Karnali Excursions, Nepal

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1 Holy Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar Pilgrimage Via Everest Base Camp (Tibet) A journey to Mount Kailash is much more than an adventure vacation; it is a pilgrimage, an opportunity to touch the Divine. Mount Kailash and the Holy Lake Mansarovar are very difficult to describe in words. There is an aura of sanctity that pervades these places, and for centuries they have attracted dedicated pilgrims from the far reaches of the globe. Until recent times it was difficult for most pilgrims to visit these e remote places, leaving their names more mythological than real. Situated in Western ern Tibet, Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are still remote but attainable destinations. The adventure of travel and the amazing landscapes one passes through set the scene for visiting the most highly revered Mount Kailash and the Holy Lake Mansarovar. According to the ancient spiritual texts, Mount Kailash ash is the spiritual home to Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. It is the center of our universe, and circumambulating the mountain is a great spiritual opportunity. There are two types of mountains in this world. Those that are climbed and those that command mand such respect that they are circumambulated but never climbed. Mount Kailash is the most famous mountain for pilgrimage and is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, the Bon Po and spiritual aspirants of all traditions. Of the mountains that are climbed, Mount Everest is of universal fame as the highest mountain on earth. As part of our journey to Kailash, we will visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Summiting Mount Everest may well be beyond the means and aspirations of most of us, but certainly an excursion to Everest Base Camp provides a most 1

2 memorable visual experience. What surprises many visitors to Mount Everest is the impression of femininity that the mountain conveys. Is it then surprising that this majestic mountain is known as Sagarmatha (Earth Mother) to the Nepalese, and Chomolungma (Holy Mother) to the Tibetans? The custom of circumambulating the Holy Mountain is believed to purify our soul and cultivate our ability to perceive the Divine. Certainly the experience is elevating and inspiring, and people do return to their homes with feelings of exaltation and spiritual inspiration. For those who have never visited Tibet, the whole experience, including the travel to and from these remote places, is quite an adventure. The high altitudes and majestic landscapes seem almost as if exaggerated in their serene beauty. There is a permeating quality of vastness, and the mind naturally quiets as the heart expands in response to this very special environment. Our experienced staff and guides will make every effort for your comfort and safety. With many years of experience and an intimate relationship with the land and people of Tibet, your journey is being managed by dedicated people who spare no effort for your well-being and happiness. We heartily invite you to join us in 2015 as we journey to Tibet. It is a chance of a lifetime, and we will facilitate everything possible to see that your experience remains a treasured, life long memory. For enquires please contact us at: [email protected] With best wishes and looking forward to serving you, Sincerely, Hira Dhamala, Karnali Excursions, Nepal Full Itinerary on following pages 2

3 Kailash via Everest Base Camp (Tibet) Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal: 15 th September 2015 Trip Concludes: 3 rd October 2015 Trek Features Total Duration: 20 days Max Elevation: 5,600m/18,368ft Trek Grading: Moderate to strenuous Best Season: May to September Trek Entry/Exit: Nyalam (Tibet) Accommodation: 9 nights in hotels and the rest will be in very basic guest houses or tented camps while in Tibet. Trip Highlights World Heritage Sites in Nepal Everest Base Camp (Tibet) Holy Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash kora Stunning mountain vistas Close up view of nomadic life and culture Outline Itinerary Day 01: 15 th September 2015, Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel: (1300m) You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule. One of our airport representatives will receive and transfer you to your hotel where you will receive a briefing on immediate arrangements. Day 02: 16 th September 2015, explore the best of Kathmandu (1300m) 3

