Mt. Kailash tour via Simikot (Nepal / Tibet)

In May 1993 the governments of Nepal and China agreed to open the border between their countries. From that time on, travelers are able to make tours to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar through Humla, Nepal’s most remote district in the Northwest of the country. This route is the shortest and most practical for trekkers in terms of elevation and distance. Besides that, it treats its visitors with astounding views and great richness in culture and history.
The tour to Mt. Kailash starts from Simikot, situated at an elevation of 2910 meters, and climbs up to Nara La pass (4530 meters) before reaching the arid Tibetan Plateau. From Simikot it takes a 6-day’s journey to reach the Tibetan border town (Zhang-mu). This gives you plenty of time to acclimatize to higher altitudes.
There is no direct air service from Kathmandu to Simikot. Travelers generally have to fly to Simikot via Nepalgunj, the regional hub of Western Nepal. Nepalgunj-Simikot flights only operate early in the morning, so we have one overnight in Nepalgunj to catch the early morning flight the next day.
The tour (Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar tour) normally finishes at Zhang-Mu. It requires at least 20 days, but we can also finish your journey in Lhasa or extend it to other destinations.
Saga Dawa Festival at Mt. Kailash
Saga Dawa Festival is observed as one of the most important festival in Buddhist society all over the world. This festival held each year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar (May / June). This festival is celebrated in honor of Sakyamuni's enlightenment. And this auspicious day coincide with three important events in Buddha's life, Birth, Nirvana and death.

Trek Facts

Duration: 22 days
Starting: Simikot, Humla
Ending: Zhangmu / Kodari border
Grade: Moderate / Hard
Highest access of the trek: 4345m Humla in Nepal, 5630m Mt. Kailash in Tibet
Culture: Chettries, Tibetans
Mode of trekking: Camping trek only
Himalayan sights: Mt. Saipal, Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurla Mandata
Most attraction of the Trek: Rich culture, adventure, scenic beauty, civilization, Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Organisation Tibet-visa - Sightseeing-Tour in KTM with guide/bus.
Day 03: Transfer airport, flight to Nepalgunj
Day 04: Flight Nepalgunj – Simikot; start trekking day 01 (Simikot – Dharapori).
Day 05: Trekking day 02 (Dharapori – Kermi).
Day 06: Trekking day 03 (Kermi – Yalbang).
Day 07: Trekking day 04 (Yalbang – Tumkot Khola/village).
Day 08: Trekking day 05 (Tumkot Khola/village – Yari below Nara La).
Day 09: Trekking day 06 (crossing Nara La – Sher); meet cars, transfer to Purang / Taklakot.
Day 10: Drive from Purang to Manasarovar-Lake
Day 11: Explore day at Manasarovar, Visit Chiu Gompa, hiking to Gossul Gompa
Day 12: Saga Dawa Festival in Darboche (If your date coincides with the festival)
Day 13: Kora Mt. Kailash, day 1 (Darboche – Chuku Gompa – Drirapuk).
Day 14: Kora, day 2 (Drirapuk – Dölma La – camp 1 ½ hours before Zutrulpuk).
Day 15: Kora day 3 (camp – Zutrulpuk (visit Gompa) – Darchen); lunch; leave Darchen, drive to Hor Qu, c
Day 16: Start for jeep-drive Hor Qu to Paryang
Day 17: Jeep-drive Paryang to Saga.
Day 18: Jeep-drive, Saga to Nyalam / Zhangmu.
Day 19: Drive Zhangmu – Kodari – crossing border and continue to Border Resort for relax
Day 20: After lunch drive to KTM; hotel.
Day 21: Free day in KTM
Day 22: Departure