Spiritual Tours in Tibet

Holy Mount Kailash Tour
Spiritual Tours in Tibet: Holy Mt. Kailash lies on west Tibet on Nagri region. It has many spiritual values for all religions. According to Hindu myth the most sacred Mt. Kailash formed six millions years ago when the mountains were in their formatting stage. Mt. Kailash is the youngest mountain that lies in Karakoram Range and Nanga Parbat.

Holy Mt. Kailash “Kang Rinpoche”; the sacred pilgrimage of Asia that lies in the South-West of Tibetan autonomous region of China-Nagri is accessible through four routes. Two via Nepal ;one via India and one via Pakistan.

Despite being a sacred and venerated pilgrimage site for billions of Buddhists, Hindus, Jains & Practitioners of the Bon religions, not more than a thousand to fifteen hundred outside from Tibet make trip each year. Mt. Kailash is a unique and the most venerated destination, yet least visited among the world’s major holy places.

Though it is possible to reach Mt. Kailash from Pakistan via Kajereba Pass, very few tourists take that route. The Government of India through the lottery system allows a couple of hundreds pilgrims to enter Tibet from Darchula in India. Booking a trip through few reliable agents, who are operating Mt. Kailash Tour via Nepal, is the best way to visit Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. From the Nepalese side more than thousand tourists, every year, mostly Indians, Europeans and few US citizens undertake the demanding yet fulfilling land journey of more than 800 kilometers.

Hindus believe Mt. Kailash to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Legend believe, immortal Shiva lives on the top of Kailash Parbat where he spends most of his time practicing yogic austerities. Making joyous and love with his divine companion Parvati and smoking Ganja; the sacred herb known in the west as marijuana. For a Hindu, to make the laborious pilgrimage of Kailash and have Darshan (divine view) of Shiva abode is to attain release from the clutches of ignorance and disillusions. The Jain call the mountain Astapada and believe it to be the place where ‘Rishabh Dev’, the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras attained liberations.

Followers of Bon, Tibet’s pre-Buddhist Shamanistic religion call the mountain, Sipai Man (Sky Goddess). Additionally, Bon myths regard rise as the site of a legendary where 12th century battle of sorcery between the Buddhist Saga Milarepa and the Bon-Shaman Naro-Bon-Chug took place Milarepa’s win over Saman displaced Bon as the primary religion of Tibet, firmly establishing Buddhism into prominence. Although Buddha is believed to have magically visited Kailash in the 5th century BC, the religion of Buddhism only entered Tibet via Nepal and India in the 7th century AD. Tibetan Buddhist call the mountain Kang Rinpoche,” the precious one of Glacial Snow” and regard it as the dwelling place of Demchog (also known as Chakrasamvara) and his consort, Dorsephagmo.Three hills rising near Kang Rinpoche are believed to be the homes of the Bodhisattvas Manjushri, Vajrapani and Avalokiteshvara. The Excursion tour of Death Valley lies just above( North- East face of Mt. Kailash) Dirapuk with Ice wall, in middle we can see the image of king yama.

The journey to the foot of Mt. Kailash is hard but the task of circumambulating the sacred peak is even harder. This hardest journey round Mt. Kailash is called Kora or Parikrama that normally takes three days. In hopes of gaining extra merit of psychic powers, some pilgrims complete the journey in just a day, which is a miracle. Others take two to three weeks for the Kora by making full body prostration through the entire way. Buddhists and Hindus round the peak clockwise while Bons route it anticlockwise.

Mt. Kailash a glittering dome of snow towering 6714 meters (22022 ft) above the windswept landscape of Tibetan Plateau is a mesmerizing jewel. West of Mt. Kailash lies the ruins of the “lost cities” of Tsaprang and Tholing, once the capitals of the powerful kingdom of Guge, where some of the finest and earliest Buddhist murals still stand.

