Important Information

Region
Tibet Tours
Duration
23 Days
Max Altitude 5660m
Best Season April - October
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 3
Group Size
2 - 20 people
Transportation Flight - Jeep

Kailash Trekking from Simikot and exploring the old Guge Kingdom is one of our best Tours to Tibet. Since 1993 Humla district of Nepal became the first and shortest trekking route to Kailash from the Nepal side. This is the best route for trekking to Kailash as trekkers will trek from a low altitude of Simikot that will avoid the chances of Acute Mountain sickness and support for acclimatization. Himalayan Wander walkers have designed this itinerary especially for our overseas guests with the help of our veteran guides and trip advisors.

Kailash

Mount Kailash or Gang Rinpoche is a precious Holy Mountain for Hindus, Buddhists, Bonpo, and Janis. Every religion considers it an important sacred pilgrimage site including Manasarovar Lake.  Hindus believe it as a dwelling spot of Lord Shiva, Bonpo worships it for the representation of nine stacked swastika peaks, Buddhists prays and circumnutate (Kora) where the Mandala of Bodhisattva exists. Jains believe that their first leader enlightened at Kailash. If you want o know more about the miracles of Kailash please read "Saptha Suryodgamana Sutta" The Sermon of the Seven Suns.

The Guge Kingdom

Guge was an old Kingdom established by Nyima Gon grandson of anti-Buddhist king Langdarma in the 10th Century. It lies in the west part of Tibet's autonomous region in Ngari prefecture. At present, the visitors can see the ruined fort of the Guge dynasty at Tsparang in Sutlej valley.  Guge is highly marked in history when Tibet split into many kingdoms. Historian Michael David Wood had visited there and documented for BBC news’s episode.  Since this area became more popular.

Trekking Route

The trip starts from flying to Nepalgunj and switching to smaller aircraft to Simikot, headquarter of Humla district. After five days of trekking, you will reach Hilsa the border to Tibet where the travel documents are check. From there you will be driving toward Guge kingdom via an overnight at Purang. Later return to Darchen and kora at Kailash. The returning journey to Kathmandu will be overland via Gyinrong or Kerung border.  To know more about the Tibet Festivals and permits please read our Tibet travel Information. 

Om Namo Shiva! Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum!

Note: If the given itinerary does not meet your timeframe or trekking tour route then please customizes your Tibet tour, we are happy to make it to your preferences.

Outline Itinerary ( 23 Days )

Day 1

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, Nepal, overnight Hotel

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu at TIA, a representative of Himalayan Wander Walkers will warmly welcome you to Nepal and will escort you towards your hotel. If your arrival time is in the morning you can do a short tour or you can just relax and walk around the town. Sometimes you have come a few days earlier for a permit. For that, we will let you know when to arrive in Kathmandu and need your original passport.

Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

Day 2

City tour, Permit reparation, and Sightseeing.

Visit the world’s heritage sites. Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley – famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with woods, stones, and metals? Today after breakfast we will start the city tour to most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu valley. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath) and the world largest Buddhists stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide).

Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

Day 3

Fly to Nepalgunj

From Kathmandu, we fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western, and far-western regions of Nepal. Possibly, on the same day flight to Simikot 2,910 m. If no flight to Simikot on this day, sleep in a hotel in Nepalgunj.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 4

Fly to Simikot – trek to Dharmapuri 2330m 3 hrs

If the flight to Simikot on time then you will start the day with a trek to Dharmapuri. The route takes you on a hill above the village Simikot. Then, it goes steeply down to the Karnali River. The camp will be in a beautiful place on the river at Dharmapuri. If the flight takes late due to bad weather and not enough time to reach Dharmapuri, you stay in Simikot. Residents of this place are a combination of Thakuris with Hindu culture and Bhotias from Tibet migrant Buddhists. Simikot is the district headquarters of Humla, the far-flung of Nepal. The remote valleys are still traded routes from Tibet. Sheep and mules are Himalayan transport here. So, those animals carrying rice & salt to Nepal, there will be exchanged for salt.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 5

Trek to Kermi 2650m, 4-5 hrs

This day will be hot on a sunny day, you see walnut and peach trees line the path that leads along the Karnali River to Kermi and sees a beautiful waterfall, Here live primarily Bhatia Buddhists. The village is situated above the camp. And hot springs can be visited in a day which lies between campsite and village above.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 6

Trek to Yalbang Gumba 2890m, 6 hrs

A narrow path leads along the river Salle Khola to the Yalbang Gompa. The steep trail brings you through a pine forest on a hill pass (2,990 m) and down to the Salle Khola, sometimes we make a camp at Salle Khola camp near the river, it depends on an itinerary. Then slow accent to Yalbang Gompa next two and a half an hour. Slowly take the Tibetan influences. Here the population of the villages is mostly Tibetan Buddhists. Here you go camping. For luck, you can visit the evening puja experience in the monastery.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 7

Trek to Tumkot 3200m, 6 hrs

This day, you visit on the way nice and traditional village of Yangar 2,850m and Much 2,920m reach you today Tumkot. Along the way, you encounter as usual salt traders, who transport their goods with sheep and goats in Nepal. Farmers farming on that level barley, wheat & potatoes. By the way, this day you cross the Karnali River at the bottom of the Muchu.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 8

Trek to Thado Dhunga 3900m, 7 hrs.

