Simikot Kailash Trek

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Duration

19 Days

Trip Grade

Medium Hard

Maximum Altitude

5661m

Group Size

MIn 4 Person

Activities

Tour, Sightseeing

Starts

Kathmandu

Ends

Kathmandu

Best Time

June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct

The Simikot Kailash Trek traverses Nepal's Humla to Tibet, reaching sacred Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. Pilgrims perform a "kora" (circumambulation) around Kailash, a 50km trek over four days. The journey involves high passes, monasteries, and diverse religious devotees.

Trip Overview

Simikot Kailash Trek starts from the airstrip at Simikot, leading you through Nepal’s most isolated western district of Humla, following the Humla Karnali River to the border with Tibet, and to the magical Mansarovar Lake and holy Mount Kailash, known as the most important pilgrimage places of both Hindus and Buddhists. After ending our Nepal section trek to the Tibetan border from Simikot, a Tibetan guide with a private vehicle will receive us at Hilsa. Then we start the most exciting Kailash Mansarovar trip, then complete the pilgrimage Kora around Mount Kailash. Kora, meaning literally "circumambulation," is a type of pilgrimage and a type of meditative practice in the Tibetan Buddhist or Bon traditions.

Mount Kailash is considered to be the divinest mountain in the Himalaya, known as the center of the world for the four great religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Bönpo and Jain. Kailash is perfectly symmetrical and according to one description, these faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli. Near the base of the mountain rises four of the most significant rivers of the Indian subcontinent: the Indus, Sutlej, Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges River), and Brahmaputra.

The kora or trek around Mount Kailash is a distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles) and involves crossing one pass at 5,600 m. We take four days to complete the kora, giving you time for the necessary acclimatization as well as the opportunity to visit three main monasteries. No doubt you will meet many pilgrims on the trail. After the kora, we drive in Landcruisers over the Tibetan plateau and then cross the border back into Nepal near the town of Zhangmu.

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 01

Arrival at Kathmandu (1300 m)

Arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will pick up you from the airport and transfer to Hotel. Evening briefing and trip preparation. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02

Kathmandu visit and visa preparation

Visa Preparation for Kailash tour. You will be scouting touring in Kathmandu valley. Our guide will lead you Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu durbar squire. If anybody needs to buy or get things for Kailash tour on hire, our guide will give you company. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini zoo and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 04

Fly to Simikot (2,985m/9,790ft) and trek to Dharapori (2,360m/7,740ft) 4 - 6 hours

We take a 40-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot and admire the beauty of the soaring mountain cliffs from our airplane. Simikot, the head quarter of the Humla District, is cut off from the rest of the country due to its remoteness. While here, we learn about the local people and their rich culture, which is closely tied to the Tibetans because of the close proximity of the two places. We have lunch at Simikot and also register for the permit at the police office. From Simikot, we ascend for a while, then descend towards the village of Tuling. We continue walking through jungles and villages along the Karnali River towards Dharapori. Overnight in Dharapori.

Day 05

Dharapori to Kermi (2,860m/9,383ft): 5 - 6 hours

Our walk is on relatively flat trails beginning with the trail alongside the Karnali River. We walk along the fields cultivated mainly with barley, buckwheat, rice and potatoes. There are two hot springs near Kermi where we may soothe our aching bodies. We can also visit ancient Buddhist monasteries close to Kermi --Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. Overnight in Kermi.

Day 06

Kermi to Yalbang (2,879m/9,445ft): 5 - 6 hours

Today’ trek is a flat and steep ascent until reaching a small pass and crossing a suspension bridge over the Salli River. From here one can enjoy views of the beautiful pine trees and the mighty Karnali River. We will also visit the remote Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. Overnight in Yalbang.

Day 07

Yalbang to Tumkot (3,073m/10,082ft): 5 - 6 hours

We walk on a trail above the Karnali River. As we ascend further, the greenery begins to vanish and so do the smaller bushes. They give way to pine trees and rocky hills. After reaching Tumkot, we visit Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, one of the most important Sakya monasteries in the Tibetan region. Overnight in Tumkot.

Day 08

Tumkot to Yari (3,663m/12,017ft): 6 - 7 hours

Today's trek is on a relatively easy trail above the Karnali River. After walking a few miles we begin to notice the change in climate, vegetation and landscape which becomes more rocky and secluded. The trees that you see are not pine trees anymore. They are now short and low junipers. Overnight in Yari.

Day 09

Yari to Hilsa (3,647m/11,965ft) via Nara La pass: 5 - 6 hours

We cross the first pass of the trek today, the Nara La pass (4,620m). The vegetation is bleak by now and the landscape is familiar to that of Tibet. After crossing the pass we will be greeted by excellent views of the beautiful Tibetan plateau and Yari Village. From here on, it is a shaky descent down until Hilsa, a border town which is also a dropping point for the pilgrims on their way to Mt. Kailash by helicopter. Overnight in Hilsa.

Day 10

Hilsa to Purang (3,772m/12,375ft): 2 - 3 hours

We walk across the Friendship bridge at Hilsa where the Chinese officials will check our permits and passports. We also meet our Tibetan guide here. We ascend from Hilsa to Purang and pass Rinzin Zangpo Gompa and Kangje Village along the way. In Purang, we visit the ancient Purang Gompa and explore the unique Buddhist frescoes of IIX century. Overnight in Purang.

Day 11

Purang to Montser (4,450m/14,599ft) and sightseeing in Tirtapuri: 3 - 4 hours

On our way to Montser we pass through Rakshas and Mansarover lakes. After reaching Montser we settle down for a while then visit Tirtapuri (4510m). Located northwest of Mount Kailash, the Tirthapuri Hot Springs are closely associated with Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). Pilgrims bathe in pools fed by the springs, visit the monastery containing the guru's footprint and dig for healing stones along a one-hour pilgrimage route. After touring Tirtapuri we return back to Montser to spend the night.

