Itinerary 2009
Day 01.Arrival at Kathmandu from Europe.
Meet and greet by our staff and transfer you to your hotel. Day 02: Kathmandu (1,300 m) / Last Resort.
Drive Kathmandu to The Last Resort (118 kms) (4 hours). Firstly the drive eastwards is a pleasant one passing through agricultural countryside and descending to Dolalghat in about 2 hours and then a crossing over the Bhote Kosi River. The trail now follows the Bhote Kosi river till Bahrabise, a small boomtown for an hour and then drive through the beautiful Nepalese countryside to the Last Resort. Dinner and Overnight at the Last Resort. Day 03: Last Resort / Zhangmu / Nyalam .(3750m)
After breakfast, drive 10 kms to Kodari on gravel roads and landslip areas. Upon arrival at Kodari complete Nepali Immigration formalities and cross the friendship bridge. On the other side, we complete a form and have ourselved observed for SARS disease. Here, meet representatives from Tibet with landcruisers and drive for 30 minutes to Zhangmu. Zhangmu: Known to Nepali as Khasa, hangs on a cliff face, its boomtown architecture having a temporary look: even the monastery roofs are sheathed in corrugated iron sheets. Complete Chinese Immigration and customs and then drive for another 1 hour through the Tibetan landscape to Nyalam.(3750m) 30kms. Check into the lodge. Note : All of China is on Beijing time, so set your watch accordingly. Because the Ngari region of Tibet is so far west of Beijing this means that it’s dark when you arise at 7a.m. and light until about 10 p.m. during the season for this trek in July and August. Overnight at the Nyalam Guest House. Day 04: Acclimatization day at Nyalam (3750m)
Rest day at Nyalam for acclimatization. This day is used to get acclimatized to the high altitude and rarified air of the Tibetan plateau. After breakfast, set out to the edge of the town and climb a small ridge for a fantastic view of the mountain range. Later return to the Lodge for lunch. After lunch, one can stroll through the town bazaar or visit the nearby monastery. Overnight at the Nyalam Guest House.
Day 05: Nyalam / PaikuT Tso (4510 m) / Saga (4300m)
Drive from Nyalam to Lake Paiku Tso via (100 kms) via Laluna-la Pass (5050 m), The terrain starts with a rough drive over landslip areas climbing gradually with increasing altitude to arrive at Laluna – La Pass (5050 m) marked by prayer and cairns with skeletal yak heads with horns. From here, leave the main trail to Lhasa and head west descending to the serene and beautiful Lake Paigu Tso for lunch with scenic mountain views and turquoise colour of the lake below. Drive through the Tibetan landscape driving up to the pass and then descending into another valley one after another and each one more scenic than the next. Finally after about 3 ½ hours, descend further and then arrive at the crossing of the Tsang Po River. Cross the river on the ferry with land cruisers and trucks as well as the Motorcycles and then drive to the hustle and bustle of the Saga town. Because of the scarcity of camping sites in and around the village, we continue further driving for another 45 minutes to arrive at a beautiful campsite located close to the Saga river. Overnight at the Guest House. Day 06: Saga / Paryang
Drive from Saga via New Zongba,(4360m) 160 km to Paryang. The Yak hotel is the only livable hotel with dormitory style accommodations, but because of the frequent use of the lodge facilities by pilgrims and lack of water supply, the amenities are very dirty and basic. For camping groups, there are beautiful campsites along the Paryang river another 30 minutes beyond the village. Overnight at the Camp/ Guest House. Day 07: Paryang / Hor Qu (Lake Mansarovar)
Driving past Kongyu Tso, a poison lake as the Buddhists say, through the village of Thongchen and then via Mayum La (5151 m) we arrive at Hor Qu, a small settlement near the Lake Mansarovar. (The Lake Manasarovar, Hindus believe, was created by Brahma as reflection of the depth of his soul-manas and represents the female energy of Yoni of the Universe, while Mt. Kailash symbolizes the male energy of the Lingum. At 14459 ft. Lake Manasarovar is the highest body of fresh water in the world. Holy to Hindu’s and Buddhists alike, it was once surrounded by 8 monasteries. Buddhist believes in Queen Maya, Buddha's mother was carried here by the gods and some of Mahatma Gandhi's ash was carried here from India and scattered in the Lake. Overnight at the Guest House. Day 08: Hor Qu / Darchen
After breakfast ride around the lake and arrive near the Chiu Gompa. From here, drive from Manasarovar to Darchen (4560m) 1 ½ - 2 Hrs. the starting point of the circumambulation around Mt. Kailash.
