Overview
Simikot-Mt. Kailash-Tsaparang-Mansarovar Trek is probably one of the longest journeys one could take in Tibet. Your adventure begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Simikot/Hilsa border between Nepal and Tibet. Hilsa is the farthest northwestern town in Nepal. From here you will be met by Tibetan tour guides and taken to the Tibetan side on a four wheel drive.
It will take you at least four days to reach Mt. Tise (Mt. Kailash). Mt. Tise is regarded as sacred by four religions: Bon, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. The mountain is a source of all the major rivers in Tibet. You will pass through small villages of Purang and Darchen (4560m) along the way. Immediately you start the kora or circumambulation of the Mt. Tise. A total of three days will be required on a jeep to make a circle of the mountain.
You will reach Mapam Yumtso Lake or Mansarovar Lake on the 18th day. The lake located at a an altitude of 4590m is a total natural bliss in a surrounding that is ethereal. Another lake Angpa Tso is also located nearby and is one of the highest lakes in the world.
Up next is a tour of Toling and Tsaparang villages, two ancient towns that were the centers of Bon religion, the first religion of Tibet. Containing tunnels and caves, TSaparang is a fortress that is home to two temples Lhakhang Marpo (Red Chapel) and the Lhakhang Karpo (White Chapel).
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. You stay at hotel in Nepalgunj.
Day 2 : Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot
Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot, and camp at Simikot.
Day 3 : Trek from Simikot to Dharapuri (2400m).
Trek from Simikot to Dharapuri (2400m). You camp for the night.
Day 4 : Trek from Dharapuri to Salle Khola (2550m).
Trek from Dharapuri to Salle Khola (2550m). You camp for the night.
Day 5 : Trek from Salle Khola to Tumkot Khola(2800m).
Trek from Salle Khola to Tumkot Khola(2800m). You camp for the night.
Day 6 : Trek from Tumkot Khola to Ship ship (4300m).
Trek from Tumkot Khola to Ship ship (4300m). You camp for the night.
Day 7 : Trek from Ship Ship to Hilsa-4325 crossing over the Nara La-4620m.
Trek from Ship Ship to Hilsa-4325 crossing over the Nara La-4620m. You camp for the night.
Day 8 : Trek half an hour to Sher (Nepal - Tibet border)
After breakfast trek half an hour to Sher (Nepal - Tibet border), after finishing the immigration formalities drive to Purang /Taklakot (4000m). You stay overnight at hotel in Purang.
Day 9 : Trek from Purang/Taklakot to Chhugu Gompa (4600m).
Day 10 : Drive from Chhugu Gompa to Darchen(4300m)
Drive from Chhugu Gompa to Darchen(4300m), the base camp of Mt. Kailash and overnight at Darchen Guest house.
Day 11 : Trek from Darchen to Dira Puk.
Day 12 : Trek from Dira Puk to Zutulphuk crossing over the Drolma La(5620m).
Day 13 : Trek for about 4 hours and drive to Tirthapuri.
Day 14 : Drive from Tirthapuri to Toling.
Day 15 : Drive from Toling to Tsaparang, ruins of Guge Kingdom
Drive from Toling to Tsaparang, ruins of Guge Kingdom, Tunnel in the castle and drive back to Toling.
Day 16 : Drive from Toling to Miser Chu.
Day 17 : Drive from Miser Chu to Manasarovar.
Day 18 : Rest at Manasaravar lake.
Day 19 : Drive from Manasarovar lake to Hilsa (Nepal border).
Day 20 : Trek back to Yari.
Day 21 : Trek from Yari to Muchu.
Day 22 : Trek from Muchu to Yalabang.
Day 23 : Trek from Yalabang to Dharapuri.
Day 24 : Trek from Dharapuri to Simikot.
Day 25 : Fly from Simikot to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.