Simikot Kailash Tour

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At a Glance
20 Days
Duration
Moderate to Strenuous
Trip Grade
Tibet
Country
5,750m
Maximum Altitude
2 - 10
Group Size
Simikot
Starts
Mar - Nov
Best Time
Overview

Humla Simikot is the shortest and most realistic route to visit Mt. Kailash and Mansarover in terms of gaining elevation and distance. As Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar are the sacred shrines of Hindus, Buddhists, Bonpo, and Jainism, thousands of people from India, Nepal, Tibet, and other countries visit every year. This route is the most popular spiritual journey to Tibet and is being developed as a transit point between India and China. The governments of Nepal and China officially agreed to open the Hilsa border in May 1993 for prosperity and easy access between the two countries. From that time on, travelers can make tours to Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake through the Hilsa border. Simikot, the most remote district of Nepal, is located far northwest along the border with Tibet. Besides Holy Tour, it treats its visitors with amazing landscape views and outstanding richness in culture and history.

According to the Hindu myth “Vishnu Purana,"  Mount Kailash (6,638 m) is the holiest mountain in the Himalayas, known as the central pillar of the world, with four faces made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli. Similarly, the holy lake Manasarovar, situated at 4,590 meters elevation, is an epitome of purity, and people who drink water from this lake will go to heaven. It is associated with nearby Lake Rakshas Tal by the natural Ganga Chhu channel, four of the most significant rivers of the Hidden Subcontinent: the Indus, Sutlej, Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges River and Nepal's longest river), and Brahmaputra.

The Mt. Kailash Tour starts from Simikot (2985 m); as there is no direct flight from Kathmandu to Simikot, you need to spend at least one night at Nepaljung to catch the morning flight to Simikot. The trail passes along the Karnali riverbank, through beautiful mountain scenery and villages, leading into the nontouristic region of Nepal that was historically used by salt caravans traveling across the border to Tibet, which is considered one of the most magical countries in the world. It climbs to Nara La Pass (4560 m) through the Dharapori, Kermi, Yalbang, Muchu, and Yari on the way to the Limi Valley trail and arrives at Hilsa before reaching the arid Tibetan Plateau. Sera is the first settlement encountered upon entering Tibet.

Trekking from Simikot gives you plenty of time to acclimatize at the higher altitudes. Even if we reach Manasarovar before Mt. Kailash, according to the religious view, first we need to complete the Mount Kailashpilgrim’s Kora (Trek), 50 kilometers (31 miles) cross by Dolma-La pass at 5,600 m. It takes four days to complete the Kora, giving you time for the necessary acclimatization as well as the opportunity to visit three main monasteries with many pilgrims. The Simikot to Kailash tour goes along with the religious Tibetan pilgrims in their colorful robes, giving deep belief in the walk an exceptional spiritual dimension. You see close enough to touch the mighty Shishapangma Mountain. Before reaching the border, drive past the famous Lake Pikutso and return through wild gorges and the renowned Lalung La Pass (5200 m), which is situated directly at the Dhi Ra Puck Monastery on the striking north wall of the sacred mountain, especially during sunrise and sunset, providing an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

This itinerary is a tour through varied, diverse climate and vegetation zones with unique cultural experiences in the Himalayas. You drive across the Tibetan plateau, endless width on the northern edge of the massive Himalayan range of Mt. Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri massif, and then cross the border back into Nepal near the town of Zhangmu. We at Nepal Mother House are glad to organize your Tibet tour via Simikot with local expertise according to your holiday schedule and requirements.

Day-to-day

Simikot Kailash Tour Itinerary

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu; you will be picked up by our Nepal Mother House staffs to check in Hotel at Thamel. It is a touristic hub of the city from where you can go shopping, tour Durbar squares, visit different temples and meet the need of your taste buds with any food you want to eat that why we choose Thamel for you.

Day Highlights

This is your second day in Nepal; we introduce the Guide and other staff and organize permit and paper work. While organizing restricted area permit, we need your Nepal visa which must be validate entire trip and original passport with 4 copy of PP Size pictures each of you. So, normally it is not possible organized all your permits before your Nepal arrival, according to Nepal immigration rule. Or you may explore to the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa and Durbar Squares and shopping for the trekking.

Day Highlights

Today, you will fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. There is not direct flight Kathmandu to Simikot, so at list you need to stay one night in Nepalgunj before you catch a plane to Humla. Nepalgunj is a business hub for both the city dwellers and those who live high mountains. As Nepalganj is just five miles (8km) by Indian border, so the traditional and culture is similar like Indian. And it comes as no surprise that it looks more like an Indian city than it is a Nepali one. Nepaljung is Terai region the temperature is high here and the condition humid for most part of the year. You will check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day Highlights

Today you will fly to Simikot. It takes about 45 minutes flight from take off to touch down from Nepalgunj. The flight is a amazing through the ridges and ravines in the spectacular mountains. Landing at the Simikot Airport is no less adventure as it is just a graveled airstrip but it has planning to become asphalt soon. You feel like you are in a different world due to the sudden rise in altitude and decrease in temperature. The high mountains climate with fresh air makes your breathing cool and fell refreshing. You are staying night in the tented camp or you can stay at Guest House.

Day Highlights

This is you first day trip. After hot breakfast day starts with the hike to a pass (3,150m) which is approximately an hour. Then the trail is a descent of about an hour to Majgaon. Mostly the trail goes through the pine forest where you can see local Hindu and Buddhist people in their traditional dress accompanied by their herds of cattle. Cattle are main transportation modes in this area. They carry the load for the people in this part of the world because there is no motor able road. If people have not their cattle then people carry their loads on their backs with head strip and take them to destination. When you passing Majgaon, the trail get rough; one corner it is descent and it is ascent the next corner. Some people called Nepali flat for this particular topography. At higher you have green and lush scenery. When you decide to call it a day, your night will be spent in a tented Camp.

Day Highlights

Today the trail goes through the Karnali River Side with unusual one for some in that the track keeps altering the elevation within matters of a couple hundred meters. Sometime the trail goes through the narrow gorges of Karnali River with high rocky slopes and there will be moments when you find yourself walking right at the bank of the river. Then you will walk by pattern of cultivation land by local. They grow barley, buckwheat, potatoes, bean and rice and doing animal husbandry. Today you will enjoy hot spring at Kermi after 30 minutes hiking. People of here and further above are following the Buddhism, you can see Monastery and Chorten with beautifully craft Mane wall every village. There are popular two monasteries, Lakiyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. The first one was from few hundred years old, within 45 minutes walking distance from the camp. To get latter one takes 30 minutes from the camp, is relatively new and was built less than a century ago. The trekkers not often visit the monasteries, but you may batter you visit this for new experience. Rest of the day you will wonder around the village. During the night time you have strange howls of jackals and hyenas keep reminding you that you are at the lap of the nature.

Day Highlights

Today the trail is more easer. Except a small pass, most of the trail to the Yalbang is flat with nice scenery alongside the fields with different species of lizards and other creatures. The walk on big iron suspension bridge over the Sali River will be great fun for your journey. From here the trail descent from this point forward. You might want to stop few minutes for sipping tea and coffee nibbling some cookies. The trip is better from here as there are beautiful pine and rhododendron trees above your head and bright green Karnali down the hill. As cattle are main transportation means of this area, you do not be surprised if you bump by caravans of mules and Dzomo (hybrid of yak and cow). The local villagers are travelling for trade from Simikot to Nyinba Valley and Taklakot. This is main trade hub across the Tibetan border.

In the Yalbang village, there are many places and heritages site to spend extra days as explore. You may visit to the Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. The monastery is ancient structure with beautiful craving and Tibetan mantra at wall. This is one of the biggest monasteries in the region where are about 130 monks living. The monastery originally comes from the Nyingmapa Lineage, the oldest Buddhist lineage. According to the legend it was founded by Guru Rimporche in 7th century, who is a great magician. Inside the monastery there is a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and other smaller statues along with that of Guru Rimporche. There is Buddhism school and a clinic. You may participate for praying ceremony in the monastery which is happened at every morning and noon. You will soak with the spiritual vibes by being a part of the ritual. Please be quiet and remain behind the monks near one of the walls they had there. If you like to know more about monastery, the monk will guiding you to solve your curiosity. This night makes more fun by melody of jackals and hyenas coming from the distant bushes.

