Overview

In the far west of Tibet is Mt Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Asia, which is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and the ancient Bon religion of Tibet. From it flow four great rivers – the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra – which drain the vast Tibetan Plateau. It is an important site for Tibetan and Indian pilgrims who make a 53km circuit, or kora, of the mountain. This circumambulation, clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus and anti-clockwise for Bon followers, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. The mountain itself is 6714m high and with its four sheer walls and snow capped peak is an awe-inspiring sight.
Only 30km from Mt Kailash is another important pilgrimage site, the beautiful and serene Lake Manasarovar. According to mythology it was formed in the mind of Brahma, and Indian and Tibetan pilgrims can also be seen circumambulating this lake, a distance of 90km.
Considering the significance of Mt. Kailash, you will see untold number of religious and ritualistic sites along this difficult 50 kms trek. Amid views of plains, rivers, glaciers, and the majestic mountains of Nepal, Tibet and India, you will pass unending rows of prayer flags, lucky chortens, several prostrations points, and  monasteries.
Along the way are also places that are steeped in legend. The sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddhas was once used only for lamas and monks. Sky burials are traditional ceremonies in which the corpse is left in the open for vultures to consume; the belief is that the body is thus returned to the sky. Although there may be sky burials going on while you are at Mt. Kailash, don’t venture into the area and disturb the proceedings. They are extremely private and foreigner with cameras are not welcome.
Lake Mansarovar
The Hindus believe that to plunge into the freezing cold waters of the Lake Manasarovar and walk around its circumference is to erase a whole lifetime of sins. Tibetans believe that they can negate their wrongdoings merely through walking.
To the Tibetans, this lake they call “Victorious” is the holiest in the land, believed to be where the gods washed Buddha’s mother before she gave birth. According to the Hindus, Brahma created the lake for his sons to bathe in while they medicated on Mt. Kailash. Whether Indian pilgrim, Tibetan pilgrim or western traveler, one can see Lake Mansarovar’s holy origins manifested in its breathtaking beauty. It’s ringed by mountain peaks and filled with clear, bright-blue waters that look just a breath away from the sky. The lake was once surrounded by eight monasteries, which symbolized the eight points of the wheel of Dharma, but red guards destroyed  most of them during the cultural revolution. Restoration is in the works.

Mansarovar is home to many other Buddhist mythological landmarks, as well. There’s the Memmo Nanyi, a peak where the goddess of wisdom lives. The lake also represents the sun or lightness, while its smaller neighbor , lake Rakshas Tal, is its complementary moon or darkness. According to to Tibetans, it’s a good omen when the waters of Mansarovar flow into the Rakshas Tal, and while the former’s waters are healing, Rakshas Tal’s are poisonous.
Most travelers explore the lake during day hikes from Chiu Monastery, which lies on the northwest corner of Mansarovar. The Monastery overlooks the lake from a hilltop, the views from the roof are tremendeous. There is also a cave at the monastery that is considered one of Guru Rimpoche’s meditation sites.
Only a handful of zealous travelers undergo the four to five day kora around Lake Mansarovar , due to its challenging terrain. It basically goes along the circumference of the lake, diverging  slightly at the northern shore to avert the marshes. Beginning at Chiu Monastery, the kora moves in a clockwise direction, of course. On the trek you will see mountain views, hot springs, mani stones, geysers, glaciers, caves, cliffs, ritual bathing sites and several monasteries.

Short Itinerary

DAY 01 : Arrive to Kathmandu. The Group shall be met and transfer provided to Hotel Vaishali / Shanker. O/nt
DAY 02 : Visit The Pashupatinath Temple and Bodhnath  Stupa in the morning. Later in the afternoon, fly to   Nepalgunj (450m). O/nt at Hotel Country Kitche or similar
DAY 03 : Fly Nepalgunj- Simikot (2950m) on scheduled flight. The Group shall be then airlifted by Helicopter to Simikot. Stay o/nt for acclimatization.    
DAY 04 : Airlift by Helicopter to Hilsa. Cross the bridge to Sher where Jeep await for the  Group transfer to Taklakot (3700m).  O/nt at County Peacock / Kailash Hotel
DAY 05 : AM  Drive to Lake Manasarovar (4560m) PM Puja & Holy bath. Time permitting, visit The Hot
               Spring. O/nt at Chui Gompa Guest House.
DAY 06 : Drive to Sershong, the starting point of Kailash  Parikarma. Trek to Dirapuk (4860m). O/nt at Hotel Dirapuk.
DAY 07 : Trek to Zuthul Puk (4760m). O/nt at new accommodation facility at ZuthulPuk.
DAY 08 : End Kailash Parikarma and drive to Taklakot (3750m). O/nt  at County Peacock / Kailash Hotel.
DAY 09 : Drive to Sher and cross the bridge to Hilsa. Airlift byHelicopter to Simikot. The Group will then change to
               Fixed wing craft for onward flight to Nepalgunj / Kathmandu. O/nt at Htl Vaishali / Shanker.
DAY 10 : The day is free until your transfer to the airport for  your flight back home.

Itinerary Detail

DAY 01 : Arrive to Kathmandu. The Group shall be met and transfer provided to Hotel Vaishali / Shanker. O/nt
DAY 02 : Visit The Pashupatinath Temple and Bodhnath  Stupa in the morning. Later in the afternoon, fly to   Nepalgunj (450m). O/nt at Hotel Country Kitche or similar
DAY 03 : Fly Nepalgunj- Simikot (2950m) on scheduled flight. The Group shall be then airlifted by Helicopter to Simikot. Stay o/nt for acclimatization.    
DAY 04 : Airlift by Helicopter to Hilsa. Cross the bridge to Sher where Jeep await for the  Group transfer to Taklakot (3700m).  O/nt at County Peacock / Kailash Hotel
DAY 05 : AM  Drive to Lake Manasarovar (4560m) PM Puja & Holy bath. Time permitting, visit The Hot
               Spring. O/nt at Chui Gompa Guest House.
DAY 06 : Drive to Sershong, the starting point of Kailash  Parikarma. Trek to Dirapuk (4860m). O/nt at Hotel Dirapuk.
DAY 07 : Trek to Zuthul Puk (4760m). O/nt at new accommodation facility at ZuthulPuk.
DAY 08 : End Kailash Parikarma and drive to Taklakot (3750m). O/nt  at County Peacock / Kailash Hotel.
DAY 09 : Drive to Sher and cross the bridge to Hilsa. Airlift byHelicopter to Simikot. The Group will then change to
               Fixed wing craft for onward flight to Nepalgunj / Kathmandu. O/nt at Htl Vaishali / Shanker.
DAY 10 : The day is free until your transfer to the airport for  your flight back home.

Date And Cost

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

Cost Includes

SERVICE INCLUDES :
• Arrival / departure transfers
• 2 Nts at Hotel Vaishali / Shanker on Twin sharing & full board basis ( 4 Star category hotel)
• 1 Halfday Sightseeing Tour to Pashupatinath & Bodhnath
• 1 Night at Hotel Country Kitchen Or similar  on Twin sharing & full board basis in Nepalgunj
• Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu Flight
• Nepalgunj-Simikot-Nepalgunj Flight
• Charter Heli flight from Simikot-Hilsa-Simikot
• Airport Taxes
• Special Simikot permit fee
• 4500 Model Japanese Landcruiser on Tibet side
• English Speaking Tibetan Guide
• Trek staff comprising of experienced Nepali Sirdar, Cook and a strong Sherpa Team
• Freshly cooked vegetarian meals
• Yaks & Yak-men for porterage during Kailash Kora
• All Permits
• First aid-kit , Medical Oxygen, Pulse Oxymetre and Gamow bag
• 1 Complimentary Duffel Bag and a certificate
• 1 Dawn Jacket on returnable basis

Cost Excludes

• Extra cost in the event of delays due to any unforeseen reason for accommodation ,  meals and hiring of extra transportation
• Travel Insurance
• Evacuation Cost in the event of sickness Or emergency
• Expenses of personal nature
• Hot Spring fee at Chui Gompa

 SPECIAL NOTES :
• We strongly advise to allot 1-2 extra days to overcome any delays
• Due to the nature of travel, there is always the  possibility of change in the schedule. The Tour Operator or its partners shall not be liable for any such delays
• Kailash Heli Yatra Company has the right to change the Itinerary in the event of adverse weather condition or any unforeseen reason
• The Group will be required to follow the itinerary strictly. The entire Group will enter & exit together as per schedule.

Equipment List

CLOTHING

Tibet is a dry cold country. Weather may unexpectedly change at any time. Plan in a way that you can wear layers of clothes. The recommended items are:-

•  Down Jacket
•  Light wind proof Jacket
•  Cotton socks
•  Long Johns
•  Sweaters – high neck
•  Woollen Shirts
•  Warm light gloves
•  Scarf
•  Thermal under wear
•  Pure woolen and thick pullovers
•  Thick wool trousers
•  Woollen monkey cap
•  Towels
•  Raincoat or folding umbrellas – Best recommended is a panchu type Raincoat.
•  Comfortable warm walking shoe for evening use.
•  Wailing Boots, water resistant, ankle supported and soft interior – Break in earlier for comfortable use.
•  Personal clothing as required.
 

ASSESSORIES

•  Dark sunglasses
•  Water bottle (1lt.)
•  Extra plastic bags
•  Camera and film
•  Repair kit (needle, thread, tape, cloth pin, safety pins etc.)
•  Flashlight / Torch with extra batteries
•  P-Cap
•  Note book, pen & pencil.
•  Pocket knife
•  Strong sun block cream and lip salve (chap stick)

Altitude Sickness

When trekking in Nepal/Tibet Himalayas “Altitude related Problems” are the important factors to be considered because
there is always a real danger of mild to serious problems related to altitude and it is important that trekkers
understand that they will be affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes over about 3000
meters. Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the effect of altitude on
those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms very rapidly if the mild effects are ignored.

We advise you to remember the following suggestion when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas above 3000 meters. The following are the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness we recommend few important points.

1. Basic Symptoms:
(I) Loss of appetite
(II) Sleep disturbance
(III) Difficult to pass urine

2. Medium Symptoms:
(I) Headache which is bad
(II) Irregular breathing
(III) Nausea
(IV) Mild weakness
 
3. Serious Symptoms:
(I) Slight swelling of hands and face
(II) Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are closed.
(III) Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
(IV) Zero energy.
 
What to do about Altitude Sickness?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400 –
500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains tends to
dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a day. On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help you to some extent. When we reach to our destination it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a really good way to get acclimatization. You may take Diamox 250mg tablets( as suggested by physician)  the night before flying / going to altitude. Sometimes the symptoms often disappear and the trek can be resumed.

If you feel obviously suffering from the serious symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even if it
night. In such case, should an emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be arranged;or we carry you and run to lower (descend) altitudes. There is communication facility at Namche Bazaar; Doctors at near by health post. Pigeon Travel & Tours (p) Ltd will arrange to hire Gammo bag upon request with extra cost. 

The hospital or the clinic will take fees or charges for such services. We can arrange for immediate evacuation,
by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case.It is suggested all trekkers that to bring insurance
which cover helicoptor flight. It may cost you approximately Usd 3000-6000.

Preperations: Darchen is starting and compltion point for the general circuit of sacred mount kailash . it is wise to spend at least a day there for your final preperation. Darchen(4560m) is located on the foot of mount kailash with entry fee of 80Y and travellers also need to register with milatery and the office is on the northeast side inside the police compound.

Weather: the weather condition is very extremely and in summer has got strong ultra-voilet rays. So it is advice you to take a good pair of sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen lotion and lip balm to block out the strong high altitude rays. You can observe the weather condition and it is wise to ask those who have made the trek past few days, what conditions you are likely to encounter. Donot concerned with a change of clothes for each day.do not forget a good raincoat and all weather jacket, even if the sky is clear blue. Extra pair of socks, underwear andstrong walking shoes are essential.

Altitude sickness: by the time you arrive in Darchen, you should be responsibly aclimatize to the altitude. It is believe that over 3600m, it takes from 10 to three weeks for the blood count to adjust to less oxygen. If you doesn't feel good, you can check your body condition from swiss- founded tibetan clinic at Darchen to the northwest. You are also responsible to take some medicines and oxygen with your trip.