On your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met outside the terminal by our representative who will be waiting with a Himalayan Paradise Treks placard. You will be taken by private car to your hotel where you will enjoy a welcome drink. After you settle there will be a group briefing with your tour leader who will discuss details of the trek and co-ordinate any last minute arrangements. Overnight in hotel.
Simikot and kailash Itinerary
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Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu
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Day 02 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Since you cannot fly directly to Simikot, in Humla District, you fly to Nepalgunj and stay there overnight. The next morning you catch a plane to Simikot. Nepalgunj, only 3 km north of the Indian border, is a business hub for the region, and has a noticeable blend of both Indian and Nepali culture. Nepalgunj is tropical and remains humid for most of the year. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 03 Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot
Your flight to Simikot, in Humla district, is early in the morning. You will need to take it easy because you have suddenly gained 2810m altitude. Our trekking team/crew will be there waiting for you, including pack porters and animals. Although we arrive in time to leave straightaway for the first day's trekking, it's a good idea to spend the night in Simikot to acclimatize. Your guide will need to register your special trekking permit with the military police and you may also be asked to pay a small local tax by the Village Development Committee on arrival. Although there are several places to camp, many fields around Simikot will be planted or ploughed so camping places are at premium. You can spend the remaining of the day resting in preparation for the steep climb and steeper descent tomorrow, and exploring this sprawling town spectacularly located 600m above the Karnali River. Overnight camping.
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Day 04 Trek to Dharapuri
The climb starts from the Simikot airstrip. We pass wheat and barley fields on a rough rocky trail bordered with cannabis and nettles. We trek past the community water supply. It does not look far, but it’s a long 270m haul to reach a large rock cairn and a small teashop at the top of a forested ridge overlooking the town. Here the track splits into two. Keeping to the right we follow a level ridge to Yakba, enjoying spectacular views down the Karnali valley. The well-worn path suddenly drops to the left, the beginning of a knee- crunching descent. We stop in town of Masigoan, where the crew will prepare our lunch in a small teahouse. The remaining descent heads north, away from the paths leading to flat-topped houses. We gradually descend to the Karnali River flowing about 400m below, and cross a metal bridge crossing the Hepka (Yakba) Khola into Dharapuri, where there are clearly marked camping spots and a cooking shelter next to some superb swimming holes. A cluster of new bulidings has been built close to the camp spot selling cold drinks, biscuits and instant noodles. Overnight camping.
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Day 05 Trek to Kermi
There is a police checkpoint about 5 minutes down the trail. The trail follows the north side of the river. On the other side of the Karnali, the village Kolchhi is perched on an impossibly steep hillside, marking the most northern penetration of the Thakuri people, a caste which is believed to have fled India well over a 1000 years ago to avoid Muslim invasion. Further up, in the valley in Khagagaon, 3400m, you will see some fields of special red rice that grows at this elevation, known as ‘Humla’ rice. Most Nepalese don’t consider it special though as they prefer the white rice. The undulating trail reaches Chachera, 2350m, a shepherd's camp near a series of three waterfalls. At times the trail climbs so steeply that horses and yaks have to be unloaded so they can scramble up the slope. The final part of the trail to reach Kermi is narrow and has been blasted out of the cliff. Some hot springs make Kermi a luxurious campsite! The main pool has thoughtfully been lined with comfortable flat stones. The campsite is about 10 minutes beyond and below Kermi, on the left side of the trail. Overnight camping.
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Day 06 Trek to Yalbang
Today's trek starts out flat. We cross a suspension bridge over the Salli River and then make a steep ascent up to a small pass. From here one can enjoy views of the beautiful pine trees and the mighty Karnali River. We will also visit the remote Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. Overnight camping.
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Day 07 Trek to Tumkot
We walk on a trail above the Karnali River. There are a few pine trees and rocky hills. As the elevation increases, the bushes become smaller and smaller until the greenery begins to vanish. After reaching Tumkot, we visit Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, one of the most important Sakya monasteries in the Tibetan region. Overnight camping.
