Traversing The Tibet Plateau To Mount Kailash

deky · 24th July 2009, 20:07

Over the years people have travelled immense distances in search of enlightenment or just to pursue their spiritual aspirations. They have braved enormous distances into unknown territory and have braved harsh weather conditions just to attain "Nirvana"

One such journey was undertaken by Mom and I between the 30th June and the 16th July. The destination was Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.

Though we did brave harsh weather conditions and some altitude related problems but I am not sure whether we were able to attain Nirvana. But one thing I am totally sure is that this has been the most fulfilling of all my trips ever, the most sceninc, most relaxing and has been totally a different experience of sorts.

Traversing The Tibet Plateau To Mount Kailash-dsc01342.jpg

This travelogue is about the whole experience which I would like to share with all of you.

The first part of the travelogue would contain the daily diary of the trip from Kathmandu to Tibet, going across the plateau to Mt Kailash and back to Kathmandu.

Later on if you guys are interested I would add on various other details related to the trip. This may be beneficial to others who seek to take such trips in future.

khan_sultan · 24th July 2009, 20:20

Wow Deky, this is going to be awesome. One of a kind here. I don't know how many folks here can actually go where you have just gone.

The first picture itself is so breathtaking so I an just only imagine how wonderful it would have been for you there.

Keep it rolling..

deky · 24th July 2009, 20:31

It all started about 6 years back when Mom came up with the idea of visiting Kailash Parbat (the adobe of Lord Shiva). That time Dad and Mom applied to the MEA for the Govt. organised trek via Uttrakhand. They even got selected for the trip but unfortunately were placed in different batches. Various letters to the government also did not solve the problem hence they had to shelve the idea for the trip that year.

After that Nepal maoist problem started and the trip was forgotten till this year when Mom again expressed her desire to go to Mt Kailash. Government organised trek was ruled out due to all the walking involved via this route, hence we were left with only other option that was via-Kathmandu.

A travel agent in Kathmandu was shortlisted and date was finalised for the trip. During all this Dad decided not to go for this trip and I readily offered Mom to accompany her.

After a month of so of preparations finally on the 30th of June Mom and I flew out of Delhi airport to Kathmandu and our trip had started.

R2D2 · 24th July 2009, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by deky

Later on if you guys are interested I would add on various other details related to the trip. This may be beneficial to others who seek to take such trips in future.

Interested??! Are you kidding deky? Yes, YES, YES we are!!!

That sight of Mt Kailash and of Mansarovar is breathtaking. You must have come back feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and simply lighter in being.

For those who just cant wait there's Google Earth.

Rgds,

phamilyman · 24th July 2009, 23:16

Awesome teaser pic.
MORE MORE MORE MORE!!

DIL MANGE mooooooore

pranava999 · 24th July 2009, 23:19

Finally we get to hear from you. Been waiting eagerly for this thread

adc · 25th July 2009, 00:50

Fantastic, that's a trip of a lifetime, sure do post all details

watashi75 · 25th July 2009, 06:34

A very nice start! I guess this would be the first time somebody has posted any pictures of Mansarovar in this forum!

MileCruncher · 25th July 2009, 07:07

Wow! That is another trip of a life time. Please start the journey, am eagerly waiting with seat belts fastened

OT: I thought that MEA was the only route to Mansarovar and never knew that one could do privately. Details on this aspect will be highly appreciated

ASHISHPALLOD · 25th July 2009, 10:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by deky

The first part of the travelogue would contain the daily diary of the trip from Kathmandu to Tibet, going across the plateau to Mt Kailash and back to Kathmandu.

Later on if you guys are interested I would add on various other details related to the trip. This may be beneficial to others who seek to take such trips in future.

As this thread is going to be guide for Manassarovar via Kathmandu,
please post all details and info and pics.

That will be helpful to all.

travelwriter · 25th July 2009, 12:18

@deky

You have an avid follower here. Please pepper in as much details as possible on the booking part. Also, when the bookings start, what sort of papers you need, what sort of medical conditions they check, et al.

