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There are two popular land routes for entering Tibet from Nepal. One is the Kodari border in Sindupalchowk district in central Nepal and the other is Simikot in Humla district in the western Nepal.
Since Mt. Kailash (Mt. Tise) and Mansarovar lake lies in Western Tibet, Simikot border lies closer to Mt. Kailash. Many travelers often choose to go to Mt. Kailash via Simikot border, which was opened following an agreement between the governments of Nepal and China in 1993.
The goal of Simikot Kailash Tour is to reach Mt. Kailash. The tour combines both the experience of trekking and travelling in four wheel vehicles through the majestic landscape of Tibet. We will have plenty of opportunities to see the highest snow capped mountains, observe the culture and lifestyle of Tibetan people and appreciate the its unique ecological biodiversity.
Mt. Kailash or Mt. Tise in Tibetan is a spiritual pilgrimage and venerated shrine for four major religions of Asia: Bons, Tibetan Buddhism, Hindus and Jains.
Also known as Khang Rimpoche in Tibetan language, which means ‘Precious Jewel of Snow’ Mt. Kailash is regarded as the naval of earth. The mountain is the source of water for four great rivers of Asia: the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. The great saint and poet Milarepa is said to have spent several years here meditating in a cave.
Tibetans revere Mount Kailash as Kang Rimpoche while the followers of ancient Bon Pa religion take Kailash to be the soul of Tibet. Mount Kailash is Mount Ashtapada for Jains as they believe their Saint Rishabanatha achieved spiritual liberation. For the Hindus, Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru , their spiritual center of the universe. And for the Jains, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment.
It is a impending ritual for pilgrims to make a circumambulation or kora of Mt. Kailash. It is believed that such a koraforeverfrees human soul from the vicious circle of life and death.
Our Simikot Kailash tour begins with a picturesque flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot. We will then head to Hilsa, the border along Nepal and China and the entry point for our journey to Tibet.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu
Our representative will pick you up from the Tribhuvan International Airport and escort you to hotel for check in and further formalities. Nexus Travels & Tours will provide you detail information about your further journey.
Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2
Tour preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour:
Early morning breakfast followed by a full day sightseeing in Kathmandu, visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swoyambhunath temple. Later in the afternoon you can purchase / lease the crucial gadgets for your proposed tour if you don’t posses one.
Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3
Fly to Nepalgunj
You will take a flight to the far south west region of Nepal i.e. to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a border town between India and Nepal it is somewhat busy and crowded with the temperature considerably high. It is considered to be the sizzling city of Nepal.
Stay overnight in a hotel in Nepalgunj.
Day 4
Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot and trek to Dharapari
Today, you will take another flight to Simikot. You fly towards the north for about 35 minutes to one of the isolated locations in Nepal Simikot which is the headquarter of Humla district. Upon your arrival to Simikot, you will meet our team who will assist you for your further journey. You will then start trekking by ascending up from the airstrip and walk on a rocky trail. You will pass the fields of barley and wheat while ascending to a forested ridge above the town of Simikot. Further you will make a long steep descend and pass Dandaphoya. You continue your trail through walnut and apricot trees until you reach the village of Dharapokhari.
Stay overnight in a tented camp.
Day 5
Dharapari – Kermi
Leaving Dharapari behind you will walk on relatively flat trails along the Karnali River. You will pass the fields of barley, buckwheat, rice and potatoes on our excursion. You can enjoy a comforting hot water bath at two natural hot springs located near Kermi. The hot water bath can be an ailment to relieve your aching bodies. On the way, you will visit two popular Gompas (Monastery) on your trail namely Kermi Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa.
Stay overnight in a tented camp.
Day 6
Kermi to Yalbang
Your trail today will be through flat and then take a steep ascend over a rocky crest before descending down towards the blue water of the Humla Karnali. You will be crossing another ridge to a sandy pasture where the camps are set by the goat herders by the shore of the river. Passing through the meadow you will reach a valley that descends as we cross more ridges till we approach the village of Yalbang. On the way you will also visit a remote monastery Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery and walk ahead enjoying the views of pine trees and Karnali River.
Stay overnight in a tented camp.
