
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for any Hindu across the world is a yatra of lifetime. Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spiritual center of the universe, described as a fanatastic 'world pillar' 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top live their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati. For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions. Over the centuries pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves of sin, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.
Day 01 : Arrive Kathmandu
On arrival at the airport Riche Tourism Travels representative would welcome you and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 02 : In Kathmandu
Morning after breakfast proceed for a full day sightseeing of Kathmandu. Evening meet our experts to update yourself for the tour. Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 03 : Kathmandu - Nylam (3700 m, 180 Kms)
Morning drive to the frontier town of Nepal at Kodari. From here, a short walk to the friendship bridge for the drive on a local available vehicle to Zhangmu, the main entrance of Tibet, China at the height of 2,300 m. which is about 145 kms from Kathmandu. In Zhangmu, you will be received by guide from our Tibetan counterpart. After all the formalities at the check post here, our journey continues for another 35 kms which can take almost 3 hours through the up-winding road to Nyalam with beautiful scenery as the drive brings us for the overnight stay at Nyalam (3,700 m.). The lodges and guesthouses here are very simple and basic. Overnight at Nylam
Day 04 : In Nylam
Rest day for acclimatization and local hikes around. Overnight at Nylam
Day 05 : Nylam - Saga (5050m, 5-6 Hrs drive)
Morning drive to the first pass of Lelung La at 5,050 m. From here a superb view of the high Himalayas can be seen from Gaurishanker, Shisapangma to Langtang Himal. From here the road diverts towards near Shisapangma on the trail to Saga on the absolute windswept landscape on the rough dirt road. Saga, one of the large village enroute to Kailash. The drive can take approximate 5-6 hours depending upon the road condition. We will be camping near the village for the overnight. Overnight at Saga
Day 06 : Saga - Paryang (110 Kms)
Another morning drive through the windswept territory passing many villages and camps of Yak herders with the distance view of snow capped mountains. After 5-6 hours of drive brings us to Paryang for the overnight stay. Overnight at Paryang
Day 07 : Prayang - Darchen
From Paryang, our journey continues to Darchen, the start of our Parikrama or Kora. The drive passes through open territory with a view of distant mountains, Yak herders camp, if lucky you might come across a herd of Kang (Wild Ass). The drive takes us to a high pass of over 5,000 m. before we arrive at Darchen (4,480 m). Darchen is located beneath the majestic holy Mount Kailash, a small village with couple of guest houses. During the auspicious pilgrimage time, this place will be flooded with Pilgrims with hundreds of tents all around. Darchen, the beginning and end point of the Kora. Overnight at Darchen
Day 08 : Darchen - Dirapuk
The first day of our Kora is a gradual walk with multitudes of other local pilgrims chanting and praying. The trail leads us to few ups and downs till we reach our camp at Dirapuk (4,750 m.), after 5-6 hours walk. Camping on the nice grassy meadows with a view of Kailash, northwest face.
Day 09 : Dirapuk - Zuthulphuk
Today our circumbulation (Kora) leads to much higher side of the holy path just beneath the Mount Kailash. The walk will bring us to one of the highest point at Drolma La, 5,200 m. before descending to the gradual field towards Zuthulphuk for the overnight camp after 5-6 hours walk. Zuthulphuk has a small monastery. Overnight at Zuthulphuk
Day 10 : Zuthulphuk - Darchen
The winding gradual tracks finally ends our holy pilgrimage walk (5 hours) at Darchen. Overnight at Darchen.
Day 11 : Darchen - Lake Mansarovar
After completing the holy Kora at Darchen, our next spiritual destination takes to Lake Mansarovar for the holy bath. It is believed a ritual bath delivers pilgrims to paradise and drink of its holy water relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes. The drive from Darchen takes a little over 2 hours on the dirt road. Lake Mansarovar, one of the largest salt lake in Tibet. We will be camping at the shore of the lake very close to the monastery and its village. Overnight at Mansarovar
Day 12 : In Mansarover
Rest day at Lake Mansarovar for dip in the Lake and local hikes around. Overnight at Mansarovar
Day 13 : Mansarover - Paryang
Retrace the journey back to Paryang, app. 5-6 hrs. of drive. Overnight at Paryang
Day 14 : Paryang - Saga
Continue drive back to Saga . Overnight at Saga
Day 15 : Saga - Nylam
Drive back to Nylam. Overnight at Nylam
Day 16 : Nylam - Zhangmu - Kathmandu
Drive to Zhangmu and continue towards Kathmandu after the holy memorable journey of a lifetime. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 17 : In Kathmandu
Free for souvenir shopping and other independent activities. Overnight at Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure Transfer
You would be transferred in time to the International airport for your flight back home