And of course, I, too, am waiting for the snaps

NIP · 25th July 2009, 12:30

Man...this is something I've wanted to do for a loooong time !! Waiting for all the pics and info !

deky · 25th July 2009, 14:36

There are 3 possible routes to visit The Kailash Parbat

1. Government Trek Via Uttrakhand.

This was the only route for a while but was stopped in between due to the Sino-India war. Now open again this is a very physically demanding trek that involves 26 days of mostly walking.

This year the MEA trek started in May and will continue till late September. There will be total of 16 batches of 60 pax each. The selection for yatris is done via computer generated lucky draw.

The cost of this trek is
a. Rs. 20,000/- INR to be paid to KMVN
b. Rs. 2200/- INR to be paid to Delhi Hospital for medical Check
c. $700/- USD to be paid to China.
d. Other expenses regarding porter/ponies during the trek.

Since this trek involves a lot of challanges 2 medicals tests are done, one in Delhi before the trek and the other at ITBP check post at Gunji (3500mtrs) after 6 days of trekking.

Any person found medically unfit are not allowed to cross the border to China.

Following is the route taken for this trek.

Traversing The Tibet Plateau To Mount Kailash-handmade.jpg

(this is a hand made map, and is not to the scale)

2. Helicopter trip to Mount Kailash

This is approximately an 11 days trip, where you fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then take a helicopter to the western Nepal border town of Hilsa. Then you proceed to Taklakot by land and continue to do the lake Kora and Mountain Kora as normal.

This trip will cost you around 1.75 lakhs but it is not advisable as you ascend to a height of 4600mtrs (Taklakot) in no time thus not giving you enough time to acclimatise.

3. Land cruiser trip to Mount Kailash ex- Kathmandu

This was the trip we decided to take and followind was the itenary.

Day1: 30/06/09: Arrive at Kathmandu, visit Pashupatinath temple
Day2: 01/07/09: Sightseeing day in Kathmandu
Day3: 02/07/09: Star from kathmandu to Kodari (Nepal-China border) Cross the border into Zhang-Mu (Tibet) and drive to Nyalam
Day4: 03/07/09: Rest day in Nyalam for acclimatisation
Day5: 04/07/09: Drive from Nyalam to Saga
Day6: 05/07/09: Drive from Saga to Paryang
Day7: 06/07/09: Drive from Paryang to Lake Mansarovar and stay at Hor chu camp
Day8: 07/07/09: Start Mansarovar parikrama and drive to Chiu Gompa
Day9; 08/07/09: Chiu Gompa to Darchen (Mt. Kailash Base camp)
Day10:09/07/09: Day 1 of Kailash parikrama- Tarpoche to Derapuk
Day11:10/07/09: Day 2 of Parikrama- Derapuk to Zutul Puk
Day12:11/07/09: Day3 of parikrama - Zutul puk to base camp and then drive to Paryang
Day13:12/07/09: Drive from Paryang to Saga
Day14:13/07/09: Drive from Saga to Zhang Mu
Day15:14/07/09: Cross to Nepal and drive to Kathmandu
Day16:15/07/09: Rest day In Kathmandu
Day17:16/07/09: Back to Delhi

The cost of the trip is Rs. 75,000/- INR (negotiable)

Following is the map

Traversing The Tibet Plateau To Mount Kailash-map-editedcrop.jpg

Thad E Ginathom · 25th July 2009, 15:12

Fascinating!

R2D2 --- thanks for the Google Earth hint

gd1418 · 25th July 2009, 17:33

Guys, you all need to thank me for this travelogue. The threat, a very subtle one, was issued on 24th at 11:22 and a 24 hr deadline was given. And lo behold, within 7 hrs the 1st picture of Lord Shiva's abode appeared.

Deky posted on 24th at 20:07.

NOW DON"T STOP. Continue at a fast pace and satiate our hunger..

