Tour of Nepal: A Journey of Sacred Exploration and Adventure in Kailash Mansarovar

Day 1: Arrival in Lucknow/Nepalgunj

Your journey begins with your arrival in Nepalgunj, a vibrant city in western Nepal known for its cultural diversity. After checking into your hotel, relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. Nepalgunj serves as the gateway to the mystical mountains of Nepal and Tibet. If required, a pickup service can be arranged from Lucknow at an additional cost. Relish your first meal of the journey with a hearty lunch and dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay will be at Diamond Palace or Kalptaru, or a hotel of equivalent standard.

– Meals: Lunch and Dinner

– Altitude: 150 m

Day 2: Nepalgunj to Simikot (Flight)

An early morning tea marks the start of your second day. A short drive takes you to Nepalgunj airport, where you’ll board a flight to Simikot, situated at an altitude of 2,910 meters. Simikot, the administrative center of the Humla district, is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and green valleys. It’s also the gateway for those traveling to Mount Kailash via helicopter. Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring this scenic town. If time permits, enjoy a short trek in the surrounding hills. Meanwhile, immigration procedures will be completed on the Nepalese side to facilitate a smooth transition into Tibet. Overnight stay will be at Potala Palace Inn, Vijaya, or a similar hotel.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Altitude: 2,910 m

Day 3: Simikot to Hilsa (Helicopter) – Taklakot

After breakfast, take a 20-minute helicopter ride from Simikot to Hilsa. This thrilling journey offers stunning aerial views of deep river gorges, verdant hills, and snow-covered peaks. Upon landing, a 30-minute walk takes you to the border immigration office. Once your paperwork is completed, you’ll cross into Tibet and board a vehicle waiting to transport you to Taklakot, also known as Purang. The drive to Taklakot, located at an altitude of 4,025 meters, takes approximately 45 minutes. Spend the night at New Purang, Himalaya, or a similar hotel, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tibetan plateau.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Distance Covered: 155 km

– Altitude: 4,025 m

Day 4: Acclimatization in Taklakot

This day is reserved for acclimatization to the higher altitudes of the Tibetan plateau. Take this opportunity to rest and adjust to the thin air. You can explore the local area, meditate, or prepare yourself mentally for the upcoming challenges of the journey. Overnight stay will be at New Purang, Himalaya, or an equivalent hotel.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Altitude: 4,025 m

Day 5: Taklakot to Lake Mansarovar

After breakfast, embark on a 100 km drive to Lake Mansarovar, situated at an altitude of 4,550 meters. En route, stop briefly at Rakshas Tal, known for its unique beauty and serene ambiance. Upon arrival at Lake Mansarovar, one of the holiest lakes in the world, settle into the guest house for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, undertake a parikrama (circumambulation) of the lake by vehicle, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Kailash. A holy dip in the lake’s waters and a puja on its banks make this an unforgettable spiritual experience. Overnight stay will be at a lakeside guest house.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Distance Covered: 110 km

– Altitude: 4,590 m

Day 6: Yama Dwar to Deruphuk (Trek)

Following breakfast, drive to Yama Dwar via Darchen. Yama Dwar, also known as Tarboche, is the starting point of the Kailash Parikrama. This stretch is renowned for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, including rocky cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and clear blue skies. Begin your 12 km trek to Deruphuk, the north face of Mount Kailash, which offers spectacular views. If you opt not to do the parikrama, you can stay in Darchen, where meals and accommodation will be arranged. Overnight stay will be at a mud guest house in Deruphuk.

– Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner

– Distance Covered: 61 km (Drive + Trek)

– Altitude: 4,910 m

Day 7: Trek to Zutulphuk via Dolma La Pass

The seventh day is the most challenging yet rewarding part of the journey. Begin the day early with breakfast, and trek 8 km to reach Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5,700 meters. The ascent to the pass is steep and demanding, but the panoramic views are worth the effort. On the descent, you’ll pass by Gaurikund, a sacred lake revered in Hindu mythology. After resting at Phedi, continue trekking 12 km to Zutulphuk, completing a 22 km journey for the day. Overnight stay will be at a basic guest house in Zutulphuk.

– Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner

– Distance Covered: 22 km

– Altitude: 5,700 m (Dolma La Pass)

Day 8: Zutulphuk to Hilsa/Simikot

After breakfast, trek for 3 hours to complete the final leg of the parikrama and reach your vehicle. Drive to the Nepal border, stopping for lunch in Darchen. After completing immigration formalities, cross back into Nepal and proceed to Hilsa. Depending on weather and time, you may continue to Simikot for better accommodations. Overnight stay will be at a guest house in Hilsa or Potala Palace Inn in Simikot.

– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

– Altitude: 3,640 m (Hilsa)

Day 9: Hilsa to Simikot – Fly to Nepalgunj – Return to Lucknow

On the final day, take an early morning helicopter ride to Simikot, followed by a flight to Nepalgunj. Enjoy a celebratory lunch upon arrival before proceeding back to Lucknow. Reflect on the spiritual and physical journey you’ve undertaken and cherish the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

– Meals: Breakfast

End of the Journey