Make the sacred circumambulation of Asia's most holy mountain, spend a night on the shores of the vast blue Lake Manasarovar - legendary birthplace of the great rivers of Asia.
Travel through stunning landscapes to explore the religious and artistic heritage of the historic kingdom of Guge, on the banks of the Sutlej River. Cross the vast grasslands for a spectacular close-up view of the world's highest mountain. Sacred spaces and stunning landscapes! Magnificent temples, mountain passes, snow-capped peaks, nomad camps, pilgrims – this is truly a journey to stir the senses and nourish the soul - of all the destinations in Asia, the most sacred and sublime. The days of travel are long, the roads are dusty and bumpy - and it is a world that will take your breath away.
Explore the heart of central Tibet, the great temples, monasteries and palaces of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse & Sakya before traveling west, back in time and history through dramatic landscapes to Tibet's most sacred pilgrimage sites - Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Tithapuri - and to the region that was once the heartland of Tibet, the ancient kingdom of Guge. The 3-day circumambulation of Mount Kailash is challenging due to altitude, but within the capabilities of any healthy person - and timed to coincide with the full moon, it is an incredible time.
Stunning views of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) and a day trip up to base camp are a fitting finale to this incredible journey before we leave the Tibetan Plateau behind, plunging into a lush green world as we descend almost 2000 meters in just 30kms to the border town of Zhangmu.
Of incredible geomantic power Kailash (Sanskrit) or Kang Rinpoche (Tibetan) marks the center of the Earth for Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Bon. To Buddhists it is the abode of Demchok, the wrathful manifestation of Buddha Sakyamuni. To Hindus it is the dwelling of Shiva, the destroyer and according to the Sanskrit tradition of Vishnu Purana it is a representation of Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain at the center of the universe. It is the place where the founder of Bon descended to Earth and where the founder of the Jain faith was spiritually awakened.
Kailash is also the geographical watershed of South Asia, here its great rivers are born - the Indus, the Sutlej, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) and the Karnali / Ganges. At its foot lies the most venerated of Tibet's lakes, Manasarovar, believed by Hindu's to have been formed in the mind of Brahma. Once the heartland of Tibet, the remains of Zhangzhung date back over 3,000 years. Later the kingdom of Gu-ge flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries, with its strong links to Ladakh and Kashmir it is extremely important in terms of Buddhist art history. The remains of this kingdom stand in a landscape so overwhelming as to defy description.
Tour Itinerary:
Days 1 - 2: Kathmandu or Chengdu
Days 3 - 6: Lhasa
Day 7: Gyantse
Days 8 - 9: Shigatse
Day 10: Sakya
Day 11: Saga
Day 12: Paryang
Day 13: Lake Manasarovar
Day 14 Tirthapuri
Days 15 - 16: Guge
Day 17: Darchen
Days 18 - 19: Kailash Kora
Day 20: Kailash kora - Lake Manasarovar
Day 21: Paryang
Day 22: Saga
Day 23: Lao Tingri
Day 24: Rombuk (Everest Base Camp)
Day 25: Nyalam
Day 26: Kathmandu.
- Saga Dawa departure is two days longer.
- Transport: private vehicle for transfers & Lhasa sightseeing, 4WD landcruiser(s) for Kailash Tour, support truck for camping tours.
- Accommodation: hotel & guest house. Camping for groups of 6+ and for Saga Dawa departure.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Saga Dawa Departure: USD2490p/p May 13-June 09
- Other Departures: USD2540p/p (2 people) / USD1960p/p (4-5 people) / USD2360p/p (6+ people camping)
- Kathmandu-Lhasa flight cost USD316p/p or Chengdu-Lhasa USD210p/p (it is also possible to join via flight or train from Beijing)
Price Includes:
- all accommodation
- transport by private vehicle (4WD landcruiser)
- English-speaking Tibetan guide
- entry & travel permits
- sightseeing & entry fees
- camping departures include all camping/cooking equipment & staff except sleeping bag.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Tibet
Nepal
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
Hiking & Trekking
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