Tibet
Trip details
Destination :
Lhasa to Mt Kailash, Tibet
We value our travellers :
This is a "Premium Tour" including :
- Hotel 4* in Kathmandu (with garden and pool) / 3* in Lhasa
- Altitude acclimatization program
- Guest House acommodation during the Kora
Grade : 3 : Arduous
1 : Easy | 2 : Moderate | 3 : Arduous | 4 : Strenuous | 5 : Very arduous
Duration : 22 days
Best season : March - June | September - November
Trip cost per pers. : € 2,585
Group size : 4 - 12
Single supplementary : € 150
Single room supplement mandatory when no sharing room: €95
Recommended previous experience :
Annapurna circuit, Mustang trek, Dolpo trek, Mt Kenya or similar
Further info :
Extra service (with supplement) :
- Ayurveda massage - 1/2 day
Mount Kailash is situated in the Northern part of the Himalayan range on the Tibetan plateau. At 6,714m / 22,028ft Mt Kailash is a splendid cone shaped mountain covered with glittering ice on its rocky shaped faces. It is also the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Jain and pre-Buddhist animistic Bon-po religion. Mount Kailash is believed to be the earthly manifestation of the spiritual center of the universe and the home of Lord Shiva. The circumambulation or Kora of the mountain is a holy moment that leads to the turquoise Manasarovar Lake up to the Droma La pass which is over 5600m. Buddhists and Hindus pilgrims are walking around the mountain clockwise while Bon-po walk anti-clockwise
It is a spiritual holy trip in wild Tibet. It is also a stunning experience among pilgrims. An unforgettable cogniscence, in the heart of this religious culture.
Itinerary
The itinerary from Hilsa at the Nepal border is also available for trekkers that would rather trek through a wildest route to Tibet. From 2 pers. only, no solo trekker.
- Day 01 : Welcome in Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.
- Day 02 : Free day in Kathmandu. Visa day to get for Tibet. O/N Hotel.
--- start acclimatization program --------
- Day 03 : Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (alt. 3650m). Free afternoon. O/N Hotel.
- Day 04 : Sightseeing in Lhasa. Jokhang Temple & Sera Monastery. O/N Hotel.
- Day 05 : Visit Potala palace (morning or afternnon visit). Free time. O/N Hotel.
- Day 06 : Visit Norbulinka Park, The Summer Palace. Drive to Gyantse (alt. 3950m). O/N Hotel.
--- get fully acclimatized --------
- Day 07 : Visit of Khumbum Monastery. Drive to Shigatse (alt. 3900m). O/N Hotel.
- Day 08 : Visit of Tashilamphu Monastery. Drive to Lhatse (alt. 4050m). O/N Hotel.
- Day 09 : Drive to Saga (alt. 4300m) following the river Yarlung Tsongpo. O/N Guest House
- Day 10 : Drive to Baryang (alt. 4549m). O/N Guest House
- Day 11 : Drive to Mayumla Pass (alt. 4900m) & Lake Manasarovar. O/N Guest House
- Day 12 : Acclimatization day around Holy Lake Manasarovar (alt. 4520m). O/N Guest House
- Day 13 : Drive to Darchen. O/N Guest House
--- start of the Kora --------
- Day 14 : Holy Pilgrimage Trek around Mt Kailash. O/N Guest House
- Day 15 : Trek across Droma La pass (5600m) to Zutul-Puk (alt. 4760m). O/N Guest House
- Day 16 : Trek to Darchen & drive to Manasarovar. O/N Guest House
--- end of the Kora --------
- Day 17 : Drive to Paryang. O/N Guest House
- Day 18 : Drive to Saga. O/N Guest House
- Day 19 : Drive to Zhangmu. O/N Hotel.
- Day 20 : Drive to Kathmandu. O/N Hotel
- Day 21 : Half-day guided tour of Kathmandu. Free afternoon. O/N Hotel.
