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LHASA, Mt. KAILASH & LAKE MANASAROVAR (19 days) Mount Kailash, located in far west corner of Tibet is the most sacred peak of Asia. The beauty of the 6700-meter high Mount Kailash, that looks like a symmetrical cone shaped rock capped by pure crystalline ice all the time, is echoed in various mythological and literary works. Dominating the north of the Himalayan Barrier with its spectacular view, the Mount Kailash (or Mt. Kailas) is equally venerated as the holiest pilgrimage site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bön-Po. Tibetans regard this mountain as the manifestation of Mount Meru, “the navel of the earth” where founder of Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab, is believed to have descended from heaven, Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, Buddhists as the abode of Samvara and Jains as a scared site where their prophet, Rishaba attained spiritual enlightenment. With its four sheer walls, distinctive snow-capped peak, and valleys interspersed with brightly-clad Tibetan pilgrims, Mount Kailash or Kang Rimpoche (‘precious snow-peak’, as known by the Tibetans) is an awe-inspiring sight.Four great rivers of Asia: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) originate from here. A three-day trek (Parikrama or Kora) around Mount Kailash over a 5630 meter Drolma La (pass), clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus, and anti-clockwise followers of the ancient Bon religion, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. To complete the Kailash pilgrimage one should bath in the sacred Lake Manasarovar, stunningly set on the Tibetan plateau bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata. On the journey to Mt. Kailash across the windswept Tibetan plateau, you will see cliff-top monasteries, wild-looking but hardy and hospitable Tibetans, yak caravans journeying over snowy passes, and the great peaks of the Himalaya with a foreground of grazing herds, yak skin tents and a glittering turquoise lake. Journeying through Norbulingka, Sera and Drepung monasteries, Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and Barkhor markets, you gain in-depth understanding of Tibetan ancient cultures and civilizations. On this expertly guided overland tour on 4WD landcruiser, you get to explore colorful mosaic of Tibetan arts, crafts, history, culture, custom, tradition, lifestyle and cuisine and in the process attain profound spirituality. You become a witness to a host of indigenous cultures on your tour to Lhasa Gyantse, Shigatse and other significant en route cities. Further drive across the wide open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau brings you to Lake Manasarovar, before completing a kora around Mt Kailash. From there, you 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. You can join this trip either in Lhasa or in Kathmandu. The tour starts with a comprehensive trip briefing in Kathmandu followed by a sensational trans Himalayan flight to Lhasa that passes over Mt. Everest and many highest peaks of the world (if you join the tour in Kathmandu). In case you wish to start the tour in Lhasa arriving from anywhere in mainland China or taking a new train from Beijing you will be briefed about the tour by your Tibetan Guide. Mt. Kailash TRIP FACTS Trip length: 19 Days Grade: Moderate to fairly challenging Starts in: Lhasa Ends in: Kathmandu Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge and camping Transportation: 4WD Land cruiser with support truck Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek Maximum altitude: 5630m Mt. Kailash People of Tibet Tibet OUTLINE ITINERARY Day 01 - Arrive Lhasa (3660 meters) Day 02 - Sightseeing tour in Lhasa Day 03 - Sightseeing tour in Lhasa Day 04 - Free day in Lhasa Day 05 - Drive to Gyantse (3950m) Day 06 - Sightseeing tour & drive to Shigatse (3900m) Day 07 - Sightseeing tour & drive to Lhatse (4050m) Day 08 - Drive to Saga (4600m) Day 09 - Drive to Paryang (4750m) Day 10 - Drive to Manasarovar (4560m) Day 11 - At Manasarovar (4560m) Day 12 - Drive to Tarboche (4750m) Day 13 - Trek to Dira-puk (4900m) Day 14 - Trek across Droma La (5630m) to Zutul-Puk (4790m) Day 15 - Trek to Darchen (4560m) & drive to Manasarovar Day 16 - Drive to Paryang (4750m) Day 17 - Drive to Saga (4600m) Day 18 - Drive to Nyalam Day 19 - Drive to Kathmandu (1400m) For more information please go to this website:www.explorehimalaya.com
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LHASA, Mt. KAILASH & LAKE MANASAROVAR,
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