Pilgrimage of the Heart: Simikot to Mt. Kailash

Mount Kailash (6,714m/22,028ft) in western Tibet is the holiest mountain in the Himalayas. It is the perfect mountain shape with four great faces: the eastern face believed to be crystal, the western ruby, the southern sapphire, and the northern gold. It is the spiritual center for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and the pre-Buddhist animistic Bon. To Tibetans it is known as Khang Rinpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow), and they percieve it as the navel of the world. The circumambulation of Mount Kailash is an important pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bons. Hindus perform a parikama, Buddhists call it a kora. Buddhists believe that a single kora washes away the sins of one life, and 108 circuits secure nirvana in this life. Devout Tibetans often make the 52-km circuit in a single day. Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pilgrims make a clockwise circuit of the peak, while Bon tradition is to circumambulate in the opposite direction.

Hidden in the Himalayas is Humla - the highest, northernmost, and most remote district of Nepal. Humla is an area of extreme geographical conditions: elevations range from 1,524m at the lower basin of the mighty Karnali River that flows through it, to a high of 7,337m in the Saipal range. Summer is pleasant in Humla, but the winter is harsh and cold rendering the area isolated and snowbound.

The trip begins with a flight to Simikot. Ascend gradually to Purang - the border with Tibet. A jeep will take you to Mt. Kailash. Circumambulate Kailash on foot and return to Purang. The trek back to Simikot is via a circuitous route through the beautiful Limi Valley.

This trek is non-technical and suitable for anyone in good shape who likes to hike. This is not a backpacking trip: yaks will carry your gear. It is a camping trek: you will be sleeping and eating in campsites in tents along the trail.

Our Nepal and Tibet treks and climbs are operated by our sister company based in Nepal - Crystal Mountain Treks - managed by our founder's family. Crystal Mountain Treks has been in business for over two decades and employs only the best guides with a minimum of 15 years experience. We treat our staff with the utmost care and respect. Each staff member is provided high-quality equipment and paid higher-than-average wages. Our clients have commented that our treks provide a better value than other companies they researched, comparing services, quality and price. We are happy to provide references of people who have journeyed with us in the past upon request.

Highlights

• Explore monasteries and remote villages of Western Nepal.
• Circumambulate Mt. Kailash along with Tibetan and Hindu pilgrims to wash away the sins of lifetime.
• Be one of a very few westerners to have visited the remote Limi valley.

Day 01 - Kathmandu
Arrive Kathmandu. Met on arrival and transfer to Hotel. Day free. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Dinner)

Day 02 and 03 - Kathmandu
Sightseeing of Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast)

Day 04 - Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Fly to Nepalgunj. Expect warm and humid conditions in Nepalgunj. Overnight Hotel. (All meals)

Day 05 and 06 - Dharapani (7,450 ft.)
Fly to Simikot. Meet up with trekking crew and start trekking. Trek to Dharapani. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 07 - Kermi (8,300 ft.)
Trek past Khanglagaon, the last Thakuri village in Humla. Ascend to Kermi. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 08 - Yalbang (9,400 ft.)
Short trek to Yalbang. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 09 - Muchu (9,600 ft.)
Trek past Yangar village to Muchu. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 10 - Yari (12,100 ft.)
Trek past Torea village and ascend to Yari. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 11 and 12 - Tharo Dhunga (13,120 ft.) to Hilsa (12,200 ft.)
Trek to Tharo Dhunga and onward to Hilsa. Overnight Camp (All meals)

Day 13 - Taklakot (12,900ft.)
Meet up with your Tibetan guides and drivers at Sher. Drive to Taklakot.
Overnight Camp (All meals)

Day 14 and 15 - Mansarovar Lake to Darchen (15,000 ft.)
Drive to Mansarovar Lake and onward to Darchen from where your trek around Mt. Kailash begins. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 16, 17, 18 and Day 19 - Circumambulate Mt. Kailash
Begin trek. You will cross the 18,600 ft. Drolma la pass on the third day of the trek. Return to Darchen and drive to Mansarovar. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 20 - Taklakot
Drive to Taklakot. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 21 - Manepeme (13,100 ft.)
Drive to Sher and cross into Nepal. After immigration formalities trek to Manepeme. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 22 - Til (11,100 ft.)
Ascend to Lamka Lagna and desend to Til. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 23 - Jang (12,900 ft.)
Trek past Halji and climb to a ridge to Jang. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 24 - Talung (15,800 ft.)
Climb to Tshom Tsho and the to Talung. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 25 - Shingjumna (12,600 ft.)
Climb steeply to Nyalu Lagna and descend to Selima Tsho. Long descent to Singjumna. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 26 - Dhinga Laga (12,600 ft.)
Rejoin the trail from Simikot. Climb to Landok Lagna and climb to Dhinga Laga. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 27 - Yakba (8,200 ft.)
Short day to Yakba. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 28 - Simikot
Trek end at Simikot. Overnight camp. (All meals)

Day 29 - Simikot to Kathmandu
Fly Simikot to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Overnight camp. (Breakfast)

Day 30 - Kathmandu
Free day in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 31 - Final departure
Final departure. (Breakfast)

Per person Price (2012)

4 or more persons: $5,345 USD per person
Single Supplement: $250 USD

 

Per person Price (2013)

4 to 5 persons: $5,395 USD per person
6 to 12 persons: $4,995 USD per person

Single Supplement: $400 USD

Contact us for private programs for four or more participants.

Price includes:

• Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Meeting and assistance at airports and airport transfers
• All airport transfers
• Twin sharing accommodation (Tent and hotels)
• Meals as indicated on itinerary
• Tours and excursions as indicated on itinerary
• Airfare: Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Simikot
• Airfare: Simikot - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu
• Simikot restricted area fee
• Tibet permit
• Nepali Sherpa Staff
• Yaks and Tibetan guides
• Gamow Bag and Satellite phone (for use in Nepal only)

Price does not include:

• Your international airfare
• Nepal Visa
• Meals not indicated on itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internet, comfort food, etc.)

2012 Dates:

May 20 - June 20, 2012	Full
September 09 - October 09, 2012	AVAILABLE

2013 Dates:

May 19 - June 19, 2013	AVAILABLE
September 08 - October 08, 2013	AVAILABLE

Cannot find a departure that fits your schedule? No problem. Contact us for private departures (four or more participants) for a date of your choosing.

 

Available:
Book this trip now as spaces are available.

Guaranteed:
This trip has the minimum sign ups required and is guaranteed to run.

Limited Availability:
Limited spaces are available so please contact us to inquire about the departure status.

Full:
This date is unavailable. please contact us to inquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as part of a Custom Itinerary.

Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.

Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.

Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA

Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.

If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.

Cancelation Policy

If you cancel:

• More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
• 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
• No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure