Itinerary

01

Group Arrival to Purang, the border of Tibet

Accomodation: hotel

02

Purang—Lake Manasarovar

Accomodation: camp or guesthouse

We’ll drive to Lake Manasarovar

03

Lake Manasarovar—Darchen

Accomodation: guesthouse

We’ll drive to Darchen and stay there, preparing for trekking to Kailash.

04

Darchen—Tarboche(drive approx. 8 kms)   Parikarma—Mt. Dira Puk(trekking) total:12km

Accomodation: camp or guesthouse

The trail follows along the western spur of the foothills before reaching a cairn of prayer stones where it turns North into the great western valley . After about 1 km it reaches Chorten Kang nyi ( Two legged stupa ). A few hundred metres East of this is the Darpoche ( Great Prayer Flagpole ) which is taken down and redecorated on the full moon day of Buddha ‘s Enlightenment Festival ( around April / May each year  ). Hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims come for this event. It marks the Pilgrimage season since the Dolma La Pass is blocked by snow until April . Above the shallow depression of Darpoche is a large flat ledge of red rock .On the surface many prayers and mantras are carved .It is here that the Buddha came with 500 disciples from India. The view from this place looks down upon a wide flat expanse of the valley floor. The trail now continues up the valley. The path is not steep but climbs steadily. The red escarpments of the eastern wall tower above the valley obscuring the peak from view. After some time you pass the Three Pinnacles of Longevity above the opposite cliff face. They represent the Three Deities of Longevit;y: Amitayus, White Tara and Vijaya. Rising higher behind this is the rick formation regarded by Hindus as the Monkey ghod Hanuman in Prayer to the mountain. Buddhists call it the ‘Torma offerint of Padmasambhava. After some hours more one comes upon a grassy flat populated by maumots. Rivulets of pure sweet water cross the trail. There is a rock in the mikkle of this spot which is associated with Mahakala, one of the main Buddhist Protectors. From here the valley begins to turn east and, as though gazing down from the heavens, directly above is the western face of Mt. Kailash, a triangular facet of rock dripping with great drops of overhanging snow. This is a face of the mountain rarely seen in photos, yet it has a power and beauty of its own. From this turn in the valley it is an other 2 hours at least before reaching Dira Puk. At this point the going is not so easy and, if it is late afternoon or near sunset, each steps seems a race against time. Once Dirapuk is in sight it is important to keep to the trail. Do not be hasty. It actually passes your destination on the far side of the river. Unless you are prepared tp remove shoes and socks and chance a wade through the river (which can be risky when the water is high). It is better to follow the trail down the opposite bank. O/N Camp.

05

Parikarma over Dolma La Pass to Zuthul Puk

Accomodation: guesthouse or camping

This day is the climax of the pilgrimage . The Dolma La Pass lies 6.4KM ahead and 762 meter above Dirapuk. Physically it is the most ardous day. Breakfast early and set of as the sun’s rays break over the ridges above. After the footbridge the trail rises up a rocky slope. Take this gently but steadily. It soon reaches alevel walk. The peak of Mt. Kailash rises to the right and can now be seen linked to a long spur which joins the eastern ridge. This is the top edge of glacial valley from which the Lhachu (Divine River) flows. Follow the route to Dolma Pass via Shivasthal as the other route is not possible for the pilgrims. Keep Kailash on your right. The stretch of 4 miles between Dhira Puk to Dolma is very steep and extremely tiring and exacting. The climb is from 16400ft. to 18600 ft. Be deliberately slow and use the walking stick. Stop rest and then proceed. Whenever you feel tired, stop rest and then regain your steps. Dolma la to Zutrulpuk after perhaps 30 mins rest in Dolma La. We descend a steep, rock strewn path to the valley below. Just below the pass is Lake Tu-Je Chenpo Dzingbu (Sanskrit Gauri Kund) English pool of great compassion. It is 200 ft. below. It is an emerald green lake. This is the holiest lake. It would be frozen most of the time. A final steep descending staircase brings you to the valley floor. From here it is still about 5 hours to the day’s destination with no shelter in between. It is vitally important to remain on the right handside of the river, the West Bank. If not you will be trapped, unable to cross it. The walk now becomes very pleasant and relaxing (as long as the weather is clear). Finally one reaches Zuthulpuk – the cave of miracles. The great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have performed miracles here to defeat Naro Bonchung. The statue of this great Saint is here. O/N Camp.

06

Kailash Kora—HorQu at Lake Manasarovar

Accomodation: camping or local guesthouse

07

Lake Manasarovar

Accomodation: camping or local guesthouse

Take rest at the Holy lake.

Note

Manasarovar, at 4558m is the highest body of fresh water in the world. The lake is full of fish and swans. The lake has turquoise complexion. Pilgrimages conduct prayers and take holy bath, as it purifies the soul . Water and pebbles are collected to take back home. It is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss and is intimately connected with Mt. Kailash .

08

Manasarovar—Paryang

Accomodation: local guesthouse

We’ll drive from Manasarovarnto Paryang, via Mayumla pass. There is about 400km, with approx. 7-8 hours driving.

09

Paryang—Sakya

AccomodationL local guesthouse

We’ll drive from Paryang to Sakya, via Zhongba. There is about 300km with approx. 6-7 hours driving.

10

Sakya—Shishapangma Base Camp

Accomodation: local guesthouse or camping

11

Drive to Old Tingri

Accomodation: hotel

We’ll drive to Old Tingri, via Pelgutso lake. There is about 180km, with approx 6 hours of driving.

12

Drive to Everest Base Camp

Accomodation: local guest house

We’ll drive to Everest Base Camp, and visit Rongbuk Monaster on the way.

13

Drive to the border of Zhangmu

Accomodation: hotel

There is about 300km via new Tingri, and takes about 6 hours to drive.

15

Drive to Kathmandu, via friendship bridge