From Nepal to Mount Kailash

Just opening again, the journey along the turbulent Karnali River follows the path of the traditional pilgrimage to join the sacred lake of Manasarovar and effectuates the tour around Mount Kailash. To avoid a round trip, Mountain World Travel proposes this exclusive trekking loop of the Limi valley, inhabited by the Bhotias Tibetan ethnic group. Big trekking with a prestigious itinerary.

• Day 1/  Arrive in Kathmandu   
• Day 2/  Flight Kathmandu - Nepalganj
• Day 3/  Flight Nepalganj - Simikot
• Day 4-9/  6 days' walk to reach Sher (Chinese border). Transfer to Lake Manasarovar.
• Day 10/  Transfer to Darchen, at the foot of Mount Kailash
• Day 11-13/ 3 day walk for the tour of Mount Kailash (Dolma Pass, 18,471 feet)
• Day 14/ Transfer to Sher
• Day 15-21/ 7 trekking days, Limi valley, 3 passes between 15,092 feet and 16,732 feet
• Day 22/ Flight Simikot - Nepalganj - Kathmandu
• Day 23/ Visit Kathmandu valley
• Day 24/ Depart from Kathmandu.

For lovers of trekking and enthusiasts of the Tibetan culture, this is certainly one of the most beautiful lands in Himalayan travel. A unique adventure in the footsteps of ascetics and wise men which always converged on the sacred mountain. After days of traveling in the heart of a mineral world of beauty, its snow dome suddenly appears like a pillar connecting heaven and earth, the world gods and men.  An extraordinary vision of this beautiful mountain that Tibetans, in their cosmology, considered to be the axis of the world. Departing in the direction of the four cardinal points, four of the great rivers of Asia have their source here ...We maintain this magical vision of Mount Kailash (Kang Rinpoche in Tibetan, 22,028 feet) for several days while accomplishing the circumambulation (33 miles long)  of this sacred mountain with its pilgrims. It is an important pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Bonpos and Jains. While the Hindus call it Parikrama, for the Buddhists, it is a Kora. Fans of these two religions go around Mount Kailash in a clockwise direction.  In the bonpo tradition, this pilgrimage is completed in the opposite direction. Strong feelings of devotion at the foot of this pyramid that sparkles like a jewel in the evening and the morning lights ...
Before even reaching Mount Kailash, our journey begins with the discovery of western Nepal, specifically the district of Humla, a region once forbidden to tourism. In the forest, along the magnificent gorges of the Karnali River, we discover the small villages of Yangar, Simikot and Tumkot. On our return, we follow a different path. Passing by Limi, we have a longer and more difficult route, but it is worth it!

Day 1/  Arrival Kathmandu
Arrival in Katmandu. Settle in at the Yak and Yeti 5 star hotel. Hotel for two nights. Some time available for a short visit of the city.

Day 2/  Kathmandu - Nepalganj
Flight (1 H 30) to Nepalganj, at the border between Nepal and India. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 3/  Nepalganj - Simikot (9,711 feet) - Dharapani  (7,480 feet)
50 minute morning flight to Simikot (subject to weather conditions at the time) (124 miles), capital of the Humla district, in the extreme northwest of the country. It is possible to see Saipal Himal (23,068 feet) and Rara Lake  from the aircraft.  We are ready for the start of our trek. From the airstrip, climb through fields of wheat and barley on a rocky trail to reach Simikot, then a small pass 985 feet above, where you can admire the small town of Simikot. We then descend via a long, steep, winding footpath to the Karnali River which we follow. Passage in the villages of Dandaphoya and Tuling where we cross the river before reaching Dharapani, between almond and apricot trees. Camp.
4 H 30 walk. Ascent: 985 feet - Descent : 3,215 feet.

Day 4/  Dharapani - Kermi (8,825 feet)
This village is split in two by the Yakhba Khola. On the other side of the river that we follow, we see Kanglagaon, the last thakuri village of the valley. It marks the maximum altitude for rice crops.  The trail  "a la Nepalese" (succession of climbs and descents) leads us to Chachera, a camp of herdsmen near a waterfall. Passage near a ridge where you can see lots of lizards tanning themselves in the sun ... Arrive in Kermi. Camp.
5 h 30 walk. Ascent: 2,461 feet - Descent : 1,115 feet.

Day 5/  Kermi - Yalbang (9,482 feet)
After a ridge, we arrive in a large valley with fields of buckwheat and potatoes. A balcony trail through a sparse pine forest to a ridge at 9,810 feet where there is a Mani Wall (prayers engraved on the stone). We regularly must go around long convoys of sheep carrying bags of salt between Tibet and the western Nepali villages in the district of Humla. Shoe laced ascent up to the onrush of a river (Chumsa Khola) that we cross on a magnificent suspended wooden bridge. Hiking downhill and passage through Yalbang Chaur, vast grassland with apricot trees. Then the valley narrows and the sides become increasingly steep. Arrival at Yalbang village located above the river; a village where an annual fair is held each autumn.  Very nice forest on both sides of the river. Camping.
5 H walk. Ascent: 2,133 feet - Descent : 1,804 feet.

Day 6/  Yalbang - Muchu (9,580 feet)
The trail follows an irrigation canal. Cross a ridge and then a gradual descent to vast fields surrounding the village of Yangar.  A new path allows us to avoid an 11,500 foot climb. We traverse Yangar, a village of compact houses attached to each other. We reach and follow the course of the magnificent Karnali River, blue and clear, at the bottom of the gorge below. The path we are traveling on is made of stones and wood. After climbs and descents, we cross the river by a suspension bridge to reach the south shore. Cross another stream, down through apricot orchards and arrival at Muchu village. Camp site.
4 to 5 H walk. Ascent: 853 feet - Descent : 525 feet.

Day 7/  Muchu - Yari (12,041 feet)
We find a Chorten (Buddhist monument) on our path. Lovely view of the upper part of the valley and onto the village of Tumkot, also called Mota Gompa because of the large white monastery (that we can see) belonging to the Sakya order. Crossing rivers. The Karnali River disappears into a fault. We climb to the village of Palbang surrounded by junipers and yellow mustard (tori) terraced fields, hence the name of it in Nepali, "torea". It's a nice region where one can admire how the Nepalese were able to tame the land of these remote areas. The path follows an irrigation canal rushing in the vast Jyakthang Chu valley, marked by a Mani Wall at 11,942 feet. Slight ascent to Yari. Camp site.
6 H walk. Ascent: 3,117 feet - Descent ; 656 feet.

Day 8/  Yari - Sip Sip (14,206 feet)
Yari, with it's many stone houses, is home to the last Nepal police post, recording comings and goings of locals and foreigners carrying grain to be sold or bought. We take the trade route up the broad valley toward the source irrigating the village. Passage by the first prairie where a stream flows at 13,648 feet, then we arrive at Sip Sip, another meadow at the foot of the Nara La Pass. Despite the fact that this area is a remote one, there is a lot of traffic, due to the transport of goods on the back of goats, sheep and yaks. Camp site.
3 H 30 walk. Ascent: 2,165 feet.

Day 9/  Sip Sip - Sher (12,664 feet) - Manasarovar
Gradual ascent along a ridge to the Nara La Pass (15,912 feet). Despite its remote situation, the pass is popular.  We will have as our companions, merchants, pilgrims, herds of goat, sheep or yak. A little further down, we come upon a splendid view of the Tibetan plateau, the Karnali River and beyond, the green barley fields of Sher. Up until Ranipauwa, the descent is easy. Further, the path is steep and slippery, as the stones roll under our feet. We reach the Karnali River by way of a dusty path and then move through Hilsa, in the heart of the fields. A stone pillar on the other side of a ramshackle wooden bridge marks the border with Tibet. Certainly one of the most informal borders in the world! We shall now proceed to the Chinese time zone and advance our watches 2 hours and fifteen minutes.  Now it will still be dark at 7 am and light out until 10 pm.  Small climb of 490 feet to Sher (or Shera), control point of the Chinese army, at 12,664 feet, where a vehicle awaits us for our transfer. After approximately 4 hours and after passing the Gurla La Pass (15,059 feet) at the foot of the impressive snowcapped... Gurla Mandata mountain range (25,354 feet), we arrive on the shores of Lake Manasarovar. Nearby, warm hot spring sources allow us to take a little bath. Camp site.
4 to 5 H walk. Ascent: 1,083 feet - Descent : 2,822 feet.

Day 10/  Manasarovar - Darchen (15,157 feet)
Visit the small Chiù Gompa Monastery, home to five or six monks of the Drukpa Kagyu order. After approximately 1 to 2 hours of transport, we arrive at Darchen for lunch. The ultimate goal of our trip, Mount Kailash emerges from the Tibetan plateau. Afternoon of rest and relaxation. Visit shops located in the middle of many nomad and pilgrim tents. Camp.
As part of our responsible approach to tourism in Darchen, Mountain World Travel belongs to "Clean Kailash" in its waste management program and its teaching environmental awareness to the local population.

Day 11/  Darchen (beginning of the Kora) - Driraphuk Gompa (16,076 feet)
We follow the Tibetan pilgrims on foot departure for the tour of Mount Kailash. Prayer flags and cairns (piled stones showing the way) border this sacred path that first goes up the small Lha Chu valley. Inclining north, the trail passes in front of the Chhuku Monastery installed in the rock wall above the torrent. This meditation place offers an excellent view of the snow covered Kailash pyramid.  We follow the side of the river until Gompa Driraphuk (16,076 feet). Camp site.
5 to 6 H walk. Ascent: 1,181 feet.

Day 12/  Driraphuk Gompa - Drolma La (18,491 feet) - Zuthul-puk Gompa (15,715 feet)
The day typically begins with a beautiful sunrise over the northeast face of the sacred mountain. Leaving this magical place, the path traverses a moraine first and then leads to a pleasant meadow where marmots run. We follow the stone piles and, after a good climb, we reach the prayer flags marking the Drolma La. At 18,491 feet above sea level, we are at our culmination point, physical and spiritual, of this tour of Kailash. The emotion is usually intense. As the pilgrims do, we may leave a few coins or a small piece of cloth in this Mecca of the Buddhist faith. The road then descends through the rocks towards the Gouri Kund Lake, at 17,881 feet, where Hindu devotees are expected to break the ice before taking a swim in the clear waters ...clear, but cold! The trail improves and joins the Zuthulpuk Gompa Monastary. Camp.
7 H walk. Ascent: 2,428 feet - Descent : 2,756 feet.

Day 13/  Zuthulpuk Gompa - Darchen (end of the Kora) - Taklakot (12,894 feet)
From this sacred place where the great Milarepa Saint has pondered, we descend to the valley and the village of Darchen. Nice view of Lake Manasarovar and the Gurla Mandata mountain chain. The smoky blue lights from nomadic camp fire fill the atmosphere. 3 hours walking stage. Then Darchen-Taklakot vehicle transfer (62 miles, about 3 hours). On the way, the landscapes and architecture remind us of nearby Ladakh. The village of Taklakot, also known as Purang in Tibetan, is the ancient capital of the kingdom of the same name. It reached its apogee in the eleventh century. The rock cliff overhang above the village is marked by a very large number of cavities and grottos used as shelter for monks and hermits, but certainly served as shelter for other habitants over a very long time period, as well. Camp.
4 H walk. Descent: 9,055 feet.

Day 14/  Taklakot - Hilsa - Manepeme (13,025 feet)
The route back from the valley of Limi has only been open to tourists recently. Therefore, we have only fragmentary information. The information provided here is intended only to be indicative.  On the spot, your guide will adapt to ensure the best quality of this circuit: the course and the campsites. After strolling in this lively trading place that sells and exchanges rice and timber from the south for salt and hides in the north, we reach Hilsa Village by vehicle after a 1.5 to 2 hours drive.  Back in Nepal, we must turn back our clocks 2 hours and 15 minutes. The borrowed trail takes us along a ridge overlooking the Karnali River. Some small climbs and descents to a stone Chorten (Buddhist monument also know as Stupa) at 13,485 feet, then downhill laces and we cut across a slope where the junipers grow. We follow the trail, and after a ridge in a wide canyon near a river, we are in Manepeme. This place gets its name from a large rock above the camp with an engraving of the mantra "om mani padme hum", the "jewel in the lotus" (lettering is now only slightly visible). Camp.
4 H walk. Ascent: 1,345 feet - Descent: 3,117 feet.

Day 15/  Manepeme - Til (12,139 feet)
The path climbs gradually to reach the foot of a cliff and then goes along it. We then leave the Karnali River and parallel one of its tributaries, the Takchi Chu. After a ridge, the trail in front of us seems unlikely, but it's better than it looks! While scrutinizing the cliffs above, we can perhaps see a bharal (also known as "blue sheep", family of argali and a highly endangered species). Descent to Lamka, then passage via the Lamka La Pass at 14,108 feet, where we get our first glimpse of the Limi Valley and, a little further, the green fields of Hajli. After two Chortens (Buddhist monument), the main trail descends gently to the stone houses of Til, while another trail goes down to a camp near the river (11,745 feet). Camp.
8 to 9 H walk. Ascent:  1,903 feet - Descent : 3,182 feet.

Day 16/  Til - Jang (12,894 feet)
We cross the Takchi Chu River on a wooden bridge at 11,778 feet. The path continues along the sandy shore before crossing the river again on the north side. The trail goes around the village of Halji, staying close to the river and a willow plantation. Passage by Sunkhani (also known as Tayen). A series of irrigated barley fields mark our arrival in Jang, an impressive village of stone, with a white Gompa (ecclesiastical fortifications). Two white Chortens (Buddhist monument), and a snow leopard trap mark the eastern boundary of Jang. Passage of a stream and then, nearby, five Chortens and a stone building surrounding a small hot spring next to a meadow... Camp site.
6 to 7 H walk. Ascent: 1,444 feet - Descent: 295 feet.

Day 17/  Jang - Takarbu
Continuation through grasslands and rivers. We follow the river to the north to then cross it on a single bridge and then, direction south. The landscape resembles a Tibetan landscape with marmots and nettles. To the south, you can see the white sand of a glacier moraine which forms Tshom Tsho Lake. Under this plateau is Gumma Yok which was once one of the largest villages in the Limi valley abandoned several years ago. We cross the Ling Chu River. Visible in the valley are many shepherds' semi-permanent camps keeping watch the yaks and sheep. Camping.
6 to 7 H walk. Ascent:  1,476 feet.

Day 18/  Takarbu - Nyala Pass (16,371 feet) - Sechi Khola
Traversing meadows. We are now moving towards the east through a rocky valley to reach Nyalu Lu Pass at almost 16,500 feet above sea level, after having climbed for about 2 hours. On our way, cairns (piled stones showing the way) and stones overturned. If the weather is favorable, we can see Mount Kailash. After the pass, the road turns 90 degrees and heads towards the south, descending along a glacier moraine to a beautiful lake of altitude, Selima Tsho, at 14,993 feet. Long descent to reach the foot of the valley at 13,583 feet. Continuation through meadows and then crossing a river on a wooden bridge. A little walk and then camp.
6 to 7 H walk. Ascent:  2,001 feet - Descent: 3,740 feet.

Day 19/  Sechi Khola - Dinga
Ascending through a rocky meadow at 13,484 feet and then up a bridge at 13,845 feet. An hour steep climb to the Landok La Pass at 14,928 feet, the last major pass of our journey. Descending along a ridge. The path gets better at the start of a large juniper forest covered in moss. We follow the path up to a river that we cross on a wooden bridge at 12,172 feet. We continue to climb through a forest of oak, birch, rhododendrons, ferns and wildflowers. Camp close to Dinga.
6 to 7 H walk. Ascent:  3,117 feet - Descent : 3,707 feet.

Day 20/  Dinga - Yakba
After the last five long days of walking, one shorter stage is welcome! We descend to the south and then continue our descent to the Yakba Khola River (8,629 feet), where we see the village of Yakba, at the foot of the valley, slightly upstream from the river. Camping.

Day 21/  Yakba - Simikot
While climbing, we go beyond a few houses around 9,875 feet. Passage by walnut orchards to a small stream. The path goes north of Ogren Gaon village. Last ridge of this trek, at 10,728 feet, where we can see the Karnali River, then down a gravel road to the water reserve at Simikot.  Camp site.

Day 22/  Simikot - Nepalganj - Kathmandu
Flights Simikot-Nepalganj (subject to weather conditions at the time), then Nepalganj-Kathmandu. Arriving in Kathmandu,. Transfer and settle in at the hotel (Yak and Yeti 5 stars or similar) for two consecutive nights.

Day 23/  Kathmandu valley
On your own:
- Visit the most beautiful sites of the Katmandu valley, accompanied by an Anglophone Nepalese guide who will assist you in discovering the Bouddhanath Buddhist temples, largest Stupa (religious monument) of the valley, the Hindu Holy City of Pashupati Nath (cremations) and Bhaktapur, a live museum of a medieval city.
- Free time for visit and shopping.

Day 24/  Depart from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport for flight home.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.

Each participant walks with a light backpack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
The other part of the equipment is transported by the porters to the camps. We are asking that every one have only one bag (trekking bag); the maximum weight of this bag should not exceed 40 pounds. At your arrival, we will provide you a bag cover in order to protect your bag during the trek.

The guides
- a Western English speaking Mountain World Travel specialized guide
- a local English speaking guide
- a guide specialized in the Katmandu valley.

Local team
- a Sirdar, head of the porter organization, generally English-speaking
- porter (Sherpas) staff;
- a cook and, if necessary, their assistants

What to know about carrying
in Nepal, carrying is part of every-day life. It begins its' practice with the very young. Provisions to feed the villages, building materials, harvests, are carried on men's backs. For their personal needs, outside of trekking season, the Nepalese often carry between 130 and 170 pounds. The carriers often come from the lower valleys. Sherpas come from the Khumbu region, at the foot of Mount Everest. We ask the Sirdars to ensure that the weight-load does not exceed 67 pounds per carrier (no including personal material). The wages that the porters earn during the trekking season benefit the entire family even throughout the long months of tourist inactivity.
- in Tibet: yak men.

- Most Domestic flights on Yeti Airlines
- Ground transportation: private tourism bus vehicles (or 4WD in Tibet).

- Kathmandu : Yak & Yeti, 5 star deluxe Hotel, based on double room occupancy.
- Nepalganj : local Hotel (not a lot of choice)
- During the trek: Many of our nights will be spent in tents. The tents are "dome" style with three areas made to accommodate two people. One mattress per person is provided. We eat in "mess" tents which are set up with tables and chairs.  There is also a kitchen tent and a "restroom" tent.  
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.

Downtown and during the transfers
Restaurant.

During the trekking
- breakfast, lunches and diners are prepared by a cook and his assistants, and served under the mess tent.
- a energy food complement is provided,

Drinks
Katmandu and in the cities, mineral water, coffee, tea included
To note
In Nepal, Hindus and Buddhists are mainly vegetarians. Little meat or fish is thus eaten there. The dishes are containing pastes, rice, potatoes, lentils, etc.

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flight in/out Kathmandu
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions /options
• Personal medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water and tea)
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and staff
• Cost of foreign country entrance visa
• Airport taxes at departure from Katmandu (approximately $35)
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1-970-544-WALK (1-970-544-9255) or at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Kathmandu:

• Star Alliance (United) in cooperation with Thaï Airlines operates daily flights to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Bangkok.
• Qatar Airways operates daily flights to Kathmandu from Washington DC through Doha (and 4 times a week from New York) - Qatar is a member of Star Alliance.
• Oneworld, in cooperation with Cathay Pacific, operates four flights a week to Kathmandu from anywhere in the States through Honk-Kong.

Vaccines
Certain vaccines are highly recommended, but none are mandatory.
We advise you to be up-to-date with traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, B and one protecting you from rabies is highly recommended for persons at risk.
Note: yellow fever vaccine is not necessary (no yellow fever in Asia) but required for any person coming from Africa or Tropical America.

Malaria
A preventative treatment against Malaria is not necessary for this trip.
For more information, visit
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationNepal.aspx and http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationChina.aspx

Dentist and doctor
A check-up before your departure is recommended

Acclimatization and preventive treatment against altitude sickness
We conceive our routes by first taking into consideration the best means for "altitude acclimatization". However, it is advisable to consider with your doctor a preventive treatment against altitude sickness(Diamox) and to check your capacity to evolve in altitude (specific tests may be considered).
Please visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh6-AltitudeIllness.aspx

LEVEL 4
3 months prior:  Hike 10 to 12 miles every week-end or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity that develops stamina (jogging, cycling or swimming) for a cumulative duration of 2 to 3 hours per week (without excessive shortness of breath or exceptional fatigue), you should be up to speed.

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good grip.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (that will keep you warm from a temperature of 23° F to 32° F).

Luggage
- A backpack with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- Duck tape
- A small anti-theft pocket or belt, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your backpack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).