Overview

The Kailash Yatra is a pilgrimage that takes place in the Himalyan region of Tibet which is located in China. This yatra is considered to be one of the most sacred and exciting holy trips in the world. The pilgrimage is centered around the holy Mount Kailash, which is considered to be abode of Lord Shiva. The mount is located in the isolated region of western Tibet and is surrounded by numerous other holy sites such as Lake Manasarovar, Rakshas Tal, Gauri Kund, and others.The trip normally starts from Kathmandu, Nepal, where pilgrims gather and make their way towards the border town of Kerung in Tibet. From there, the journey continues to the holy Lake Manasarovar, where devotees take a dip in the sacred waters and perform various rituals. The trip then proceeds towards Mount Kailash, which is the key destination of the pilgrimage. Devotees used to circumambulate the Mount Kailash on foot, covering a distance of around 52 kilometers over a period of three days. The journey involves crossing several high-altitude passes, rocky terrain, and severe weather conditions, making it physically challenging. During the circumambulation, pilgrims offer prayers, do rituals, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The journey is believed to cleanse the soul, bring divine enlightenment, and help achieve salvation. The Kailash Yatra is steeped in history and mythology, and several ancient texts such as the Puranas and the Vedas mention the significance of the mountain and the pilgrimage. The voyage is also believed to have been undertaken by several prominent spiritual figures such as Adi Shankaracharya, Milarepa, and Guru Rinpoche, who played a significant role in spreading their respective faiths. The Kailash Yatra invites devotees from all over the world, and the journey is considered to be a symbol of religious unity and spiritual harmony. This Yatra is physically challenging but religiously fulfilling and offers an opportunity to connect with the divine and experience the unique culture and traditions of the Himalayan region. The Kailash Yatra is considered a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey.

Move Plan : Toronto-Kathmandu-Toronto via Delhi

Date Flight Name & Number Departure & Arrival 16 Sep 2023 Air India 188 : 12:15 – 11:35 Toronto to Kathmandu Via Delhi 17 Sep 2023 Air India 211 :18 :35 – 20:35 Delhi to Kathmandu 20 Sep to 2 Oct 2023 : Kailash Yatra

1 Oct 2023 Air India 212 : 21:35 – 23:15 Kathmandu to Toronto Via Delhi 2 Oct 2023 Air India 187 : 03:35 – 08:45 Delhi to Toronto  Day-wise Trip Itinerary

 17 September 2023 :  Arrival at Kathmandu at 8 pm and transferred to the pre-booked Hotel.

18 September 2023 : After breakfast, start the visa application process with the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu for Tibet visa for Kailash Manasarovar tour Yatra. Afternoon holy sightseeing covering

• Doleshwar Mahadev Temple : dedicated to the Lord Shiva and it is believed that the trip to Kailash is incomplete without visiting Doleshwar Mahadev
• Pasupatinath temple : Dedicated to the Lord Shiva and situated on the banks of the River Bagmati in Kathmandu. The main temple is decorated with intricate wood carvings and wonderful example of the Napalese architecture. It is a UNESCO world Heritage site.
• Evening Aarati Darshan in Pasupatinath Temple : The Aarati Darshan is a ritualistic worship ceremony performed by the Hindu priests to offer prayers and worship to the Lord Shiva. During the Aarati, the priests light up several lamps and chant mantras, while devotees offer flowers, incense, and other offerings to the deity. It is also famous for the beautiful view of the Bagmati river and the temple complex lit up with hundreds of lamps.

