Trip Summary
Geography
Mountain/Hills/Forest
Location
Nepal/Tibet
Level Of Difficulty
Easy
Duration
20 Days
Max Aaltitude
5660m
Religion
Tibetan Buddhist/HinduDetail Information
The Simikot Kailash Tour takes you on a religious journey that starts from Nepal and ends at Tibet after circling around the revered Mount Kailash (6638m). This tour provides you the opportunity to dwell deep into the heart of ancient Tibet and visit its ancient monasteries that still adhere to the old ways. This 20-day tour gives you an inside look of the famous monasteries of Tibet in Zuthrul Phug and Dira Phug. The tour also allows you to understand the life in the secluded parts of the Himalayas.
This tour initiates from Kathmandu and after getting our documents approved and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites explored, we shall catch a plane towards Nepalgunj and then to Simikot. Trek through the western hills to arrive at Dharapuri and navigate along the rice field to reach Kermi. Visit the Laikyo Gompa and walk on the banks of Salli River to reach Yalbang. Next, we head towards the top of the Nara La Pass (4560m). On the other side of the Nara La Pass lies our last checkpoint in Nepal, Hilsa. After registering our permits, we enter Tibet via the Friendship Bridge. We head to Purang and continue to Montser Passing the Mansarovar and Rakshas Lakes, we head to Darchen and start the Kora.
The first day sees us head to the Chhuku Gompa and the Dira Phug Monastery. The second day leads us to the summit of Dolma La Pass and then heading down to Zuthrul Phug. After completing the Kora, hike back to Darchen and begin the journey to Lake Mansarovar. After exploring the lake, we head to Saga. The long drive leads us to Shigatse and along the way, we can see the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Crossing the Khamba La Pass and the Karo La Pass takes us to Lhasa and after spending a night there, we go to the airport and head home.
If you want to take the Simikot Kailash Tour or any other trips in Nepal or Tibet, we, at Nepal Alibaba Treks, are the best choice. We have years of experience in conducting such overland and inland tours. Our trained personnel will make sure that you get your money’s worth and your trip becomes memorable.
Trip Highlights:
- Observe the amazing views of Mount Kailash (6638m)
- Enjoy the serene environment around the Mansarovar and Rakshas lakes
- Partake in the religious Kora and climb to the summit of Dolma La Pass (5660m)
- Visit ancient monasteries of Zuthrul Phug and Dira Phug
Itinerary Summary
Day Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Your arrival in Nepal will be marked by the mighty Himalayas. You will shortly land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Thereafter, a company representative will welcome you and take you to the hotel in the city. You can also choose to explore the valley if you arrive early.
Day Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu with visa and trip preparation
Today is a free day in Nepal and it is best spent by visiting the major UNESCO world heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley. You explore the religious hubs of the valley like Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath. The remainder of the day will be spent on getting necessary approvals and documents ready for the trip. At night, enjoy a dinner hosted by the company. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: |1 hour
Wake up early and head to Tribhuvan International Airport for a short flight that takes you to the bustling city of Terai, Nepalgunj. The flight is picturesque and offers surreal views of the diverse geography of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, you can head out to visit the local zoo or enjoy the prevalent culture and traditions. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
Day Day 4: Fly to Simikot |2,985m| and trek to Dharapuri |2,360m| 4 - 6 hours
We have another flight to catch today which takes us from the flatlands of Terai to the isolated hills of Simikot, Humla. The landscape is barren and we find ourselves walking on uphill trails to Dharapuri. The people living in these parts follow Buddhism, and after going along the banks of Karnali, we arrive at Dharapuri. Overnight in Dharapuri.
Day Day 5: Dharapuri to Kermi |2,860m| 5 - 6 hours
The route to Kermi takes us to the flat trails initially, and then we move ahead towards cultivated fields which are filled with barley, rice, and potatoes. We can also take a brief stop and relax at the natural hot springs. Gather necessary stuff and visit the ancient Buddhist monasteries like the Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. After exploring the monasteries, we proceed to Kermi. Overnight in Kermi.
Day Day 6: Kermi to Yalbang |2,879m| 5 - 6 hours
The trail for the day is very narrow and crosses a small pass. From the pass, the trail reaches a suspension bridge which goes over the Salli River. As we strive forward, we can enjoy views of pine trees and the roaring Karnali River too. The road provides us an opportunity to visit the ancient Namkha Khyung Dzong monastery as well. Yalbang is an ancient Tibetan settlement and resting hub too. Overnight in Yalbang.
Day Day 7: Yalbang to Tumkot |3,073m| 5 - 6 hours
The road to Tumkot goes above the Karnali River and as we forge ahead, the greenery transcends into small shrubs and bushes. Admire pine forests and rocky hills along the way. Tumkot is a small village and it houses the Dhungkar Choezom Monastery. It is one of the many important Shakya monasteries in the Tibetan plateau. Overnight in Tumkot.
Day Day 8: Tumkot to Yari |3,663m| 6 - 7 hours
A relative trail, the road to Yari involves walking on the banks of the Humla Karnali River and, later, traversing up the barren slopes. The green pastures now transform to barren and greenery bereft pastures. You won't see pine trees now as well. Yari is a Buddhist village that is inhabited by the Tibetan individuals. Overnight in Yari.
