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Tibet Simikot To Kathmandu
Tibet Simikot To Kathmandu
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 flow four great rivers -
the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra - which drain the vast Tibetan Plateau. It
is an important site for Tibetan and Indian 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. According to mythology it was formed in the mind of Brahma, and Indian and
Tibetan pilgrims can also be seen circumambulating this lake, a distance of 90km.
On this trip, we fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, and spend 3 days visiting the wonderful sights of
this fascinating city. We then drive across the wide open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau to Lake
Manasarovar, before completing a kora around Mt Kailash. From there, we re-cross the vast arid
plains before heading south to the Nepalese border and returning to Kathmandu. This is truly the
trip of a lifetime with stunning scenery and cultural highlights
TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 22 Days
Grade: Soft adventure
Starts in: Nepalganj
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge and camping
Transportation: 4WD Land cruiser with support truck & Flights
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek
Maximum altitude: 4790m
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Fly to Nepalganj
Today we take the ninety minute flight to Nepalgunj in the far south west of Nepal. It is a busy
crowded city which lies close to the Indian border.
After lunch we'll visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, as well as the
Jokhang Temple. This temple is possibly the most sacred shrine in Tibet and there is always a
procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor - a
maze of narrow cobbled streets which is the central market of Lhasa.
Day 9: At Manasarovar
Today will be spent at Manasarovar, allowing our bodies time to acclimatise to the altitude and
exploring this fascinating place. We will visit the picturesque Chiu Monastery on the north west
shore of the lake with the imposing sight of Mt Kailash in the background.
After lunch we'll visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, as well as the
Jokhang Temple. This temple is possibly the most sacred shrine in Tibet and there is always a
procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor - a
maze of narrow cobbled streets which is the central market of Lhasa.
A visit to the Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe-inspiring day.
Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world with a population
of around 10,000 monks. These days that figure is down to several hundred, but there is still
much here of interest as it was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution.
There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre,
Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery, but this will incur extra costs.
Link: http://www.tibet-adventures.com/kailash/tibet_simikot_to_ktm_22_days.html