Kailash Manasarovar Yatra – Overland From KerungAttractionsOverviewWhy we love itItineraryDates & PricesWhat’s includedImportant notesAttractionsIt is belived that Lord Shiva, resides at the summit of a mountain Kailash , where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his wife Parvati.Tantric Buddhists believe that Mount Kailash is the home of the Buddha Demchok who represents supreme bliss.It is said that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune.In Hinduism, Lake Manasarovar represents purity and anyone drinking its water will go to Shiva’s abode after death.OVERVIEWHoly Places And High PassesMount Kailash lies in a Range forming part of the Trans-Himalaya in Tibet. It lies near the source of some of Asia’s longest rivers including the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali and Lakes Manasarovar, Rakshas and Tal.Kailash is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Bon and Jain and every year, thousands of pilgrims follow the ancient holy ritual of circling Mount Kailash on foot to bring good fortune. Hindus and Buddhists circle clockwise whereas followers of the Jain and Bon religions circle anticlockwise. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km (32 mi) long and some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day.Why we love it ?Guest HouseMountain viewTemple visitTransportDiningItinerary Day 01 : Kathmandu ArrivalUpon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Apoorva tours. We will take you to your hotel and guide you through the check-in procedure so you can rest and relax at the hotel. After a short rest, we take you on a brief tour of the Thamel District which is the most popular area for tourists in Kathmandu. Here you can find all the services you require including restaurants, supermarkets ATM machines and money exchange facilities. In addition if you have forgotten anything you may need during your stay, now is the time to buy it!Once back at your overnight hotel we will give you a briefing about your forthcoming adventure. In the event that you arrive late at Kathmandu we will carry out the briefing on the following morning. You will be meeting your team on the same day. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 02 : Kathmandu Sightseeing and programm briefingWe will visit some famous places of Kathmandu like Swayambhunath , Pashupatinath and we will briefly discuss the planned itinerary and other important details. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 03 :Kathmandu to Rasuwa Gadi – Kerung 2,700 metres (8,900 ft)Distance: 175 kmDriving time: 5 to 6 hoursFrom Kathmandu we will be driven to Rasuwa Gadhi which is one of the two major border crossings for travellers and international trade between Nepal and China. In 1792 there was a three-day battle here in the war between China and Nepal.Our journey will take us through some remarkable scenery and passes by many small villages, farms, paddy fields, rivers and streams.A fort was constructed on this site in 1855, but it was damaged during the construction of the border crossing in 2013 which was opened in late 2014. At this point we will complete all the necessary customs and Immigration formalities.The climate here is subtropical mountain monsoon.Overnight stay in a guest house ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 04 : Kerung for acclimatizationToday we will remain in Kerung in order for us to for acclimatise due to the altitude here. This is important as we do not want anything to stand in the way of your enjoyment of this trip. However this gives you an opportunity to explore around Kerung village. We recommend a walk uphill and down again to assist with the acclimatisation process.Overnight in a guest house here in Kerung ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day : 05 : Kerung -New DongpaDriving distance: 290 kmDriving time: 6 hourElevation: 4,600 Meters (14,800 feet)Today we will be travelling to Dongba and as we are now at high altitude we will have a wonderful opportunity to view the amazing panoramic view of numerous mountains including Mount Shishapangma which at 8,027 metres (26,335 ft) is the 14th highest mountain in the world and was the peak over 8,000 metres to be climbed over 8,000 metres. Our journey will also take us past Lake Pelkhu Tso which is 27 km (17 miles) long and 6 km (4 miles) wide at its narrowest point.The lake is surrounded by towering mountainsOvernight in a guest house. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 06 : New Dongba -Lake ManasarovarDriving distance: 370 km.Driving time: 7 hour 30 minutes.Today’s journey takes us through characteristic Tibetan countryside, and offers a glimpse of a unique lifestyle enjoyed by its inhabitants.Our route takes us over the spectacular 5,200m high Mayum La Pass which separates the headwaters of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and Gar Tsangpo (Indus) rivers.We eventually arrive at Lake Manasarovar which is a high altitude freshwater lake at 4,590 m (15,060 ft). It is quite deep and round in shape and is 88 km (55 miles) across.It is sometimes claimed to be the highest freshwater lake in the world, it is nevertheless of deep spiritual significance.Although the lake freezes in winter many people bathe in this holy lake, though bathing is only permitted at certain points on the lake.Overnight at a guest house in Mansarovar ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 07 : Puja -Manasarovar-DarchenDriving distance: 30 kmDriving time: 45 minutesToday we will make our journey to Darchen which is also known as Kangsa Village, Tarchan or Taqin, and was formerly a Bhutanese enclave. Darchen is at the base of Mount Kailash. It is at an Elevation of 4,600 meters (15,100 feet)After we have taken lunch it is worth making a short Hike to Chu Gompa. This is an ancient Buddhist Monastery not far from Mansarovar Lake. At Darchen we will discuss what facilities you may need on the 3 day circumambulation of Mt.Kailash. As an optional modest on-cost we can arrange for porters, or even horses for the trip.We will stay overnight in a guest house. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNALDay 08 : Darchen - DirapukDriving : 8 km/ 30 min.Trekking : 16 km/5 hour.Altitude: 5,080 meters (16,700 feet)This morning we will set of on our trek, but first we have a short drive to our starting point which is Shersung.Our first significant point is the Gyangdrak temple at Tarboche with a splendid flagpole nearby.This flagpole is a very important part of Tibetan spirituality. On “Saga Dawa” this giant flagpole which is festooned with prayer flags is brought down and then people gather round to attach their prayer flags and help in raising it once more. This annual ritual is performed every year to celebrate Sakyamuni’s (Lord Buddha’s) enlightenment”. The pole’s tip is directed towards Gyangdrak MonasteryAs we carry on walking we eventually gain a good view of the west face of Mount Kailash. We continue through characteristic Tibetan landscape where we may encounter nomadic people.pass through grassy plain populated by nomads. When we arrive at Dirapuk we will now be able to view Mount Kailash’s north face.Overnight in a guest house. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 09 : Dirapuk – ZuthulpukTrekking: 22 km/8 hours.Altitude: 4,800 meters (15,750 feet)The most arduous and interesting part of today’s trek is the crossing of the Dolma-la Pass. It is the highest pass in the world, and at 5,723 meters (18,776 feet) the hardest climb of the circumambulation. The summit of the pass is festooned with prayer flags and offers spectacular views.After a short descent we encounter the ‘Lake of Compassion’ Gauri Kund, also known as Parvati Sarovar. The history and the holiness of this lake is related to the Goddess Parvat.We now continue our descent to Zuthulpuk where we will find caves, temples and a shrine around the Milarepa cave. Milarepa was a highly talented Buddhist disciple and is acknowledged to be one of Tibet’s most celebrated yogis. He is also renowned for his songs and poetry.Overnight in a guest house. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 10 : Zuthulpuk - New DongpaTrekking: 10 km/3 hours.Driving: 395 km/7 hr 30 minutes.Altitude: 4,500 meter/14,764 feet.After our previous exertions it will perhaps be a blessing to know that today we have a relatively s short and easy walk. We will be mainly following a riverside trail along pastures. At the end of our hike we will be met by our transport which in due course takes us on to Dongba.Overnight in a guest house. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 11 : New Dongpa -KerungDriving : 370 km/7 hours.Altitude: 2,700 metres (8,900 ft)We can now relax and enjoy the scenery as we make our way back to Kerung.Overnight in a guest house. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 12 : Kerung to KathmanduDriving: 175 km/5 to 6 hour.We now set off on the final leg of our trip which is the long drive back to KathmanduOvernight in a 3 star hotel ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNAL Day 13 : DepartureIt is sadly now time to say goodbye to Nepal so we will drive you to the airport in sufficient time (3 hours) to make your flight home and we will wish you a “bon voyage” but we sincerely hope to see you again in the not too distant future. ACCOMMODATIONLUNCH HOURSSIGNALOur PriceAt Apoorva tours we recognise that not all of our visitors require a set and rigid experience, and there are many options based on the potential tours we have identified. We hope that these have whetted your appetite. Also we realise cost is a prime factor in choosing a tour so we wish to give you the best overall package to suit your needs. Please contact us with your requirements and we will tailor a package for you. No need to hesitate, it costs you nothing and you can always say no.Our overriding aim is to give you the best, and your satisfaction is our rewardWhat’s includedThings to see & doAn adventure into some of the most remote and holy places.Trekking at High altitude is a real challenge, at 5,723 meters on the Dolma-la Pass you will find the going tough but have a great sense of achievement.Take a ChallengeDon’t forget to take time to absorb the fantastic views and local culture.Relax and enjoy the sceneryIn Kathmandu for nights out or just for fun, take a bicycle rickshaw ride.Ride in styleOn your acclimatisation day take the opportunity to explore locally, your guide will advise and help.Explore around KerungHaggle with the street vendors or store owners in this popular tourist area of Kathmandu.Shopping in ThamelYou will be surprised by the variety of cuisine now available in Kathmandu.Eat out in styleImportant notesA Few reasons to choose our Tour packageIf your vacation involves any degree of risk or is subject to weather conditions our guides and tour leaders are instructed to make any essential changes to the itinerary that are required for your own health and safety. Your well being is important to us and we want your tour to be memorable for all the right reasons. However we will always make every effort to ensure that you are happy and that your hopes and expectations are realized.Simply RelaxTop Reasons to VisitStep back in HistoryVisiting some of Kathmandu’s many historic locations seems like taking a step back in time. It’s an amazing spiritual and cultural experience.At Mount Kailash You can see thousands of pilgrims following an age old tradition.View spectacular Scenery You will enjoy spectacular views of the sacred Mount Kailash and visit Lake Manasarovar for peace and tranquillity in a fabulously beautiful and spectacular surrounding.The large freshwater Lake Manasarovar lies at 4,590 m (15,060 ft) above mean sea level.Eat, Drink and Strike a BargainWhatever you want to do you will not be disappointed. You will always find a warm welcome, especially from the many street sellers in Kathmandu, be prepared to haggle, the initial price is just an opening offer.