Day 12

Sightseeing of Garuda Valley, then transfer to Darchen (4,560m/14,956ft): 3 - 4 hours

It takes us around 2 hours to reach the Garuda Valley that lies to the southwest of Mt Kailash. It contains mysterious caves, some of which have never been explored. Many believe that this was the cradle of the Tibetan civilization during the time of the Shang Shung kings, long before Buddhism reached the roof of the world. For those interested in the archeological and historical sites, Garuda Valley will be a dream come true. After touring the amazing valley we move to Darchen a small town, situated right in front of the sacred Mount Kailash. Overnight in Darchen.

Day 13

First day of Kora: hiking to Dira Puk Monasterys (5120m/16,792ft), 5 - 6 hours

Today, we begin our Kora of Mt. Kailash. The first day out of Darchen involves a six-hour hike in a deep valley through walls of red rock. We continue across the plain to Shershong. We further cross a bridge leading to Chhuku Gompa high on the hill visible from the valley. The trail leads to Dirapuk from where we will have a stunning view of the north face of Mt. Kailash. Overnight in Dirapuk.

Day 14

Second day of Kora: hike to Dzutul-puk (4790m/15,765ft): 18km, 6 - 7 hours

Today will be the most difficult section of our journey. We climb Drolma-la Pass at 5,750m/19,910ft. The pass whose name literally means the pass of Tara is beautiful and is filled with five-colored praying flags. From Drolma-la Pass, we descend to Dzutul-puk. At Dzutul-puk, we come across the incredible Thugje Zinbu (Lake of Compassion) and a few ancient meditative caves. Overnight in Dzutul-puk.

Day 15

Third day of Kora: hiking to Darchen (4,560m/15,000ft): 14km, 3 - 4 hours and transfer to Manasarovar

We gradually wind out of the valley towards Barka plain. After completing the holy Kora of Mount Kailash at Darchen, we drive for 2 hours to Mansarovar Lake. The lake holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. As per Hindu theology, Lake Mansarovar is a personification of purity, and one who drinks water from the lake is believed to go to the abode of Lord Shiva after death. Buddhists also associate the lake with the legendary lake known as Anavatapta in Sanskrit where Queen Maya is believed to have conceived Buddha. Overnight in Mansarovar.

Day 16

Tour of the Mansarovar Lake

Today, we circumambulate the beautiful Mansarovar Lake which has a circumference of 90 km making it one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. The belief is that the Kora of Mount Kailash is completed only with a holy dip in the lake and a drink of its holy water relieves one from the sins of a hundred lives. We circle round Mansarovar by Jeep, and if time permits, we visit Chui Gompa, another attraction of Manasrovar. Overnight in Mansarovar.

Day 17

Mansarovar to Saga (4,600m/15,088ft) 495 km, 8 – 9 hours

Today, we have to accomplish a long drive from Mansarovar to Saga traversing through the sacred historic Chiu Monastery. We continue driving past Hor Quo and across the Mayum La pass (5,200m). While passing through, we will have glimpses of small towns like Zhongba and Paryang. This journey covers 270 km from Mansarovar to Paryang and adjoins Saga, 255 km away from Paryang. From Saga instead of going towards Lhasa, we drive along a different route to Kathmandu. Overnight in Saga.

Day 18

Saga to Zhangmu (3,750m/12,300ft) 325km, 4 – 5 hours

At our return, we cross the Yarlung Tsangpo or Brahmaputra River and then drive to Nyalam. At the first pass we stumble upon Paigu-Tso, a huge lake with Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m) at its background. We also get a glimpse of Mt. Everest as the road climbs the Lalung La Pass (5,124m). After crossing yet another pass, Tong La (5,120m), we finally reach the border town Zangmu. Overnight in Zangmu.

Day 19

Zhangmu to Kathmandu: 153km, 4 – 5 hours

We drive to the border check point to go through the custom formalities. After reaching Friendship Bridge, we will be leaving our Tibet-side vehicles, and will walk for around 15 minutes towards Nepal. From Kodari, it takes another 4-5 hours drive to reach Kathmandu. In the evening we celebrate the successful completion of our journey with a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.

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Cost Details

Includes

All airport transfer from/to international and domestic airports.
2 Nights Hotels in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj. Teahouse during the trek
Breakfast in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj and all meals while trekking in Nepal (only)
One day sightseeing in Kathmandu by comfortable private vehicle
Kathmandu – Nepalgunj - Simikot flights with airport departure taxes
Assistance in acquiring the Chinese visa.
Chinese visa fee
All necessary permit(s) and entry fees (including Tibet Travel Permit)
Tibet border (Zhang-Mu) to Kathmandu transportation by comfortable vehicle
Hilsa, Kailash, Garuda valley, Zhang-Mu transfer by Private vehicles (van or Hiace or bus)
English-speaking, trained and experienced guide(s)
Fees for porter or horse from Simikot to Hilsa and during Kora
Local tax, vat and service charges
Lake Mansarovar Kora bus fee
All necessary paper work

Excludes

All international airfares
Accommodation(s) outside the itinerary
Lunch and Dinner (including any meal except breakfast) in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj and all meals in Tibet
Travel and rescue insurance
Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation and porters
Horse rental while on Parikrama (approx Cost US $200) or personal porter (Approx Cost US $100)
Emergency evacuation costs (cost for renting a Land Cruiser) (medical and rescue insurance is recommended). We advise you to purchase
Insurance with a zero deductible.
Personal expenses, e.g. phone call, laundry, bar bills, photography charges, web usage, and telephone Calls
Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, porters, etc.

Dates & Availability

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