Day Highlights

After having breakfast, the journey continues on as we catch up with the trail from where we left off. The trail is heading to the Yangar village where the Karnali River leaves below. Today most of the path is flat except at some parts of the journey there are three sided tunnel like trails that are fixed out of huge boulders. The climate is change every half or an hour walking. The greenery begins to disappear and so do the smaller bushes. The pine forest finished here and appraiser huge part of rocky hillocks. Then, you will across the big wooden suspension bridge over Karnali River. Begin to climb through the Rocky Mountains, where the party is only getting started and you can tell that by looking. The trail continues to climb until it reaches the climax of the deep gorge. You flow emerald green Karnali bottomless under the gorge still embraces the same charm and continues to keep you a company. Do not need to be surprised, when you witness ancient trade methods still existing in same old fashion like the sheep carrying the sacks of salt on their backs. Then, trail goes through the army camp and stop for the quick tea coffee with snacks.

It takes 3 to 4 hours to get t in Muchu village. If you have energy left, we heading to Tumkot about additional an hour walk. Tumkot is beautiful village; where the main trail breaks down two parts for a small market. The north part of the same market is Tumkot. If walk 20 minutes on top of a rocky mountain, you get in Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, which is affiliated to Shakya Lineage. This is considered one of the important monasteries in the Tibetan region. This is the only Shakya monastery in Humla districts. Should the warden of the monastery be available he will give you insight on every minute detail that the monastery has in its bosom. It is a heart blowing to see that the monastery with bad shape and needs an immediate renovation though. You will stay overnight in a tent.

Day Highlights

The track of today continues to go up and steeper with similar climate, vegetation and the landscape. After a few hours hike the climate begins to change. The landscape becomes more rocky and barren despair green pine trees and starts to see short and low junipers. You have sight of under construction trail. Further more on the end of the road brings you to the Pani Palwang village with some tea houses. This place is a perfect for the lunch break. From here the Yari or Thado Dunga is just an hour and half. You will stay overnight in the tent which by the way is going to feel like nothing less than a five star hotel suite after all the day hard work.

Day Highlights

Today the trail is quite harder; we need to cross Nara La Pass an elevation of 4,560 meters. The trees are despair and start to see dry marine land with beautiful landscape looks more like that of Tibet. Often you will see herd of Dzopas, Mules and Yaks on the trail. Especially yaks with huge body and long hair interested to see. The trail from Thado Dunga is steeper and harder. Often you might want to stop for a cup of tea and water enjoying with beautiful scenery. To get in top of Nara La, there is still two more hours. Today you might see some snow on the trail as first time of the trip. The trail for today will just half after the top. On the top you can see the piles of stones, and Buddhist prayer flags looming in the air, this is symbol of bring good luck on you. Furthermore, you are captivated the breathtaking view of Tibet on the one side and spectacular view of Yari Village down below. Beautiful landscape with barren mountains in brown, copper, ash and dark yellow colors as far as you can see. The rest of the trail from here is an unstable descent down until Nepal and Tibet border. There is optional trail if you want to play it safe and go through the dirt road which takes a bit longer or take a steep short cut. You are staying overnight at tent. This will be like nothing you have ever done before.

Day Highlights

You will leave the Hila after cross the big iron bridge over the Karnali River, some time there is traffic jam of donkey and trekkers. Then, walk along a narrow trail that winds its way up until you connect with the main route on the higher hill. Again the trail fallows the Karnali River all the way to Manepeme. Most of the trail today is up and down, this will be perfect training rest of the trip. Due to amazing landscapes, jungle and barren mountains blow your mind away and you won’t fell tired. And no prizes for guessing, you will be spending your night in a tent.

Day Highlights

This is your day twelfth of trip, still you need to climbing up continues. After couple of hours walking you will choose a small path that stays at the same level for a while and the wider path that starts going up instantly. This narrow trail takes you to a very old meditation cave, Ya Yip Phuk. A famous translator of Buddhist scriptures Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo (985-1055 AD), meditated in this very cave. He had great contribute to exchange cultural exchange between Tibet and India by his movement. Finally he led to spread the Buddhism in Tibet. Now the trail is appearance teeming with lush and green plants. You can see uncontrolled juniper trees along with some other shorter greenery.

The trail keeps going up until you have arrived at Lamka La an elevation of 4,300 meters. Than it descent all the way to Til, you will find it batter walking. As you get closer to the Til, you will find Chörtens (Stupas) as sign of settlement. You will see white buildings attached to the slope, which got to be the monastery with some retreat houses in the edge of the Gumpa. But you still have some time before you see the actual human settlements. The houses are perfectly colored to disguise in the surroundings. Finally you have arrived at Til, you will find the background has gotten green curtains for it. There is cultivation land around with barley fields. During the September and October it looks bright yellow colour with beautiful snow mountains behind you.

Til is a beautiful village like any other village in Limi Valley. The culture and people life style here is like similar Tibetan people. There is a Chorten to the village gateway. They conserve former Tibetan culture, they wear their traditional dresses, men wear a long thick brown coat, with one sleeve down and the women wear a long brown or blue dress with a colorful apron made from yak wool. They have long colorful cape to keep their heads worm. Big turquoise stones jewelry looks them beautiful. The old age spend most part of their day in spiritual activities, spinning around prayer wheels and humming “Om Mani Padme Hum” meaning roughly “blessed is the jewel in the lotus”. This mantra (chant) is believed to be possessed by Avalokitesvara, the Buddhisatva (a Buddhist half god) who supposedly stays on Earth to anchor humanity to enlightenment and compassion. When you call it a day, you head to a tent and get a sound sleep.

Day Highlights

The thirteen day of trek is less work and more fun relatively easy and smooth walk. You will walk few hours to get in Halji and have spare daylight, by the time this give you opportunity to wander around the village and have a look around the monasteries. The Limi River fills Karnali’s shoes as Limi River accompanies your trail. Keep an eye around because you never know when those highly endangered species are going to show up. Please, do not miss out such an opportunity. With luck on your side, you might come across mountain goats, deer, snow leopards, and even blue sheep. This place is behind the Himalaya treasure. The trail goes through the Chörten and big Mani wall, Mani walls are low walls built up with many stones with holy mantras and Buddhist deities carved on them. The Rinchenling Gompa is affiliated to Kagyugpa Lineage; it is the holiest Monastery in the region built on 14th century and is also the centre of religious activities in the Limi Valley. The main hall has a well decorated idol of Shakyamuni Buddha. Other rooms have smaller statues, a completed version of Kenjur (the Buddhist scripture), masks and costumes used during different cultural carnivals. They do not charge you for the entrance but you have to pay 500 NRS for the picture. Your stay overnight will be at one of the teahouses or your own tented camp.

Day Highlights

This is relatively a relaxed trek of about five hours. Most of the time, the path goes through the Limi river bank. The companionship of Limi River makes every single second worthwhile. Jang is the third and the last village of Limi Valley. And like all other village it is nothing short of dignity, surprises and beauty. As far as Jang is from the modern hustle and bustle and as free as it is from the modernism, Tibetan cultures come alive here at their purest. Here is a beautiful Gompa which you can visit after paid 500 NRS. You can stay night in the tea house also.

Day Highlights

Today is best part of the trek, that until Kermi through the wilderness trail no human settlements and most fantastic landscapes. The trail gets harder at times and crossing few wooden brides on the rivers and streams. The trail remains slow and steady goes up until Talang. You will be staying in tent for overnight at Talang.

Day Highlights

Today is day sixteenth of the trek, this will take you at highest point of the tour. Nyalu La pass is highest point with 5,001 meters from the sea level. Walking at such high elevation with tiny trail is an adventure itself even though, you will enjoy with beautiful mountain and nature. Snowy trail, 360 degree view of Humla and Tibet, the glimpse of glorious mountains like Mount Saipal (7031m), and Mount Kailash (6714m) make you unforgettable trip. Taking some pictures on the top, rest of the path climbs down after you across the pass. The altitude fall down quickly, at 4630 meters elevation there is a tranquil Selma Tso Lake. The downward slope continues on its course all the way down to Shinjungma , where you camp setting for overnight stay. The vegetation and climate is changing very much, the Sali River, steep slopes, Mount Kailash.

Day Highlights

Your first day walking in the human settlements in days after your trek started. You will get back to Kermi Village today with 3,000 meters below altitude after long time. But the walk does not get any better due to you will be treading on the solid grounds amidst pine and birch trees and Sali River by your side. The trail takes you to the Karnali River and your parade heads eastbound. You can relax at hot spring; dip your tired body into the hot pound before seeing off your day in a tented camp.

