We fly from Katmandu to Simikot (2910m) in West Nepal and start your trek.
The route leads through a magnificent mountain area, past villages of the Thakuri, along rivers and across the Nara Lagna Pass. From the 4580m high pass you can see the vast Tibetan plateau. You will hike to the Nepali/Tibetan border till the village of Sher on the Tibetan side, where a vehicle will pick you up and drive to Taklakot. Geographically you are directly south of Kailash, which Hindus and Buddhists view as the "center of the world". On your way to the holy mountain you will wander along the western shore of Lake Mansarowar and camp. "There are countless beautiful landscapes in the Himalayas, in the Trns-Himalya and in ther ares of high Asia, Yet the view from Gosul Gompa cross the lake and the surrounding mountains surpasses everything I have seen", wrote Sven Hedin in "Transhimalaya" (1909).
The mighty rock dome of Kailash comes closer. Together with pilgrims from far and wide you follow the trail (Parikrama) across the Dolma La (5600m), which is adorned with countless prayer flags. It takes three Days to circumambulate the snow-covered cupola of the 6714m tall mountain. In Tibetan tradition you will conclude this pilgrimage in Tirthapuri - which is one of the most important pilgrim destinations along with Kailash and Lake Mansarowar.
Almost surreal appears the canyon-like valley of the Sutlej. Imbedded lie the ruins of Tsaparang, the capital of the former kingdom of Guge. After visiting the 900 year-old site our drive through the canyon of the Sutlej starts long the north route to Lhasa. The light and shadows of the summer clouds make for a magical atmosphere, dip the barren vastness in tinges of pastel green, yellow deep blue and violet. En route, we visit two of the most sacred temples of Tibet: Tshilunpo in Shigatse and Kumbum in Gyantse. In Lhasa, the spiritual and secular center Tibet's, visited by many pilgrims from allover the country, we will have two Days at our disposal.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Ktm transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Free Day in Ktm Hotel
Day 03: Flight: KTM - Nepalgunj transfer to Hotel
Day 04: Flight: Nepalgunj - Simikot Trek to Dharapari, Camp
Day 05: Trek to Kermi, Camp
Day 06: Trek to Yalbang, Camp
Day 07: Trek to Muchu, Camp
Day 08: Trek to Yari, Camp
Day 09: Trek to Sip Sip, Camp
Day 10: Drive to Taklakot, camp
Day 11: Drive to Mansarovar visit Rakshak Tal,camp
Day 12: Hike to Tseti Drive to Darchen, camp
Day 13: Trek to Dri ra Phuk, camp
Day 14: Trek to Zuthul Phuk, Camp
Day 15: Trek end and drive to Thirthapuri, Camp
Day 16: Drive to Tholing, camp
Day 17: Visit Tsaparang, overnight in Tholing, camp
Day 18: Drive to Ali / Shiquqn He
Day 19: Drive to Gertse - camp
Day 20: Drive to Tsochen - camp
Day 21: Drive to Lhatse, camp
Day 22: Drive to Shigatse visit Market, Hotel (BLD)
Day 23: Visit Tashilungpo, Drive to Gyantse, Hotel (BLD)
Day 24: Visit Khumbum Drive to Lhasa, Hotel (BLD)
Day 25: Lhasa: S/S - Sera, Drepung, Potala, Jokhang, hotel (BLD)
Day 26: Lhasa: S/S - Barkhor, Norbulingka, Hotel (BLD)
Day 27: Day trip to Gyanden if possible Sightseeing in Lhasa, hotel (BLD)
Day 28: Flight Lhasa - KTM, transfer to Hotel (BLD)
Day 29: Free Day in Ktm, Hotel (BLD)
Day 30: Final departure transfer to your destination.
Note: B=breakfast, BB=bed-breakfast, BLD=breakfast-lunch-dinner.