Spiritual Expeditions Pvt.Ltd, Nepal offers easiest and least trouble itinerary for this pilgrimage. First part of this tour cum trek involves a bus ride from Kathmandu through Nepal Tibet border at Kodari to Nyalam (160 km). The second part of the journey starts from Zangmu to Darchen in a rugged four wheel Land Cruisers for four days. The third and the final part is the three-day Parikrama from Darchen. This is the part, which holds optimum passionation of the pilgrimage. The first day trek takes you from Darchen to Driaphuk Gompa. The second day, known to be the most difficult part of the trek is from Driaphuk through Dolma-la pass (5600 meters) to Zuthulphuk Gompa. The third and the final day of the Parikrama is a short one of 8 km. After that, four-wheeler’s drive takes over for the return journey via the same route.

The Tibetan side of the journey is extremely difficult. The route from Kyirong to Lake Mansarovar through the Tibetan Plateau is a rough dirt road where there are no petrol stations or wayside amenities. This route’s altitude averages between 3700-4500 meters (above 14000 ft). The hardest part of the journey is the three day Parikrama round Mt. Kailash where you have to go across Dolma-la pass at the altitude of 5600 meters.

At Dolma-la pass the temperature has been recorded as low as –16 degree centigrade. So, main problem during this entire Yatra is Altitude Sickness (mild nausea and lost of appetite) and cold. To minimize altitude sickness high intakes of fluids and water is recommended while to avoid cold proper selection of clothing and equipment is important.

Spiritual Expeditions, Nepal has a perfect blend of professional manpower who have dealt with the above problems several times successfully and have been a mediator for more than twenty five hundred pilgrims for their safe and successful Yatra of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar the home of Lord Shiva. If you have any enquiry regarding this venerable Yatra you are always welcomed to contact us

General Information
From the advent of Hindu religion for the last 5000 years, it is believed that the sacred rivers originate from the center of the universe which is Mount Kailash and Mansarovar. Mt. Kailash also known as Sumeru Prabat is the home of Lord Shiva and indeed the Indus, Satlaj, Ganges via Karnali and the Brahmaputra River begins at this most holy spot. Not only is Mt. Kailash important for Hindus but Buddhists, Jains, BanPo, Sai Baba followers and all AMU followers also give high significance to this holyland. Kailash Parbat 22,000 Ft. from the sea level is a rock pyramid with snow and is located in scenically rich area of Western Tibet. It lies between the Himalayan ranges, Karakoram ranges and Nanga Parbat; the three great mountain ranges of Asia. From here one can see into Afghanistan, Pakistan, Hindustan (India) & Nepal. Often referred to as the mountain of Swastika, an ancient sign of good luck; it is considered most auspicious to make a religious pilgrimage around the 52 Km circuit. In fact, the entire region of Kailash is of important religious significance which includes the two turquoise-blue pristine high lakes of Manasarovar and Rakshastal. Mount Kailash also offers many opportunities for nature lovers as large numbers of unusual species of birds, wildlife and flora-fauna can be found here. This holy region is a symbol of the creation of the universe, attracting scholars, researches worldwide. Kailash or Sumeru Parvat being the center of the Himalaya and the home of Lord Shiva provides us with all source of life which welcomes you to a spiritually enriching and rewarding opportunity of a lifetime. Spiritual Expeditions, Nepal is a well-educated ecologically concerned company of very high standard. Our primary goal is to provide you with a culturally enriched wonderful traveling adventures. We provide all equipments, vegetarian cuisine, excellent travel arrangements and reliable, friendly and experienced staff in budgetary means. You are most welcome to visit us for your unforgettable experience.

Location: Western Tibet
Maximum Altitude: Kailash peak 22000 Ft. above sea level.
Base Camp: Darchen 14950 Ft. above sea level
Climate: Unpredictable (Max 20˚ C to Min –10˚ C)
Beliefs: Hindu, Buddhist, Jains, Banpo (All AMU followers)
Best Time to Visit: Last week of April to First week of September
Circumstance of Kailash: 52 KM (takes 3 days trek)
Mansarovar Altitude: 14950 ft. from the Sea level
Distance from Kathmandu: 817 KM (One way)
Journey Time: 12-14 Days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu including 3 days curcumbulance
Clothing: Heavy woolen clothing meant for mountaineering
Time: Nepal is +5:45 from GMT
Currency: Renminbi or Yuan ( Exchange rate depends up on the bank rate)

Booking System and Documents
Minimum three-month valid passport and two copies of PP size photograph.

