Trip Overview
Saga Dawa Festival trip to Mount Kailash
Tibet, the ancient 'Roof of the World' and the mystical Buddhist 'Kingdom of the Snows', has for centuries evoked images of a lost Shangri La. To this day, its stunning Himalayan views, high plateau, beautiful Buddhist monasteries and extraordinary people remain one of the world's great travel experiences.Mt Kailas is said to be the mythical Mt Meru, the centre of the universe. It is revered in both Hindu and Buddhist legends, while its location, close to the sources of the four main rivers that flow across the Indian sub-continent, contributes to its mystic. Our program includes a week long journey from Lhasa (via Gyantse and Shigatse) across the grain of the vast Tibetan plateau. We plan to reach Mt Kailas at the time of the Saga Dawa festival held on the (May/June) 11th June 2006, full moon, when many thousands of pilgrims from throughout Tibet gather to pay homage to the mountain.Saga Dawa Festival This morning we join the throngs of pilgrims to attend this ancient fertility ceremony which involves the raising of the Tarboche flagpole and which is accompanied by lively and exceedingly colourful celebrations. After the ceremonies are over we return to the shores of Lake Mansarovar. Camp.
After the festive celebrations we will undertake a three-day trek around Mt Kailas and a sojourn around the shores of Lake Manasarovar following the path of pilgrims on their quest for spiritual enlightenment. There are also options for the non-trekker to savour this spectacular sacred environment before returning to the Kathmandu Valley.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01
KATMANDU:Upon your arrival in KATMANDU(1000m/3280ft) Himalayan Glacier will officially greet and meet you at Airport & transfer to you Hotel Shanker.
Day 02
KATMANDU:Half day guided city tours (tour includes Katmandu Durbar Square, Syambunath Stupa, Pashupati Nath Temple - Hindu Temple & Buddha Nath - The biggest Buddha Stupa in ancent Katmandu). Afternoon pre-trip discussion of next day trek.O/N KATMANDU.
Day 03
Kathmandu Free day. Hotel.
Day 04
Lhasa Mountain flight over the Himalayas to Tibet. Hotel.
Day 05
Lhasa Guided sightseeing in Lhasa (including Sera Monastery and the Jokhang Temple). Hotel.
Day 06
Lhasa Guided sightseeing in Lhasa (including the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery and the Norbulingka). Hotel.
Day 07
Lhasa Acclimatisation guided daytrip to Ganden Monastery. Hotel.
Day 08
Gyangtse Drive via Scorpion Lake to Gyangtse. Explore Gyangtse Fort and Kumbum Monastery. Hotel.
Day 09
Shigatse Drive to Shigatse. Visit Tashilunpo Monastery. Hotel.
Day 10-12
On the road Driving via Saga and Paryang to arrive on day 12 at the shores of Lake Mansarovar. Camp.
Day 13
Lake Mansarovar Full day to relax and explore the area around this highly holy lake. Camp.
Day 14
Tarboche Drive to Darchen at the foot of Mount Kailash and prepare for our trek. Camp.
Day 15
Trek around Mount Kailash In the company of Tibetan pilgrims we have four days to make the sacred circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
Day 16
On day 16 we explore a side valley that gives unparalleled views of Kailash's stunning North Face.
Day 17
On day 17 we cross the Drolma La Pass at 5600m, for Tibetans a symbolic act of rebirth.
Day 18
On day 18 we return to our camp and prepare for the celebrations of the Saga Dawa festival. Camp.
Day 19
Saga Dawa Festival This morning we join the throngs of pilgrims to attend this ancient fertility ceremony which involves the raising of the Tarboche flagpole and which is accompanied by lively and exceedingly colourful celebrations. After the ceremonies
Day 20/21
On the road Drive eastwards leaving the main road at Saga and making our camp near the shores of beautiful Lake Pelkhu with its dramatic views of Mount Shishapangma. Camp.
Day 22
Nyalam/Zhangmu A breathtaking day's drive as we pass over the Lalung Leh pass and 'through' the Himalayas to arrive at Nyalam or Zhangmu close to the Nepalese border. Hotel.
Day 23
Kathmandu Exiting Tibet we cross the Friendship Bridge and make the short journey back to Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 24
Trip Conclude or extrend your further Adventure Trip.