Mt. Kailash is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is believed to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mount Meru, said to be the center of the universe or ‘navel of the world’. Mt. Meru is often depicted as a mandala and its image occurs throughout Buddhist and Hindu parts of Asia. Images of Mt. Meru occur as far away as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobadur in Indonesia. The circumambulation of Mt. Kailash (6714 m /22,028 feet) is an important pilgrimage for religions. To Hindus, Kailash is the abode of Shiva, Tibetans call it Kang Rimpoche; Jains worship it as Mt. Asthapada, the peak from which the religion founder, Rishabanatha achieved spiritual liberation. Followers of Bon – Po, the ancient pre – Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet revere Kailash as the soul of Tibet. The circumambulation to the Hindus and Jains is known as Parikrama and Buddhists call it Kora. Tibetans often make the 52 kilometer circuit in a single day but the Indian Yatrees do it in three but this is also rushed. A 3 day trek (with a drive from Darchen to Tarboche) is more enjoyable and rewarding. Upon arrival, check into the Guest House. Dinner and Overnight at the Guest House. Day 09 : DARCHEN (COMMENCE KORA)/ Chhuku Gompa to Drira Phuk – 4 Hrs.
After an early breakfast, board the waiting vehicles and head west from the enclosed compound of Darchen leaving behind the village high above the Barkha plain to the Lha Chu valley and arrive at Tarboche, a tall pole adorned with prayer flags at 4750 meters.
The prayer flags are replaced annually during the Sakya dawa festival on Buddha’s birthday, the full moon day during the Tibetan month of May / June. Nearby is the Chorten – Kang – ni. It is considered an auspicious act to pass through the small archway formed by the two legs of this Chorten. The trail continues across the plain to Shersong and after about an hour arrive at the bridge leading to the Nyanri Gompa, perched high on the hillside above. All the monasteries on the Kailash circuit were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Nyanri Gompa also known as the Chhuku Gompa because of the image of Chhuku Rimpoche it houses, was the first to be rebuilt and contains a few treasures that were rescued from the original gompas. The side trip to Chhuku Monastery takes about 30 minutes of walking. Here the Yak and yak men will arrive and pack all our Camping gear and food stuff and then we commence the trek to Dhirra Phuk.
The normal pilgrims route stays on the east bank of the Lha Chu but for better views of Kailash and generally better Campsites, cross the west bank trail across a scree slopes to Ho arrive at a good camping ground at Damding Donkhang (4890 m) a grassy spot that offers good views of the West face of Mt. Kailash. It is also known as the Valley of yaks as one can see hundreds of Yaks grazing on the meadows. However we continue on further crossing the side streams Belung Chu and Dunglung Chu on rocks as the North face of Kailash comes in view. On the opposite side of the Lha Chu you can see several groups of nomads tending herds of goats and yaks. Pass their tents carefully like most Tibetans they keep ferocious Tibetan mastiff dogs. As one reaches the Gompa and a frugal guest house at Drira Phuk, you are rewarded with a fine view of the North face of Mt. Kailash. The three lower hills in front of Mt. Kailash from this vantage point are the manjushree, Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani representing wisdom, kindness and power. The Drira Phuk Gompa was rebuilt in 1985. Dinner and Overnight at the Camp. Day 10: Drira Phuk / Sabje Dratok
Start trek from Drira Phuk and immediately cross the Lha Chu on a wooden bridge. If one continues to trek up the Lha Chu, they would eventually reach the true source of the Indus. The Kora route makes a serious climb on to a moraine eventually meeting the trail from the East bank. The trail now climbs more gently to a meadow full of fat marmots (phiya) at 5212 meters. This is a good campsite that will make the pass crossing easier than to have camped at Drira Phuk but it is dangerous to Camp at higher altitudes because of acclimatization problems. The snow covered pass to the right, the Khado Sanglam is protected by a lion faced Dakini goddess. Pilgrims may cross this difficult pass only on their auspicious 13th circuit of the mountain.
