HGT Travels

Kailash Tour via Simikot - 20 Days

Starting From
$ 5640 USD
(twin sharing basis)

Trip Highlights

  • Sacred adventure journey in the roof of the world.
  • Devotees and pilgrimage travelers encounter new cultural destinations each day.
  • Journey through beautiful landscapes and a glimpse of Mt. Kailash.
  • Visit and dip in the sanctified Mansarovar Lake.
  • Experience the three days Kora walk around Mt. Kailash from Darchen past Dirapuk Monastery, and Dzutul-puk Monastery.
  • Witness the blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bonpo religions.
  • Traverse through rare flora and fauna along with vibrant Tibetan culture and lifestyles.
  • Long and scenic drive through Tibetan plateau across old towns and picturesque villages to the capital city of Lhasa.

Trip Description

Kailash Tour via Simikot is a spiritual journey through remote areas of Nepal’s hidden Humla valley following the Karnali River into the small Tibetan border town of Purang that leads to the sacred Mansarovar Lake and circumambulate the revered Mt. Kailash. On this journey, one can savor the pristine beauty of both Nepal and Tibet’s hidden valleys and religious treasures. This fantastic retreat has cultural and ethical implications, and the journey in Nepal, as well as Tibet, is a perfect blend of adventure and spirituality. Every year devotees from various corners of the world visit to pay homage and worship the deities. After hiking in Nepal side for a few days, the tour in Tibet side commences with a visit to Garuda valley, the cradle of Tibetan civilization during the ancient times, before proceeding towards the holy Mansarovar Lake. The valley is believed to have started practicing Bon religion and spreading throughout Tibet before the introduction of Buddhism. The second part of the journey involves a scenic and adventurous drive along the beautiful Tibetan plateaus and ancient towns of Saga, Shigatse, and Lhatse finally culminating at Lhasa.

