As long as there have been ancient religions in Asia, there has been a reverence for Mount Kailash. The cosmologies and origin myths of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism each speak of Kailash as the axis mundi - the center and birthplace of the entire world. Kailash is spoken of as the mythical Mt Meru in the Vedas. The mountain was indeed legendary even before the great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, were written.
Hindus believe Mount Kailash to be the home of Lord Shiva. According to Sanskrit literature, the immortal Shiva lives atop Kailash where he spends his time practicing yogic austerities with his divine consort, Parvati. For a Hindu, to make the Yatra to Kailash and have the darshan (divine view) of Shiva's home is to attain release from the clutches of ignorance and delusion.
Tibetan Buddhists call the mountain Kang Rimpoche, the 'Precious One of Glacial Snow.' To Jains, Kailash is known as Astapada, the place where Rishaba (the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras) attained liberation. And for followers of Bon, Tibet's pre-Buddhist, shamanistic religion, Kailash is Mount Tise - the site of a 12th century battle between the Buddhist sage Milarepa and the Bon shaman Naro Bon-chung.
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar : Yatra & Parikrama
Considered the most important sacred site of four religions and 2 billion people, Mount Kailash is a breathtaking fusion of rock and ice soaring to over 22,000 feet in the farthest reaches of western Tibet. This venerated holy place also holds the unique distinction of being one of the least traveled, with no more than a few thousand yatri (pilgrims) visiting each year because of the weeks-long, awe-inspiring journey it takes to reach the mountain.
Eco Trek allows yatri from all over the world the opportunity to hike and experience the 52km parikrama (circumambulation) around the sacred Kailash. With the help of our friendly and knowledgeable staff, pilgrims can undertake this epic, once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Yatra : Overview
Over an unforgettable 18 days, all yatri will take in the great countryside of far western Tibet and numerous holy monasteries before reaching the base of Mount Kailash and beginning the circumambulation. (For those clients who feel that hiking the entire route might be too difficult, yaks and horses can be hired for an additional cost to assist you on your kora.)
Before their pilgrimage, yatri will be led to the nearby holy waters of Lake Manasovar, known as the Lake of Consciousness and Enlightenment, where they will have the opportunity to take a sacred bath and perform puja on the banks. Eco Trek staff will also set up a bathing tent and heat the chilling water of Manasovar for clients who prefer a private experience.
Custom Tours
Eco Trek offers the opportunity for clients to design and create a custom trip with us to the Mt Kailash region. There are various ways to access the Kailash region. There are many holy sites only a couple days drive away. Often spiritual communities or academic institutions many want a very specific and detailed trip. Others might want to take the highest end option of a helicopter flight to Kailash region. There is also a 5 day trek from the Nepali town of Simikot to the Tibetan border just south of Lake Manasovar. Eco Trek truly wants you to enjoy the beauty of your pilgrimage to this Holy place.
Day 01 :Arrive Kathmandu
Pick up from the airport/transfer to your 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 02 : Kathmandu
After breakfast, we set out for a guided tour of Kathmandu's holy
sites,including Pashupatinath and Boudanath, 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
any unnecessary luggage. Group dinner in the evening.
Day 03 :Kathmandu to Zhangmu or Nyalam 145 or 175 km : 8 to 10 hours of driving
We embark on our journey at 5:00am, stopping in Dhulikhel (1 hour 30 mins drive)
for breakfast or we do start after breakfast from Kathmandu itself. After
leaving Dhulikhel, the road follows the valleys of the Sunkosi and Bhotakosi
rivers, passing through lush countryside and dramatic cliffs. We reach the Tibet
border in the afternoon, then continue on to either Zhangmu (2300m) or Nyalam
(3750m), depending on road conditions. Overnight in a local hotel.
Day 04 :Rest day in Nyalam
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 05 :Nyalam to Saga 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 06 :Drive from Saga to Paryang (4600m) 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.
Day 07 : Drive from Paryang to Lake Manasarovar (4558m) 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. We will make our way to the small village
of Hor Chu on the eastern banks of the holy lake or drive all the way to western
banks, Chiu monastery for an overnight stayLake 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 Mount.
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.
Day 08:Manasarovar to Tarchen (4575m) 140 km : 5 hours of driving
In the morning, the Eco Trek staff will set up private bathing tent on the
shores of Lake Manasarovar for the traditional sacred bath most pilgrims perform
before circumambulating the holy mountain. Once so cleansed, we will head north
towards Tarchen, a village considered the base camp for Kailash. Depending on
the itinerary options, we can also drive to Trithapuri hot springs and back to
Tarchen (140km). We will stay the night at Tarchen.
Day 09 :Rest 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. The
walk to Core i.e. Saptarishi Caves also possible to plan if Yatris are
physically fit and done the circumambulation earlier. Nandi Kora is part of it.
Day 10 :Trek to Dirapuk (4909m) 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 a where we will set up camp for the night.
Day 11 :Trek to Zutulpuk Monastery Total hiking for the day: 18 km/6 to 7 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). 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 : Trek to end of valley : Drive to Tarchen
On the last day of your Kailash parikrama, a three-hour walk brings us to where
the river emerges onto the Borkha plain. Our jeeps will be waiting to transport
us to our camp at Lake Mansarovar.
Day 13 : Drive to Dongba
345 km/10 hours of driving
Day 14 : Drive to Nyalam .
Day 15 : Drive to Kathmandu 163 km/6 to 7 hours
Arriving back at the hotel in Kathmandu, we will celebrate our successful trip
with a banquet for all yatris (pilgrims). Overnight in hotel.
Day 16 : Day for yourself
Option for early departure or you use your extra day for Himalayan mountain
flight, Mankamana road trip, or Muktinath helicopter tour (contact Eco Trek for
more information about option day trip at additional cost)
Day 17 : Transfer to airport/departure