Simikot Kailash Trekking

Before opening Simikot-Hilsa route travelers used to travel to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar either via Lhasa or via Zhang-Mu. From 1993, travelers started to make tour to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar via Simikot-Hilsa route frequently. This route is the shortest and most practical for trekkers in terms of both elevation and distance. The tour to Mt. Kailash commences from Simikot which is situated at an elevation of 2910 meters and climbs up to Na-Lagna pass (4330 meters) before reaching the arid Tibetan Plateau. From Simikot, it takes a 6 day’s journey to reach the Tibetan border town, which is plenty of time to be acclimatized in high altitude. There is no direct air service from Kathmandu to Simikot, so travelers generally have to fly Simikot via Nepalgunj, the regional hub of Western Nepal. From Kathmandu we either have to take a 12 hours overland journey in Bus OR have to take an hour’s flight to Nepalgunj. Both options are available on regular basis. Nepalgunj-Simikot flight operates early in the morning, so we must stay a night in Nepalgunj to catch early morning flight the next day. Monsoon rains often make delay the Nepalgunj-Simikot flights and make it difficult to get tickets, so it is always better to book this trip as earlier as possible. As we trek for 6 days through one of the most remote regions of Nepal, we have to bring all logistics that requires during our trekking portion in Nepal side. The rests of the logistic which are required during our journey to Mt. Kailash will be supplied via the alternative route (Zhang-Mu). A supporting truck will come all the way from Lhasa to Nepal boarder (Kodari, near Zhang-Mu) to fetch the equipments (kitchen and camping) & foods and bring them to Hilsa border before the group reach there.

Due to the small room in aircraft, the logistics which will be required for the entire journey can not be supplied via Simikot route only. Also this requires huge manpower to carry all the logistics to the Hilsa boarder and by then most of the fragile items will be destroyed. So, we must supply the foods and other logistics to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar from the alternative route. The tour (Mt. Kilash & Lake Manasarovar tour) normally ends in Zhang-Mu and it requires 20 days. But if you like to continue your journey to Lhasa, this is possible to arrange. Also, we can combine Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar tour with Tibet Everest Base Camp tour

DAY 01 : FLY TO SIMIKOT (2960M) THEN TREK TO DHARA POKHARI (2300M)

Early morning transfer to airport for helicopter flight to Simikot for about 50 minutes, the headquarters of Nepal's most remote district, Humla. After meeting our crew, we set off on our trek, climbing up from the airstrip on a rocky trail past fields of barley and wheat. We ascend a forested ridge above the town of Simikot, before making a long steep descent past Dandaphoya. The trail is then fairly level, through walnut and apricot trees, until we come to the scattered village of Dhara Pokhari which is divided by the Yakba Khola. Overnight camp.

Day 02 TREK TO SALLI KHOLA (2700M) VIA KERMI

Leaving our campsite, we cross a long screen slope and follow the river to a waterfall near the shepherds' camp at Chachera. We then climb over a ridge and bypass the village of Kermi before entering a big valley with walled fields of potato and buckwheat. After walking through a sparse pine forest we descend from the ridge to the Salli Khola and camp by the river. Overnight camp.

Day 03 TREK TO MUCHU (2920M) VIA YALBANG & YANGAR

We cross the river and climb over a rocky ridge before descending to the grey waters of the Humla Karnali. After crossing another ridge we come to a sandy meadow where goat herders often camp by the river. Beyond the meadow the valley narrows and we cross several more ridges, passing the villages of Yalbang and Yangar. The trail then winds its way precariously above the river before we cross a suspension bridge to the village of Muchu. Overnight camp.

Day 04 REST DAY

Today is a rest day which we'll spend in and around Muchu, exploring the village with its stone houses and gompa. Overnight camp.

Day 05 TREK TO SIPSIP (NARA LA) (4330M

From Muchu, we follow the trail over a ridge to the Tumkot Khola and then walk along the rocky stream bed for a short distance before beginning a steep climb through a rock-filled gully. We pass through Palbang and its bright yellow mustard fields to the small settlement of Yari and beyond here the route climbs up the valley towards a pass, the Nara Lagna. We camp below the pass in a meadow known as Sipsip. Overnight camp.

Day 06 TREK TO HILSA (3720M)

From Sipsip we ascend steeply to a rock cairn marking the top of the Nara Lagna (4580m). Descending from the pass, we have views of the Tibetan Plateau before arriving at the village of Ranipauwa. Beyond here, we slip and slide on a surface of loose pebbles down to the Humla Karnali -Hilsa. Overnight camp.

Day 07 TREK AND DRIVE TO TAKLAKOT (3770M)

From Hilsa, trek up to Sher (45 minutes), crossing the Nepal/Tibet border which is marked only by a stone pillar, we meet our transport and drive via Khojar Nath ( Temple of Rama, Sita and Laxman) to Purang after completion of Chinese immigration formalities. Purang (Taklakot) is the large trading centre of west Nepal Tibet border. Overnight Guesthouse

Day 08 REST AT TAKLAKOT

Rest day at leisure and for acclimatization. Overnight Guesthouse

Day 09 TAKLAKOT TO MANASAROVAR (4560 M)

Early morning drive to Lake Manasarovar (Chui Gompa side). After having holy dip and lunch, we set off for circumambulation around the lake by jeep. Overnight Guesthouse

Day 10 MANASAROVAR TO DARCHEN (4520 M)

In the morning, perform Pooja (worship) and Snan (holy dip) after that we precede for Darchen (Mount Kailash base camp). Overnight Hotel

