Kailash to Kathmandu (ex Shigatse)

15 nights / 16 days

This journey is for the adventurous and in particular, the Kailash kora (3 days), is only for the stronger and more devoted traveller. This is available only from mid April to October.

Should our guests prefer to return to Lhasa, rather than proceed to Kathmandhu, it is possible to organize the return journey to include Everest and this will take from Saga, a further 7 days (20 nights/21 days)

ITINERARY

Day 01: Shigatse - Sangsang
We begin the long road to western Tibet. On this day we travel as far as Sangsang (280km). The journey though long and sometimes arduous does allow you to enjoy the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan Range from the Tibet side.

Day 02: Sangsang - Saga
180km drive to Saga.

Day 03: Saga - Paryang
235Km drive to Paryang.

Day 04: Paryang - Manasarovar
280Km drive to finally reach the beautiful Lake Manasarovar.

Day 05: Lake Manasarovar
In the morning we take a now short 30km drive around the Lake to reach Chiu Gompa.

Day 06: Manasarovar - Darchen
Today we drive to Darchen, which is the base camp of Mt. Kailash’s kora (circumambulation). We prepare for our 3 days trek and those who choose not to do the trek they can stay near the Lake and enjoy it for three days.

Days 7 - 9 Circumambulation of Mt Kailash
This is one of the most holy and blessed activities of any Tibetan and you will see many, young and old, in deep devotion and faith on this journey.

Day 07: Manasarovar Base - Diraphuk via Tarboche (22km, 5-6hrs)
After breakfast make the short drive to Tarboch from where we begin the kora. We pass the first prostration point, Tarboche Flag Pole, the auspicious gateway and the sky burial ground. On our pilgrimage trek we climb to 5000m and camp with superb views of Mt. Kailash at Diraphuk.

Day 08: Diraphuk - Zuthulpuk via Dolmala pass (5610m) (15km, 5-6hrs)
Continue to Zuthulphuk via Dolmala Pass. This is the most difficult day. We proceed slowly over Dolmala Pass (5610m) and happily descend to Zuthulphuk where we camp for the night.

Day 09: Zuthulpuk - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar
The final day of the kora is a short 6km downhill and from this point we will be met by or land cruiser for the short drive back to Darchen and the beautiful Lake Manasarovar.

Day 10 - 14: Manasarovar - Paryang - Saga
Within these two days we retrun back to Saga.

Day 15: Saga - Nyalam
32km drive to Nyalam via the La Lung (5124m), Pelkutso Lake and Mt. Shishapangma (8012m).

Day 16: Nyalam - Kodari border - Kathmandu

The Friendship Bridge marks the customs border to Nepal. All visas will have to be pre-arranged. From here you are transferred to Kathmandu, Nepal.