- Day 22 : Transfer to Airport for International departure
Cultural interest
Mount Kailash is the highest mountain in Tibet. Its glaciers are the source of some of the longest rivers that flows through Asia: Sutlej, Indus Karnali that nourishes the Ganges and the longest one, Brahmaputra. The mountain is considered as "precious jewel of snows" - Kang Rinpoche - where Shiva and Parvati are in meditation to destroy all sorrows. The trek around the mountain is arduous due to altitude and remoteness. The round of Mt Kailah is a 3 days trip along a 52km trail. Every year, thousands of devotees do the Kora performing body-length prayer posture on uneven terrain. The mountain is sacred and cannot be climbed to the top.
Lake Manasarovar It is one of the highest fresh-water lakes in the world. The turquoise lake has an 88km circumference, 90m depth covering 320-sq-kms surface. Swans, considered as sacred birds, black cranes and other wild species are living around the lake. The Lord Brahma first created the lake in the mind, getting the actual name from the combination of two Sanskrit words manas (mind) and sarovara (lake). Lake Mansarovar is also considered as a place of pilgrimage and the Kora starts with a bath in the Mansarovar water that is believed to bring salvation. It is a great moment of devotion and a fascinating experience.
Climate & season
Summer is usually the best time of the year to trek around Mt Kailash. From April to June the weather is sunny with a clear blue sky offering great views of the mountains. September and October are also a perfect time to enjoy stable and clear weather. On clear days the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range can be seen in the distance. Nevertheless, February, March and early November are also good months to benefit from a quieter environment and less pilgrims in tea-houses. These months are still sunny but extremely cold at night with more snow falls.
The rainy season starts from mid-May to September and you may experience more showers and rain falls during these months. July and August are less recommended as precipitations cause landslides and road blockage making your trip a little bit more adventurous but the sceneries are fantastic. During this season, the sky is incredibly beautiful, blanketed with deep-grey clouds showering the fields.
Sunlight is very intense and sun radiation very strong. The Tibet plateau is very high in altitude and the thin air does not shield the sun radiation and UVs. The elevation of the Droma La pass is 5600m altitude with lots of days of sunshine. Protect your eyes with category 4 sunglasses, use a high SPF sunblock cream for your skin and always wear a hat or a cap to protect you from the sun.
Lhasa - Mt Kailash Route
The trek starts from Lhasa and is a 3 days sightseeing tour to adapt your body to altitude and lower the effects of altitude sickness. It is a fantastic discovery of Tibetan Buddhism and ancient monasteries. You trek though the Southern route towards Saga in the magnificent Yarlung Tsanpo Valley. Road conditions are good from Lhasa but will get dusty and bumpy as you get closer to Kailash. Traditional Tibetan villages, young shepherds herding their sheep and yaks grazing in fields can be encountered along your trip through the remote plateau.
Tibet & Nepal team
We provide highly experienced local guide in Tibet. They know very well the regions to be crossed. They will always be pleased to share with you the treasures of Tibet and will make your trip enjoyable. Our leaders speak fluent English, Nepalese, Tibetan and Chinese for the well-being of the group. The team will support and assist you in a friendly environment.
In Tibet tipping the driver and guide is expected and commonplace although it is not compulsory. If you feel your guide or driver has done a good job, please allow approximately USD 20$ per day per person to be divided equally between Tibetan crew staff. As the season in Tibet is quite short, extra income are often expected to sustain the rest of the year with less tourists. Then, we highly recommend that you leave a tip to the Tibetan staff.
In Nepal tipping is less expected. Nevertheless, wages and living standard are very low. If you feel that the service is good, we recommend leaving a tip of 500 rupees or so.
