South West Tibet - A Kora of the most holy place on Earth
In the far west of Tibet is Mt Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Asia, which is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and the ancient Bon religion of Tibet. From it flows four great rivers – the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra – which drain the vast Tibetan Plateau and provide most of the water supply to south and east Asia. Mt Kailash is an important site for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims who make a 53km circuit, or kora, of the mountain. This circumambulation, clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus and anti-clockwise for Bon followers, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. The mountain itself is 6714m high and with its four sheer walls and snow capped peak is an awe-inspiring sight.
Only 30km from Mt Kailash is another important pilgrimage site, the beautiful and serene Lake Manasarovar (aka Mapham Yutso / Tso Madropa). According to mythology it was formed in the mind of Brahma, and circumambulating (90km) this lake is also merit making. We offer customised trips to include both Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar koras.
On this trip, we drive from Kathmandu to the Tibetan border at Zhangmu. We then drive across the wide open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau to Lake Manasarovar and Mt Kailash, where we trek around Mount Kailash and celebrate at the sacred Lake Manasarovar. From there we retrace our route to Kathmandu, enjoying once again the arid beauty of the vast plains. This is truly the trip of a lifetime with its stunning scenery and cultural highlights.
Some words from one of the participants in 2003 - "tibet was tops, peter and i had a great time and i think the experience is one that will live with me for a long time. the organisation was fantastic and danima our sherpa was inspirational and a top bloke a guy who made us feel very comfortable in a place that quite frankly was very alien. particuarly the altitude which leaves you pretty much on the edge of sickness thank buddha for doctor diamox. the weather was pretty good as it snowed the week before and the week after but was only spitting on the dromla la when i panted my way to the field of prayer flags. the whole thing actually pretty much every moment is still very fresh in my mind and if you new what a bad memory i have that would impress you. what else can i say except that i can't praise you enough for the organisation" M. Boswell Australia.
Some words from an individual who was on a pilgrimage in 2005
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I went to do the pilgrimage of Mount Kailash. Standing at the high pass, the Drolma La has to be so fantastic a moment that I will never forget it.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take Diamox and drink plenty. read and prepare for the hardships of a pilgrimage.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
In Nepal, most certainly. Nepal is suffering very badly from the dearth of tourists and we were welcomed everywhere.
Not so sure about Tibet. I once thought that being a visitor there I could be part of the solution but now suspect that tourists are more part of the problem. the Chinese invaders are degrading Tibetans in their own land, and begging, some aggressively so, is rife. the Chinese are taking a large percentage of the tourist income and sending it straigh to China. So these comments of mine are no reflection on the group with which I travelled. Muirs Tours did everything possible to benefit the local communities. we used Tibetan 'Chinese' guide, we stayed at local hostels, we bought food at local shops. The comments are more to do with the Chinese invaders and what they are doing to Tibet and to the Tibetans. I found it horrific.
Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall ?
as this was a pilgrimage and not a holiday, this question is impossible to answer. for me the care that was taken of us, the expert sherpa and the superb way the support team worked together made the pilgrimage a wonderful experience. if anyone wants to do the pilgrimage then I would give Muirs Tours more than 5 stars rating. they were simply beyond excellence. For me, reaching the Drolma La was an intense experience and a great fulfilment that will stay with me forever. if I am ever fortunate enough to visit nepal or anywhere in that area again, I would not consider any other people than Muirs Tours. we could not do better.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Kathmandu. You are transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Kathmandu Guided half day tour of the city. Free time to relax as we complete the group visa process for you. Overnight at your hotel. B.
Day 3 Kathmandu Free time to relax. Overnight at your hotel. B
Day 4 Kathmandu to Nyalam (3750m) We leave Kathmandu early in the morning, driving for 123km through the beautiful countryside to Kodari on the Nepal - Tibet border. After completing the border formalities at both the Nepalese and Chinese immigration posts we drive up a series of incredibly steep switchbacks to Zhangmu on the Tibetan side of the border. B, L, D.
Day 5 Nyalam We spend a rest day in Nyalam today in order to acclimatise before heading up higher. A short way out of town there is a small temple, Nyalam Pelgye Ling, which is associated with Milarepa. B, L, D.
Day 6 Nyalam to Saga (4600m) Today we drive to Saga. From Nyalam, we cross two high passes, before leaving the Friendship Highway and following the main road westwards. B, L, D.