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Day 08 Trek to Yari
Today's trek is on a relatively easy trail above the Karnali River. After walking a few miles we begin to notice the change in climate, vegetation and landscape; it becomes increasingly rocky and barren. Instead of pine trees there are now low junipers. Overnight camping.
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Day 09 Trek to Hilsa
We cross the first major pass of the trek today, the Nara La pass. The vegetation is bleak by now and the landscape is familiar to that of Tibet. From the pass we will be greeted by excellent views of the beautiful Tibetan plateau. From here on, it is a shaky descent to Hilsa, a border town that is also dropping point for the pilgrims on their way to Mt. Kailash by helicopter. Overnight camping.
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Day 10 By Jeep to Purang
We walk across the Friendship Bridge at Hilsa where the Chinese officials will check our permits and passports. We also meet our Tibetan guide here. The road ascends Hilsa to Purang passing Rinzin, Zangpo, Gompa, and Kangje Villages along the way. In Purang, we visit the ancient Purang Gompa and explore the unique Buddhist frescoes of 12th century. Overnight camping.
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Day 11 By Jeep to Manasarovar Lake
We drive to Manasarovar lake, the highest fresh water lake in the world. Turquoise in color, and full of fishes and swans it is surrounded by Holy Mount Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandala, Lake Rashekshi. The region is considered rich for gold and other mines. There are hot springs and an abundance of wildlife. Overnight camping at Chu Gumba. -
Day 12 Puja and drive to Darchen
Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning bath and puja we will be heading towards Darchen which is considered a base camp for the holy Mt Kailash trekking parikrama. Overnight camping.
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Day 13 First day of Kora: hiking to Dira Puk Monastery
Today, we begin the Kailash Kora. Leaving Darchen we trek in a deep valley through walls of red rock for 6 hours. We continue on a level path to Shershong. We further cross a bridge which leads to Chhuku Gompa, high on the hillside. We take the trail that leads to Dira Puk from where we will have a stunning view of the north face of Mt. Kailash. Overnight camping.
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Day 14 Second day of Kora: hike to Dzutul-puk
Today will be the most difficult day of the kora: we climb to Dolma-La Pass at 5,630m. The name means beautiful and it lives up to the name. It is filled with five-colored prayer flags. From Dolma-La Pass, we descend to Dzutul-puk where we come across the incredible Lake of Compassion (Thugje Zinbu) and a few ancient meditation caves. Overnight camping.
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Day 15 : Complete Kailash Kora: Trek to Darchen and Jeep to Paryang
We trek 14km and return to Darchen, 4560m, (3-4 hours) which completes the Kailash Kora Then we drive back to Paryang, 4600m, 270km, 5-6 hours. We drive over the Mayum La pass 5200m, and descend to either Dongba or Paryang. Overnight camping.
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Day 16 Paryang to Saga
Today we drive to Saga passing arid grassy lands with herds of sheep, yaks and nomads. We reach a cross roads where the road divides. Instead of taking the road to Lhasa, we drive along the route to Kathmandu. Overnight in Saga Overnight in Lodge.
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Day 17 Saga to Zhangmu/Gyirong
Today we cross over the Brahmaputra River and continue to Nyalam. We stop to enjoy the view of Peiku-Tso lake, a huge lake with Mt. Shishapangma, 8027m, in the background. We also get a glimpse of Mt. Everest as the road climbs to the Lalung La Pass, 5124m. After crossing yet another pass, Tong La, 5120m, we finally reach the border town Zangmu. Overnight in lodge.
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Day 18 Zhangmu/Gyirong to Kathmandu
We drive the short distance to the border check point, and go through the custom formalities. After reaching Friendship Bridge, we say goodbye to all the Tibetan team: drivers and guide, and walk about 15 minutes to cross the border into Nepal. From Kodari, it is a 4-5 hour drive to reach Kathmandu. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 19 : Full day Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Today you will be visiting some popular world heritage sites in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath and Baudhanath. Our tour guide will give you a brief introduction to the places. You can also select optional historical places where you would like to visit. Overnight in Hotel.
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Day 20 Departure from Kathmandu Airport
Transfer to Kathmandu airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight to your next destination.
