TIBET – MT KAILASH OVERLAND TOUR - 10 Days

Outline Itinerary:

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Early in the morning Drive Kathmandu – Kyirong (2300m/7544ft) 170 km, 8 – 10 hrs:

Early morning we drive to drive to Kyirong. It is around 08 hours drive via Pasang Lhamu highway to Kyirong Bridge. It is around 170 km, you reach Tibet border (China / Nepal Border). After completion of immigration formalities at the border, we will enter to the Chinese Autonomous Region. We cross the Bridge at the border & enter Tibet. We will be staying at the hotel/guest house nearby Kyirong border. O/N at Hotel in Kyirong (BB).

Day 02: Acclimatization in Kyirong (2300m/7544ft):

We have a rest day in Kyirong for acclimatization. Explore Kyirong; there is opportunity to visit Temple of great Tibetan Yogi Milarepa. O/N at Hotel in Kyirong (BB).

Day 03: Drive to Saga (4840m/15875ft) 270km, 5hrs:

Today we drive approx 5 hours to the huge lake called Peiku-tso crossing two high passes. After a quick stop at bank of Peiku-tso Lake, we continue our drive to Saga along many small lakes and cross the Yarlong Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river on the way. Further ahead, a river valley sprawls over and then traditional picturesque villages come into picture. This scenically rewarding drive provides plenty of opportunities for photography. O/N at Guest House in Saga (BB)

Day 04:  Drive to Darchen (4560m/14957ft) 590km, 9hrs:

Today is a longer day’s drive travelling more than 500km. First we begin our journey towards Paryang which is almost 450km drive from Saga. From Paryang, we set out across the plains to Mansarovar Lake located just 30km south of Mt Kailash. As you near this breathtaking sacred lake, historic Chiu Monastery becomes visible on the North West shore of the lake. From this vantage point, you can even glimpse at majestic Mount Kailash. This journey stimulates you spiritually. From this lake you have to drive 30km further to reach Darchen, your trekking point. O/N at Guest House in Darchen (BB)

Day 05:  Drive to Tarpoche (50km, 1 hr). Trek to Dirapuk (4900m/16072ft.)

Leaving the lake, we drive for about 50 km towards Tarpoche, the Base Camp of Kailash or the starting point of Kora where we begin our first walk of 6-7 hrs, towards Kailash. Here you meet your team of yaks and Tibetan yak drivers who will escort you around the Kora. Further ahead from Tarpoche, you have to trek past verdant meadows and picturesque streams to Lha Chu Valley. The trail overlooks Turquoise River cascading over a narrow canyon with high steep cliffs. En-route, north face of Kailash comes into vision. The trail will approach 13th century monastery of Dirapuk. O/N at Guest House in Dirapuk (BB)

Day 06:  Trek Dirapuk to Zutulpuk. Cross Dolmala Pass (4790m/15711ft):

Lha Chu Valley blurs as you turn towards Drolma Chu Valley. Looking forward to the amazing Mount Kailash tour and trek, you ascend to Drolma La (5630m), the highest point of the trip. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion at the summit; you realize that this tough and challenging ascent has indeed been very worthwhile and fruitful. Several prayer flags can be seen at the summit. Further on, the trail descends to the flat fields of Zuthulpuk which houses a monastery and several fascinating caves. The caves at this locale are most popular for meditation; Milarepa’s cave being one of them with Milarepa’s footprints and elbow prints believed to be imprinted all over this cave of Mani stones. After a tough challenging day walk of approximately 10 hrs, we reach Zuthulpuk. O/N at Guest House in Zuthulpuk (BB)

Note: Offer "Lungta" and prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with your Tibetan Guide. Offering Lungta in high passes and temple is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Tibetan culture.

Day 07:  Finish Trek. Drive to Darchen (4560m/14957ft) 30km, ½ hr:

The Last day of Kailash Parikrama/ Kora is easy walking on beautiful valley. We will walk for about 4-5 hours to where our vehicle will be waiting for us to drive to Darchen.  O/N at Hotel in Darchen (BB)

Day 08:  Drive to Saga (4840m/15875ft) 560km, 9 hrs:

After breakfast, we continue driving today along a 250km stretch of road to Saga through dusty town of Zhongba. O/N at Guest House in Saga (BB)

Day 09: Drive to Kyirong (2300m/7544ft) 320km, 5hrs:

After breakfast today you will drive past Tingri before Lalung La pass at 5050m, we take left turn from Gutso. We drive along Peku Tso ( Lake) and arrived Dzonkha (Kyirong Xian), then  drive further 70km cross high pass Yangdo La 5326m/17470ft to Nepal border town of Kyirong. Kyirong is also a famous religious and historical place, home of 11th Centaury great saint and Guru Milarepa known for his tantric wisdom as well a poet and folk singer, his song are still remembered by local herdsman and villagers. O/N at Hotel in Kyirong (BB)

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft) 170 km, 8-10 hrs:

After breakfast, drive 25 km to the border and the immigration point. After Chinese Immigration formalities we cross into Nepal by foot and meet Nepali representative of Basanta Adventure and vehicle at the Nepal side called Timure, Rasuwa Ghadi. After Nepali immigration formalities, you drive to Kathmandu. It is an interesting combination drive of dirt and paved road along the Langtang national park through smaller town of Syabrubensi and Dunche (ideal place for lunch) and finally reaches the main national highway at Galchi. You will experience more traffic along the road. Tour Concludes.