Hindus, Buddhists, Jain and Bon followers see 6,714m. high Mt. Kailash as the holiest mountain in the world. It is considered to be the axis of the cosmos, from which four rivers, the Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej and the Karnali have their source and flow into the four directions. The ritual circumambulation of the mountain is part of the pilgrimage around Lake Manasarowar. The order is not important. You will start your trip "Trails of Enlightenment" at Lake Manasarowar. Stepping on its shore and taking a bath, or drinking from the water cleans the sins of a hundred rebirths. The trail around the lake is a serene experience in crystal clear environment. In summer, wild geese and Himalayan swans swim on its waters. Six of the eight gompas have been rebuilt. On a rock high above the lake is Gosul Gompa, which offers a splendid view.

We follow the canyon-like Sutlej in western direction. In midst a fantastic scenario of ochre colored castles and towers lie the 900 years old ruins of Tsaparang, the capital of the old kingdom of Guge. We drive on to Darchen, where we begin our mythical journey around Kailash; the parikrama (Skt.) or kora (Tib.).

Kailash resembles a huge natural temple. Stones, springs and hills along the way have a deeper religious meaning to the pilgrims. The trail leads through a golden-yellow steppe into the valley of the holy river and through canyons before the ascent to its highest point, Dolma La (5,636m), starts. Pious wanderers mumble their prayers and ring their brass bells in front of the holy rock in which, according to legend the goddess Dolma disappeared after she had guided the first pilgrim here. To pilgrims it is the symbolic passage through the gates of death after which one is cleansed and prepared for a good rebirth.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu, hotel.
Day 03: Flight: Kathmandu - Nepalgunj, transfer to hotel.
Day 04: Flight: Nepalgunj - Simikot, trek to Dharapari, camp.
Day 05: Trek to Kermi, camp.
Day 06: Trek to Yalbang, camp.
Day 07: Trek to Muchu, camp.
Day 08: Trek to Yari, camp.
Day 09: Trek to Sip Sip, camp.
Day 10: Drive to Taklakot, camp.
Day 11: Drive to Mansarovar visit Rakshak Tal, camp.
Day 12: Trek to Gosul Gompa, back by Jeep to Tschiu Gompa, camp.
Day 13: Drive to Tirthapuri, camp.
Day 14: Drive to Toling - visit Tsaparang, camp.
Day 15: Drive to Darchen, camp.
Day 16: Trek to Drira Phuk, camp.
Day 17: Trek to Zuthul Phuk , camp.
Day 18: End of trek and drive to Tirthapuri, camp.
Day 19: Drive to Hor - visit Seralung, camp.
Day 20: Drive to Paryang, camp.
Day 21: Drive to Saga camp.
Day 22: Drive to Zhangmu, hotel (BLD).
Day 23: Cross the border into Nepal and drive to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel (B).
Day 24: Free day in Kathmandu, hotel (B).
Day 25: Final Departure. Transfer to airport.



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