, we have sightseeing tour of Lhasa which will cover all of the major historical sites then you will fly to Kathmandu and the farewell dinner will be at typical Nepali restaurant enjoying together with Nepali culture show program

Highlights

* Rim of the Kathmandu city excursion
* Scenic scheduled flight to Nepalgunj and Simikot from Kathmandu
* Trekking to between Nepal and Tibet part
* Tibetan people of diverse groups and cultures
* The holy waters of Manasarovar Lake
* Rare Bon-Po monasteries, the religion in Tibet that predated Buddhism
* Sharing trail with the pilgrims on the 'Kora' of Mt Kailash, including the crossing of the formidable 5,636m Drolma-La Pass
* Fantastic in-your-face view of the 'other side of the Himalaya' from Lalung-La
* Great view of Shisapangma, the 14th highest mountain in the world
* Dramatic transition of scenery as you approach Nepal

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Moderate to strenuous trail.
Trip Duration 24 nights/25 days
Trip code NAP-KLS – 506
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Simikot/Lhasa-Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude Crossing the Khamba-La (4794m)
Trip Cost Prices on request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group
Accessibillity Fly to Nepalgunj and Simikot, start the trek according to the itinerary, after trip to Manasarovar & Lhasa fly back to Kathmandu.
The Route Crossing Nepal/Tibet boarder and Manasarovar Lake, 5/7-hrs average walking and driving per day, moderate to strenuous trail.
Season Sep - Nov / March - April
Permit Fee For the first 7 days per person US$ 50 and After 7 days per day per person US$ 7, or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
Trip Facilities 3+ hotel in city on B/B and tented accommodation on mountain.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the evening at hotel about the daily program activities by your Group Leader/Guide.

 After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.

This day we take 90 minutes flight to Nepalgunj, a relatively large city in the midst of a rice cultivation area on the south border of Nepal to India. Here the climate is stifling and hot in the summer. Stay overnight in a guesthouse.

From Nepalganj we take early morning 50 minutes flight to Simikot (2910m), in the northwest of Nepal. Surrounded by wooded ridges, Simikot is the most remote district highly over the river valley of the Humla Karnali and is the most important settlement in Humla. After meeting our crew, we set off on our trek, climbing up from the airstrip on a rocky trail past fields of barley and wheat. We ascend a forested ridge above the town of Simikot, before making a long steep descent past Dandaphoya (2270m). The trail is then fairly level, through walnut and apricot trees, until we come to the scattered village of Dhara Pokhari (2300m) which is divided by the Yakba Khola. 

We cross a long slope and follow the river to a waterfall near the shepherds' camp at Chachera. We then climb over a ridge and bypass the village of Kermi (2760m) before entering a big valley with walled fields of potato and buckwheat. After walking through a sparse pine forest we descend from the ridge to the Salli Khola (2900m) and camp by the river.

We cross the river and climb over a rocky ridge before descending to the grey waters of the Humla Karnali. After crossing another ridge we come to a sandy meadow where goat herders often camp by the river. Beyond the meadow the valley narrows and we cross several more ridges, passing the villages of Yalbang and Yangar. The trail then winds its way precariously above the river before we cross a suspension bridge to the village of Muchu (3000m), exploring the village with its stone houses and Gompa.

We head for Pallbang. On the way the scenery in the valley is very beautiful. We trek down to Tumkot and cross the Bumachiya Khola. After a long, partially steep ascent we reach Palbang (3380m). We trek along a large, deep valley to Yari (3670m), a settlement surrounded by expanding fields. After 5-hour trekking in the beautiful landscape we build our tents.

In this region there is one crop in a year because of the climate. In Humal millet, barley, wheat, radish and potatoes are produced in a great deal. From Yari we trek toward Nara along the deep valley. On the way we may come across dealers with his pack animals, farmers or pilgrimage. After pass by a very steep ascend we reach Sipsip (4300m). Set up our tents on the meadow at the foot of the mountain pass.

Our main work this day is to cross the pass. After Sipsip the elevation begins rise to about 4,580 meters. No sooner than we reach the pass a lookout of Tibetan highland can be clearly viewed. Trek down to Humala Karnali. From here it is near the Tibetan border. Keep on trekking to Sher (Already in Tibet), where we get picked up in jeeps and drive to Taklakot (Purang). Stay at a very simple guesthouse.

We reach one of the holy land of Tibet, the lake Manasarovar. The fresh water lake is 4,558 meters high above sea level and covers an area of 330 square kilometers, almost equal to that of Garda Lake. The lake is situated between two snow-covered mountain ranges. The landscape at the foot of Gurla one mountain (7728m) is extremely beautiful. Before we come to the Lake, we see the Raksas Tal in the west, an oblong lake, which resembles to the moon, while the larger, rather round Manasarovar lake is compared as the sun. According to the Hinduism Brahma created the Manasarover Lake for the ritual cleaning. It is said anyone who takes a bath in it would be received by Brahmas paradise; who drinks of it, the merits are able to forgive the crime of killing 100 lives. 8 Buddhist monasteries once surrounded the lake; these days 6 of the monasteries are rebuilt. From Trugo the most important monastery among them, a splendid view of the Kailash is seeable, directly reflected in the lake; because of mountain-slopes it is unavailable from other monasteries. Hindus take a bath in this luck-promising place in ice-cold salty water. Most Tibetan Pilgrimages only moisten the head and drinks the water. Traditional this place served as the commercial center of wool and salt for the Nomads from Changthang Grassland and Nepalese dealers. Set up tents by the Manasarovar Lake.

