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A holy pilgrimage to Mt Kailash, the navel of the universe

For centuries this snowcapped mountain in Western Tibet has been revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike as the Throne of the Gods and the mystical centre of the universe. Join the pilgrims on a trek along the 50 km route, with stunning views of this extraordinary peak. The stunning drive in to Kailash crosses the great plains of southern Tibet, inhabited only by nomadic herders. And finally a spectacular overland ride across the 'other side of the Himalaya' back to Kathmandu marks the end of this incredible journey.

Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu (1,330m)
Day 2 In Kathmandu, sightseeing Kathmandu Valley
Day 3 Drive along the scenic part of Nepal to the border at Kodari (1,900m) and up the Tibetan Steppe at Nyalam (3,750m)
Day 4/7 Drive west across the Tibetan plateau to Saga (4,290m). Cross the Tsangpo and drive over the MayumLa (5,216m) to Lake Manasarovar (4,590m) 
Day 8 Drive to Mt Kailash BC at Darchen (4,675m)
Day 9/11 Trek around Mt Kailash, crossing the DolmaLa (5,636m) before ending the trek at Darchen; short drive to Manasarovar
Day 12/14 Drive back along the Yarlung Tsangpo River, descend to the border town of Zhangmu (2,350m)
Day 15 Drive across the border to the lush Nepali resort town of Dhulikhel (1,550m) to unwind
Day 16 Drive to Kathmandu; explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square en route
Day 17 Trip concludes

Trip profile
17 Day Trip
11 days drive
3 days point-to-point trek
3 nights Kathmandu
1 night Zhangmu
1 night Dhulikhel
Accommodation5 nights Hotels, Guesthouses
Field accommodation 11 nights, Camping, Tibetan Lodges (opt)
Transport4X4 Land Cruiser (Tibet), private bus
Type Camping
StyleDiscovery
When to VisitMay to Sep
Altitude Max5,636m/ 18,490ft (DolmaLa)
Altitude Avg 4,000m/ 13,120ft

-Involves driving of up to 6-8 hours a day on bumpy roads at altitude
-The first day's drive from Kathmandu (1,330m) will take you straight to the  Tibetan Steppe at Nyalam (3,750m); risk of altitude sickness will be minimised  by spending another day here acclimatising -Dry condition and windy  afternoons
-Involves trekking of up to 6-7 hours a day at a steady pace at altitude for 3 days  on the circuit of Mt Kailash
-The Dolma Pass (5,663m) is snowbound most time of year, so slight risk of  exposure

Highlights
-Kathmandu's ancient temples and markets
-Tibetan people of diverse groups and cultures
-Active Buddhist practices and ancient monasteries
-Great overland journey through stark beauty of the  Tibetan plateau
-Views of wildlife and Tibetan nomad camps
-Superb sight of Yarlung Tshangpo river basin
-Cross many high passes including MayumLa
-The holy waters of Manasarovar Lake, and the adjacent  Raksas 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 Dolma  Pass
-Fantastic in-your-face view of the 'other side of the  Himalaya' from LalungLa
-Great view of Shisapangma, the 14th highest mountain  in the world
-Dramatic transition of scenery as you approach Nepal
-Scenic drive to Kathmandu
-A stay at Dhulikhel resort to unwind

 
Inclusions
-All meals in Nepal and Tibet, except main meals in  Kathmandu;
-All ground transport in Nepal and Tibet, including  airport transfers, as mentioned;
-All accommodations;
-All sightseeing tours;
-All applicable permits and entrance fees;
-Full trek staff arrangements including a Group Leader  and Sherpa guides;
-Pack animals to carry personal and group equipments;
-Use of Trek Pack;
-Group medical kit;
-All major group equipments, etc.

Comments
-Although this is an camping adventure, we have the  option of using Tibetan Lodge facilities too if required
-We also have options for the non-trekker to savour this  sacred environment
-Roads prone to landslips from Nyalam to Nepal side  during monsoon; so be prepared to walk or wait until  the debris is cleared
-Most road networks in Tibet outside cities and towns  are nothing but dirt tracks. Therefore, the drives, although spectacular, are bumpy and tiring
-It is possible to combine this trip with a visit to Lhasa  and make the overland journey through Kailash  finishing the trip in Kathmandu
-There are other places of interest near Kailash which  could be added on this itinerary which are not featured  here