Climb past piles of clothing at Shiva-tsal (5330m) and Tibetans leave an article of clothing or a drop of blood here as part of leaving their past life behind them. Continue past thousands of small rock cairns to a large cairn at 5390 meters passing the Dikpa Karnak, sin testing stone. It is said that those without sin can squeeze through the narrow hole between the boulders while a sinner no matter how small cannot pass through. The trail now leads across a boulder field and climbs through large rocks to a tiny stream. Climb onto a ridge and continue gently on to the Dolma La at 5630 meters. A big boulder on the pass representing the goddess Dolma (better known by her Sanskrit name Tara) is festooned with prayer flags and streamers. It is traditional to leave and take something as part of the collection of coins, prayer flags, teeth and other offerings attached to the rock. This is the physical and spiritual high point of the Kora. The trail from the west side of the pass is steep and rocky at first and then begins a series of switchbacks as it passes Gauri Kund, the lake of mercy and 5450 meters. Many more switchbacks and steep descents leads to the valley and then further descend for about an hour to arrive alongside the Lham Chhukhir at 5150 meters, the evenings campsite on the banks of a river near Shabje Drakthok. Shabje Drakthok has foot prints on a huge rock which pilgrims believe belong to Lord Buddha. Overnight at the Camp. Day 11: Sabje Dratok / Darchen and drive to Chiu Gompa (Mansarovar)
Trek from Shabje Drathok along the river, even though the trail is better and less marshy on the other side, it is better to keep to the west side of the river which is actually the main route as it becomes too large below to cross back. Follow the river continuously as the trail makes an uninteresting descent of the valley. When crossing the stream of the Khado – sanglam, arrive at another Chaksal Gang, the third prostration point and from which point is the last view of the east face of Mt. Kailash during the circumambulation. After about 2 ½ - 3 hrs arrive at the Zutul-puk Gompa 4790 m where there is a cave in which the saint Milarepa is said to have meditated. Among the miracles he performed were adjusting the height of this cave to make it more comfortable. His footprint still remains on the roof. Trek along the Jhong Chu River to a bridge, cross it and climb a little before descending to 4610 m, the last prostration point (Chaksal Gang) but sadly there are no views of Mt. Kailash but there are good views of Lake Mansarovar and Mt. Gurlamandhata (7728 m) or Memo Nani in Tibetan Actually the vehicles can come up to this point but if one does want to continue on to Darchen to complete the full circle, a trek for about one hour through Mani walls and carved yak skulls will lead you back to Darchen. Upon arrival at Darchen, board the waiting vehicles for about two hours drive to the Lake mansarovar to overnight near the Chiu Gompa. Dinner and Overnight at the Guest House. Day 12 : Drive to Paryang. Overnight Camp on the side of the Paryang River. Day 13 : Drive to Saga. Overnight at Camp/Guest House. Day 14: Drive Saga / Lhatse.
Start the scenic drive from saga to Lhatse crossing over 5 passes. Day 15: Drive Lhatse / Xegar via Shakya Monastery.
Immediately set out to visit the famous Sakya Monastery which lies 143 km to the south-west of Xigatse or 26 kilometers from Lhatse. Sakya Monastery, the centre of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded in 1073 by Konchok Gyalpo and during the rule of Sakyapas, the priest patron relationship between Tibet and China was established. Sakyapa rulers reigned over Tibet for nearly a hundred years from 13-14th century. Many of its priceless images, fresco statues, holy scriptures remaining today date back to the time of its founding. Later return to Lhatse and continue drive to Xegar overt the Gyatso la pass (5200 M). Xegar also called New Tingri and is surrounded by Mountains and is another town that lies in the shadow of a great fortress. Even in ruins it is majestic. Seeming to grow out of the craggy brown rock, its sinuous wall bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. Isolated in 1855 by marauding Nepalese in search of booty, the Gurkhas cut off the dzong’s water supply and settled in for a long siege. Shegar proper has little to recommend it except the highest post office in China. Overnight at the Qomolongma Hotel. Day 16: XEGAR TO RONGBUK 100 Kms.
After purchasing the entry permits to the Everest region for people, and vehicles, drive to Rongbuk which is 100 kilometers from Xegar, crossing the Pangla Pass (5150m). Great views of Everest & Makalu from Pangla pass. The trail is a fairly new one but with the difficult monsoon season, work is always hampered by frequent land slides. Spend the night in the simple guest house having dormitory style accommodations that belongs to the Rongbuk Monastery. Rongbuk offers great views of Everest, look for the sunset and sunrise. Food supplies should be brought for the stay in Rongbuk. There is a small tea house run by the monastery. Bed sheets & sleeping bag is definitely required for the night. Note : Due to the new rules and regulations, vehicles are prohibited to proceed further from the Rongbuk Monastery. Clients wishing to visit the Everest Base Camp must take the horse carriage at a cost of Yuan 30.00 per person for the round trip journey.