Day Highlights

The day begins with few ups and downs along the road and nice landscape. The trail is smooth up to Darapuri (2300m) and Majgaon(2290m) you will enjoy very much. Then, after Majgaon the trail decides to turn aggressive. It takes two hours walk up the hill from the Karnali River until you reach a pass at the height of 3,000 meters. From there on, it is another half an hour walks to get in Simikot. You have hot water proper shower after long time and walking around the market. You will be spent the night in a tent.

Day Highlights

You trip end on day 18 th, with Limi Valley end. Back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj is long way due to few flights, unpredictable weather and geographic condition. You will collect with some life long memories during this tour. Your flight will be earliest possible in the morning to make sure in schedule. During spare time, you will scan through the market in Thamel for some souvenir. We will provide you suite cozy hotel after about two weeks and half tip.

Day Highlights

Your trip concludes airport transportation fly for your won destinations from Tribhuvan International Airport.

Day Highlights
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Included

Simikot Kailash Tour Cost Details

Includes

  • Arrival and departure of all transportation (airport to hotel to airport).
  • 3+ 1 night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepaljung twin sharing basic.
  • Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek with tea and coffee each meal.
  • High-quality camping equipment: North Face or Mountain Hardware or similar kitchen, dining, toilet tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment.
  • All-round transportation during the trip from Kathmandu to Nepaljung to Simikot by plane or private/local tourist bus, car, or van per the itinerary.
  • Humla Simikot Restricted Area special permit & TIMS (Trekkers Information System) Cards.
  • Warm-down jacket and sleeping bag for the trek.
  • Government license holder English-speaking experienced Local Guide with their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and transportation.
  • Requiring porters (one porter between every 2 people basic) Max. 20-25 kg, Cook, Kitchen, boy, and Sherpa. Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, Transport, and equipment.
  • One Sherpa (assistance guide) if the group size is more than 6 people. Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transport, and equipment.
  • Duffle bag during the trek and first aid medical kid.
  • Service charge, VAT, government tax, and official expenses if necessary.
  • Assistance in acquiring the Chinese visa
  • All necessary permit(s) and entry fees (including Tibet Travel Permit)
  • Tibet border (Zhang-Mu) to Kathmandu transportation by comfortable vehicle
  • Hilsa, Kailash, Garuda Valley, Zhang-Mu transfer by Private vehicles (van, Hiace or bus)
  • Fees for porter or horse from Simikot to Hilsa and during Kora
  • All applicable taxes and service charges
  • Lake Mansorver Kora bus fee
  • All necessary paperwork
  • Welcome and fare well program.

Excludes

  • All kinds of beverages, including mineral water, phone calls, laundry, and hot showers during Trek.
  • Travel insurance and evacuation (compulsory).
  • Lunch and Dinner (including any meal except breakfast) in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj and all meals in Tibet
  • Personal mountaineering gear and optional trips and sightseeing if extended. 
  • Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation and porters.
  • Horse rental while on Parikrama (approximately US $200) or personal porter (approximately US $100).
  • Emergency evacuation costs (cost for renting a Land Cruiser) (medical and rescue insurance is recommended). We advise you to purchase insurance with a zero deductible.
  • Accommodation(s) outside the itinerary
  • Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu.
  • Items and expenses of a personal nature.
  • Any costs that arise due to a change of the itinerary because of landslides, political disturbances, strikes, etc.
  • Any other costs whatsoever that are not mentioned in the cost included.
  • Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
  • I am tipping for the crew (hotels, restaurants, guides, drivers, etc.) and personal expenses like Shopping, souvenirs, or gifts.
  • China Group Visa fees per person (US$ 85.00 for other countries, US$ 155.00 for Canadian, and USA Nationality US$ 175.00).
  • International airfare and airport departure tax.
  • Flight Ticket (Kathmandu-Lhasa/Lhasa-Kathmandu)
  • Lunches & dinners; refreshments, bottled/alcoholic drinks
  • Photography charges at monasteries/palaces/sites
  • Nepal re-entry Visa (multiple entry visas are available)
  • Extra cost for upgrading rooms at hotels if/when applicable
  • Any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in program, and delays due to landslides/road blockage or otherwise
  • Things that aren’t mentioned above are in our services (Trip Cost Includes).
Availability

Departure Dates

Except fixed departure date, we have every day departure according to your requirements.

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