There are certain places on the planet earth which are widely known for their holy importance, Mount Kailash is one of the holy places. Mount Kailash is a 6,638 m ( 21,778 Ft ) high peak in the Kailash Range of the great Himalaya. It is said that this place is the centre point of the planet earth. The word ' Kailash Mansarovar is made of two words namely Kailash and Mansarovar. The word Kailash refers as Mountain or the home of lord Shiva where as Mansarovar refers to Lake in Mountain. Lake Mansarovar was firstly created in the mind of the Lord Brahma after which it came on earth. It is said that the pilgrim who is able to drink the holy water of the lake will go directly to the abode of Shiva after their death. The lake attracts pilgrimage from India, Nepal, Tibet and neighbouring countries every year and the yatra is known as Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
It was the last day of final semester engineering and myself Arjun was getting emotional with my friend Ravi and Amar. So we decided to take to go for a trip of lifetime, yes we decided to go for Kailash Manasarovar yatra. We were really looking forward for this amazing experience and started preparing for the tour.
We did all our preparations, packed out back packs, got enough clothing with footwear, got required medicines got the currency conversion done and we were all set to start from Delhi. We took a flight from Delhi to Kathmandu and from there we took the jeeps as organized by our tour operator and started on this expedition. Covering the bumpy roads we reached Kodari for immigration to cross over to China. After the immigration was done, we had our land cruisers waiting for us with the luggage packed over it. In midway, we stopped at a Chinese restaurant for lunch and had Indian food in a Chinese restaurant!
After a climb of about 8000 feet we reached Nyalam, we wandered for some time on the streets and made a stay there. Next day we started and made a stay over at Paryang, located strategically in the mid of road to Mansarovar. Following day we started and we reached Manasarovar, the fresh water lake at the height of 4500 meters. The eye-catching sight of the lake just made us awe about the amazing traits of nature, the lake also changes color. The lake looks absolutely splendid in moonlight and is a delight for the photographers. There are also some rituals performed at the lake in the evening.
After a couple of days of local sightseeing and arrangements we finally begin our march for Kailash Yatra, we hired some porters to carry our luggage and help us at the starting point of trek which is Yamadwar. We saw streams of water flowing as we were striding on our way we could see the north face of Charan Sparsh glacier that comes down from mount Kailash. We made a halt at in the night on one of the resting point and started early next day on the path which was sandy, rocky and hilly. The trek was getting difficult but we were enjoying it. After a series of uneven crossings we were finally able to make it to our destination. It was awe-inspiring and a feeling of great accomplishment.
After this spectacular few days, we realized our Kailash tour was coming to end. This trip has given us an experience of lifetime and an expedition we would never forget. Anyone who is with normal health should try this, it is worth a tour.
Pick from Lucknow. Arrival at Nepalgunj. Transfer to Hotel in Nepalgunj OR drive to Surkhet (2hrs) and stay at Surkhet based on situation.
Early Morning – Flight Nepalgunj to Simikot (1hr). Rest for few hours at Simikot.
Morning – Take Helicopter to Hilsa (20min – 12kg weight limit) & wait for other members to arrive at Hilsa (since it is a group visa and everyone have to enter Tibet side in one group)
Afternoon – From Hilsa drive to Purang border to Taklakot and stay at Hotel. We will stay overnight at Simikot or Taklakot depending upon the weather & other situations. (On the way we have to pass upto 3 Checkpoints where checking might take upto 1 hr in each post)
All Day – Entire day free for Acclimatization
After Breakfast – Drive towards Mansarovar Lake (95 km). On the way you will have to pass the first checkpoint. Then after driving for 70 kms from Taklakot we will reach Rakshas Tal. On the right of Rakshas Tal you will see Gurla Mandhata Parvat & first view of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar lake. Drive from Rakshas Tal to Manasarovar Lake (25 km). Start Parikrama of Manasarovar Lake (90 km – 3hr by bus). Take holy dip & perform Puja.
After Breakfast – Drive to Darchen (35 km – 1 hr) and Yama Dwar (8 km) – the starting point for Kora. We will trek to Dirapuk for 14 km. You will visit the North face of Mt. Kailash and touching the feet of Mt. Kailash (Charan Sparsha). Travelers who do not want to trek around (Parikrama) Mt. Kailash can go back to Darchen wait for rest of the group to arrive from Parikrama. Meal: Breakfast at Mansarovar, Lunch & Dinner on the way during Parikrama
NOTE: If you are not doing Parikrama, then you will still be waiting at Darchen (4650m)
After Breakfast – Trek from Dirapuk to Dolma La Pass (8 km). About 3 kms before reaching Dolma La Pass is steep hill and quite difficult to walk. Also descending from Dolma La Pass is the same for upto 3 km. While descending you can see Gaurikund on the right. After walking for about 2 – 3 hrs we will reach Phedi. After some rest we will start trek to Zuthulpuk (12 km trek for 6 hours).
NOTE: If you are not doing Parikrama, then you will still be waiting at Darchen
After Breakfast – After short easy Trek (8 km – 3 hrs), we will reach our bus pick up point. Then drive to Darchen (3 kms) and merge with other members who were waiting. From there drive to Hilsa (also we will take helicopter to Simikot based on situation)
Fly to Simikot. Fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj / Surkhet and proceed to Lucknow.