There is ample justification for regarding Mount Kailash – the highest mountain exclusively within Tibet – as the holiest of all holy places.
For Hindus, this awe-inspiring lone peak is the representation on earth of Mt Meru, the spiritual centre of their universe and a ‘world pillar’ 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves.
Hindus believe that Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva, who sits at the summit with his consort Parvati, otherwise known as the daughter of the Himalayas.
The ‘Parikrama’, circumambulation, or journey round the base, of Mount Kailash, is said to wipe out a whole lifetime of accrued sin and many people report that they feel renewed or changed for the better after undertaking this spiritual journey.
Additionally, the great lakes Manasarovar and Rakshas
Tal which lie in the shadow of Kailash, are also mani
festations of aspects of the Hindu religion and symbolize
the water tanks at the entrance to every Hindu temple.
Manasarovar, shaped like the sun and therefore symbolizing the light, is believed to be the lake formed in the mind of God, created to show the omnipotence of the mind of Brahma.
This is why bathing in the lake and drinking in its waters is a purifying process for Hindus and a way of reaching the Brahman paradise. Just one drop of water from the serenely beautiful Manasarovar is said to set one free from the contaminations of the poisonous world.
Rakshas Tal, on the other hand, is more moon-like in shape and has come to be connected with the dark and with demonic forces.
It is not just Hindus for whom Kailash is imbued with such great meaning. The Jains regard the mountain as the place where their first prophet achieved enlightenment and it is also of great spiritual significance for Buddhists and for those who still follow the ancient Bon religion.
Buddhists call Kailash the “Precious Jewel’ peak and they, too, make many circumambulations in order to achieve enlightenment.
This whole area resonates with very deep mythical and religious vibrations and even agnostics cannot remain unmoved by the atmosphere, discovering a greater sense of equanimity by gazing upon this utterly serene landscape.
A journey to the Mount Kailash area is truly an experience of a lifetime – and we can facilitate your great spiritual adventure by arranging a trek tailored to your special requirements.
For those who have sufficient time – at least 16 days – and prefer to follow the path of centuries of pilgrims, your journey will be based on jeep transport, as well as walking. This option is also better for travellers who are on a more limited budget.
However, we recognize that some people would like to see Kailash and the holy lakes, but may be hampered by time restraints. For these pilgrims, we have devised a special itinerary which cuts the whole journey down to 10 days by using helicopter transport between Nepalgunj and Simikot/Hilsa. Taking this version of the trip means that you can still enjoy the full Kailash and Lake Manasarovar experience in an unhurried manner.
Below are the two basic 17 and 11 day itineraries which we offer. If you need to cut down your travelling time even further, we can probably adapt the programme to your requirements, so please contact us for further details.
KAILASH – MANAS HELI-PACKAGE TOUR (EX – LUCKNOW)
Duration: 9 days
Availability: May, June, September only (due to weather conditions for helicopter flight)
Day
01: Arrive at Lucknow airport or train station, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Nepalgunj. The drive will take approximately 4 and a half hour, arrival and refresh. Evening – tour briefing.
Overnight Hotel Sneha or similar.
Day 02: Early morning transfer to airport for flight to Simikot and after immigration formalities fly to Hilsa and trek to Sher (China border, approx. 45 min.), where our Jeep waiting for us and drive to Taklakot, a.k.a. Purang (3700m) completing Chinese Immigration. Rest and acclimatize.
Overnight Purang Guesthouse
Day 03: Visit Khojarnath temple, the ancient temple of Ram, Sita and Laxman. Rests of the day at leisure and for acclimatization.
Overnight Purang Guesthouse
Day 04: Early morning drive to Lake Manasarovar (4560m, Chui Gompa side). After having holy dip and lunch, we set off for circumambulation around the lake by jeep.
Overnight Chiugompa Guesthouse
Day 05: In the morning, perform Pooja (worship) and Snan (holy dip) after that we precede for Darchen (Mount Kailash base camp, 4520m).
Hotel Kailash
Day 06: Morning, drive to Tarboche (Or Serson, 3 kms / 4750m), the first prostration point, Tarboche Flag Pole, the auspicious gateway and the sky burial ground, to Diraphuk; then start Parikrama (trekking circumambulation of Kailash) to Deraphuk Gompa (4890m / 18 km). Overnight camp or local guesthouse.
Day 07: Continue Parikrama to Zutulphuk Gompa via Dolma-La (5610m) and Gaurikunda. This is the toughest day of the tour! Overnight camp or local guesthouse
Day 08: Finish trek near Darchen after crossing third & forth prostration point, Zutrulphuk, then drive back to Taklakot.
Overnight Purang Guesthouse.
Day 09: Early morning drive to Sher. Trek down to Hilsa airport for helicopter back to Simikot/Nepalgunj and catch connecting transport to Lucknow. End of tour.
Tour cost: INR 135, 000 per person.
USD 150 extra for foreign national.
SERVICE INCLUDES:
1. One night twin sharing accommodation in Nepalgunj on full board basis
2. Pick up & drop in Lucknow and all necessary transfers in Nepalgunj
3. Nepalgunj – Hilsa – Nepalgunj by Helicopter (MI 17)
4. Domestic airport taxes
5. Tibet group visa and travel permits
6. Guesthouse accommodation in Tibet except in Parikrama
7. All meals in Tibet
8. Transportation in Tibet in 4WD Land Cruiser (4 passengers in one Land Cruiser)
9. English speaking Tibetan guide
10. Necessary supporting crew (Cook, Sherpa, tour Manager from Nepal)
11. All necessary camping equipments.
12. Yaks & Yak men during the Parikrama (circumambulation) around Mt. Kailash
13. Gamow bag (pressure bag) and oxygen for emergency use
14. Medical kit bag
15 All applicable taxes & service charges
SERVICE EXCLUDES:
1. Riding Horse or Yak during the Parikrama (on your request we provide this, cost is extra)
2. Your travel insurance
3. Rescue and evacuation service
4. Personal expenses
5. Bottled drinks
6. Tip for guide & driver
7. Any additional cost due to natural calamity and
unforeseen circumstances
Note:
All dates are tentative; we reserve all rights to make any necessary changes.
Do contact us if you require further information or clarifications
.
AIRCRAFTS USED BY US:
Nepalgunj / Simikot / Nepalgunj using Helicopters & Y-12 aircraft seating 16 pax.
Simikot / Hilsa / Simikot (helicopters, either MI 17, Kawasaki or others).