(Program : Early afternoon,board the horse drawn carriagee for a short distance to the Everest Base Camp (5300 m) which is only 8 kilometers (30 minutes) from Rongbuk Monastery. There are temporary tented shelters here a persons traveling on a normal permit cannot proceed beyond this point. However, for those interested to travel beyond must pay an additional US$ 200.00 per person at the check post here. From the Base Camp settlement, climb a small ridge strewn with prayer flags for excellent views of Mt. Everest and the Tibetan Plateau. Later return to Rongbuk. Overnight at the Rongbuk Monastery Guest House. Day 17: RONGBUK (4950 m) / EVEREST BASE CAMP (5300 m) / RONGBUK
FREE DAY AT RONGBUK Day 18: After breakfast, board the vehicles for about 4 ½ hours drive to Tingri via the short route. The ride on the highest plateau of the world with typical view of the Tibetan landscape, offers the sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world.
From here, set out for Nyalam which takes about 3 hours past the Lalung la pass (5050) as well as some new upcoming settlements. Upon arrival, check into the Nyalam Guest House. Day 19: NYALAM / ZHANGMU / KATHMANDU
After breakfast, drive to Zhangmu (45 Kms). After having spent so much time in the high desert plateau, it is a welcome change to see all the greenery and waterfalls on our descent from Nyalam to Zhangmu. Here, complete China border formalities and drive to the Friendship Bridge. Upon arrival, complete Nepalese Immigration and met by representatives from Nepal and drive to Kathmandu (5 Hours).
Day20. DEPARTURE. End of Arrangements.
Please contact us for price. THE COST INCLUDES: -1 nights stay at the Last Resort with dinner + breakfast
-18Days hire of KTM 640CC backed by spares and mechanics.
-2N stay at Kathmandu in 5 star hotel on BB basis.
-Visa Fee for Tibet and documentation
- Back up support of a mini bus to carry support staff, spare parts and clients personal baggage from Kathmandu / Kodari. Along with a Truck.
-Support of a new Model 4500 series Japanese Made Land cruiser and 1 truck from Kodari / Mt. Kailash/ Rongbuk / Kodari
-2 nights stay at the Nyalam Guest House in Nyalam, Saga , Paryang, Hor Qu, Darchen, Saga, and the Guest house in Rongbuk with accommodation in Single / twin / 4 bedded rooms (whichever available), twin sharing 2 nights stay at the Guest House in Shegar with daily breakfast and all lunch & Dinner at Hotels OR local restaurants on enroute stopovers.
- 2 nights / 3 days trek around Mt. Kailash with All camping arrangements on fullboard basis cooked by expert trekking cooks with Sherpa staff support to set up camp, gather water etc; Services of Yaks and Yak men to carry cooking utensils, cooking stoves and LPG gas, food provisions and trekking equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, toilet tent, dining tent during the trek around Mt. Kailash
backed by New Model 4500 series landcruisers from Tibet for the clients, support of a truck to carry,
-Tibet travel permit fee and a special permit for Mt. Kailash and Everest Base Camp.
- Services of a knowledgeable Tibetan Guide from Lhasa Agency
-Support of a High Altitude Portable Chamber (Gammow bag) to be used incase of emergencies.
- Oxygen canisters (Chinese make) in all vehicles
Comprehensive medical kit
- A knowledgeable and well experienced Trip leader from Sacred Summits trained in first aid medication.
- Kodari / Kathmandu drive in a non A/C vehicle
- Lunch on the Kodari / Kathmandu drive.
- All monastery entrance fee during sightseeing tours and horse cart to Everest Base Camp and back from Rongbuk (as per the itinerary).
- Permit for Motorcycles to enter Tibet , Mt. Kailash and the Everest base camp region in Tibet, PRC
- Cost for the hire of 2 Sherpa and one escort.
- Transportation of support staff and spare parts from Kodari / Kathmandu in the support truck.
- Lunch on the Kathmandu / Kodari / Kathmandu drives at a local restaurant.
- Poterages at the Kodari border to transfer the equipments and spare parts from Nepal side to Tibet side and vice versa pre and post Tibet Tour. The cost excludes : - Nepal entry & and re-entry visa fee.
- Personal insurance and evacuation.
- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks and mineral water, extra mileage, personal gratuities such as tips to guides, drivers and trek staff
- Items not mentioned in the cost includes.
- International flights to reach Nepal.
- Costs incurred due to natural calamities, strikes, break downs and beyond the control of Himalayan Adventures. and its associates. Contact us for exact Departure dates in 2009
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