Mi Adventures'23

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), a private transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel.

The day will be spent in applying Visa / Permit for the Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama with the China Visa Centre in Kathmandu. While you are waiting for visa application submission, mingle with your fellow yatris and exchange laughter and build a connections. Local representative will have a full pre-climb briefing in the afternoon. In the late afternoon you can take stroll in Thamel market or visit key attractions in the city.

We will visit, the revered Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, we will perform the Rudra Pooja, a powerful Vedic ritual, followed by a Havan and darshan. This spiritual experience is believed to cleanse the soul and invoke divine blessings.

In the afternoon, we will explore some of Kathmandu's iconic landmarks as time permits. These may include Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), offering panoramic views of the city; the serene Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world; and the Sleeping Vishnu statue at Budhanilkantha. The evening will be free for personal time to pack and prepare for the next day’s journey.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Timure, located at the Nepal-Tibet border. The journey takes us through the lush landscapes of Langtang National Park, offering a stunning showcase of Nepal's rich biodiversity. Keep an eye out for the native flora and fauna, including rhododendron forests, elusive red pandas, and Himalayan black bears. Along the way, you'll witness picturesque villages and terraced hillsides, which reflect the harmonious blend of nature and local culture.

As we approach Timure, the mighty Himalayas come into full view, with snow-capped peaks standing tall against the clear blue sky. This region holds historical and cultural significance as a trade route connecting Nepal and Tibet. The drive also provides opportunities to stop at quaint settlements to experience local hospitality and traditions. Timure, nestled near the border, serves as a gateway to exploring the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepali influences in the region.

Early in the morning, we will cross the Nepal-China border at the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint. Our staff will assist in streamlining the immigration process and ensuring all luggage is efficiently transferred. At this juncture, we will meet our Tibetan guide, a local expert who will accompany and lead the group throughout our journey in Tibet. Their knowledge and expertise will provide valuable insights into Tibetan culture, history, and geography.

From the border, we will proceed to Kerung, a charming town in China. The rest of the day will be spent acclimatizing to the higher altitude, a crucial step in preparing for the journey ahead. Stroll through the vibrant local market to soak in the culture and explore Tibetan goods, or simply rest while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. This pause at Kerung offers a perfect blend of relaxation and preparation for our ascent to greater heights.

We will embark on a scenic drive to Saga, situated at an altitude of 15,223 ft (4,640 m). Along the route, you’ll experience breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River, a lifeline of the Tibetan plateau. The journey also takes you through the Kungthang La Pass, standing at an impressive 5,236 meters, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. This drive encapsulates the raw beauty of Tibet’s high-altitude landscapes.

Upon reaching Saga, the town welcomes you with its serene ambiance and cultural charm. After checking into hotel, the remainder of the day can be spent at leisure. Explore the vibrant streets of Saga, interact with the locals. This pause in Saga offers an excellent opportunity to rest and acclimatize for the next leg of the journey.

Today is an acclimatization day in Saga, offering a much-needed pause to adapt to the high-altitude environment. The serene town provides the perfect setting for light activities and active rest, which is vital for adjusting to the thin air. Begin your day with a peaceful walk to the banks of the majestic Brahmaputra River, whose shimmering waters reflect the towering Himalayan peaks. The tranquil surroundings provide a sense of calm while allowing your body to ease into the altitude.

Take a stroll through the streets of Saga, exploring its unique blend of Tibetan culture and modern amenities. This is an ideal time for some last-minute shopping to stock up on essentials or to pick up traditional Tibetan souvenirs. Visit local markets where you’ll find prayer flags, handicrafts, and other items that echo the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage. With active rest as the mantra for the day, these light explorations will prepare you both physically and mentally for the higher altitudes ahead.

The journey from Saga to Darchen takes travelers through the awe-inspiring landscapes of western Tibet. Darchen, situated at an altitude of 15,321 ft (4,670m), serves as the starting point for the pilgrimage circuit around Mount Kailash. The road winds through barren plains, rugged mountains, and small Tibetan villages, offering stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, travelers may pass by ancient monasteries and lakes, further enriching the cultural and spiritual significance of the route.

Darchen itself is a small town, primarily known for its role as a base for those embarking on the Kora, the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. As one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, the region attracts pilgrims from across the world, many of whom travel long distances to complete the spiritual trek around the mountain. The area's high-altitude environment and stunning natural beauty make the journey from Saga to Darchen an unforgettable experience for adventurers and spiritual seekers alike.

