Mount Kailash
A
Pilgrimage to the sacred mountain of Tibet
Sacred spaces and stunning landscapes! Magnificent temples, mountain passes, snow-capped peaks, nomad camps, pilgrims – this is truly a journey to stir the senses and nourish the soul.
Explore the holy city of Lhasa - a city of marvels where history and art, commerce and religion meld into an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the great monastic complexes of Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya.
The 3-day circumambulation of the world's most sacred mountain is tough, but clenses you of the sins of a lifetime - relax afterwards beside Lake Manasarovar, lengendary source of the four great rivers of South Asia.
Of all the destinations in Asia, this is the most sacred and sublime.
Trip Itinerary
Days 1-2
Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. On day 2 a full day tour introduces to some
of the wonders of Kathmandu.
OR
Days 1-2
Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples,gardens and teahouses. An early morning visit to the Breeding and
Research Center sees the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active. In the evening discover a little of Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics, puppetry and ‘changing faces’.
Day 3
The flight to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1½ hours’ drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley.
Days 4-6
With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture
of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera – still active institutions.
Day 7
A long, yet scenic day’s drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old’ Tibet.
Day 8
In the morning visit Gyantse’s monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse.
Days 9-10
Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 26-meter statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. The fortified monastery of Sakya suffered during the Cultural Revolution, but was once the political center of Tibet.
Days 11-13
Magnificent valleys, herds of grazing yak, goats and sheep, passes topped by prayer flags and few permanent settlements mark the journey towards Tibet’s ancient heartland.
Day 14-16
The 53-kilometer kora of Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred of pilgrimage circuits in the world. Kailash (Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan) is the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru and is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Bonpo and Jains – the entire route is lined with prostration points, places to check you sin-level, drink or immerse yourself in sacred waters, make offerings and hang prayer flags. The high point, both physically and spiritually is the Drolma Pass (5636m) on the second day.
On day 16
it is a short walk to Darchen before heading to Chiu Gompa
on the shores of Lake Manasarovar to soak in the hot springs.
Days 17-18
Retrace the route as far as Saga before turning south via the mirror-like Piku Tso (lake) towards Nyalum.
Days 19-20
Awesome passes are followed by the dramatic descent to Zhangmu and on to Kathmandu.
Tour cost includes
Not included in the tour cost
Note
Please note that the published itinerary is a statement of intent and to be used as a guide only. The guide in charge of your trip will alter the schedule if conditions necessitate and any/all such alterations are at the
discretion of Shiva Outdoors and your guide.
Sacred spaces and stunning landscapes! Magnificent temples, mountain passes, snow-capped peaks, nomad camps, pilgrims – this is truly a journey to stir the senses and nourish the soul.
Explore the holy city of Lhasa - a city of marvels where history and art, commerce and religion meld into an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the great monastic complexes of Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya.
The 3-day circumambulation of the world's most sacred mountain is tough, but clenses you of the sins of a lifetime - relax afterwards beside Lake Manasarovar, lengendary source of the four great rivers of South Asia.
Of all the destinations in Asia, this is the most sacred and sublime.
Trip Itinerary
Days 1-2
Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel. On day 2 a full day tour introduces to some
of the wonders of Kathmandu.
OR
Days 1-2
Chengdu, the bustling capital of Sichuan Province is home to some of the best (and spiciest!) food in the world. It is also a city of temples,gardens and teahouses. An early morning visit to the Breeding and
Research Center sees the magnificent Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at their most active. In the evening discover a little of Sichuan’s rich cultural heritage at a tea-house performance of opera, acrobatics, puppetry and ‘changing faces’.
Day 3
The flight to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1½ hours’ drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley.
Days 4-6
With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture
of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera – still active institutions.
Day 7
A long, yet scenic day’s drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of ‘old’ Tibet.
Day 8
In the morning visit Gyantse’s monastery – Pelkor Choede – and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town. In the afternoon we make the short (2-3 hour) drive along the valley to Shigatse.
Days 9-10
Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 26-meter statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. The fortified monastery of Sakya suffered during the Cultural Revolution, but was once the political center of Tibet.
Days 11-13
Magnificent valleys, herds of grazing yak, goats and sheep, passes topped by prayer flags and few permanent settlements mark the journey towards Tibet’s ancient heartland.
Day 14-16
The 53-kilometer kora of Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred of pilgrimage circuits in the world. Kailash (Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan) is the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru and is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Bonpo and Jains – the entire route is lined with prostration points, places to check you sin-level, drink or immerse yourself in sacred waters, make offerings and hang prayer flags. The high point, both physically and spiritually is the Drolma Pass (5636m) on the second day.
On day 16
it is a short walk to Darchen before heading to Chiu Gompa
on the shores of Lake Manasarovar to soak in the hot springs.
Days 17-18
Retrace the route as far as Saga before turning south via the mirror-like Piku Tso (lake) towards Nyalum.
Days 19-20
Awesome passes are followed by the dramatic descent to Zhangmu and on to Kathmandu.
Tour cost includes
- Accommodation as per itinerary (Chengdu, Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse - twin share. Other accommodation twin or multi share)
- Land transport as per itinerary
- All airport transfers
- Sightseeing as per itinerary (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung, Sera, Pelkor Choede, Tashilumpo, Sakya, Mt Kailash)
- English speaking interpreter/guide
- Permits & vehicle fees
Not included in the tour cost
- Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry and souvenirs.
- Meals
- International flights and departure taxes
- Visa and passport fees
- Travel insurance
- Emergency evacuation
- Tips and gratuities
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of Shiva Outdoors (eg. Landslides)
Note
Please note that the published itinerary is a statement of intent and to be used as a guide only. The guide in charge of your trip will alter the schedule if conditions necessitate and any/all such alterations are at the
discretion of Shiva Outdoors and your guide.
Photos
Trip Highlights
»Jokhang Temple - spiritual heart of Tibet
»Potala Palace, residence of the Dalai Lamas
»The towering Maitreya and ornate reliquary stupas in Tashilumpo Monastery, Shigatse
»Pelkor Choede & the unique Gyantse Kumbum, Gyantse
»The fortified monastery at Sakya, once the political heart of Tibet
»Incredible landscapes of western Tibet
»Sacred Mount Kailash & the 3-day kora
»Lake Manasarovar, legendary birthplace of the great rivers
»Potala Palace, residence of the Dalai Lamas
»The towering Maitreya and ornate reliquary stupas in Tashilumpo Monastery, Shigatse
»Pelkor Choede & the unique Gyantse Kumbum, Gyantse
»The fortified monastery at Sakya, once the political heart of Tibet
»Incredible landscapes of western Tibet
»Sacred Mount Kailash & the 3-day kora
»Lake Manasarovar, legendary birthplace of the great rivers
Best Time
May-Oct
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