24th July 2009, 20:07	#1
deky Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Jaipur Posts: 1,194 Thanked: 1,247 Times	Traversing The Tibet Plateau To Mount Kailash Over the years people have travelled immense distances in search of enlightenment or just to pursue their spiritual aspirations. They have braved enormous distances into unknown territory and have braved harsh weather conditions just to attain "Nirvana" One such journey was undertaken by Mom and I between the 30th June and the 16th July. The destination was Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Though we did brave harsh weather conditions and some altitude related problems but I am not sure whether we were able to attain Nirvana. But one thing I am totally sure is that this has been the most fulfilling of all my trips ever, the most sceninc, most relaxing and has been totally a different experience of sorts. This travelogue is about the whole experience which I would like to share with all of you. The first part of the travelogue would contain the daily diary of the trip from Kathmandu to Tibet, going across the plateau to Mt Kailash and back to Kathmandu. Later on if you guys are interested I would add on various other details related to the trip. This may be beneficial to others who seek to take such trips in future.
	(8) Thanks

24th July 2009, 20:20	#2
khan_sultan Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Noida/Bangalore Posts: 4,925 Thanked: 5,853 Times View My Garage	Wow Deky, this is going to be awesome. One of a kind here. I don't know how many folks here can actually go where you have just gone. The first picture itself is so breathtaking so I an just only imagine how wonderful it would have been for you there. Keep it rolling..
	() Thanks

24th July 2009, 20:31	#3
deky Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Jaipur Posts: 1,194 Thanked: 1,247 Times	It all started about 6 years back when Mom came up with the idea of visiting Kailash Parbat (the adobe of Lord Shiva). That time Dad and Mom applied to the MEA for the Govt. organised trek via Uttrakhand. They even got selected for the trip but unfortunately were placed in different batches. Various letters to the government also did not solve the problem hence they had to shelve the idea for the trip that year. After that Nepal maoist problem started and the trip was forgotten till this year when Mom again expressed her desire to go to Mt Kailash. Government organised trek was ruled out due to all the walking involved via this route, hence we were left with only other option that was via-Kathmandu. A travel agent in Kathmandu was shortlisted and date was finalised for the trip. During all this Dad decided not to go for this trip and I readily offered Mom to accompany her. After a month of so of preparations finally on the 30th of June Mom and I flew out of Delhi airport to Kathmandu and our trip had started. Last edited by deky : 24th July 2009 at 20:36.
	() Thanks

24th July 2009, 23:16	#5
phamilyman Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 5,968 Thanked: 4,642 Times	Awesome teaser pic. MORE MORE MORE MORE!! DIL MANGE mooooooore
	() Thanks

24th July 2009, 23:19	#6
pranava999 BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: BANGALORE Posts: 845 Thanked: 23 Times View My Garage	Finally we get to hear from you. Been waiting eagerly for this thread
	() Thanks

25th July 2009, 00:50	#7
adc Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kolkata Posts: 1,352 Thanked: 2,289 Times View My Garage	Fantastic, that's a trip of a lifetime, sure do post all details
	() Thanks

25th July 2009, 06:34	#8
watashi75 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 518 Thanked: 12 Times	A very nice start! I guess this would be the first time somebody has posted any pictures of Mansarovar in this forum!
	() Thanks

25th July 2009, 07:07	#9
MileCruncher Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: MH01 Posts: 4,235 Thanked: 592 Times View My Garage	Wow! That is another trip of a life time. Please start the journey, am eagerly waiting with seat belts fastened OT: I thought that MEA was the only route to Mansarovar and never knew that one could do privately. Details on this aspect will be highly appreciated
	() Thanks

25th July 2009, 12:18	#11
travelwriter BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 294 Thanked: 115 Times	@deky You have an avid follower here. Please pepper in as much details as possible on the booking part. Also, when the bookings start, what sort of papers you need, what sort of medical conditions they check, et al. And of course, I, too, am waiting for the snaps
	() Thanks

