Mt. Kailash Saga Dawa Festival 2013 via Simikot

In May 1993 the governments of Nepal and China agreed to open the border between their countries. From that time on, travelers are able to make tours to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar through Humla, Nepal’s most remote district in the Northwest of the country. This route is the shortest and most practical for trekkers in terms of elevation and distance. Besides that, it treats its visitors with astounding views and great richness in culture and history.

The tour to Mt. Kailash starts from Simikot, situated at an elevation of 2910 meters, and climbs up to Nara La pass (4530 meters) before reaching the arid Tibetan Plateau. From Simikot it takes a 6-day’s journey to reach the Tibetan border town (Hilsa / Sher). This gives you plenty of time to acclimatize to higher altitudes.

There is no direct air service from Kathmandu to Simikot. Travelers generally have to fly to Simikot via Nepalgunj, the regional hub of Western Nepal. Nepalgunj-Simikot flights only operate early in the morning, so we have one overnight in Nepalgunj to catch the early morning flight the next day.

The tour (Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar tour) normally finishes at Zhang-Mu. It requires at least 20 days, but we can also finish your journey in Lhasa or extend it to other destinations.

Saga Dawa Festival at Mt. Kailash 25th May 2013

Saga Dawa Festival is observed as one of the most important festival in Buddhist society all over the world. This festival held each year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar (May / June). This festival is celebrated in honor of Sakyamuni's enlightenment. And this auspicious day coincide with three important events in Buddha's life, Birth, Nirvana and death.

Trip start Date: 12th May 2013

Trek Facts

Duration: 22 days
Starting: Simikot, Humla
Ending: Zhangmu / Kodari border
Grade: Moderate / Hard
Highest access of the trek: 4345m Humla in Nepal, 5630m Mt. Kailash in Tibet
Culture: Chettries, Tibetans
Mode of trekking: Camping trek only
Himalayan sights: Mt. Saipal, Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurla Mandata
Most attraction of the Trek: Rich culture, adventure, scenic beauty, civilization, Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar

Outlined Itinerary:

Day 01: 12th May: Arrival in Kathmandu early in the morning
Day 02: 13th May: Organization Tibet-visa - Sightseeing-Tour in KTM with guide/bus.
Day 03: 14th May: Free day and shopping if needed anything for Tibet
Day 04: 15th May: Transfer airport, flight to Nepalgunj in the late afternoon.
Day 05: 16th May: Flight Nepalgunj – Simikot; and explore Local villages away from Simikot
Day 06: 17th May: Start trekking day 01 (Simikot – Dharapori).
Day 07: 18th May: Trekking day 02 (Dharapori – Kermi).
Day 08: 19th May: Trekking day 03 (Kermi – Yalbang).
Day 09: 20th May: Trekking day 04 (Yalbang – Tumkot Khola/village).
Day 10: 21st May: Trekking day 05 (Tumkot Khola/village – Yari below Nara La).
Day 11: 22nd May: Trekking day 06 (crossing Nara La – Sher); meet cars, transfer to Purang / Taklakot.
Day 12: 23rd May: Drive from Purang to Manasarovar-Lake
Day 13: 24th May: Explore day at Manasarovar, Visit Chiu Gompa, hiking to Gossul Gompa
Day 14: 25th May: Saga Dawa Festival in Darboche
Day 15: 26th May: Kora Mt. Kailash, day 1 (Darboche – Chuku Gompa – Drirapuk).
Day 16: 27th May: Kora, day 2 (Drirapuk – Dölma La – camp 1 ½ hours before Zutrulpuk).
Day 17: 28th May: Kora day 3 (camp – Zutrulpuk (visit Gompa) – Darchen); lunch; leave Darchen, drive to Hor Qu,
Day 18: 29th May: Start for jeep-drive Hor Qu to Saga
Day 19: 30th May: Jeep-drive Saga to Nyalam.
Day 20: 31st May: Drive Nyalam - Zhangmu – Kodari – crossing border and continue to Border Resort for relax
Day 21: 01nd Jun: After lunch drive to KTM; hotel.
Day 22: 02nd Jun: Departure

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