Day 7 Saga to Paryang We cross the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) on a ferry, then continue on across the vast dry plains to the small town of Paryang. B, L, D.
Day 8 Paryang to Manasarovar (4560m) Beyond Paryang, there are several river crossings to negotiate and we make our camp near Manasarovar. B, L, D.
Day 9 Manasarovar We spend a day resting at the lake. B, L, D.
Day 10 Drive to Darchen. We make our way to the starting point for the kora and make camp. B, L, D.
Day 11 Kailash Kora - Dira-Puk We walk up the Lha Chu Valley through beautiful green meadows and streams with Mt Kailash towering above us. We follow the river which enters a narrow canyon with high, steep cliffs and spectacular waterfalls. Continuing up the valley, the north face of Kailash comes into view before we reach the 13th century monastery at Dira-puk. B, L, D.
Day 12 Kailash Kora - Dira-Puk to Zutul-Puk (4790m) We now leave the Lha Chu Valley and enter the Drolma Chu Valley, heading up towards a high pass, the Drolma La (5630m). It's a tough climb to the summit which is festooned with prayer flags but from there it is all downhill or flat to Zutul-puk, with views of one of the highest lakes in the world, Thukpe Dzingbu Lake, known as the Lake of Compassion. As well as the monastery at Zutul-puk, there are several meditation caves and another cave containing an image of Milarepa. B, L, D.
Day 13 Kailash Kora - Zutul-Puk to Darchen (4560m) On the final day of the kora we cross several streams, and follow an impressive gorge. Along the way we are once again treated to magnificent views of Kailash. We then enter the Bharka plain and it's about an hour's walk through this desert landscape to Darchen. B, L, D.
Day 14 Full Moon Day On each tour this day is spent at Lake Manasarovar with celebrations to observe the full moon. The 11th June is Saga Dawa Festival here at the sacred lake. B. L, D.
Day 15 Manasarovar to Paryang (4750m) Today is a long drive, about 300km, back to Paryang. We re-cross the Mayun-la and several rivers. B, L, D.
Day 16 Paryang to Saga (4600m) We continue driving today along a 255km stretch of road to Saga, passing through the small town of Zhongba en route. B, L, D.
Day 17 Saga to Nyalam (3750m) Leaving Saga, we again cross the Yarlung Tsangpo by ferry, and pass by Peiku-tso before arriving back at Nyalam. B, L, D.
Day 18 Nyalam to Kathmandu (1400m) From Nyalam, we head back to the border town of Zhangmu. From Zhangmu, it's a short drive to the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Tibet / Nepal border. We say goodbye to our Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where we will be met by our Nepalese staff. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5 hours. Overnight at the Excelsior Hotel. B.
Day 19 Depart from Kathmandu. Transfer to the airport.
Dates - 2006: 31 Mar - 18 Apr, 30 Apr - 18 May, 29 May - 17 Jun, 28 Jun - 17 Jul, 28 Jul - 15 Aug and 25 Aug - 12 September 2006.
Price per person GB£ / US$: Tour ref: KEKM04
GBP1971 / USD3480 for 1 person
GBP1868 / USD3298 for 2 people in your group
GBP1700 / USD3002 for 3 or 4 people in your group
GBP1358 / USD2398 for 5 to 8 people in your group
GBP1279 / USD2258 for 7 or 8 people in your group
You can book as an individual, but if you form a group the above prices apply to all in the group.
What is Included
The price allows for joining in Kathmandu. Luxury 4X4 Toyota Landcruisers for all the transportation in Tibet and Nepal. Tibet visa fees (unless there is less than two months available prior to departure – in which case an additional charge is necessary of GBP10 / USD160 and if less than two weeks GBP25 / USD40). English speaking Tibetan guide. Low quality hotels (that is all there is) in Nyalam and Zhangmu on a B&B basis. Fully supported tented camping elsewhere which includes all the food you’ll need, with tea and coffee. Hotel and transfers in Kathmandu.
What is Not Included
Long-haul airfare and departure taxes. Local departure taxes must be paid in local currency, allow about GBP9 / USP15 for leaving Nepal. Personal insurance. Nepali double entry visa fees (about GBP55 / USD92). Tips, vaccination costs, all items of a personal nature and all alcoholic / soft drinks.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The price will depend upon the total number in your party.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Tibet
Desert Expeditions
Hiking & Trekking
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