Fitness:
It has been already mentioned that both Mt. Kailash & Mansarovar are at very high altitude and go to there one should be properly equipped with proper paraphernalia and adequate medical check ups. So now that one has finally decided to go this high altitude pilgrimage one should go to the consultant and get following tests.

E. C. G. Blood Pressure Hemoglobin Test, Blood Sugar Stress Test

Beside these all tests have to start morning and evening walk, jogging, stretching, meditation and regular exercise should bring you in the right shape.

Advance Booking:
To reserve a seat for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra you have to pay twenty thousand rupees in advance which is non-refundable. This pre-cost goes for Tibet part and there is no any rule to claim refund in any unavoidable circumstances. And full package payments should be made before one month.

Food and Beverages:
We will be providing Indian vegetarian breakfast and Dinner cooked by our Indian cook & Sherpa in campsite, who will be taken from Kathmandu. Light lunch will be packed in saving dish. Clients are requested to carry sufficient snacks according to your choice.

Clothing and other Necessaries:
As temperature very gently between day & Night (From maxi 20 Degree Centigrade to Min-10 Degree Centigrade)

Carries of Following items and wears are sufficient for this tour

Woolen Hand gloves Woolen shocks Muffler Monkey cap Towel Paper, shop, Liquid shop Rain coat, Light Jacket Sweeter full and half
Sun Hat Sun glass, shirt & T-shirts Trekking shoes, Thermal flak Thermal wears, Sun & Cold cream Water bottle, Personal camera Extra batteries
Torch light & extra batteries Pencil, pen and notebook

Transportation
From Kathmandu to Zhangmu (Nepal/Tibet boarder) by tourist coach. From Kyirong by Luxury vehicle. Supporting Truck to carry all necessary supporting equipment.

Risk and Liabilities
Spiritual expeditions will endeavor to make your journey smooth and pleasant as possible. However, the entire program in Tibet is conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau. Therefore “Spiritual Expeditions (P) Ltd.” and its related organization shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as government restriction, Land slide, Road blockage, Flood, Snow, Political unrest, Cancellation of flight, Delay, Sickness or accident. Any extra cost including there shall be borne by customer.

Cancellation

Before 30 days 25%, Before 20 days 75% Within 15 days 100%Amount from your full tour package cost will be charged as a cancellation charge.

Insurance
Full travel insurance coverage for medical evacuation, loss of belongings and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.

Happy Tour conducted by Spiritual Expeditions Nepal and its related Organization comes to an end with pleasant and memorable memories to cherish forever.

Terms and Conditions

The tour will be operated on our company banner.
One person is complimentary in a group above 16 persons.
One land cruiser will be provided for 4 persons.
One supporting truck will be provided for the group up to 20 persons. 2 trucks will be provided 40 persons.
3/ 4 nights accommodation at Kathmandu in 3-4 star category hotel .
Airport/ Hotel/ Airport Txf with Kathmandu valley sightseeing by special Tourist coach.
14 days Kathmandu/ Kailash/ Kathmandu yatra on AP basis.
All guesthouse accommodation except 2 nights Parikrama of Kailash because in route of Kailash Parikrama guesthouse are not available sufficiently)
Slipping bag, Gammon (Air pressure) bag, mattress, tent & tented supplement, down jacket etc.
Carrying yak to carry equipments and meals.
All vegetarian food including juice, hot chocolate, honey, Chyawanprash, Glucose powder, fruit and sweet.
Hot case, dining hall, dining table thermos to serve hot drink continuously. We will keep an extra land-cruiser for the guide of TTB, our tour manager, a Sherpa & a Cook, food for the day will be carried in the same and cruise with one gas cylinder and cooking utility so that we can serve hot food at the daytime.
Visa / urgent visa and all entry fees.