Day Day 9: Yari to Hilsa |3,647m| via Nara La pass: 5 - 6 hours
The road to Hilsa involves summiting the difficult Nara La Pass (4560m). The vegetation is very bleak and we can see landscapes that closely resemble that of Tibet. As we head down from the pass, we finally arrive at the border village of Hilsa. You can see many people here who are on the road to Tibet. The culture and lifestyle of the people in Hilsa also closely resembles the Tibetan culture. Overnight in Hilsa.
Day Day 10: Hilsa to Purang |3,772m| 2 - 3 hours
As we get our necessary documents checked, we walk across the Friendship Bridge and enter Tibet. The road sees an increase in altitude and we will pass along the Rinzin Zangpo Gompa. Take some time off and have lunch at the Kangja village. Purang is an ancient village and comprises of the Purang Gompa. We will take some time to explore the Buddhist frescoes of the 12th century as well. Overnight in Purang.
Day Day 11: Purang to Montser |4,450m| and sightseeing in Tirthapuri| 3 - 4 hours
The road to Montser takes us along the lakes of Mansarovar and Rakshas. We take a brief rest and begin the trek to Tirthapuri. This small village has small natural hot springs that are closely related to Guru Rinpoche. Pilgrims bathe in these hot springs with the hope of cleansing their sins. After completing the sightseeing, we head back to Montser. Overnight in Montser.
Day Day 12: Sightseeing of Garuda Valley, then transfer to Darchen |4,560m| 3 - 4 hours
In the morning, we will drive to the Garuda Valley which sits on the southwest of Mt. Kailash (6638m). This valley has mysterious caves and it was home to ancient Tibetan civilizations. The history here dates back to the Shang Shung kings. After touring the Garuda Valley, we head back to Darchen where we will spend the night. Overnight in Darchen.
Day Day 13: First day of Kora: hiking to Dira Phug Monasteries |5120m| 5 - 6 hours
The objective of Kora is to circle the Mount Kailash. We walk along the deep valleys that are surrounded by red hills. We cross the bridge that leads to Chhuku Gompa and from there, the hill becomes visible. From here, we head towards Dira Phug from where we can catch stunning views of the northern face of Mt. Kailash (6638m). Overnight in Dira Phug.
Day Day 14: Second day of Kora: hike to Zuthrul Phug |4790m| 6 - 7 hours
The second day of Kora is often the most difficult and dreaded. We will head to the summit of Dolma La Pass (5660m) and from there, begin the descent to Zuthrul Phug. As you make your way through the rocky and ravenous terrain, you will see many pilgrims tiring and resting. In Zuthrul Phug, we will visit the enchanting Thugje Zinbu Lake along with the Zuthrul Phug Monastery. These ancient caves are said to be associated with ancient Tibetan civilizations. Overnight in Zuthrul Phug.
Day Day 15: Third day of Kora: hiking to Darchen |4,560m| 3 - 4 hours and transfer to Manasarovar
The road now leads us out the Braka plain and initiates towards Darchen. Today is the final day of the Kora and we can see many pilgrims along the way. After finishing the Kora, we will head out to Lake Mansarovar via jeep. The lake is holy and it has ties with both Buddhism and Hinduism. It is believed that whoever bathes in the lake are relieved of their sins. Buddhists also associate it with the legendary lake known as Anavatapta. Overnight in Mansarovar.
Day Day 16: Tour of the Mansarovar Lake
The motive for the day involves circumambulating around the Mansarovar Lake. It is touted as one of the highest freshwaters in the world. We shall start the morning by taking a dip in Mansarovar. We shall circle the lake by a jeep and if we have time, we will enter the Chui Gompa as well. Overnight in Mansarovar Lake.
Day Day 17: Mansarovar to Saga |4,600m| 8 – 9 hours
A long drive from Manasarovar takes us to Saga on this day. The road is an entering point for the Chiu Monastery as well. The road sees an increase in altitude up to 5200 meters which is the Mayum La Pass. We can catch glimpses of the Zhongba and Paryang villages. Saga is a great resting point and offers surreal views of the surrounding Tibetan landscapes. Overnight in Saga.
Day Day 18: Saga to Shigatse |3,900m| 8-9 hours
Today we have a very long car journey ahead of us. We will head to Shigatse via Latse. The trail provides a picturesque view of the Tsangpo River and the nearby Brahmaputra River as well. The drive takes about 9 hours. Upon arriving in Shigatse, we will refresh ourselves in the Tashi Lhunpo monastery. This monastery has a history that dates back to 1447. Overnight in Shigatse.
Day Day 19: Shigatse to Lhasa |3,650m|4-5 hours
From Shigatse, we begin the drive to Lhasa. The road is long so we will make many stops during the journey. We shall visit the Shyala monastery and continue the drive that takes us to the Karo La Pass. Proceed forward and arrive at the Khamba La Pass from where you can catch views of the Yamdrok Tsho Lake. A bit ahead from lies the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. Get on a hotel and spend the night there. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day Day 20: Final Departure
The adventurous Simikot Kailash Tour comes to an end on this day. You can explore around Lhasa according to your flight schedule. You can do some shopping as well. We bid you farewell and hope to see you on your next visit to Nepal or Tibet.
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