25th July 2009, 12:30	#12
NIP Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,180 Thanked: 152 Times View My Garage	Man...this is something I've wanted to do for a loooong time !! Waiting for all the pics and info !
	() Thanks

25th July 2009, 14:36	#13
deky Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Jaipur Posts: 1,194 Thanked: 1,247 Times	Various Routes There are 3 possible routes to visit The Kailash Parbat 1. Government Trek Via Uttrakhand. This was the only route for a while but was stopped in between due to the Sino-India war. Now open again this is a very physically demanding trek that involves 26 days of mostly walking. This year the MEA trek started in May and will continue till late September. There will be total of 16 batches of 60 pax each. The selection for yatris is done via computer generated lucky draw. The cost of this trek is a. Rs. 20,000/- INR to be paid to KMVN b. Rs. 2200/- INR to be paid to Delhi Hospital for medical Check c. $700/- USD to be paid to China. d. Other expenses regarding porter/ponies during the trek. Since this trek involves a lot of challanges 2 medicals tests are done, one in Delhi before the trek and the other at ITBP check post at Gunji (3500mtrs) after 6 days of trekking. Any person found medically unfit are not allowed to cross the border to China. Following is the route taken for this trek. (this is a hand made map, and is not to the scale) 2. Helicopter trip to Mount Kailash This is approximately an 11 days trip, where you fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then take a helicopter to the western Nepal border town of Hilsa. Then you proceed to Taklakot by land and continue to do the lake Kora and Mountain Kora as normal. This trip will cost you around 1.75 lakhs but it is not advisable as you ascend to a height of 4600mtrs (Taklakot) in no time thus not giving you enough time to acclimatise. 3. Land cruiser trip to Mount Kailash ex- Kathmandu This was the trip we decided to take and followind was the itenary. Day1: 30/06/09: Arrive at Kathmandu, visit Pashupatinath temple Day2: 01/07/09: Sightseeing day in Kathmandu Day3: 02/07/09: Star from kathmandu to Kodari (Nepal-China border) Cross the border into Zhang-Mu (Tibet) and drive to Nyalam Day4: 03/07/09: Rest day in Nyalam for acclimatisation Day5: 04/07/09: Drive from Nyalam to Saga Day6: 05/07/09: Drive from Saga to Paryang Day7: 06/07/09: Drive from Paryang to Lake Mansarovar and stay at Hor chu camp Day8: 07/07/09: Start Mansarovar parikrama and drive to Chiu Gompa Day9; 08/07/09: Chiu Gompa to Darchen (Mt. Kailash Base camp) Day10:09/07/09: Day 1 of Kailash parikrama- Tarpoche to Derapuk Day11:10/07/09: Day 2 of Parikrama- Derapuk to Zutul Puk Day12:11/07/09: Day3 of parikrama - Zutul puk to base camp and then drive to Paryang Day13:12/07/09: Drive from Paryang to Saga Day14:13/07/09: Drive from Saga to Zhang Mu Day15:14/07/09: Cross to Nepal and drive to Kathmandu Day16:15/07/09: Rest day In Kathmandu Day17:16/07/09: Back to Delhi The cost of the trip is Rs. 75,000/- INR (negotiable) Following is the map Last edited by deky : 25th July 2009 at 14:37.
	(5) Thanks

25th July 2009, 15:12	#14
Thad E Ginathom Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 11,005 Thanked: 26,443 Times	Fascinating! R2D2 --- thanks for the Google Earth hint
	() Thanks

25th July 2009, 17:33	#15
gd1418 Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 3,578 Thanked: 728 Times View My Garage	Guys, you all need to thank me for this travelogue. The threat, a very subtle one, was issued on 24th at 11:22 and a 24 hr deadline was given. And lo behold, within 7 hrs the 1st picture of Lord Shiva's abode appeared. Deky posted on 24th at 20:07. NOW DON"T STOP. Continue at a fast pace and satiate our hunger..
	() Thanks