Driving along the barren desert-like arid regions in Tibet offers ample opportunities to catch sight of panoramic landscapes, yak herdsmen, picturesque villages, high passes, beautiful heavenly lakes, Buddhist monasteries and the aboriginal people in their traditional attires and lifestyles.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01 :
 Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02 :
 Free day in Kathmandu with visa and trip preparation
Day 03 :
 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft): 1 hour
Day 04 :
 Fly to Simikot (2,985m/9,790ft) and trek to Dharapori (2,360m/7,740ft) 4 - 6 hours
Day 05 :
 Dharapori to Kermi (2,860m/9,383ft): 5 - 6 hours
Day 06 :
 Kermi to Yalbang (2,879m/9,445ft): 5 - 6 hours
Day 07 :
 Yalbang to Tumkot (3,073m/10,082ft): 5 - 6 hours
Day 08 :
 Tumkot to Yari (3,663m/12,017ft): 6 - 7 hours
Day 09 :
 Yari to Hilsa (3,647m/11,965ft) via Nara La pass (4,620m/15,157ft): 5 - 6 hours
Day 10 :
 Hilsa to Purang (3,772m/12,375ft): 2 - 3 hours
Day 11 :
 Purang to Montser (4,450m/14,599ft) and sightseeing in Tirtapuri: 3 - 4 hours
Day 12 :
 Sightseeing of Garuda Valley, then transfer to Darchen (4,560m/14,956ft): 3 - 4 hours
Day 13 :
 The first day of Kora: hiking to Dirapuk Monastery (5120m/16,792ft), 20km, 5 - 6 hours
Day 14 :
 The second day of Kora: hike to Dzutul-puk (4790m/15,765ft): 18km, 6 - 7 hours
Day 15 :
 The third day of Kora: hiking to Darchen (4,560m/15,000ft): 14km, 3 - 4 hours and transfer to Mansarovar
Day 16 :
 Tour of the Mansarovar Lake (4,590m/15,060ft)
Day 17 :
 Mansarovar to Saga (4,640m/15,223ft) 525 km, 8 – 9 hours
Day 18 :
 Saga to Shigatse (3,900m/12,795 ft): 445km, 8-9 hours
Day 19 :
 Shigatse to Lhasa (3,650m/11,972ft): 265km, 4-5 hours
Day 20 :
 Final Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
On arrival at the International Airport in Kathmandu, one of the representatives will receive us and escort us to our pre-determined hotel. After check-in at the hotel, we may take a rest or loiter around the bustling streets of Thamel. Later in the evening, we will accompany on a welcome dinner with traditional Nepali food. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Dinner
Day 02 : Free day in Kathmandu with visa and trip preparation
We are free to spend the day the way we want to. We may visit some of the historical landmarks of Kathmandu in the morning. If there are any questions about the upcoming journey, we may visit the office of our tour operator in the afternoon. If possible, we meet our tour leader and other crew members accompanying us on tour. Later, we can again hit the streets of Thamel and make some last minute shopping. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 03 : Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft): 1 hour
We board on an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which lies near the India-Nepal border in the western part of Nepal that is also the gateway to Simikot in Humla district. The climate of this Terai town is somewhat humid and hot comparing with the hilly regions of Nepal. So, on arrival at Nepalgunj, we will rest in our hotel room. Those interested may go out and see the local market, the mini zoo and close by villages that reflect diverse Nepali culture. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 04 : Fly to Simikot (2,985m/9,790ft) and trek to Dharapori (2,360m/7,740ft) 4 - 6 hours
This morning, we board on a 50 minutes flight to Simikot, which happens to be the district headquarters of Nepal’s most remote district, Humla. The flight offers extraordinary views of the Nepalese Himalayas. We have lunch at Simikot and register for our permits at the police outpost before setting off for the initial walking through the villages of Tuling and Dandaphoya. From here the trail is relatively leveled past walnut and apricot trees through jungles and villages along the longest river of Nepal, the Karnali River. Finally, we arrive at the scattered hamlet of Dharapori, where we will call it a day. Overnight at Dharapori.
Included meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Day 05 : Dharapori to Kermi (2,860m/9,383ft): 5 - 6 hours
Following the Karnali banks, we trek through rice, potato, barley and buckwheat fields to a point where the valley narrows. The river at this point is choked with large boulders, which is believed according to the legend, that these represent silver fishes that swam up from the holy Ganges River but could not make it any further. On reaching Kermi, we set up our lunch camp. Later in the afternoon, we will visit the two hot springs near Kermi. We will also visit the Laikyo Monastery and the Lhundrup Choeling Monastery, two ancient Buddhist Monasteries nearby Kermi. Overnight in Kermi.
Included meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Day 06 : Kermi to Yalbang (2,879m/9,445ft): 5 - 6 hours
We begin on a flat and slightly uphill trail across fields of barley and buckwheat, and after 2 hours we hike through a small pass crossing a suspension bridge. From here, it is a short steep descend till a big iron suspension bridge over the Salli River. There are a few tea shops here where we could stop for lunch. Our trail goes through beautiful pine forests with the emerald green Karnali River below us. Climbing above the Humla Karnali, we will reach the Gompa at Yalbang from where the views are superb. Once at Yalbang, we can visit a beautiful monastery, the Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery which is also the biggest monastery of this region. Overnight in Yalbang.
Included meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Day 07 : Yalbang to Tumkot (3,073m/10,082ft): 5 - 6 hours
After breakfast today, we leave Yalbang to follow the path leading high above the Karnali River and passing the tiny village of Yangar. You will notice the changing environment with the pine trees vanishing to smaller bushes and the trail becoming rocky. As you walk further, you will meet big flocks of sheep carrying salt along the way; this is an old trade which exists even today. Some temporary restaurants and shops look like army tents, but they can be helpful places for tea, quick snacks or even lunch. Walking for around 4 to 5 hours, we will reach the charming Muchu Village, which is the most important village of our trip. From here, it is an hour’s walk to arrive at Tumkot. Close to the town lies an ancient monastery of the Sakya lineage, the Dhungkar Choezom Monastery. The monastery lies on a hilltop, which takes about 30 minutes to get there. Overnight in Tumkot.
Included meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Day 08 : Tumkot to Yari (3,663m/12,017ft): 6 - 7 hours
Crossing the Tumkot Khola and leaving behind the Humla Karnali behind, we proceed further on a relatively easy trail above the river. The trail then ascends slowly with a few steep climbs in between. After trudging for a few miles, you can see the landscape changing along with the change in climate and vegetation. It becomes more rocky and desolate; the few trees remaining are short, low junipers. Continuing through open juniper woodland, you cross the small village Pani Palwang with a couple of teahouse along the road, which could be our lunch stop point.
From here, it is about one and a half hour walk to the village of Yari. Overnight in Yari.
Included meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Day 09 : Yari to Hilsa (3,647m/11,965ft) via Nara La pass (4,620m/15,157ft): 5 - 6 hours
We depart from Yari after breakfast earlier than the previous days as it is a more challenging day to reach the Nara La Pass (4620m), which will get windy during the afternoon time. We pass a few teahouses at Thado Dhunga; from here the trail becomes steeper. The landscape gets more desolate and familiar to that of the dry and barren Tibetan plateau. Though the climb is long and tiring, the views of the beautiful Tibetan plateau, Yari Village, and Limi Valley are rewarding. We have breathtaking views ahead into Tibet. At the other side of the pass, it looks like we are in Tibet, surrounded by barren mountains in brown, copper, ash and yellow colors. After crossing the pass in around three hours, it is a long shaky descent to Hilsa, close to the border of Tibet that is also a dropping point for pilgrims heading towards Mt. Kailash by helicopter. However, we can choose from the long dirt road or a steep shortcut down. Overnight in Hilsa.
Included meals: Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 : Hilsa to Purang (3,772m/12,375ft): 2 - 3 hours
Walking across the friendship bridge, we will complete the immigration process, where Chinese officials will scrutinize our necessary documents. This is the point where we will meet our Tibetan guide and crew members. From here, it is a two hours drive to reach Purang, also known as Taklakot. On the way, we pass the Rinzin Zangpo Monastery and Kangje Village. At Purang, we will visit the antique Purang Gompa to explore the matchless Buddhist murals and paintings of the 12th century. Overnight in Purang. 
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11 : Purang to Montser (4,450m/14,599ft) and sightseeing in Tirtapuri: 3 - 4 hours
Commencing from Purang, we drive to Montser for about 4 hours passing through the beautiful Rakshas and Mansarovar Lakes. After resting for a while, we will visit Tirthapuri that lies to the northwest of the impressive Mt. Kailash. There are hot springs correlated with Padmasambhava, the Guru Rinpoche.  Like the other pilgrims, we may also take a natural hot bath here. Devotees bathe in the pools, visit the monastery which has the Guru’s footprint and digs for the healing stones on a one-hour pilgrimage route. From Tirthapuri, we return to Montser to halt for the night. Overnight in Montser.
Day 12 : Sightseeing of Garuda Valley, then transfer to Darchen (4,560m/14,956ft): 3 - 4 hours
Today, you will visit the Garuda Valley that lies to the southwest of Mt. Kailash. Also known as Kyunglung, it requires 2 hours to reach the valley. It is a fantastic complex of mysterious caves set in the hills on the north bank of Sutlej River about 35 km west of the hot spring and the monastery at Tirthapuri. Some of the caves there have never been explored till the present day. There is a belief that this valley was the cradle of the Tibetan civilization long before Buddhism had reached Tibet. After visiting the valley, we will move to Darchen, which is the foot of sacred Mt. Kailash, then visit around Darchen. Overnight in Darchen.
Day 13 : The first day of Kora: hiking to Dirapuk Monastery (5120m/16,792ft), 20km, 5 - 6 hours
First’s day trekking begins with our Kora of Mt. Kailash, the traditional belief that Lord Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and illusion, exists at the top of this mountain.  He is believed to have been seated on a perpetual meditation along with his wife, Parvati. This day’s trekking involves a six-hour hike through red-rocked deep valley continuing across the plains starting from Sershong and a gradual walk with multitudes of other local pilgrims chanting and prayer all the while. We further cross a bridge and walk up to the hillside where the Chhuku Gompa lies. Walking ahead on undulating paths, we reach Dirapuk that offers us astounding views of the north face of Mt. Kailash. Up here, we may meet many more pilgrims who have come to worship. Overnight in Dirapuk. 