Visa and Permits
We arrange your visa and permits at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu as well as the permit for the Kailash Kora. There’s no need to get a visa for China before departure, it will automatically be cancelled and replaced by a specific visa for Tibet. Nevertheless, it is important you send us a copy of the identity pages of your passport upon booking. An extra fee is applicable at the rate of USD 115$ for all nationality and USD 200$ to American passport holders. It is also highly recommended to book your international flight arriving in Kathmandu either on Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday as the Embassy opens on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
On the way back a re-entry visa has to be paid directly in Kodari village at the entrance point in Nepal. Please, allow USD 100$ to bear the cost of the visa for Nepal. Also bring 2 ID photos and your passport. Preference for a multi-entry visa at Kathmandu airport, you will be required to pay the extra fee upon arrival directly from Nepal.
Accommodation
We take care of all accommodations during your trek, hotels in Kathmandu as well as Guest houses on your trek. All hotels and guesthouse rooms are on double or triple sharing basis. Nevertheless, we can provide a single room at affordable price, on request.
We always stay focused on providing the most suitable accommodation in regard of the comfort and the quality of the service based on the local standards. In Lhasa you will be at the Yak Lhasa Hotel or similar and in Kathmandu, Thamel Hotel or similar. They are renowned for their hospitality, comfort and their ideal situation in the centre of town. Internet service is also available from those hotels (there is an extra charge).
On the way to Kailash, we provide the best accommodation available to make your trip a memorable journey.
Health condition & acclimatization
Our program includes an air trip to Lhasa at 3650m altitude (instead of driving to the Tibet border which is too low in altitude) from Kathmandu, to allow your body time to adapt to the higher elevation. In Lhasa, we have planned 3 full days to get you adjusted to the low oxygen environment for an efficient acclimatization process. During that time, enjoy your stay; avoid strenuous activity and alcohol to fully adjust yourself to the lack of oxygen.
It is essential that you get fit and healthy before your trek. This trek is not recommended for heavy smokers and for those who have heart problems or respiratory ailment. We will require a medical certificate from your doctor that allows you to participate. Prepare yourself physically, especially as the walk can be strenuous during the Kora of Kailash and while crossing Droma La pass in high altitude.
From Lhasa, the trek leads to Kailash and from there you will take a comfortable 4WD Landcruiser. Nevertheless, altitude has to be considered as you can suffer from Altitude sickness.
Extra altitude service
We provide oxygen pressured bottles on your itinerary, in case of mild-altitude sickness or breathing problems.
We also carry one Gamow Bag - Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) per group during the Kora if you suffer from severe altitude sickness.
A land cruiser will be organised to drive you to the Nepal border in case of casualty, severe injury or extreme Altitude Sickness Symptoms. From Nepal, a Helicopter rescue can also be organised (if available). Your guide's decision is final at that stage. Be sure that you have the adequate insurance.
Please, keep in mind that you are fully liable for all rescue and repatriation expenses occurring before the end of your trip. Make sure that you are fully covered as your insurance will have to bear the costs involved.
What does the trip include
Price Includes
- Welcome at Tribhuvan Airport in Kathmandu.
- All hotel/airport transfer.
- Hotel rooms in Kathmandu, double occupacy, on B&B Basis.
- All meals on set menu in Tibet
- All accommodation in Tibet.
- Private landcruiser transport.
- Guided tours included in your itinerary with entry fees.
- Guide and driver (English speaking).
- Nepal crew salary, insurance, food and lodging.
- Permit fees.
- Comprehensive medical kit.
- Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) for safety in altitude.
Price does not include
- International flight to / from Kathmandu and all applicable taxes.
- Flight Kathmandu – Lhasa (approx. 200$).
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- All personal clothing & personal equipment.
- All expenses of personal nature (Laundry, Phones, Tips, bar bills ...).
- Tibet Visa fee of US$ 115 for foreigners and US$ 200 for Americans.
- Personal / Medical / Travel insurance and Rescue evacuation in case of emergency.
- Any expenses for early returning member due to sickness, injury or any other reason.
- All applicable transport charges in case of flight postponement, road disruptions or landslide.
- Extra staff or additional vehicule.
- Poney or Yak transportation.
- All drinks.
- Tips.