19 September 2023: Full day city tour Kathmandu covering the places

• Rudra Abhishik, Hawan and Aarati at Pasupatinath Temple : It is a worship ceremony dedicated to the Lord Shiva and involves offering sacred items like flowers, milk, honey and ghee to the deity. The Hawan is a fire ritual performed to purify the surroundings and seeking blessings from the Gods. The Aarati is a worship ceremony performed with lighted lamps and is a way of showing reverence and offering gratitude to the Lord Shiva. All these rituals are performed by the experienced priests who follow strict guidelines and procedures, making them a powerful and spiritual experience for devotees who seek blessings and divine grace.
• Guyeshwari or Gujeswari Temple : It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths and is dedicated to the Godess Sati, the first wife of the Lord Shiva. According to the Hindu mythology, it is believed that Sati’s eyes fell at this site during the time of her self-immolation, making it a sacred site for devotees. The temple is decorated with intricate wood carvings and a silver statue of the Goddess available inside
• Budhanilkantha Temple : Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is also known as the Sleeping Vishnu or Jalakshyan Narayan. The main attraction of the temple is a magnificent stone statue of the Lord Vishnu in a resting position on a bed of snakes. The statue is about 5 meters long and is craved from a single block of black basalt stone. It is believed to be over one thousand years old and is one of the largest stone statues of Lord Vishnu in Nepal.
• Boudhanath Stupta : A prominent Buddhist temple and an UNESCO world heritage site. It is believed to have built in 14^th century and is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The stupa’s white dome is topped with a golden spire, and it is surrounded by prayer wheels, colourful prayer flags, and numerous small temples and monasteries.
• Swayambhunath Temple : It is also known as the Monkey Temple, a famous Buddhist temple located on a hilltop and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The stupa is surrounded by a variety of temples and monasteries, and we can enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu city from the hilltop.

20 September 2023 : Kathmandu – Syabrubesi (140 km – 8 hours Drive): Syabrubesi is one of the starting points for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatr. The traditional route for the Kailash Yatra involves crossing the Nepal-China border at the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint near Syabrubesi and then driving through the Tibetan Plateau to reach the holy sites. Overnight stay at Sybrubesi.

21 September 2023 : Drive to Kerung valley Tibet is our next destination (55 kms 1 hour travel)

Our entire visa and passport will be checked at Nepal immigration office at Ghatte Khola. After completing immigration formalities, we continue driving or walking for 15 minutes to Rasuwagadi bridge and then cross the friendship bridge to Nepal Tibet. Your visas will be checked at Tibetan immigration office one by one. Once immigration formalities will be completed then our Tibet guide will receive you with needful travel permit for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. He will deal with all the immigration formalities and further proceed towards Kerung Valley by Tibetan bus. Kerung valley is 24 km far from Nepal Tibet border. Kerung valley is a attractive valley located in the southern part of Tibet, near Nepal border and an important transit point for the devotees visiting Kailash Manasarovar yatra. The valley is surrounded by towering mountains. Overnight stay in Kerung valley.

22 September 2023 : Full day Acclimatization at Kyrung. : Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is a challenging trek that involves walking at high attitudes. Therefore, acclimatization is necessary to ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims to avoid altitude sickness. Kyrung is a small town located at an altitude of 2,700 meters and it is the first stop for most pilgrims entering Tibet from Nepal. It is an ideal place for acclimatization because it is located at a lower altitude than Mount Kailash, which stands at 6,638 meters. Acclimatization at Kyrung allows the body to adjust to the high altitude gradually. It helps to prevent altitude sickness, a condition caused by the lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Altitude sickness can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, and other severe symptoms, which can ruin the pilgrimage experience. Therefore, it is very much essential to spend one day in Kyrung to acclimatize before embarking on the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. This will decently help to ensure that the body is ready for the challenging trek and that the pilgrimage is completed safely and very much comfortably. Overnight stay at Kyrung.

23 September 2023 : Drive Kerung to Saga (105 kms 5 hours travel at 4600 meters altitude from sea level) : On this day, we drive from Kerung to Saga. The drive which takes 5-6 hours goes past Salt Lake with beautiful views of Tibetan landscape and its nomadic communities. Warm lunch box will be served on the way. Saga is a small town situated at an altitude of over 4,600 meters, in Tibet, China. The town is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Overnight stay in Saga.