Day 11 TREK START, DRIVE TO TARBOCHE AND TREK TO DIRAPHUK (4890 M)

Morning, drive to Tarboche (Or Serson, 3 kms / 4750m), the first prostration point, Tarboche Flag Pole, the auspicious gateway and the sky burial ground, to Diraphuk; then start Parikrama (trekking circumambulation of Kailash) to Deraphuk Gompa (4890m / 18 km). Overnight camp or local guesthouse

Day 12 TREK CONTINUE TO ZUTRULPHUK (47600M)

Continue Parikrama to Zutrulphuk Gompa via Dolma-La and Gaurikunda. This is the toughest day of the tour!
Overnight camp or local guesthouse

Day 13 END OF PARIKRAMA (TREK)

Finish trek near Darchen after crossing third & forth prostration point, Zutrulphuk, then drive back to Lake Manasoarovar. Overnight Guesthouse.

Day 14 JEEP JOURNEY TO PARYAN (4500 m)

Drive of about 280km to Paryang from Lake Manasarovar. Overnight stay at Guest House.

Day 15 PARYANG TO SAGA (4600 m)

Today we drive about 260 km to reach Saga. Overnight at Hotel or Guesthouse.

Day 16 DRIVE, SAGA TO LHATSE (3950 M.): 6 HOURS

Today our staff members will depart with you and drive to Nyalam to exit Kathmandu. From this day you will accompany by Tibetan Guide only and you will have bed & breakfast service on this onwards. After breakfast, we commence our journey to our further destination, Lhatse. Our further journey goes across the Tibetan plateau with Spectacular Mountain views from Lablung-La pass (5200m). From Nyalam it takes two hours to reach the high pass. You can see the magnificent view of the Himalayan range including Mt. Shisapangma, the highest mountain in Tibet. We take a short break in Peiku Lake (on the way) for a picnic lunch then continue our journey. Saga is a growing town situated at the Bank of River Bramhaputra. There is a government Hospital (that will be closed on Sunday) and some basic guesthouses available.
Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 17 DRIVE, LHATSE TO SHIGATSE (3900 M.): 5 HOURS

Morning after breakfast, we set off for our further journey to Shigatse. Shigatse is the second largest city of Tibet and the seat of Panchen Lama. The famous Tashilungpu Monastery is situated in Shigatse. This is the official throne of Panchen Lama. Overnight at Hotel Everest

Day 18 DRIVE, SHIGATSE TO GYANTSE (3950 M.): 3 HOURS

After visiting the Tashilungpu Monastery in Shigatse, it's a short drive to Gyantse with its amazing sites - Khumbum, Palkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Dzong.
Overnight at Hotel
Hotel
Day 19 DRIVE, GYANTSE TO LHASA (3650 M.) VIA YAMDRUK LAKE: 7 HOURS
The highlight of this day is the beautiful turquoise lake (Yamdruk Tso). After crossing the Kamba- La, Karo La and the Yarlung River (Brahmaputra), the journey ends in Lhasa. Overnight at Hotel

Day 20 A FULL DAY GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa – you will visit Jokhang temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace and Norbulinkha Palace (the summer Palace of Dalai Lama). Overnight at Hotel

Day 21 A FULL DAY GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR

Guide sightseeing tour of Lhasa – you will visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery and Tibetan medical center. Overnight at Hotel

Day 22 FLY TO KATHMANDU

Transfer to Lhasa Airport and fly back to Kathmandu. Pick up and check into Hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel.

Day 23 LEISURE IN KATHMANDU

Free day for your individual program. Overnight Hotel.

Day 24 DEPARTURE TO HOME

Transfer to Tribhuvan International airport or border for your flight/drive back home. Tour End. -

Service includes:

1. Three nights twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu (3/4 star hotel) on full board basis
2. Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
3. All necessary transfers in Kathmandu
4. One night twin sharing accommodation in Nepalgunj on full board basis
5. Pick up in Lucknow and all necessary transfers in Nepalgunj
6. Kathmandu – Nepalgunj air ticket (fixed wings)
7. Nepalgunj – Simikot by flight.
8. Domestic airport taxes
9. Humla region restricted area permit & royalties
10. All necessary travel & trekking permits
11. Tibet group visa
12. Lhasa to Kathmandu flight ticket
13. Budget accommodation in Tibet on room sharing basis with breakfast during Lhatse to Lhasa trip.
14. Two days guided sightseeing tour in Lhasa
15. Tibetan Guide (English speaking)
16. Monastery entrance fees / sightseeing entrance fees
17. Guesthouse or lodge accommodation in Tibet except during Parikrama.
18. All meals (vegetarian) in full board during Kailash tour upto Saga.
19. Transportation in Tibet by 4WD Land Cruiser 4500 (4 passengers in one Land Cruiser)
20. Supporting truck
21. English speaking Tibetan guide
22. Necessary supporting crew (cook, helpers & Sherpa)
23. Yaks & Yak men during the Parikrama (circumambulation around Kailash)
24. Services of our fully equipped trekking, kitchen and camping equipment.
25. Gamow bag (pressure bag) and oxygen for emergency use
26. Medical kit bag
27. All applicable taxes and service charges

Service excludes:

1. Meals other than breakfast in Tibet during Lhasa tour
2. Nepal re-entry visa fee (US $ 30 per person)
3. Riding Horse or Yak during the Parikrama for personal (on your request we provide this, cost is extra)
4. Rescue and evacuation service
5. Insurance for any loss and damage
6. Personal tip for guide and driver
7. Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstance