Itinerary: June 29^th – July 16^th 2006:

Kailash/Manasarovar 15 day Overland Trip: July 1st – July15th, 2006

Day 1 – June 29, 2006

Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal – 4,400 ft

Pick up from the airport/transfer to Hyatt Regency hotel. Time permitting, you may want to start exploring the capital city (local guides are available). In the evening, meet the group for dinner and a trip briefing.

Day 2 – June 30, 2006

Kathmandu – 4,400 ft

After breakfast, we set out for a guided tour of Kathmandu’s holy sites, including Pashupatinath, Boudanath, and Soyambhunath, before heading back to the hotel for lunch. The afternoon is spent making final preparations for the trip. Staff members can assist you in buying or renting any missing gear, and you may check in any unnecessary luggage. Group dinner in the evening.

Day 3 – July 1, 2006

Kathmandu to Zhangmu – 7,441 ft

(145 or 175 km/ 7 to 8 hours of driving)

We embark on our journey at 5:30 a.m., stopping in Dhulikhel (1½ hour drive) for breakfast. After leaving Dhulikhel, the road follows the valleys of the Sunkosi and Bhotakosi rivers, passing through lush countryside and dramatic cliffs. Leave coach and walk across Friendship bridge to Tibet for Chinese immigration before 4pm. Walk to allocated Land Cruisers and drive another 20 kms to reach Zhangmu (2300m). Overnight in a local hotel.

Day 4 – July 2, 2006

Zhangmu to Nyalam – 12,000 ft

(60 kms, 2-3 hrs drive)

This day gives us a chance to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude in Nyalam (3750m). It is important to stay hydrated and extremely aware of your body’s physical condition, which the staff will monitor at all times. 

Day 5 – July 3^rd, 2006

Nyalam to Saga – 14,435 ft

(232 km/7 to 8 hours of driving)

Past Nyalam (4450m) the road climbs up to La Lung (5124m) then drops down before heading western part of Tibet. The driving is difficult, but the stunning views of the Himalayas, particular Shisha Pangma (8012m), more than make up for the rough travel. By late afternoon we cross the Bhramaputra River and a quick drive brings us to the town of Saga.

Day 6 – July 4^th, 2006

Drive from Saga to Paryang – 14,500 ft

(285 km/7 to 8 hours of driving)

Our jeeps and trucks roll through the dramatic valleys following the various rivers through the grazing lands of yaks and sheep. The landscape is highlighted by snowcapped peaks rising out of the distant sand dunes. Many Tibetan nomads and traders in traditional dress inhabit this area. Lunch on the way and overnight stay in guesthouse.

Day 7 – July 5^th, 2006

Drive from Paryang to Lake Manasarovar – 15,000 ft

(277km/8 hours of driving)

This is one of the longest driving days of the trip. By late afternoon the drive through the green pastures and massive valleys gives way to the first sighting of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Drive through Mayum La pass (17,000 ft), the highest point of the drive. We will make our way to the small village of Hor Chu on the eastern banks of the holy lake after doing the parikrama of the lake. Pass Mt. Gurlamandata on the way.

Day 8 – July 6^th, 2006

Lake Manasarovar to Darchen – 15,337 ft

(40 kms, 1-2 hrs drive)

Lake Manasarovar is considered the holiest of all of Tibet’s many lakes. According to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, the four great rivers of the Indian sub-continent (the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ganges, and Indus) all flow from its shores. This day offers a wonderful opportunity to visit the great lake and take in the spectacular views of Mt. Gurula Mandhata (7728m) to the south and Kailash to the north. From there we will visit the Trugo monastery before heading to the Chiu monastery for an overnight stay. Visit Tirthapuri hot springs (80 kms, 3 hrs drive each way)

Day 9 – July 7^th, 2006

Darchen – 15,337 ft

Relax this day in Darchen and prepare for parikrama next day.

On this day you will have the option to rest and relax in Tarchen or explore the Valley of Gods. Those who wish to do so will drive into the spectacular mountain amphitheatre at the base of Mount Kailash where we will do part of the inner parikarma and where puja and prayers can be offered given to Ausaparbat and Nandi Hill. In the afternoon we will return to Tarchen to spend the night.

Day 10 – July 8^th, 2006

1^st day of parikrama:

Trek to Dirapuk (4909m) – 17,093 ft

(Total hiking for the day: 15 km/7 to 8 hours)

Our first day of trekking around Kailash begins at Tarpuche. As we make our way along the route we pass numerous chortens (stupas) as well as the sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddas. We will also take in wonderful views of cascading creeks, streaming waterfalls and the mighty west face of Kailash. We will pass the Chukku monastery and arrive at the Dirapuk monastery about five hours later, where we will set up camp for the night.

Day 11 – July 9^th, 2006

Trek to Zutulpuk monastery – 15, 780 ft

(Total hiking for the day: 18 km/10-14 hours)

The hardest day of the pilgrimage is also the holiest. We will cross a rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns draped with the clothes left as offerings by pilgrims who have come before us. After visiting Gaurikunda, one of the holiest sites on the trek, further hiking brings us to the ascent up to Dolma-La pass (5630m-18,600 ft). After a nice break at the top of the pass we will head down the steep trail to our eventual campsite at Zutulpuk monastery (4790m), site of the cave of miracles where Milarepa meditated.

Day 12 – July 10^th, 2006

Trek to end of valley/Drive to Tarchen

(Total hiking for the day: 12 kms/7-8 hours)

On the last day of your Kailash parikrama, a three-hour walk brings us to where the river emerges onto the Borkha plain. Jeeps will be waiting to transport us to our camp at Lake Mansarovar. Overnight at Manasa Sarovar. Enjoy the view of the lake and Mt. Kailash under full moon.

Day 13 – July 11^th, 2006

Manasa Sarovar to Paryang

(275 km/8 hours of driving)

Day 14 – July 12, 2006

Paryang to Saga

(296 km/8 to 9 hours of driving)

Day 15 – July 13, 2006

Saga to Nyalam/Zhagmu

(163 km/6 to 7 hours)

Day 16 – July 14^th , 2006

Nyalam/Zhangmu to Kathmandu

(145/175 kms)

Arriving back at the hotel in Kathmandu, we will celebrate our successful trip with a banquet for all yatris (pilgrims). Overnight in hotel.

Day 17 – July 15^th, 2006

Option for early departure or you use your extra day for Himalayan mountain flight, Mankamana road trip, or Muktinath helicopter tour

Day 18 – July 16^th, 2006

Transfer to airport/departure. Depart Kathmandu for your destinations.

Package Includes:

*          All transportation in Nepal (private bus) and Tibet (4x4 Landcruisers)

*          Experienced support team of English-speaking group leader and guides

*          All accommodations and vegetarian meals in Tibet

*          3 nights accommodation in 4-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast and dinner

*          Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu

*          All permits/visas for Tibet, three day Nepali transit visa (free)

*          Transportation for all luggage in Tibet

*          Yaks for hauling group and personal gear during trek

*          All sleeping gear (tents, sleeping bags, camping mattress)

*          End of trip banquet

Package Does Not Included:

*          Airline ticket to/from Kathmandu

*          Medical and travel insurance, emergency evacuation insurance (required)

*          Expenses of a personal nature such as bar bills, laundry, phone calls, bottled drinks, extra meals, etc.

*          Any additional itinerary options

*          Helper/yaks/horse to support individual on the trekking days.