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The Sacred History of Mount Kailash |
| 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: Journey and make round
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 Journey : 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.
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| Itinerary |
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) 186 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 stay
Lake 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. |
Terms & Conditions
Super deluxe:
1: 5 star Hotel in Katmandu
2: Best hotel in Tibet
3: Latest Model jeep 4500 with A/C (3 in one)
4: vegetarian hygienic food with your choice
5: Using Mineral water for personal use.
6: Down jacket, Slipping bag, Gambo bag, altitude medicine.
7: Experience doctor or nurse in whole trip
Cost: 80,000 I C per person
Deluxe:
1: Latest model jeep without A/C (4 in one)
2: Our booking Hotel in Tibet
3: 3 star hotel in Katmandu
4: Simple vegetarian meal in trip
5: Drinking Water for personal use
6: Down jacket, Slipping bag, Gambo bag
7: One nurse in whole trip
Cost: 65,000 I C per person
Standard:
1: Old model jeep (4 in one)
2: 5 night Hotels in Tibet rest of the day in camp
3: Non star Hotel in Katmandu
4: Drinking water for personal use
5: Simple vegetarian meal on trip
6: Down jacket, Slipping bag, Gambo bag hiring by yatri
7: No Nurse and Doctor
Cost: 50,000 I C Per person
Cost Includes
1. 03 Nights accommodation, hotel in Katmandu on twin sharing basis.
2. 12 Nights accommodation in Tibet using guest house/camp.
3. Tibet visa & permit fee (Normal)
4. Yaks & Yak men for luggage during kailash parikrama.
5. Ground transfer in Tibet using 4500 model land cruisers or bus as applicable
6. Services of English speaking guide in Tibet.
7. Services of our trekking equipment and Sharpe staff.
8. All trekking & camping equipment.
9. Pilgrim fee.
Cost does not includes
1. Using extra night in lodge expect the mention on itinerary.
2. Yak/porter for personal using.
3. Rescue/evacuation or all cost because of partition from the main group or serious health condition.
4. Flight or any cost to or from Katmandu from your destination/home town.
5. Insurance. |
| Planning and preparation |
| Sore throat |
Store eyes |
Body & Joint pains |
Sneezing |
| Cough |
Muscle pulls |
Stiffness |
Acidity |
| Vomiting |
cold |
Headache |
Nose Block |
| Constipation |
Stomach cramps |
Loose motion |
Dysentery |
| Fever |
indigestion |
Diarrhea |
Swellings |
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In addition to the Meditation, your first aid kit must contain the following:
| Vicks |
Nose Inhaler |
Candles/Lighter |
Dark sun glasses |
Bandage role |
| Facial tissues |
Glare protection |
Cotton |
Cologne |
Ban aid |
| Face Masks |
Chopstick |
Cough Drops |
Rubber band |
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| Body lotion |
Small plastic Bag |
Mustard oil |
Toilet paper |
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| Vaseline |
Mouth freshness |
Dust Cover |
Antiseptic |
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For personal uses:
Glucose base items, Mint, toffees, chocolate at high altitude for energy.
Multivitamins and vitamin-c tablets are required for daily uses as a routine.
Documents:
When you are ready to Manasorover yatra you should carry on small document bag following doc uments required.
• Passport with Photo copies, photographs, Identity card, Diary with your full address, contact number, small notebook.
• Travel chque, credit card and currency.
• Airline/Railway tickets/vouchers.
• Any other document for personal purposes.
Clothings & Equipments
You are suggested to take some clothings & Equipment for personal protection and safety.
• Towels-including small hand towel.
• Down Jacket, polar fleece: Light quilted.
• Slipping bags down with inside extra cove.
• Sun/Snow glasses.
• Pure wool and thick cotton socks.
• Warm light gloves, snow cap (with ear covering).
• Thermal underwear wool or mixed combination.
• Wool pullovers-polo neck, flannel shirts.
• Woolen monkey cap, sun hats & scarves.
• Comfortable Trekking boots and sandals.
• Hot water bottle.
• Walking stick.
• Light trek bag (for your camera and very essential things)
• First Aid Box (personal medicine).
• Rain coat with hood.
• Swiss Knife.
• Ladies can select other clothing materials as per her interest.
• Video camera: as per interest.
• Binoculars.
• Plastic mug/Whistle.
• Torch with spare cells & bulbs
Note: Please do not carry unnecessary and valuables things.
Risk and Liability
• Dear yatri when we start our yatra we don’t allow to take Alcohol, Drugs, smoking other intoxicant. If we found anyone who is use these things we will be left them own their risk. Further stay and return back are all at their own risk, liability and cost.
• Duration yatra time if any natural adversity like landslides, floods, road blockage, political unrest, storm, heavy snow, delay on arrival or departure, cancellation of flight, sickness or accident, any unfroessen events that changes the scheduled program forces the travels to change the itinerary, the decision of the experienced coordinator and the travels are the final one.
• Any additional cost incured due to the above mentioned reasons must be borne by the travelers.
• The pilgrimage is planned to make all do the Parikrama of the Holy Mount. But it any one cannot make it them the additional cost of the camp of staying behind has to be born them and there.
• Any one wanting break the journey due to personal our health reason have to pay for the additional cost such return than and there.
Note: Travelers can take insurance coverage. |
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