Himalayan Exposure - Extraordinary Adventures in Asia & the Himalaya

Kailash Experience

Highlights
· 13-day 4WD journey from Lhasa to Kodari(Nepalese border) visiting the Holy Mount Kailash
· Breathtaking flight across the Himalaya from Kathmandu to Lhasa
· 4 Day Holy Pilgrimage around Mt Kailash

Kailash Experience Travelling through Tibet is one of the most mystical journeys in Asia today. The contrast of the high mountains, the endless valleys, the color of the people and the strength of their faith. It is a land where beauty is defined in abstract terms, and where magic abounds in the form of toothless smiles and strong hearted souls.

To travel to Tibet is a journey of epic proportions and one not to be taken lightly. The days are long and hard, the environment breathtaking and trying. Without a doubt you will be moved one way or the other.

Our journey starts in Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is a wonderful city to explore. From the bazaars of the old city to the ancient buildings of the nearby former capital cities. A short but spectacular Trans -Himalayan flight transports us physically to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and figuratively to another world. lhasa is the sight of ancient temples steeped in mystery and reverence. Pilgrims travel for thousands of miles just to set eyes on the holiest temple in the land, the Jokhang, and walk through the halls of the most famous Tibetan building outside of Tibet, the Potala Palace.

We have 5 days in the capital to see the sights and begin try to understand the culture that makes Tibet such a beautiful place. Travelling to Tibet is about feeling the spirituality and experiencing the faith. It is nothing you can really read or see. You just have to join the pilgrims on their journeys. We'll also need a few days to get used to the higher altitude and prepare our bodies for the journey ahead.

Departing Lhasa drive to Shigatse. Shigatse is Tibet's second largest city. We'll visit the great monastery of Tashilhunpo, home of the Panchen Lama, second only to the Dalai Lama in terms of rank in Tibetan beliefs. A sad story surrounds the plight of the current Panchen Lama and we'll learn more about that while we are there.

From Shigatse to drive west is on in earnest as we cross the vast desert towards the centre of the world for many faiths. From Shigatse it will take us the better part of four days to reach the Sacred slopes of Mount Kailash in Western Tibet. En route we'll stay in small guesthouses and remote villages. Herds of yak will watch as we drive by wondering what the rush is about.

Kailash has been a place of pilgrimage for people of many religions for centuries. We will join that pilgrimage as we make our way slowly around the mountain in a four-day trek. The going can be hard at times as we cross the high passes, the highest being the Drolma-La at over 5600m, circumambulating the sacred massif. We spend our days with Hindus from India and Tibetans from thousands of miles away.

Exponents of the former Bon religion will walk anti-clockwise and all of use will be spiritually joined for those few days. During the nights while trekking we'll stay in basic monastery guesthouses.

After the 53-km circuit on day 16 we'll drive a couple of hours and spend the night on the shores of another spectacular holy lake. Lake Manasarovar is a beautiful place to rest and recoup and to try and take in all you have seen and experienced. We'll stay there for two nights with a full day to wander by the lake shore, read a book ar drink yak butter tea with the locals.

On Day 18 we start the drive back east toward the town of Kodari and the Nepalese border. It is a spectacular drive, especially the last day when we descend from over 5000 metres to the warmth and green of the valleys below. Arriving in Nepal once again the air is thick and lush with the smell of the trees and the rush of the raging rivers as they descend through the valleys from the heights of the Tibetan Plateau.

A short 3-hour drive from the border returns us to Kathmandu where we have our final night. But the experience will envelop you for sometime to come. Day 22 is departure day and you are free to leave at any time.

This trip has been graded very Challenging for a number of reasons. It involves multiple days of long vehicle travel and sub-standard accommodation. Adjusting to the altitude of Lhasa is a challenge in itself and the harsh environment on the Tibetan Plateau effects different people differently. There is a four day trek around sacred Mt Kailash reaching heights of 5600m. And in Tibet, where a walk up the stairs of the hotel becomes a challenge your fitness will be tested. Besdes the trekking, how challenging you find the trip will also depend a lot on your previous travel experiences
Hotels/Guesthouses 21 nights. Please note that the accommodation on this trip is, at times, very basic.
International flight incl. departure tax between Kathmandu, Nepal and Lhasa in Tibet. Please allow US$350 for this to be paid en route.
It is advised that travellers are very fit to be able to cope with the extreme conditions of the Tibetan Plateau especially during the trek around the Mt Kailash pilgrim circuit.
When arriving at Lhasa, at an altitude of 3600m, you are likely to feel the effects of altitude deprivation. Your guide will advise on the best course of action upon arrival. Travelling at altitudes of over 5000m at times you may experience altitude deprivation at different stages throughout the journey.
It is likely that you will lose yourself to every emotion possible during this trip.
Email us us about this trip and be a part of the adventure.

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