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The Kailash "Gang
Rinpoche", which means "Jewel of snow" is striking in
the way it rises high above the surrounding range and always remains
snow - capped. Mount Kailash has a unique and distinct shape,
with four sheer faces matching the cardinal points of the compass. It
is also free standing, solitary. Regarded as the earthly manifestation
of mythic Mount Meru , or Sumeru, the spiritual center of the
universe in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cosmology, Mount Kailash is
also believed to be the source of four life-giving rivers. To Tibetan
Buddhists, Kailash is the abode of the tantric meditational deity
Demchog. Hindus see Kailash as the throne of the great god Shiva,
while the Jains revere Kailash as the site at which their first
prophet received enlightenment. A pilgrimage to Mount Kailash
and a bath in the Mansarovar is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha).
MOUNT
KAILASH ITINERARY
Day
01:
Arrive and
transfer to Hotel.
Day
02:
Obtain Tibet Visa
/
Sightseeing. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 3.
Morning transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight to Tibet . This spectacular flight, takes us right across the main Himalayan range and provides us with magnificent mountain views. After landing
and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is a further 2-hour drive by Landcruiser jeep to Lhasa where we will check into the Hotel.
Day 4: Lhasa
Today will be spent visiting several of Lhasa 's many monasteries in the company of a guide and interpreter. One of these is the Sera Monastery, one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet . Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. After lunch we'll visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.
Day 5: Lhasa
This morning we will visit the Potala Palace , which dominates the city of Lhasa . This spectacular building contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels.
A visit to the Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe-inspiring day. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world, with a population of around 10,000 monks.
Day 6: Drive Lhasa - Gyantse [3950M] 300 KM
Travelling by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La [4794m] from which there are stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa [7252m]. We continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La [5045m] where we are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred metres of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colourful Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse . Our overnight accommodation is at the Gyantse Hotel.
Day 7:
Gyantse - Shigatse[3900M] 90KM
Before leaving Gyantse we have time this morning to visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley . The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.
We continue to Shigatse, a short drive of only 90kms, arriving in time for lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after exploring the local market we will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 8: Drive to Lhatse (4050 meters). (150kms, 05hrs). Camp Overnight .
Day 9: Drive to Saga (4600 meters). (290kms, 09hrs) , 4600meters. Camp Overnight .
Day 10: Drive to Paryang (4700 meters). (252 kms / 08 hrs). Camp Overnight .
Day 11 : Drive to Horchu (4500 meters. (290 kms / 08 to 09 hrs). Camp Overnight .
Day 12: Visit Darchen (4580 meters) and prepare for the trek. (40 kms / 01.5 hrs). Camp at Guest House.
Day 13: Today we start the trek up to an altitude of 4800m. It will take us about 7 hours to complete a distance of 14km’s, due to the altitude. Camp overnight.
Day 14: Today, we will drop in altitude as we trek about 24kms over 9 hours to about, 4680meters. Camp overnight.
Day 15: We will walk for 15km in about 3-4 hours and then drive on to Horchu, Manasarovar Lake at 4500 meters. Camp Overnight .
Day 16: Complete the trek (15kms / 03 to 04 hrs). and drive to Darchen and explore the surrounding area of Mansarovar Lake . (4500 meters). (40kms, 1 ½ hrs). Camp Overnight .
Day 17 : Drive back to Paryang (4700 meters). (292 kms / 08 to 09 hrs). Camp Overnight .
Day 18: Drive back to Saga (4600 meters). (252 kms / 07 to 08 hrs). Camp Overnight .
Day 19: Drive back to Nyalam (3700 meters). (232 kms / 07 hrs). Overnight at Guest House.
Day 20: Cross the border (Zhangmu) (38kms / 1 hr), say goodbye to the Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the drive to Kathmandu , which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5 hours. Hotel Overnight.
Day 21: Free day to explore Kathmandu . Hotel Overnight.
Day 22: Final Departure.
Prices available on request with excellent discounts for large groups.
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