KAILASH MANSAROVAR TOUR VIA SIMIKOT TREK.

To begin this pilgrimage we start by taking the flight to Simikot in Nepal's remote Humla District. From here our trek follows the ancient salt trading and pilgrimage route towards the Nara Langa pass and to the border trade post at Taklakot. We drive overland north past Gurla Mandata mountain to the shores of Lake Manasarovar and RakasTal Lake and on to Darchen situated at the foot of Mt. Kailash. This holy mountain is revered by Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and Bonpos as the center of the universe. Once there, we will make the 'kora' (holy-walk) trek of the mountain sharing the trail with other pilgrims that head for Kailash during the summer months. After completing this trek we will drive eastwards by jeeps along the mighty Yarlung Zangpo river and through the vastness of the Tibet Plateau. Enjoy fantastic mountain views of the Himalayas as we journey south towards the border town of Zangmu to re-enter Nepal at the Friendship Bridge. This exclusive journey is made for travelers in search of a cultural and spiritual odyssey amidst the splendor of the Himalayan mountain range.

Rigorous trekking, camping and overland driving through the remote and wild western Nepal and Tibet, from 2,745m (9,000ft) to 4,880m (16,000ft) and hiking to a maximum of 5600m (18,400ft). Fully supported trek with all camping equipment, English speaking guide. Overland travel in Tibet using Japanese 4-wheel drives jeeps backed by a truck carrying provisions and equipment. While trekking, clients carry a light day-pack only and walk at an easy pace, all equipment and luggage will be carried by porters/pack-animals.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for any Hindu across the world is a yatra of lifetime. Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spiritual center of the universe, described as a fantastic 'world pillar' 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top live their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati. For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment.

For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions. Over the centuries pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves of sin, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.