Kailash Manasarovar Tour

It is upon your arrival in the vibrant city of Kathmandu that Shikhar's representative will receive you, and be presented against the vast canvas of the sky—tall standing—the mighty Himalayas. Steeped in culture and heritage, Kathmandu, being the heart of Nepal, has definitely emerged as a busy metropolis. Give yourself this day to rest in your hotel and take a leisurely walk down the busy streets. Accommodation in this city is brilliant, with ancient temples to tuneful markets that go side by side with modern establishments. This first day gives one a warm-up introduction to the wonders lying ahead.

You will make extensive sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley, which today contains some of the higher heads of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will start after breakfast by visiting Swayambhunath, otherwise known as the Monkey Temple, which not only offers a panoramic view of the valley but also gives a serene atmosphere to its visitors.

After that, it's time to see the holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. This is a very interesting temple site where you will see all the daily rituals and, if time permits, one of the cremations conducted right on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. After this, you will drive to Budhanilkantha, a famous holy place where the huge reclining statue of Lord Vishnu is lain on the bed of serpents. After you have done this sightseeing, you can then get back to your hotel room, where you can rest and reflect on the cultural experiences of the day.

This day is going to be occupied with visa formalities and the last minute preparation for the uphill venture. The processing may consume a long period of time, hence ensuring the keeping of all documents in order. You are supposed to visit the concerned authorities, wait patiently in line, and make the necessary approval. This process is very important for a smooth journey into Tibet.

While your visa is getting processed, in the meantime, you can get some last-minute stuff ready for the journey. This could include stocking up on supplies, checking the treks, seeing that you have all the required medications, and personal items. You can thus use the facility of the hotel to rest and recharge yourself.

The beautiful drive to Syabrubesi, a beautiful village lying at the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains, is the starting point of your journey. While heading towards the destination, you drive along winding roads flanked by lush green valleys, terraced fields, and distant snow-capped peaks. You will pass through several pretty villages that give you a feel for rural Nepalese life. Syabrubesi is not only a gateway to the Langtang region but also offers a serene place to acclimatize and prepare for the days ahead.

Your journeys today take you into Tibet. After crossing the Nepal-Tibet border and following immigration formalities, we drive to Kyirong. The town, resplendent with lush forests and dramatic mountain vistas, lies at an altitude of 2774 meters. You will find Kyirong itself to be a visual delight and an ideal acclimatization point. You would be free to wander around the local area, visit old monasteries, and drink in the serene beauty which defines this region.

Today is the acclimatization day in Kyirong. This is very important to let your body get used to higher altitudes that you will face. Take short hikes around the town, visit some local monasteries, and enjoy your surroundings with peace. It is an ideal mix of rest and easy exploration to set a steady pace for what lies ahead.

The next part of your journey takes you higher to Saga at an altitude of 4640 meters. The road cuts through the enormous extent of the Tibetan plateau, giving views of the wide plain, zigzagging paths, and snow-capped mountains in the far distance. You'll have a stop along the way at one of the legendary waterfalls, as gorgeous as it is totally unexpected in this arid landscape—it will refresh you and afford another great photo opportunity. Saga, though a fairly big town, becomes an important halt for travelers going up to the holy places of Tibet. It's a town that is a mishmash of old, traditional ways of life—restaurants and shops—with modern amenities, facilities, and places to stay comfortably overnight. This stop-over provides an opportunity for rest, refueling, and soaking oneself into the mystique ambience of Tibetan life.

Today's drive will bring you to the sacred lake of Mana Sarovar, situated at an altitude of 4590 meters. The journey includes crossing the Mayum La Pass at 5211 meters, one of the highest points on your route, affording brilliant views of the peaks around and the Tibetan plateau. The place is of great spiritual importance and is regarded as a hub of purity and divine energy. You will overnight camp at the shores of the lake at Chu Gumpa, tuning into the serene and spiritual atmosphere that an area so sacred evokes.

In the early morning, you will take a holy bath in the pristine waters of Manasarovar Lake to clean your soul and bring spiritual blessings. After the bath, you will be able to do a Puja being conducted by the local priests. This gives spiritual bonding and serenity. Afternoon drive to Darchen, the base camp of Mount Kailash Parikrama at an altitude of 4670 meters, which is usually bustling with pilgrims as it prepares for the treks around the holy mountain.

Your long-drawn-out pilgrimage will take off with a short drive to either Amadwar or Darboche, the starting spots for Mount Kailash Parikrama. From here, you will start trekking to Derapuk, lying at an altitude of 4950 meters above mean sea level. The walk, basically, is of about 14 km of distance, taking some 6-7 hours to cover. Lying beneath the walking is a vantage point, as when one walks, one comes across views that make one's heart wobble—the Himalayas all around, Mt. Kailash in grandeur at a distance, holy, serene. It is one of those journeys: one which is as much a test of body endurance as an elevation of the soul. Each step in this holy ground brought one closer to its heart.

Today it will be the most demanding and yet rewarding part of your pilgrimage. You cross the Dolmala Pass, the highest point of Parikrama at an altitude of 5630 meters. The path up to the pass is steep and tiring, but the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. From the pass, after a steep descent, you reach Gaurikund, a holy lake. The next campsite, Zuthulpuk, is at an altitude of 4790 m. The trek is about 22 kilometers long, and it takes approximately 9-10 hours. Indeed, the journey proves to be a test of endurance and dedication, hence leaves a feeling of great satisfaction at the end.

The last stretch of your journey brings you back to Darchen, where you'll join rest of the group. Again take the same route to Saga, but this time around through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Tibet. By now, the drive offers a good opportunity to relax and reflect on this incredible journey that has been undertaken. Saga represents the blend of traditional Tibetan culture with modern conveniences, making it an extremely comfortable and friendly stopover.

The journey back to Nepal begins while driving to Kyirong, at an altitude of 3700 meters. The road offers a last look at this beautiful Tibetan plateau and these mighty Himalayas. The rest of the day is at leisure in Kyirong, to just relax and enjoy this beautiful town. Kyirong, having lush forests and a serene environment, provides a very peaceful setting to unwind after such extensive travels. You can also visit some of the local monasteries, stroll around the town, and take a cool stroll in this calm mountain atmosphere. This stopover thus provides comfort and rest that is necessary before your journey back to Kathmandu from Tibet.

This scenic drive back to Kathmandu is, in fact, the last opportunity to get a feel of the Himalayas and the emerald green valleys of Nepal. As you reach Kathmandu, you get some time to relax and unwind. Share some unforgettable experiences and spiritual moments from this journey. Rich culture, buzzing markets, warm hospitality—all come alive in this city, just the right way to cap your adventure.

On your last day in Kathmandu, final preparations for departure will be underway. Should your flight be late in the afternoon, you should be able to do some last minute shopping or maybe take in a few sights. The great riches of Kathmandu's attractions include historical and artistic temples, bustling markets, serene gardens, and stylish bars and coffee shops. So, as one leaves Nepal, you take with you unforgettable memories and deep spiritual satisfaction in your heart, having fulfilled the journey of a lifetime.