This day will be spent at Manasarovar, allowing our bodies’ time to acclimatize to the altitude and exploring this fascinating place. We will visit the picturesque Chiu Monastery on the North West shore of the lake with the imposing sight of Mount Kailash in the background.

Leaving the lake, we drive for about 35 km towards Mount Kailash and Tarboche which is marked by a tall pole adorned with prayer flags. This is the starting point for our Kora, the 53km trek around the mountain.

From Tarboche, we walk up the Lha Chu Valley through beautiful green meadows and streams with Mt Kailash towering above us. We follow the river which enters a narrow canyon with high, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Continuing up the valley, the north face of Kailash comes into view before we reach the 13th century monastery at Dira-puk.

We now leave the Lha Chu Valley and enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards a high pass, the Drolma-La (5630m). It's a tough climb to the summit which is festooned with prayer flags but from there it is all downhill or flat to Zutul-Puk, with views of one of the highest lakes in the world, Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion. As well as the monastery at Zutul-Puk, there are several meditation caves and another cave containing an image of Milarepa.

On the final day of the Kora we cross several streams, and follow an impressive gorge. Along the way we are once again treated to magnificent views of Kailash. We then enter the Bharka plain and it's about an hour's walk through this desert-like landscape to Darchen.

This day is a long drive, about 300km, to Paryang. Along the way, we cross the Mayun-La and make several river crossings. The scenery along this section is some of the most panoramic of the entire journey.

We continue driving today along a 255km stretch of road to Saga, passing through the small, dusty town of Zhongba en-route.

This day is the longest drive of our journey, 452km to Shigatse. Leaving Saga, we pass the turn-off for the northern route and skirt around a lake, passing through a series of valleys. Approaching Kaga, we'll come across the first trees and agricultural fields that we've seen for many days and the town itself is situated next to a picturesque lake. We continue on to Lhatse where we join the paved Friendship Highway and follow it for the final 150km to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.

This morning in Shigatse we have time to visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, before driving 90km to Gyantse. Once in Gyantse, we can explore the Pelkor Chode Monastery and the Gyantse Kumbum. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.

A spectacular 261km drive this day will take us over the Karo-La (5045m), where we are treated to the awesome sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred meters of the road. Beyond the small, developing town of Nagartse, the road follows the bank of a beautiful turquoise lake, the Yamdrok-Tso, for about 20km. We then cross the Khamba-La (4794m) and continue on to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.

Our guided tour will follow by visiting - Jokhang Gompa - Jokhang is the holiest Gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims, butter lamps permeating the air, and find gruesome Gods in hidden annexes. There is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. After walking the holy inner circle complete a circuit of the Barkor, the market surrounding the Jokhang, for good luck. It is the best market to shop for all things Tibetan. Drepung and Sera Monasteries – Sera is one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet, renown for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard each afternoon. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Drepung was founded in the 14th century and was once the largest Gompa in the world. These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred, but there is still much of interest to see here, as the structure escaped relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Norbulingka - Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and is in a quiet and relaxing garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace - The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrusted gold and silver Stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

Our guided tour will follow by visiting - Jokhang Gompa - Jokhang is the holiest Gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims, butter lamps permeating the air, and find gruesome Gods in hidden annexes. There is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. After walking the holy inner circle complete a circuit of the Barkor, the market surrounding the Jokhang, for good luck. It is the best market to shop for all things Tibetan. Drepung and Sera Monasteries – Sera is one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet, renown for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard each afternoon. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Drepung was founded in the 14th century and was once the largest Gompa in the world. These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred, but there is still much of interest to see here, as the structure escaped relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Norbulingka - Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and is in a quiet and relaxing garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace - The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrusted gold and silver Stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Cost Included

Cost Includes in Nepal Part
Documents: Simikot special permit, National Park entrance permit & TIMS card
Activities: Sightseeing & trekking trip as per itinerary.
Equipment: All necessary camping equipments, kitchen utilize and sleeping bag if necessary
Accommodation: 4 nights hotel in Kathmandu and 21 nights at tented
Food: Full board on camping [Breakfast, lunch and dinner] during the trekking and 4 breakfast and one farewell Dinner in Kathmandu.
Staffs: Trekking Leader/Guide and necessary supporter
Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer, surface road-head transportation land tKathmandu to Nepalgunj and Simikot and Lhasa to Kathmandu flight
Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes & official service chaandges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation

Cost Includes in Tibet Part
Accommodation on twin sharing with breakfast mentioned as per above the itinerary
* All camping equipment whilst camping
* Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner) whilst camping
* Support truck to transport food, luggage and camping equipment.
* All airport transfers
* Sightseeing as per itinerary
* English speaking interpreter/guide (Tibetan)
* Tibet entry permit
* * Chinese visa fees

 

 
 

Cost Excluded


Cost Excludes in Nepal Part
* Travel insurance covering with emergency Helicopter rescue
* Personal equipment
* Lunch and Dinner while in City
* Bar bills & Beverages
* Tips/Gratuities for trekking crews
* Optional activities
* And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

Cost Excludes in Tibet Part
*Your  International flight
* Mountain bikes
* Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, and laundry
* Meals apart from breakfast on noncamping portion of the trip
* Travel insurance
* Emergency evacuation
* Tips and gratuities
* And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

Trip Notes

Please request our Trip Note advice and detailed itinerary.

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