Most travelers make the strenuous, sometimes very expensive trip to west Tibet in order to pay homage to Kailash, the holiest mountain for both Buddhists and Hindus. Two other important west Tibet sites for pilgrims are Lake Manasarovar and Tirthapuri. A major destination of monumental cultural and artistic interest in the kingdom of Guge, founded in the mid 10th C are sited northwest of Kailash. Its twin centres of Tsaparang and Tholing preserved Buddhism in Tibet during the turbulent downfall of Yarlung dynasty. Most importantly they still remain exquisite 15th C works of arts. The satlej river valley was the focus of Guge and is a thoroughly fascinating, albeit difficult, region to explore on foot. Khyunglung, a cave monastery within the valley, is reputed to be the Bonpo religion’s place of origin. Within the vast territory of west Tibet are the sources of some of Asia’s most important rivers – the Tsangpo, the Indus, the Karnali and the Setlej. The strategic frontier town of Purang (Taklakot) is about 100 km southwest of Mt. Kailash; it links west Tibet with India and Nepal.

The astonishing journey to the western Tibet takes you through Tibet's holy Mount Kailash and mythical Lake Manasarovar to the hidden valley of Humla in Nepal’s most western frontier. From the border town of Zhangmu we start our journey to the base of holy mountain Kailash, from where the strenuous trek follows the ancient salt trading and pilgrimage route towards the Nara Langa pass and the border trade post at Taklakot to Simikot. The 3-day ‘Kora’ or circumambulation of the world's most sacred mountain is tough - relax afterwards beside Lake Manasarovar. This fascinating journey is made for travelers in search of a cultural and spiritual odyssey amidst the splendor of the Himalayan mountain range.

Day to Day Outline Itinerary