Expedition to Mount Kailas

Deep in the high Himalaya, ancient legends say, a sacred mountain stands at the navel of the earth and the axis of the universe. Its name is Kailas (“the Crystal”), and from it flow the waters that form the four great rivers of Asia: the Indus, the Karnali, the Sutlej, and the Tsangpo (Brahmaputra). Holy Mount Kailas (22,028') owes much of its spiritual importance to its extraordinary location, isolated on one of the highest points in the Tibetan Plateau. With veteran Himalayan Trip Leader Gary McCue and our Sherpa guides, we set off for a fantastic trek through the remote Humla Valley in western Nepal, then head into West Tibet for a classic three-day kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the mountain. At treks’ end, we witness the Saga Dawa Festival at Darchen, then depart for a six-day overland journey across the magnificent Tibetan Plateau to Lhasa, Tibet’s Holy City. Join us for an incredible experience of Tibet and its culture with an expert Trip Leader!

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-2
Kathmandu, Nepal

Explore the golden temples and fascinating artisan markets of this ancient city.

Days 3-8
Nepalgunj / Simikot / Begin Trek

Fly to Nepalgunj then to Simikot in Nepal’s Humla District. We meet our Sherpa team and trek along Humla Karnali River through Thakuri villages, then up along the Upper Karnali River, with a visit to Lhundrub Gasaling (9,600'), a Kargyupa sect monastery. Our camp on Day 8 is at Do Dzongchen (13,100').

Days 9-12
Nara Lagna Pass (14,875') / Zher, Tibet / Darchen

Cross the Nara Lagna Pass into Tibet and hike to Zher (12,475'), the first Tibetan village on the Nepal-Tibet border. Here we meet our Tibetan guide and our vehicles and visit the famous 10th century Khochar Gompa at Purang. On Day 12, we head for Darchen (15,350'), a pilgrim village for Mount Kailas.

Days 13-17
Mount Kailas Pilgrimage / Saga Dawa Festival

Our pilgrimage circuit, known as a kora, circumambulates Mt. Kailas from Choku Gompa (15,650'), the first of the main temples around the mountain, to the base of the impressive North Face of Kailas. We cross the Drolma La (18,500') on Day 14, descending to camp near Dzultrul Phuk (“Cave of Miracles”) Gompa at 15,900 feet. Hiking back to Darchen, we witness the traditional Saga Dawa Festival on Day 17.

Days 18-23
Shigatse / Gyantse

Our overland journey brings us to Lhasa by way of Shigatse (12,650'), Tibet’s second largest city, and the picturesque town of Gyangtse, with its impressive multi-storied temple.

Days 24-25
Lhasa (11,830')

In Lhasa, we visit the Potala Palace, the Barkhor, the holy Jokhang Temple, and massive, ancient monasteries in the Lhasa Valley.

Days 26-29
Samye Monastery / Yarlung Valley / Kathmandu

Visit Samye Monastery (11,750') in the Yarlung Valley, then fly to Kathmandu. Explore Kathmandu on Day 28, depart on Day 29.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:

• Scenic Everest Flight (1 days)
• Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge Extension (3 days)
• Tiger Tops: Royal Chitwan National Park Extension (3 days)
• Lhasa, Sacred City of Tibet Extension (5 days)
• Taj Mahal and Jaipur Extension (4 days)

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 6, Very Strenuous. Most hiking is between 13,000 and 16,500 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is 18,500 feet. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover a normal maximum of 7 to 9 miles per day (5-8 hours of hiking). There are a number of days on this trek when the walks are shorter, as well as rest days, allowing opportunity for day hikes and for exploring the villages, monasteries, and beautiful surroundings near our campsites. Trail conditions are primitive and there are streams to wade across.

Every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging—trip members should be in excellent physical condition. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip. There are dangers inherent in any expedition traveling to remote wilderness regions, especially when they involve travel to high altitude. These dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident, or sickness without access to the means of rapid evacuation—even road conditions can present serious challenges. The availability of medical supplies, or the adequacy of medical attention once provided, cannot be guaranteed and cannot be expected to measure up to Western standards. Although we are accompanied by a support crew staffed by experienced veterans of the Himalayas, it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful trek.

Explanation of Trip Levels