Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Yatra

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1 Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is believed to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mt Meru, said to be the center of the universe or navel of the world. Mt. Meru is depicted as a mandala, and its image occurs throughout both Buddhista and Hindu parts of Asia. Mt Kailas is holy to followers of four religions. To Hindus, Kailas is the abode of Shiva and nearby Manasarobar Lake is the means or soul of Brahma. Tibetans call Kailas Kang Rimpoche. Jains worship it as Mt Ashtapada, the peak from which the religion s founder, Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation. Followers of Bon-Po, the ancient pre- Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet, revere Kailas as the soul of Tibet. Mt. Kailash has long been an object of worship for four Major religious. For Hindu it is domain of Shiva. It is also the abode of samvara-a multiarmed wrathful deity worshipped in the chakrasamvara Tantric cycle of Tibetrian Buddhism. The joins of India also reverse the mountain as the site at which the first of their saints emancipated. And in the ancient Bon religion of Tibet, Kailash was the secred nine storeys Swastika Mountain, upon which the Banpo founder Shenrab alighted from haven. The 53 Km. Kailash circuit is the holist of all-hindu as well as Buddist pilgrimages and the beacon, which draws most traveller to western Tibet. It is said that a single Parikarma erases the accumulated sins of a lifetime, while 108 cicurmbulation will achieve Salvation. Lake Mansarovar: At an elevation of 4510m, is more important to Hindus than to Buddhists. Hindu pilgrims make an 85km. circuit around Manasarovar that is made longer and more difficult by marshes and complicated stream crossings. The Tibetans, being more pragmatic, often make a circuit of the lake in the winter when the streams are frozen and the route is shorter. Near Manasarovar is another large lake, Rakshas Tal, the Demon Lake that holds far less spiritual significance. Sprawling below Mount Kailash is the sacred lake Manasarovar (4510m), where ritual bath will deliver a pilgrim to brahm s paradise and drink of its water relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes. Duration: 15 days Price: $2200 Group Size: 2 Grade: Moderate

2 Destination: Nepal Activity: Trekking Equiment Lists: Recommended equipment list: Trekkers need to provide their own personal clothing and equipment. Some items of equipment are available for hire from us as like Down Jacket Footwear : Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes. Clothing : Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit. Other equipment: Sleeping bag (5 seasons), lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters. Other items: Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit. Itinerary: Day 1: International arrival Langtang Ri Trekking representative will greet you in an airport and will transfer to your hotel. After the arrival, the group will be formally introduced to Guide for the activities over the next few days. One should pay attention in particular to the safety aspects of the briefing. Any questions or doubts should be asked and clarified at this time. We check your insurance details and other requirement for your trekking. Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide (can be provide any language speaking guide on request) be, try to give them a full taste of our vivid culture image and an enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square. Bouddhanath: Bouddhanath is a Buddhist religious complex with a history dating back over 500 years. Located on the eastern edge of Kathmandu it is now a site of great pilgrimage for Buddhist followers who circle its massive stupa, spin its many prayer wheels and visit its beautiful monastery. The main feature of Boudhanath is its huge hemispherical white stupa with central golden tower and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Visitors should circle the stupa in a clockwise direction and spin prayer wheels for good fortune and a good life. Visitors may also enjoy visiting the Thangka painting school within the complex to see highly skilled artists at work on religious mandala paintings. Pashupatinath: Hindu Temple is a very large and complex and focal point for the Hindu religion. This old and very revered complex of buildings and shrines is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. While Lord Shiva has multiple forms he is often seen as the destroyer. This has great significance for the Pashupatinath temple as it is the site of many Hindi ritual cremations each day. Pashupatinath is considered by Hindus to be an auspicious site for passing from one stage of life to the next 2

3 through the purifying and destroying flames of cremation. However, on a happier note, visitors may also get to see the temple in a buoyant festival mode with one of the many Hindu festivals celebrated here through the year. Swayambhunath: You will first visit the Swayambhunath temple complex that sits atop a high hill overlooking Kathmandu and the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is perhaps the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. It consists of a very large white stupa with the all-seeing-eye of Lord Buddha plus many small stupa and beautifully carved stone shrines. This is a wonderful place to catch your breath and start to understand and appreciate the deep importance of Buddhist belief to the people of Nepal and the Himalaya region. Make sure you ring the many bells to awaken the gods and let them know you are in Nepal. Take the time to enjoy the view over Kathmandu and have your guide point the many other highlights of the city. In the far distance to the east you may also be able to see the hills of Nagarkot where your hotel for tonight is located. If you feel energetic you might also like to try some or all of the 350 steps that lead all the way from Kathmandu city up to your Swayambhunath temple vantage point. Kathmandu Durbar Square: The next stop today is the beautiful Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the royal palace square of the ancient Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. This square and all its architectural treasures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some damage to buildings occurred in the 2015 earthquake the site still contains many stunning architectural gems. The original royal palace courtyards are open to visitors and you will marvel at the intricate timber carving and beautifully crafted brickwork of the palace. The open square outside the palace has many beautiful multi-storey pagodas and temples with ornate carving and carpentry artwork that tells some of the story of the ancient kings and their mystical time and beliefs. The square also contains many important Hindu temples and statues such as to Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Durbar Square also contains the unique and intriguing Kumari Chok. This is an ancient and ornate house where resides the Raj Kumari the Living Goddess. She is a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. If you are in the courtyard of the home at the right time in the afternoon you may see a brief glimpse of the Goddess at her window. Day 3: Katmandu to Nyalam Morning after breakfast leave Kathmandu to commence yatra to Nyalam [3800M]. We reach Friendship Bridge [Nepal China Boarder] by mini-coach. Walk along for 10 minutes to cross the bridge and there get acquainted with Chinese guide and land cruiser drivers. They will give a brief information regarding the further trip as this is the first day of the Yatra then proceed the journey to Zangmu, where all the immigration and custom formalities are ought to be accomplished. After the accomplishment of all formalities, we proceed to Nyalam. Arrival at Nyalam and overnight stay at guesthouse. Day 4: Nyalam Full day acclimatization It is more a day for acclimatization. Day 5: Nyalam Saga/4450m (Labug-La 5150m, Peku-tso and Saga, 232km) On the first long driving day over the sandy and rocky land of Tibet, other things like lake, nomads chasing thousands of yaks and sheep keep you busy. By the late afternoon you will cross Bhramha Purtra River way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town, Saga for night. Day 6: Saga / Dongba (4500m 335kms) to Paryang / Chui Gompa 3