Day 14 : The second day of Kora: hike to Dzutul-puk (4790m/15,765ft): 18km, 6 - 7 hours
Trekking today will lead to a much higher side of the sacred trail just beneath the Mt. Kailash. It will be the most challenging section of our journey as we head off the east and cross the Lha Chu and the long ascend will take us to one of the highest points at Drolma La Pass (5750m/19910ft). Walking for two hours will take us to a rocky expanse of Shiva-tsal, and 30 minutes from here the trail turns eastwards. Descending for another half an hour to cross the long and steep grassy bank of the Lam Chu Khir, we descend further to Dzutul-puk. Here, we will visit Dzutul-puk monastery and the incredible Lake of Compassion, Thugje Zinbu, and few other meditation caves. Overnight in Dzutul-puk.
Day 15 : The third day of Kora: hiking to Darchen (4,560m/15,000ft): 14km, 3 - 4 hours and transfer to Mansarovar
From Dzutul-puk, you will start walking towards Darchen following the river for about an hour and climb above the river to enter a narrow canyon. Prayer flags are sighted festooned across the river, and in the far distance, the turquoise waters of the Rakshas Tal are also visible. Gradually emerging out of the valley onto the Barkha Plain, you will complete the holy Kora of Mount Kailash at Darchen. Driving for two hours, we will reach Mansarovar Lake, which holds a profoundly religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Bons and the Jains. Hindu religious studies have revealed the lake’s embodiment with purity and belief that drinking water from the lake takes you to the abode of Lord Shiva after death. Buddhist scholars relate the lake with the legendary lake Anavatapta, where Queen Maya Devi is believed to have conceived Lord Buddha. Overnight in Mansarovar.
Day 16 : Tour of the Mansarovar Lake (4,590m/15,060ft)
After completing the Kora at Darchen, we will today circumambulate the holy Mansarovar Lake, which is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, with a distance of 90km to make a complete trip all the way around, which we will complete on a Jeep drive. It is also known as Mapam Yumtso and fed by the Kailash Glacier. The lake is also the origin of four major rivers including Karnali – the longest river of Nepal, also a tributary of the Ganges, Indus, Sutlej, and Brahmaputra. The lake holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Devotees believe that only after a dip in the lake and a sip of its holy water alleviates a person from sins of a hundred lives. If time permits after the round trip to Mansarovar lake, we will also visit the Chiu Gompa. Overnight in Mansarovar.
Day 17 : Mansarovar to Saga (4,640m/15,223ft) 525 km, 8 – 9 hours
We begin our long drive to Saga after a sumptuous breakfast. Passing through the remarkable holy Chiu Gompa, we leave behind the heavenly Mansarovar driving past Hor Quo and crossing the Mayum La Pass at 17, 060 feet. Traversing along the Tibetan plateau through small towns like Nyoktsa, Tsesum, and Padzhen, we arrive at Paryang, which is 270 km driving distance from Mansarovar. After stretching our feet and having lunch at Paryang, we driver further past Zhongba to finally reach Saga, which is another 255 km driving distance from Paryang. Overnight in Saga.
Day 18 : Saga to Shigatse (3,900m/12,795 ft): 445km, 8-9 hours
From Saga, we leave for Lhatse in the morning on a long yet scenic drive passing by beautiful plateau mountain sceneries, lakes, small towns and nomadic tents along the way. We will follow the trail along the Yarlung Tsangpo River interweaved by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Reaching Shigatse, the second largest town of Tibet, we will rest for a while after which we visit the famous Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, founded by the Panchen Lama in 1447 AD. Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 19 : Shigatse to Lhasa (3,650m/11,972ft): 265km, 4-5 hours
Driving towards Lhasa in the morning, we will stop by Shalu Monastery, which is renowned for its beautiful and ancient fresco paintings. We continue our drive along the legendary Yarlung Tsangpo River; briefly stop at Nyemo Tunba, where the famous Tibetan incense is made. Today, we will also come across the Karo La Pass at 16552 ft. Before reaching Lhasa, we cross the beautiful Khamba La Pass at 15728 ft. We stop here for a while to apprehend the beauty of Yamdrok Tso Lake and the beautiful Nazin Kang Sang Glacier at 23793 ft. Overnight in Lhasa.
At the same time, the scenery here is fabulous - ancient cypress trees, green willows, murmuring river.
Day 20 : Final Departure
The extraordinary adventure in the Himalayas with Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar ends in Lhasa today. We will be transferred to the airport well ahead of our scheduled flight time to our onwards destination. Those who wish to make an onward journey through mainland China on the Lhasa train will be dropped accordingly to the railway station. We have ample time to reminisce on the adventurous trip that we just finished, and organize our photographs during our journey back home. 