All the way following the Kailash pilgrimage route via Smikot. This is a beautiful trail, you will see some waterfalls stream opposite of your trail. Yari village (3,670 m), the last settlement on Nepalese territory.  Views on Saiphal Himal (7,000 m). The landscape is barren and receives Tibetan fictional characters. Your camp is situated above one hour of Yari.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 9

Trek to Hilsa and drive to Purang 3800m

Today is an easy trail leads up to Sipsip 4,300 m and Nara La passing 4580m. But walk slowly at the high altitude. Bypassing the Nara la top, you can enjoy the first glimpse of the Tibetan highlands. In an impressive way, you get down to the Karnali River, Hilsa 3720m. The suspense bridge marks the way to Tibet. Here you will find the Tibetan Department. After customs, formalities continue to Purang driving about an hour approximately.

The Purang town lies at Karnali River near the border with Nepal and it’s also called Taklakot. Also, Purang is connected by the old pilgrimage route across the Lepu Lekh Pass into India. In this market, Tibetan wool, sheep, yaks, and a colorful selection of Chinese, Indian and Nepalese goods are traded. Here, an interesting meeting nomadic Khampa, Nepalese and Chinese. On a hill above the town make you refresh by seen Gombas and snow-topped peaks.

Overnight at Guest House in Purang.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 10

Drive to Thirthapuri

You first see the mandala of Mount Kailash from a pass viewpoint after shortly driving across the Tibetan villages from Purang. The links "Mondsee" Rakshasa, right, the "Sonnensee" Manasarovar and in the center stands the pyramid of Kailash. Driving continues to Tirthapuri, where Padmasambhava meditated. In this beautiful peaceful place, still, the breath of old Tibet is an alive traditional place of pilgrimage, with hot sulfur springs.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 11

Rest day

If the trip goes well as plan then we will take a rest for bathing, relaxing, and washing clothes, and time for reflection, with the pilgrims to circumstance a little hill, to meditate. If you have another program is included then drive through the canyon with packed lunch. It goes into a fascinating journey to Khyunglung near old Bon monasteries called Guru Gem. Here you will find beautiful hot springs, where you may be able to take a bath. Then drive back to the camp in the evening - Tirthapuri.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 12

Drive to Tholing – Tsaparang, overnight

Drive to Tholing for about 3 hours, on the way picturesque spectacular scenery and take lunch at Tholing restaurant then visit Tholing with its white and red monasteries and drive to Tsaparang, capital of Guge Kingdom.

Overnight at guest house.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 13

Tsaparang excursion day

After breakfast visits the Guge Kingdom with the Morning view in Sutlej valley. The former royal cities of the Kingdom of Guge are located in a spectacular canyon in the Sutlej River, India is not so far from here. Tholing Tsaparang were the most important cities in Tibet during the 11th Century and by 1042 of the scholar Atisha was invited to India by Tholing. Particularly impressive is the amazing murals in the palace and the monasteries are situated on a hilltop landscape. During the ten to twelve centuries, this was the center of Tibetan culture, which still testifies to the impressive murals. Overnight at guest house.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 14

Drive to Darchen

All the way back three and a half hours to the main road towards Kailash Darchen. Day trip to Gangda and Sirliung Gompa if the local government allowed.  

Overnight at guest house.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 15

Drive to Tarboche – trek to Dera Phuk

You can drive to Tarboche for about 30 minutes or start trekking around the holy mountain of Kailash the highlight of the trip is two and half-day  (51 miles) of the Holy Mount Kailash Kora/circumstance, which is called by the Tibetans and the Hindus Kora or Parikrama for the circumstance. The western valley with Padmasambhava, the great magician, at Dirapuk gompa at 4.900m height. From there, it offers a fantastic view on the north side of Mount Kailash.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 16

Trek to Dolma La 5630m – camp at before Zutul Phuk

After cross the wooden bridge little climb takes you the graveyard after Shiva Tsal Vajrayogini, as a symbol of death, pilgrims leave here back a piece of clothing or a little hair as well as money for next time. The Dolma La Pass is situated at 5630m, it is the physical and spiritually the highest point of the Kailash trip via Simikot. The Dolmala pass awaits you with colorful prayer flags. After the pass bellow appears Gauri Kund Lake (Tso Tuksche). Hindus take a bottle of holy water for their home. The eastern valley is associated with Milarepa, the famous Tibetan hermit, whose history is closely interwoven with the mountain. The camp will be set near the Zutrulphuk Gompa have the ability to go between the latching points individually.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 17

Trek to Darchen – drive to Horchu – Manasarovar lake

After visit for the Pooja at Zutrulphuk Monastery, about three hours trekking to the ending point of Kora and time to say goodbye to the Yakpas {Yak man} where to pick you up by jeep, 30 minutes drive to Horchu or walk for full kora to Darchen about an hour approximately, camp at Manasarovar Lakeside Camp.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 18

Rest day

This day will be a lazy day after Kailash Kora, washing clothes, drying things, and just walk around the lake relaxing. Or Drive to Trough Gumba where you will have wonderful views of Mount Kailash across the blue Manasarovar Lake like the sky.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 19

Drive to Dzongba

Drive along the Tsang Po river (Brahmaputra} the tour show you views on the Dolpo,  Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri massive and on the north side of the Kingdom of Mustang of Nepal Himalaya ranges.