Day 7
Yalbang to Tumkot
Today, you march through a trail above the Karnali River. As you ascend, the luxuriant in the environment starts to disappear. You then will make your way through pine trees and rocky hills till Tumkot. Upon reaching Tumkot you will visit the Dhungkar Choezom Monastery. It is one of the most significant Sakya monasteries in the Tibetan region.
Stay overnight in a tented camp.
Day 8
Tumkot to Yari
Your walk for this day will be comparatively easy. The change in climate and vegetation is significantly noticeable. As you travel forward the landscape grows more wild, secluded and rocky. You can only observe small bushes and low junipers in the name of plants. You will continue your trail until you reach Yari.
Stay overnight in a tented camp.
Day 9
Yari to Hilsa
Your journey today will be very exciting as you cross the first pass of your journey the Nara La pass (4,620m). The vegetation and landscape at this location is similar to that of Tibet. As you cross the pass, you will be blessed by the outstanding views of Tibetan plateau and Yari Village. From the pass, you will descend towards Hilsa. Hilsa is a border town near Tibet. It is the point where the pilgrims travelling towards Mt. Kailash are dropped by helicopter.
Stay overnight in a tented camp.
Day 10
Hilsa to Mansarovar
Today’s trial is fascinating as you will be crossing the Nepal/ Tibet Border. You will witness the border marked just by a simple stone pillar. As soon as you cross the border, you reach to your vehicle which will be waiting for you. Boarding into your vehicle, you drive ahead via Taklakot, to Manasarovar.
Stay overnight in a tented camp.
Day 11
Mansarovar – Tarchen
Early in the morning, you wake up and take a dip in the holy lake Mansarovar. It is believed that all our sins will be forgiven by God and we will be blessed with bliss if we take a bath in this lake. After completing your bath and parikrama (tour), you will drive towards Tarchen. During the auspicious devotedly important dates, the base camp is filled with tents of the pilgrims.
Stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 12
Tarchen – Tarboche – Dirapuk
This day will be the actual starting day of your Kailash tour. The path starting from Tarchen is also known as Asthapath meaning “Way of Faith”. You will walk along a rocky cliff and pass waterfall till you reach Dirapuk. The whole landscape is wild but very fascinating. The random vision of the face of Mt. Kailash will add enthusiasm to your walking journey.
Stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 13
Dirapuk – Zuthulpuk
You will continue your trail up until you reach Dolma La Pass. The weather can be quite unreliable at Dolma La pass. Therefore, it is recommended to cross the pass as early as possible to keep away from storm and bad weather. From the top of the pass, you will descend towards Gauri Kund. After visiting Gauri Kund, you will continue your trek to Zuthulpuk.
Stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 14
Zuthulpuk – Tarchen –Mansarovar – Dongba
This will your last day of your tour exploring new places. In the morning, you get to explore the temples, shrines around the Milarepa cave. Then you repeat our journey back to Tarchen. After reaching Tarchen, you will drive towards Dongba.
Stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 15
Drive to Sigatse
You will drive to Sigatse through Lhasa-Kailash highway. When you reach Sigatse you will take an amazing Tibetan cultural experience in and around Sigatse, Tasi Limphhu monastery sightseeing.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 16
Drive to Lhasa via Gyatse and Yamdroksee
You will drive to Gyatse which is one of the old traditional markets of Tibet in the insane time. When you reach Gyatse Monastery you will continue to drive to Lhasa via Yamdroksee Lake with the high passes till you finally reach Lhasa.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 17
Sightseeing in Lhasa
Lhasa is the second most populous urban area on the Tibetan Plateau after Xining and, at an altitude of 3,490m. It is one of the highest cities in the world. The city has been the religious and administrative capital of Tibet since the mid-17th century. You will be visiting Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and old Tibetan markets around Jokhang temple.
Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 18
Flight back to Kathmandu
Today you will be bidding Tibet a final goodbye and enter Nepal. You will drive to the Gonger airport and fly back to Kathmandu with magnificence view Nepal Himalayas including top of the world Mt. Everest, Mount Choyu and other top the highest points of the world. Nexus Travels & Tours staffs will be in Tribhuvan International Airport for pickup and transfer you to the hotel.
Stay overnight in a hotel.