4 A full day sightseeing will enable you to explore not-to-miss UNESCO listed Cultural and Historical World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Day 03: 17 th September 2015, Trek briefing and preparations A full day for exploring Kathmandu, followed by a trek briefing. No matter how experienced a trekker, hiker or mountaineer you are; you will always find it worthwhile to attend the briefing session to gain some pre-departure information. We go over preferred areas, trail conditions, physical demands, tips and safety precautions, challenges that may occur during the trek, and local cultures, customs and taboos. Leave Nepal Day 04: 18 th September 2015, Drive to Nyalam Tibet (3700m) It takes approximately 3 hours to reach the Tibet border at Kodari. After completing border formalities; you will be driven in Land Cruisers to Nyalam. We will overnight in a very basic guest house. Day 05: 19 th September 2015, Rest-day to acclimatize to elevation (3700m) It is very important to rest for acclimatization purposes. You will also have time to explore and hike to higher elevations in Nyalam. We will overnight in the same guesthouse. Day 06: 20 th September 2015, Drive to Tingri ( 3700m) We start our driving journey to Tingri after breakfast, enjoying the grand view of Mt. Shishapangma (8021m), Gauri Shanker and other high mountains from the Lalug La (5050m) Pass. A great day for photography, today s drive will take us further east and to the junction with the road into Cho Oyu. Day 07: 21 st September 2015, Drive to Dza Rombuk (5000 meters) and Excursion to Everest Base Camp Today we will have the opportunity to visit the famous Rombuk Monastery and an excursion to Everest Base Camp (5200m). There will be an opportunity for trekking to Everest Base Camp [north side]. Day 08: 22 nd September 2015, Drive to Saga (4500m) After breakfast we start our drive to Saga, enjoying the grand view of Mt. Shishapangma (8021m), Gauri Shanker and other high mountains from the Lalug La (5050m.) Pass. Packed lunch will be served at sacred Lake Pigutso, and we will overnight in a guest house in Saga. 4

5 Day 09: 23 rd September 2015, Drive to Lake Manasarovar (4588m) camp on south side This is a most auspicious day for all travelers. Today we have our first glimpse of the holy Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. We will camp on the shores of Lake Mansarovar. Day 10/11: 24 th /25 th September 2015, Rest and explore around Lake Manasarovar (4588m) This is a day to explore and rest around holy Mansarovar Lake. We will take a holy dip in Lake Mansrovar and enjoy the grand views of Gurlamandata Mountain. Day 12: 26 th September 2015, Drive to Darchen (4700m) We drive to Darchen via Rakshas Lake and Chiu Gompa. It is also a day to prepare for the circumambulation of Mount Kailash (kora). Overnight stay will be in basic guest house. Day 13: 27 th September 2015, Darchen-Diraphuk Gompa (4900m) This is the kora starting day. You will drive to Tharboche and begin the kora to Diraphuk. Overnight stay will be in a tent camp. Day 14: 28 th September 2015, In Diraphuk exploring North Face of Mount Kailash and monastery. Day 15:29 th September 2015, Trek to Medicine Buddha (4850m) Second day of the kora is the most challenging day, as we trek over the Dolama Pass. This is the day that every pilgrim talks about. We will camp next to Medicine Buddha Mountain near by Zuthulphuk Gompa after crossing the Dolama Pass (5600m). Day 16: 30 th September 2015, Trek to Tangsar and drive to Horr (4588m) After breakfast, we trek another 12 km. to end the kora near Darchen. After lunch we drive to Tirthapuri and perform kora and then drive back to Darchen Overnight will be in a Guest house. Day 17: 1 st October 2015, Drive to Paryang Day 18: 2 nd October 2015, Drive back to Nyalam Day 19: 3 rd October, Drive to Kathmandu and rest day Day 20: 4 th October, Trip concludes 5

6 Holy Mt Kailash via Nyalam The cost : USD $3,399 per person for the whole journey Cost includes The entire ground transportations, including airport pick up and transfer services Twin sharing accommodation on B/B basis in Kathmandu Guest house accommodation in available places in Tibet and two-man tent when camping Three meals from day 04 to 18 in the itinerary Tibet visa, special permits and entrance fees 4WD Land Cruiser vehicle in Tibet (max 4 guests in one vehicle) Supporting supply truck Well- insured and equipped staffs (guides, cooks and other supporting staff) Camping equipment (tents, ts, mattresses, sleeping bags, rain ponchos, duffle bags) Yaks and their handlers that carry our supplies during the kora 6

7 Oxygen bag Gamow bag (high altitude chamber) Cost does not include Nepal entry visa fee International flight fares Personal insurance Horses to ride during kora (holy circle around Kailash), not required Additional porter and transport charges in the event of landslides Photography charges wherever applicable in Tibet Major meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu Rescue charges if necessary (please make comprehensive health and medical insurance in your country before leaving) Personal equipment Expenses of personal nature Any other cost not mentioned above 7