Overnight at tented camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 20

Drive to Kerung

 

After breakfast Drive to Kerung. Enjoy Grandview of Mt Shishapangma(8021mt High) Gauri Shankar and other high mountains from Gurung La Pass(5050mt.high) Dongpa. Overnight at the hotel.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 21

Drive to Kathmandu

 

From Kerung, you cruise down to the border town Rasuwagadi Nepalese border where you bid farewell to your Tibetan guide and driver and hike down to the Nepalese Immigration Control where you will be met by your Nepalese escorts. After completing the re-entry formalities you continue the scenic drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 7-8 hours.

Overnight at Hotel.

Meal: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 22

Leisure day in Kathamndu

A day for shopping and relaxation after a long journey.

Overnight at hotel with Breakfast.

Farewell dinner.

Day 23

Final Departure to Home country

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Meal: Breakfast.

 

Include

Airport Pick up drops 3 times by private coach/van
One full day Kathmandu sightseeing (Pashupati, Boudha, Kathmandu Darbar square, and Swayambhu)
Nepalgunj airport transfers
Kathmandu Hotel 3 Nights
Nepalgunj hotel for one night with full board meal
Kathmandu Nepalgunj flight
Nepalgunj to Simikot flight
Nepali Guide airfare to Simikot from Kathmandu
Cook land transfer to Nepalgunj - flight to Simkot (one day before)
Cargo
Needed Mules & 3 kitchen staffs from Simikot
Meals from own camping kitchen by trekking cook during Nepal part (Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner with tea/coffee/hot water),
Tent, mattress, table, chairs and cooking utensils during the camping trek
Humla special permit
Humla community fees
Chinese visa fee with Nepal Guide
Camping charge made by local (community)
One bus pick up from Kyirung border
Guide/Cook salary/insurance,
sleep at local Guesthouse/hotel with their food in Tibet part).
Rain protection duffel bag for luggage
Hilsa border crossing (local community ) fee
Accommodation as mentioned in the program
All necessary Tibet entry and road permits
1 Local Tibetan English speaking guide,
Conditional Transportation (one van) in Tibet
All entry fees to the sites and monasteries in Tibet
Porters around Kailash trek
Different kinds of snacks like biscuits, dried fruit, toast, coffee, tea, etc for the Breakfast for the entire tour in Tibet as well as Lunch and Dinner in available hotel/restaurant
Kailash and Mansarovar conservation fee
Kailash and Mansarovar conservative bus fee
National grassland conservation fee
Oxygen in case needed during in Tibet
First Aid kit (suggest to have own better)
All staffs salary/insurance/food/accommodation
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trip
Duffle bag for your lauggage

Exclude

International airfare
Nepal visa
Helicopter charter to Simikot from Nepalgunj on flight cancelation due to bad weather
Extra nights Hotel in Nepalgunj on flight cancelation due to bad weather
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks bottle of mineral water and snack during trekking
Meals in Kathmandu( Lunch and Dinner)
Excess baggage fee (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Simkot), approx Rs 100 and 140/kg)
Restaurant food bills during camping if out of the plan
Any personal medical or evacuation expenses incur and strongly recommend international Travel Insurance
Extra porter for the personal day bag pack
Horse/Yak riding along the trek/Kailash Kora
Political disturbance blockade expenses
Extra cost on natural disaster
Sleeping bag can be rented from company @ USD 1.00 per day per piece
Tips to staffs/drivers
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the cost include

Important Information

Note****

Single Supplementary $ 400

The price is quoted based on a minimum of 5 people in a group.

Please do contact us for fewer and more than 5 people.

Other Info: Early Bird $ 2950 (until the end of December 2020). Booking with 10 pax $2900 per person. Trip deposit for secure space $500 is non - refundable but can use it for the next trip just for you. Contact us for the final payment.

Useful information

To apply for visa approval before your arrival we need:

A clear, color scan of your passport along with the advance amount of US $ 350.  This must be provided to us at least 35 days prior to the arrival in Kathmandu.

Health & Altitude problems:

Traveling in Tibet involves high altitude and can be strenuous. Clients with heart and lung problems or blood diseases should consult their doctor before booking the trip. Very often the cases of altitude sickness have been reported. A simple headache, fever, loss of appetite, or stomach disorders can happen before acclimatization. Advised, drink approx. 04 liters of water per day, do not strain yourself, move slowly, breathe deeply, and take regular rests.? 

Frequently Asked Question