MOUNT KAILASH TREK TIBET 2012
OUTLINE ITINERARY
1 Depart UK
2 Arrive Kathmandu.
Hotel
3 Kathmandu
drive to Nyalam. Guest house
4 Nyalam
drive to Saga. Camp
5 Saga
drive to Baryang. Camp
6 Baryang
drive to Lake Manasarovar. Camp
Lake Mansarova lies about 20 km southeast of Mt. Kailash. It means 'Invincible Jade Lake' in Tibetan. The altitude of the lake is about 4,588 metres, making it one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. The water is very still and bright. The Hindu legend has that it that can wash away all one's sins as well as any anxiety or improper thoughts. Many pilgrims bathe in the lake and take some water back as a gift to their relatives and friends. The surrounding area is the point of origin for India's two most famous rivers, the Indus and the Ganges.
7 Lake Manasarovar – Darchen.
Guest house.
8 Kailash Parikarma.
Camp
9 Kailash Parikarma.
Camp
10 Kailash Parikarma.
Camp Kailash means 'Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain' in Tibetan. The name originates from the year-round snow on its peak. Mt. Kailash is the highest peak in the massive Gangdise mountain range at an altitude over 6,600 metres. The peak is very pointed and looks like a pyramid piercing the sky. More often that not, clouds will gather above the peak, so clear days are thought to be a blessing because local residents can get an unimpeded view. Legend has it that a high lama named Milarepa competed with Naro Bonchung for supernatural power. Milarepa was triumphant and thus the mountain came under the guidance of Buddhism. However, the mountain is also said to be the gathering place of masses of gods, among which are the highest gods of Hinduism. So it is no surprise that many pilgrims of different faiths visit here. Walking around the mountain is a popular ceremony despite the length and difficult terrain. According to the sayings of Buddhism, one circle around the mountain can atone for all the sins committed throughout one's lifetime. Buddhists walk clockwise around the mountain while Bonists walk in an anti clockwise direction.
11 Drive to Zongba
Camp
12 Drive to Sangsang.
Camp
13 Drive to Shigatse via Sakya monastery.
Mansarovar hotel
14 Visit Tashi Lhunpo
and then drive to Gyangste and visit Palchoe monastery and Kubum Pagoda stupa. Yeti hotel
Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse is one of the biggest monasteries of the Gelugpa Buddhists in Tibet and it is located at the foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain). Founded by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, the monastery's structure was expanded by the Fourth and successive Panchen Lamas. Tashilhunpo Monastery covers an area of 3,229,279 sq.ft.
15 Gyangste to Lhasa.
Gang Gyen hotel or similar
16 Sightseeing
Potala and Jokhang temple, Barkor Bazaar
Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. The Potala was first and foremost the residence of the Dalai Lama and his large staff. In addition, it was the seat of Tibetan government, where all ceremonies of state were held; it housed a school for religious training of monks and administrators; and it was one of Tibet's major pilgrimage destinations because of the tombs of past Dalai Lamas. Today only a few monks are allowed to occupy the Potala Palace under strict supervision and Tibetan pilgrims are not generally admitted to the shrines. The Chinese government operates the palace as a state museum.
17 Sightseeing
Drepung and Sera monasteries. Same hotel
18 Fly back to Kathmandu.
Hotel
19 Kathmandu to UK
Cost:
See dates and prices page
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation as mentioned in the program
- China visa
- All necessary Tibet entry and road permits
- 1 Local Tibetan English speaking guide
- Transportation by 4500 Toyota land cruisers and 1 support truck for the camping equipments
- All entry fees to the sites and monasteries
- Pack Yaks and Yak men for the trek
- All camping fees
- All camping equipment except sleeping bags
- Cook and assistant
- National grassland conservation fee for all members, guide and vehicles
- Different kinds of snacks like biscuits, dried fruit, chocolate etc
- Full board for entire tour in Tibet Bed and breakfast in Kathmandu
- Oxygen in case needed
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International and internal flight and air tax
- Visa fee for Nepal
- Other meals in Kathmandu
- Personal insurance
- Any extra cost in the event of landslides and personal expenses
- Alcoholic and bottled drinks
- Optional Sherpa / Porter bonus
Total Payment Protection (topp) Policy cover: In compliance with the UK Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 and the Civil Aviation (Air Travel Organiser's Licensing) Regulations 1995 an insurance policy has been arranged with Travel & General Insurance Company plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, to protect customers' prepayments in the unlikely event of our financial failure and paid in respect of:
- flight inclusive packages commencing and returning to the UK
- non-flight inclusive packages commencing and returning to the UK
- flight inclusive packages, where the initial flight from your home country, which is outside of the UK, was included in the package price of the holiday