This is a long but spiritually enriching day as we depart early in the morning for Lake Manasarovar. Our journey takes us to the banks of this sacred lake, where we will spend the night near Chu Gompa. Lake Manasarovar is considered one of the holiest lakes in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, believed to have been created by Lord Brahma as a reflection of his soul.

Historically, Lake Manasarovar was surrounded by eight monasteries, each adding to its spiritual significance. The lake is revered by pilgrims, believing it will purify their souls. The breathtaking landscape, with the shimmering waters of the lake and the towering presence of Mount Kailash in the background, makes this place a truly awe-inspiring destination for spiritual seekers.

After breakfast, we begin our trek from Yam Dwar, the starting point of the sacred Kailash Parikrama (Kora). You can see south face of Mt. Kailash from Yam Dwar. Here, we meet our porters and yaks, who will assist in carrying your duffle bags for the trek. Once everything is organized, we set out towards Damding, stopping for lunch at Donkhang, located at an altitude of 16,044 ft (4,890 m), after approximately three hours of trekking. This leg of the parikrama offers breathtaking views of Mount Kailash’s majestic west face, leaving trekkers in awe of its grandeur.

After lunch, we continue along the Lha Chu River, with Mount Kailash’s striking North face gradually coming into view. Along the way, we pass several guesthouses and the Diraphuk Gompa on the opposite bank of the river. By evening, we are treated to spectacular, close-up views of Kailash’s north face, visible from our guesthouse or campsite. The three smaller hills at the base of the mountain are named after Buddhist deities—Manjushree, Avalokitesvara, and Vajrapani—representing wisdom, compassion, and strength. We conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the guesthouse in Diraphuk.

After an early breakfast, we set out from Diraphuk to begin the day’s trek. Crossing the Lha Chu River on a wooden bridge, the Kora route takes us on a challenging ascent over a moraine before merging with the trail from the east bank. The path gradually levels out, leading to a meadow at an altitude of 17,096 ft (5,212 m), where marmots are often spotted. Continuing onward, we reach Shiva-sthal at 17,488 ft (5,330 m), a sacred site where Tibetan pilgrims leave offerings such as a piece of clothing or a drop of blood, symbolizing the shedding of their past life.

The trail ascends further to a series of rock cairns, culminating at a prominent cairn at 17,685 ft (5,390 m). Beyond this point, we navigate a boulder field before climbing through large rocks to a small stream at the base of Dolma La. A steep ascent then takes us to the high pass at 18,472 ft (5,630 m), marked by a boulder adorned with colorful prayer flags, symbolizing the Goddess Dolma. From the pass, we begin a steep and rocky descent, winding through switchbacks past Gauri Kund. Further descents lead us to the campsite for the night, located by the Lham Chhukhir River at 16,897 ft (5,150 m), where we enjoy dinner and rest in Zutulphuk.

At Zutulphuk Gompa 15,716 ft (4,790 m), there is a cave where the renowned Tibetan saint Milarepa is believed to have meditated. According to legend, Milarepa adjusted the cave’s height with his foot to make it more comfortable, and his footprint can still be seen on the roof. From here, the trek continues along the Jhong Chu River, crossing a bridge before descending to 15,124 ft (4,610 m), where we reach the last prostration point, Chaksal Gang. This spot offers great views of Lake Manasarovar, though Mount Kailash remains hidden from view.

At this point, vehicles can access the trailhead, but those wishing to complete the full Parikrama can continue trekking for another hour through Mani walls and carved yak skulls, eventually returning to Darchen, the starting point of the trek. Once back in Darchen, we board our waiting vehicles and drive to Lake Manasarovar for lunch. Afterward, we drive towards Saga.

It's going to be a long day and drive. From Saga, we begin our journey towards Kerung, a border town situated at an altitude of 8,858 ft (2,700 m). Kerung is an important stop on the way to Nepal, as it marks the entry point for travelers crossing from Tibet into Nepal.

From Kerung, we continue our drive to Timure, located near the Nepalese border. Timure is a small village, often used as a transit point for travelers heading towards Kathmandu. After completing the border formalities, we drive to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, which is approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) away. The journey offers scenic views of the lower Himalayan foothills, marking a significant change in landscape as we descend towards the vibrant city of Kathmandu

After breakfast, we visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple in the heart of Kathmandu, for a darshan. Later in the evening you can walk through the small lanes and by-lanes of Thamel. You get a fair idea of the nature of this crazy city where the adventure seekers, travelers, trekkers, tourists, political activists are juxtaposed against the grace of an old Nepal.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring arrival at least three hours before your scheduled departure.