Want to customise this trip? You can contact us

What's Included

  • Pickups and drops from the airport(s) and hotel(s)
  • Hotels in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Tibet. Teahouse during the trek
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Tibet
  • All meals while trekking in Nepal (only)
  • Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Simikot with airport departure taxes
  • Assistance in acquiring the Chinese visa
  • All necessary permit(s) and entry fees (including Tibet Travel Permit)
  • Hilsa, Kailash, Garuda valley, Lhasa transfer by private vehicles (van or Hiace or bus)
  • English-speaking trained and experienced local guide(s)
  • Fees for porter or horse from Simikot to Hilsa and during Kora
  • T-Shirt, sleeping bag, down jacket,  and duffle bag
  • All applicable taxes and service charges
  • Lake Mansarovar Kora bus fee
  • All necessary paperwork
 

What's not Included

  • All international airfares
  • Chinese visa fee
  • Accommodation(s) outside the itinerary
  • Lunch and dinner (including any meal except breakfast) in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Tibet
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation and porters
  • Horse rental while on Kora or personal porter
  • Emergency evacuation costs (cost of renting a Land Cruiser and medical and rescue insurance is recommended). We advise you to purchase insurance with a zero deductible.
  • Personal expenses, e.g., phone call, laundry, bar bills, photography charges, web usage, and telephone calls
  • Tips for guides, drivers, porters, etc.

Accommodation

We will be staying at Hotel Moonlight in Kathmandu, Hotel Siddhartha in Nepalgunj and teahouses during the trek. While trekking in Nepal (Simikot to Hilsa), it should be understood that the area is developing so the accommodation facilities there will be fairly basic. Therefore, we can decide to either stay in the local tea houses or tents. Accommodations in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Tibet (except trekking) will be on twin-shared basis but while trekking (both in Nepal and Tibet); you will be accommodated in a shared dormitory.

Meals

We will be served breakfast in hotels in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Tibet whereas there is a  provision for all meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek (in Nepal). A basic meal during trekking in Nepal will include rice, potatoes, noodle with soup, etc. However, note that no meals are provided in Tibet. Therefore, it is better to set aside a food budget of up to $20- $30 for lunch and dinner per day while in Tibet.

The given prices are per person with excluded international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

HGT Travels also organizes trips on small groups, so we recommend you to reserve a seat for yourself by booking with us right away. Hurry! The adventure awaits you.

Trip Dates
Trip Price
Trip Status

Check Other Availability Dates

Show Dates

Trip Availability

  • The given date is available for booking. Anyone traveling solo or with groups are welcome to join.
  • Traveler(s) have already booked on the given date. Any individual or group can join in.
  • A lot of people have already booked on the given date. Therefore, we suggest you to hurry as only a few spaces are available.
  • The given date has reached its full potential. However, if you still want to travel on this particular date, we can organize it for you. Please contact us.


-->

Need Private trip, late departure, group departure, customized package?

Request a Quote