Overview
The Mount Kailash-Manasarovar tour is a highly spiritual and challenging journey that attracts pilgrims and adventurers from around the world. Mount Kailash - Mansarovar Tour is probably one of the best tours in Tibet, the roof of the world. Highlights of the trip include a three-day trek around Mount Kailash, an exploration of Lake Manasarovar and the crossing of the two highest passes in the world: Drolma La (5620m) and Kongtang Lhamo Pass (5236m). Both these treks offer spectacular views of Mount Shishapangma and Mount Gurla Mandatta (7694m), the 14th highest mountain in the world. Much of the journey takes you through the beautiful and exotic Tibetan landscape, dotted with lakes, waterfalls, temples and lush wildlife. You will have a rare opportunity to interact with Tibetans, observe their nomadic lifestyle and learn about Buddhist culture. Other activities on this trip include visiting Yarlung Tsangpo River, Peaku Tso Lake and Chiu Monastery. The tour starts and ends at Rasuwagadhi in Rasuwa District, 100 km north of Kathmandu along the Nepal-Tibet border.
Overview of the tour :
Mount Kailash:
- Location: Mount Kailash is situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, near the source of some of the most important rivers in Asia, including the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali.
- Significance: Considered one of the holiest mountains in the world, it holds great religious significance for several major religions:
- Hinduism: Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
- Buddhism: Associated with the mythical Mt. Meru, the axis of the universe.
- Jainism: Thought to be the site where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, achieved enlightenment.
- Bon: The mountain is also significant in the Bon religion, where it is considered the center of the universe.
Lake Manasarovar:
- Location: Lake Manasarovar is located near Mount Kailash and is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world.
- Significance: It is revered as a sacred lake in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is believed to cleanse the soul and is often associated with spiritual purification and enlightenment.
Tour Details:
1. **Duration:** The tour usually lasts about 12 to 20 days, depending on the itinerary and the starting point. The journey includes travel to Tibet, acclimatization, and the pilgrimage itself.
2. **Itinerary:**
- Travel to Tibet: Pilgrims often start their journey from Nepal or India, traveling to Tibet either by overland route or by air.
- Acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, acclimatization is crucial. Tours typically include days set aside for acclimatization.
- Kailash Kora: This is the pilgrimage circuit around Mount Kailash, which is about 52 kilometers (32 miles) and takes about 3 days to complete. It involves walking at high altitudes and is physically demanding.
- Lake Manasarovar: Pilgrims usually take a day to circumambulate or spend time at Lake Manasarovar, performing rituals and seeking spiritual blessings.
3. **Travel Conditions:**
- Altitude: Both Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are at high altitudes (over 4,500 meters or 14,800 feet), so travelers must be prepared for the effects of altitude sickness.
- Climate: The weather can be extreme, with cold temperatures and high winds. It’s important to be well-prepared with proper clothing and gear.
- Permits: Special permits are required to enter Tibet, and these are usually arranged by tour operators.
4. **Physical Fitness:**
- The tour requires a good level of physical fitness due to the altitude and the physical demands of the Kailash Kora. It's advisable to prepare physically and mentally before undertaking this journey.
5. **Tour Operators:**
Due to the complexities of travel and permits, it’s recommended to travel with a reputable tour operator who specializes in Kailash-Manasarovar tours. They handle logistics, permits, and provide guidance throughout the journey.
### Cultural and Spiritual Experience:
- Religious Significance: The tour is not just a physical journey but also a profound spiritual experience. Pilgrims often describe it as a transformative experience that deepens their faith and provides a sense of profound inner peace.
- Cultural Interaction: The journey may include interactions with Tibetan nomads and monks, offering insights into Tibetan culture and spiritual practices.
Overall, the Mount Kailash-Manasarovar tour is a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage for many, combining elements of adventure, spiritual growth, and cultural discovery.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Kerung Thil takes about 5 hrs.
After breakfast at hotel in Kathmandu, drive towards Kerung (Boader town in Nepal Part) In Tibet border, you will meet your Tibetan guide and driver. After completing immigration and custom formalities on both sides of Nepal & Tibet, continue driving further to Kerung Thil which takes about 2 hrs.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2 : Drive from Kerung Thil to Kerung County takes about 2 hrs.
After breakfast in Kerung Thil, you will make the PSP permit and then drive towards Kerung country. On the way, visit beautiful waterfall and Milarepa Enlightenment Cave.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 3 : Drive from Kerung County to Zhongba via Kongtang Lhamo pass which takes about 7 hrs.
After breakfast in the morning drive to Kongtang Lhamo pass at 5236-meter altitude offers magnificent views of Mt. Shishapangma and Peaku Tso Lake. Further ahead is an isolated town of Saga before heading to Zhongba.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 4 : Drive from Zhongba to Lake Manasarovar takes about 6 hrs.
Enjoy enchanting panoramic views of Paryang and Manasarovar. As you near this breathtaking sacred lake, historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the Northwest shore of the lake.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 5 : Drive from Lake Manasarovar to Darchen takes about 1 hr.
After taking in the morning beauty of Lake Manasarovar with backdrop of snowy massif of Mt. Gurla Mandata (7694m), take an afternoon drive to Darchen.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 6 : Drive from Darchen to Tarpoche takes about 45 minutes and then trek to Diraphuk for 5hr.
After you drive to Tarpoche, you start your Kora around Mt. Kailash. You have to trek past verdant meadows and picturesque streams to Lha Chu Valley. The route overlooks Turquoise River cascading over a narrow canyon with high steep cliffs. En route, north face of Kailash comes into vision. The trail will end at monastery of Diraphuk.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 7 : Trek from Diraphuk to Zutulphuk takes about 8hrs.
At the outset you will ascend to Drolma La (5620m), the highest point of the entire trip, which affords breathtaking views of Lake of Compassion. Further on, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zutul-Puk which houses a monastery and several fascinating Milarepa’s cave.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 8 : Trek from Zutulphuk to Darchen takes about 4hrs.
Away from Zutul-Puk, you follow the trail through Bharkha plain leading to Darchen. It is an easy walk along some impressive gorges and around many mani stones and mani walls back to the Bharka Plains and Darchen. By the end of the day, you will have completed the kora and thereby erased your sins, endured cold nights and mornings, crossed one of the highest passes in the world, met countless fellow pilgrims, sent prayers of peace out to the world.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 9 : Drive from Darchen to Saga takes about 8hours crossing Mayum-la and several rivers.
The scenery along this section is some of the most beautiful of the entire journey, and a distant storm drifting behind Tibetans, horses & sheep is a surreal sight.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 10 : Drive from Saga via Kongtang Lhamo pass (5236m) to Kerung Thil takes about 8 hours.
Heading away from saga, the trail follows a route that brushes past Brahmaputra River. Further ahead, a river valley sprawls over and then traditional picturesque villages come into picture. This scenically rewarding drive provides plenty of opportunities for photography.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 11 : Kerung Thil—Rasuwa border (1800m) – Kathmandu
After Breakfast, you will drive towards Rasuwa border which is 1 hour driving then cross the border and drive slowly to Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.