24 September 2023 Saga to Manasarovar Lake (410 kms – 7 hours drive)

Drive from Saga to Manasarovar Lake, the distance is about 410 kilometers and the journey can take anywhere 7-8 hours. The route passes through rugged terrain and high-altitude, offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and the Tibetan Plateau. By the afternoon, you can have the first sight of Holy Kailash Parbat and Manasarovar Lake. After quick lunch begin the rotation or kora of Manasarovar Lake completing it in about 2-3 hours’ time.

Pilgrims who undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, take a holy bath in the Mansarovar Lake is an essential ritual. The water in the lake is believed to have healing properties, and the act of taking a dip in the cold waters of the lake is considered to be a spiritual experience. After taking a dip in the holy lake, the pilgrims perform puja, hawan and devtarpan.

• Puja is a ritual worship that involves offering prayers to Lord Shiva and seeking his blessings.
• Hawan is a sacred fire ceremony where offering such as ghee, wood and herbs are made to the fire to invoke the blessing of the Gods.
• Devtarpan is an act of offering food and other items to the Gods and is considered to be a way of expressing gratitude for their blessings. Performing these rituals in the holy surroundings of the holy Lake Mansarovar is a deeply spiritual experience that helps the pilgrims connect with their inner selves and with the divine. It is a way of seeking blessings and expressing gratitude, and it is believed that the blessings received during the yatra stay with the pilgrims for a lifetime.
• Manasarovar Lake, located in the remote southwestern region of Tibet, is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is located at an altitude of over 4,500 meters and is enclosed by stunning snow-capped mountains and perfect natural beauty. The lake is considered a sacred site by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains followers, and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims from all over the world visit this holy site to take a dip in its pristine waters and perform various rituals and prayers. Making round of the Lake and taking a holy dip in the lake is believed to purge one’s soul from sins and the body from sickness. The Kailash Parbat is situated about 58 km far from the North Manasarovar Lake. It is also believed that the Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take bath each day at 2 am and devotees can see the God Shiva and Goddess Parvati at the night of full moon.
• Rakshas Tal (Demon King Ravana Lake) Sarovar : Rachhes Lake lies in the west to Manasarovar Lake. It is situated at an altitude of 4,540meter above the sea level. In Manasarovar Lake, there are many birds including ducks but in Rakshas Lake there are no any birds at all. According to the Hindu mythology, the monster Ravana has made Lord Shiva happy meditating in this lake. The lake is known for its deep blue-green color and is surrounded by a rugged terrain and steep cliffs. Hindu people believe that carnivorous monsters are hiding into the dark water and the water of this lake is poisonous and not fit for drinking. On the basis of this belief, people called it Rakshas Tal and stay away from this lake believing it as the symbol of dark and destructive power.

Overnight stay at the Guest house at Mansarovar Lake.

25 September 2023  Drive Mansarovar Lake to Darchan (30 kms, 1 hour drive) : on the way visit Chuigumpa. Overnight stay in Hotel at Darchan.

• Chuiguma Hot spring water is a natural located on the way to Mount Kailash. This is popular stop for pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and it is believed to have healing properties. The hot spring water is rich in minerals, including sulfur, which is known for its therapeutic benefits. The water is believed to help in curing skin diseases, join pain and other ailments. It is also said to have a rejuvenating effect on the body and mind. The hot spring is located in a picturesque location surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and it is popular spot for pilgrims to take a break and relax before start their Kailash Yatra. The hot water and the serene surroundings provide an opportunity for the pilgrims to connect with nature and to rejuvenate themselves before the challenging trek to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
• Darchen is an important town for the Kailash Yatra as it is the place where the pilgrims obtain the necessary permits and complete the required paper work before starting their journey. It is also the place where the pilgrims engage the services of porters, horses, and yaks for the trek. The town is home to several small shops and restaurants that cater to the needs of the pilgrims. This town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes. For the pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Darchen is a crucial stop on the journey. It is the place where the preparations and made before embarking on the challenging trek to Mount Kailash. The town is also a reminder of the spiritual significance of the yatra, and the importance of the journey in connecting with the divine and seeking blessings.

26 September Drive from Darchen to Yam Dwar.(Yam Dwar is Gate for the god of death). You’re trekking/ walking around Mt. Kailash starts from Yam Dwar. Those who are unable to walk, can hire pony & local porter for 4 days but you must inform us while at Manasarovar Lake, So that Tibetan Guide can manage it for you. The trek will continue for about 5 to 6 hours until we arrive at Dirapuk. From Dirapuk you can see the north face of Mt. Kailash very much closer. It looks as Lord Shiva himself is staying there. Overnight stay at Dirapuk mud house or Guesthouse.

Drive to Yamadwar & Holy Trek to Dirapuk : With packed lunch box, drive to Tarboche Flag Pole located in a wide open plain near the village of Darchen. It is significant site for the Kailash yatra as it marks the beginning of the kora, the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. The Kora is a clockwise trek around Mount Kailash that is believed to cleanse the sins of the lifetime and bring good fortune to the pilgrim. At the Tarboche Flag Pole, pilgrims perform their first prostration of the yatra which is a physical act of devotion that involves touching the ground with one’s forehead. This prostration is believed to pay homage to the Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for the journey ahead.

Further Yamadwar, Sershon and Dirapuk are important stops on the Kailash Yatra.

• Yamadwar is the first stop on the trek to Mount Kailash and it is believed to be the gateway to the abode of the Lord Shiva. According to the Hindu mythology, Yamadwar is the place where the Lord Shiva defeated the God of death, Yamraj, and opened the gates to salvation for his devotees.
• Sershong is a picturesque camping site located on the banks of the Lha Chu River. It is a popular spot for pilgrims to take a break and rest before continuing their journey. The site is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the river provides an opportunity for pilgrims to take a holy dip and cleanse their sins.
• Dirapuk is the highest point on the trek, situated at an altitude of 5,080 meters. It is the location of the Dirapuk Monastery, a small monastery that is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is surrounded by stunning landscapes, and the view of the Mount Kailash from Drapuk is breathtaking. The journey to Yamadwar, Sershong and Dirapuk is a reminder that the path to spiritual enlightenment is NOT easy, but it is worth the effort for those who seek it.
• Mount Kailash Kora :The Scared religious place, Kailash Parbat is located on the height of 6714 meters above sea level. It is supposed to be the central part of the world and origin of the world before the origin of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. It is strongly believed that Mount Kailash it the residence of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. This isolated Parbat is also source to big rivers like, Yarlung Janbo, Brahmaputra, Satlaj, Indus and Karnali. The total periphery of Mount Kailash is 53 km and pilgrims should walk 38 km within 3 days. As described in Hindu myth, a person who moves around the Kailash Parbat, will be free from all the sins made in life time. River Ganges, originated from Mount Kailash meets Lachhu River and gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. Every river formed from Kailash Himalayan Ranges gets mixed into Rakshas Lake. The river formed from the junction of Rakshas Lake is called Karnali. Water from Rakshas Lake escapes via Karnali River but water of Manasarovar is stored in the form of Lake.

27 September 2023 Walking from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk (5,585 meters – 22 kilometers 7-8 hours trek). This is an important day as we have to pass Dolma La or Dorma La Pass, which is 5636 meters above the sea level. Weather is unpredictable with imminent snowstorm so it’s important to start our journey as early as possible. Following the pass, we need to go steep down till Shapje Datok and then onto Zuthulpuk monastery. Again, our night stay will be at a mud house or guest house. Ganesh Kund (Sarovar) : This lake is situated at an altitude of 5636 meter and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, before reach Dolma La Pass (Kailash circuit).The shape of the Kund looks like lord Ganesh where he bathes. Gauri Kund :After crossing steep descends of Dolma La pass, the highest pass during Kailash Manasarovar Yatra tour, the round turquoise colored round shaped GAURI KUND is located at 5608 m above the sea level but walking trail has not yet made, have to walk on massif Rock. Overnight stay at Camp/Guest house at Zuthulpuk

28 September 2023 : Zuthulpuk to Darchen (14 kms Trek) and further drive to Saga or Dongpa (350 km. The last and final day of the Kailash Parikarma, the circumambulation of Mount Kailash, is an exciting and emotional day for pilgrims. This is the day when the long and challenging trek come to an end and pilgrims can finally return to Dongpa or Saga (350 kms 6-7 hours travel) and overnight stay.

29 September 2023 : Saga to Kyrung/Syabrubesi (145 km 4/5 hours travel) On arrival at Kyrung city, complete the China side immigration formalities. After completion of the immigration, you will be picked up and drive to Syabrubesi (20 kms – 30 minutes drive). Over stay at Syabrubesi.

30 September 2023 Drive from Syabrubesi to Kathmandu.

After our breakfast, we drive to Nepal-China Friendship Bridge near Rasuwagadi. Passing through customs and immigration formalities on both Tibet and Nepal side, we continue our drive to Kathmandu for about 7/8 hours. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

01 October 2023 : Today relax at Hotel, after lunch at Hotel you will be taken to Airport from hotel for final departure.

Special Arrangements

• We do welcome our Kailash Yatri in Kathmandu airport by Flower, Rudrachhe Garland
• Arrival day evening will be Aarati Darshan Pasupatinath temple with holy tour guide
• Second day morning, Rudra Abhishek, Hawan, Aarati in outside of Pasupatinath gate where Hawan place with 11 Braman priests as same dress, chanting Rudra Abhishek mantra. Time approximately 2 hours.
• After Rudra Abhishek, special spiritual holy Darshan inside of Pasupatinath Temple with Thali Pure Cow Milk, flower garland, Rudraccha garland (Mala) with Prasad, will do
• After Rudra Abhishek, special spiritual holy Darshan inside of Pasupatinath Temple.
• Rudra Abhishek, Hawan, Arati also will operate in Manasarovar Lake with 1 Nepali barman priest.
• Our tour Manager, Guides and supporting staff will be highly professional for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

Hotel Details (Twin Sharing)

 Kathmandu             :          4-star deluxe Hotel

Kerung /Syabrubesi :         Best hotel

Saga                :     Best Hotel

Manasarovar Lake :         Normal guest house(Dormitory bed room)

Darchen                   :     Best hotel

Dirapuk                    :         Normal guesthouse or mud house (Dormitory bed room) Zuthulpuk            :         Normal basic guesthouse (Dormitory bed room)

 Essential Items to be Carried for Kailash Yatra

• Small back pack for 4 days Mt. Kailash Parikrama
• Enough warm clothing for Mt. Kailash Yatra / tour
• Basic medicines (for minor injuries / lifesaving kits)
• Any regular medicines that you have been prescribed
• Toiletries kit (shop, Shampoo, Toothpaste, tooth brush)
• Water bottle /Thermos flask for hot water (2litters bottle)
• Sport shoes better for walking 3 days Kailash Parikrama
• Gloves, Woolen socks (minimum 4 pairs), hand clove
• Wool / Thermos hot undergarments, wind proof jacket
• Comfortable shirt and pants for doing Kora / Parikrama
• Sunglasses, Sun lotion/cold cream, Torch light, rain coat
• Umbrella, walking stick, Sandal for use evening & morning
• Sweets, Zinger / garlic candies or dry fruits, lozenges

Note

• Mount Kailash area or all places is no any heating in hotel / guesthouse room
• Hotel or guesthouse most of places no hot water in bath room.
• If get any portable heater in your country, please bring with you