4 Jeeps and trucks roll on the wide valley following rivers and grazing land of yaks and sheep. Far south you can see snow covered peaks near by you, lots of rocky peaks and sand duns give you an ideal world. Depends on season, nomads and other mobile shopkeepers are attired by beautiful traditional costume, waiting your arrival with hot tea and other supplies along with big smile. Day 7: Drive Paryang to Manasarover (4558m) 277km, 8 hours The longest driving day starts with full of excitement, by the late afternoon you can have the first sight of Holy Kailash Parbat and Manasarovara. Hore, a small village near by Lake Manasarover, we will spend a night there. This is a free day for pooja and hawan, This is the first day stay at the bank of the Manasarovar Lake. Overnight stay in tent or guesthouse. Day 8: Mansarovar to Darchen Mansarovar Parikrama by Land Cruiser. We will choose the special point to take dip in Manasarovar Lake and do Pooja of Lord Shiva. Full day free for spiritual activities. Drive around 2.30 hrs to Darchen and overnight stay there. Astapad excursion can be done at extra cost. Day 9: Darchen to Diraphuk This is the first day of Kailash Parikrama. We should start our journey after breakfast as early as possible. This day we have to walk continuously for about 6 to 7 hours. It is one of the exciting days walking along the beautiful rocky cliffs; water falls with some clouds in the clear blue sky make you feeling that Great God Shiva is every where with tons of blessing to you.yak will carry all our goods and equipment. Overnight stay at Diraphuk in tent. Day 10: Diraphuk to Zhulthulphuk Hardest but Holiest day of your pilgrimage Yatra with Dolma-La (pass) This day is very sensitive and we have to pass Dolma-La Pass, which is 5400 mt. above sea level. The weather in unpredictable in Doma-la Pass and at any time snowstorm can fall. So we try to start our journey as early as possible. In route we can have Darshan of Gaurikund but it is very difficult to go and touch. Once you reach the top, just do the holiest offering and sit down for meditation to forget yourself. Once your steps go down, Parvati-stal and Gauri Kunda are on the way. By the late afternoon you will arrive Zuthal Puk (the cave of Miracles. The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here) Overnight stay in route to Zhulthulphuk in tent. Day 11: Zhulthulphuk to Horquo eal We will Trek down to Darchen later our tour starts back for Kathmandu following the same route and same system applies for all subjects of our accommodation and meal. Day 12: Horquo to Dongba Drive back to Dongba Drive back to Dongba. Day 13: Dongba to Nyalam Drive back to Nyalam Drive back to Nyalam, which is the last stay in Tibet part. Day 14: Nyalam to Kathmandu After custom formalities we will be picked up by Nepal side and continue drive to Kathmandu and check into same hotel. 4

5 Day 15: International Departure All too soon it s time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted with this amazing adventure Himalaya. Cost Include: Welcome by garland Arrival & departure transportation Escorted sightseeing tour with an English speaking guide, private car and all entrances fees Twin /Double Sharing accommodation in Kathmandu in 2-3 stars hotel with breakfast Kathmandu Kodari (Tibetan Boarder ) Kathmandu transportation Tibet side: accommodation in decent hotel/guest houses 3 times ( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) pure vegetarian meals Sleeping bag Experienced cook, sherpas and kitchen crew Camping we provide two-man tents, mattresses, & camping equipments like dining & toilet tents Japanese land cruisers (4WD) & support trucks in Tibet yak and yak men for Kailash kora Pekutso road tax Mt Kailash & Lake Manasarovar tickets & Kailash Bus tickets English speaking Tibetan guide Nepali tour leader 5

6 Basic first-aid kit Normal Tibet/China visa fee Travel & Rescue arrangement Kodari land tax Taxes Fare well Dinner Cost exclude: International Airfare Nepal Visa Fee (USD 40 for 30 Day) All beverages, Photography charges and telephone calls Travel Insurance of clients Personal gear & clothing (available on hire) Tips, any expenses of personal nature Emergency evacuation expenses Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual Expenses of personal urgent visa fee etc & Services other than specified Anything not specified in the Cost Included section 6