Trip Dossier

Day: 1 Arrive in Kathmandu

Transfer from airport to hotel. A representative from our office will be there to receive you at the Tribhuvan International Airport.  At the hotel, you will be briefed on your itinerary.

Day: 2 KTM sightseeing Pashupatinath & Budhanilkantha

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the sacred Hindu pilgrimage spots dedicated to Lord Shiva and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple lies on the banks of the holy river Bagmati. Also visit Narayanthan to see the massive statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of coiled serpents.

Day: 3 Fly KTM- Lhasa

From Kathmandu take a scenic flight to Lhasa. During the 1 and half hour flight catch mesmerizing views of Himalayan peaks and the arid nomadic highlands from aboard the plane. On reaching Lhasa Gonggar Airport, you will be received by our representative and driven to your hotel in Lhasa. After checking in, you will be briefed on your itinerary.

Day: 4 Lhasa Sightseeing- Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market

After an early breakfast we commence our sightseeing tour and visit Potala Palace. The impressive 13-storied structure dominates Lhasa’s landscape. The palace served as the winter retreat of Dalai Lama. Potala Palace was built during the 7^th century on the Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). Later in the day we head to Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Market. Buddhism in Tibet spread after Jokhang Temple was built. The temple was built by King Songsten Gampo to house the idol of Lord Buddha brought by his Nepalese Queen Brikuti from Nepal. Barkhor Square, a busy local market surrounds this temple. Walk around and watch pilgrims prostrating or shop for souvenirs.

Day: 5 Drive Lhasa to Shigatse(3800m) visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, Local Market

Today we drive to Shigatse. The landscape of Tibet is barren and arid, and we soak in its unique beauty. On reaching Shigatse we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the six monasteries of the Gelugpa Sect. The monastery which lies at the base of Drolma Ri is the seat of the revered Panchen Lama. Later shop for souvenirs at the local market.

Day: 6 Drive Shigatse to Saga (4580m)-447km

Today we drive for about 7 hours to Saga. Driving across the Tibetan highland, we pass through quaint nomadic settlements and ancient monasteries. After reaching Saga check into a hotel and rest.

Day: 7 Drive Saga to Mansarover(4560m)

From Saga we drive to Mansarover. The drive is filled with mesmerizing vistas. The beautiful Mansarover Lake lies surrounded by brown hills and snowy peaks. The sacred lake is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma. We stay overnight at a local guesthouse or hotel.

Day: 8 Drive Mansarover to Darchen(4620m)

From Mansarover we drive to Darchen. Before continuing to Darchen, take a holy dip in Mansarover’s sacred waters, light incense and perform puja. If you wish, you can do a Mansarover parikrama on horseback or on a yak.

Darchen lies at the base of Mount Kailash. From Darchen an excursion to Asthapad can be arranged at an extra cost. Asthapad Mountain is the ultimate pilgrimage site for Jains as the first Jain Tirthankara attained nirvana at this mountain.  Once can enjoy close up views of Nandi Parvat and Mt. Kailash from Asthapad. Stay overnight at a hotel or guesthouse.

Day: 9 First Day of Parikrama to Dirapuk(4860m)

We begin our Kailash parikrama by walking through Yam Dwar(4730m). The ‘Yam Dwar’ (Gateway of Yamraj’s abode) is a chorten with a passage. It is believed that one has to enter Kailash- abode of Lord Shiva by passing through Yamaraj’s (Lord of Death) door. From Yam Dwar we begin our Kailash Parikrama. Trek or ride a pony to Dirupuk(5160m). Overnight at guest house.

Note: As Kailash Parikrama can be physically taxing those who don’t feel like exerting themselves will stay at Darchen and wait for the rest of the group to complete the parikrama.

Day: 10 Second Day of Parikrama to Zuthulpuk(4670m)

Wake up early and continue with the Kailash parikrama, retracing the same path millions of devotees have treaded. Today’s trek is extremely strenuous as we walk for more than 8 hours traversing the high Drolma La(5630m) pass. While descending to Zuthulpuk, you get to view Gauri Kunda, the sacred lake where Goddess Parvati created Ganesh while taking bath. Overnight at a guest house or tented camp.

Day: 11 End of Kailash Parikrama and drive to Saga

Today we end our spiritual journey to the Kailash mountain with a walk down to Darchen. At Darchen, we meet the other members of our group and drive to Saga. En route we enjoy wonderful views of Tibetan peaks (Gurla Mandata, Chomolhari)

Day: 12 Drive to Shigatse

From Saga, we head to Shigatse.

Day: 13 Drive to Lhasa

From Shigatse we return to Lhasa.

Day: 14 Fly Lhasa-Kathmandu

We head to Lhasa - Gonggar Airport to catch our flight back to Kathmandu.

Day: 15 Depart Kathmandu

Our representative will drive you to the airport on time to catch your flight.

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion:

Accommodation:

• 3 night accommodation in Kathmandu in 5 star category hotel with breakfast lunch & dinner  in sharing basis.
• Accommodation in Lhasa, Shigatse and saga in hotel with breakfast, lunch and dinner in sharing basis.
• Best available accommodation at Lake Manasarovar, Darchen and during Kailash kora
• Kathmandu arrival and departure transfers.
• One half-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour covering Pashupatinath & Budanilkantha.
• Lhasa airport arrival transfer.
• All permits 
• Lhasa sightseeing tour.
• In Tibet, land transfer by coach
• English speaking  Tibetan guide
• Yaks & Yak-men during parikarma

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Kathmandu- Lhasa- Kathmandu airfare quoted as an extra (USD 690.00 subject to change )
• Nepal visa for NRIs and foreigners.
• International Air tickets
• All personal expenses like telephone calls, tips, shopping, laundry, cold/hard drinks etc.
• Personal use of pony/porter during Parikarma [Kora] & Tipping.
• Single room supplement.
• Any extra services such as extra vehicle /hotel nights / Sightseeing tours than mentioned in the itinerary.
• Evacuation cost,
• Travel Insurance. 
• Extra cost such as extra night stay than mentioned in the itinerary, ill health, the cost incurred due to unforeseen reasons such as road blockage due to landslide, heavy snowfall, strikes, flight cancellation etc.
• Visa splitting charge, transportation cost, hotel/guest house cost including food if returning early to Lhasa without all group members.
• Service which are not mentioned above in inclusion part.