Duration: 30 Days
Best Season: September
Altitude Range: ?
Difficulty: Tough
Group Size: Min. 4 pax, plus Nepali guide-medically trained and experienced, drivers, Tibetan guide and extra Nepali MTB guide if numbers dictate.
Average Daily Distance: 70km
Support: support vehicle, Guide-cum-Mechanic

Mt. Kailash, 6,740 m (22,112ft) is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty with 4 great faces. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion - Bon-Po. For Tibetans; it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world. It is said that a stream from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. The River of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the east, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. Strangely four major rivers are indeed originated near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. For the Tibetans also, it is a particularly special place in that their poet saint Milarepa, spent several years here meditating in a cave.

For the Hindus, Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spiritual centre of the universe. On the top, 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.

In fact, the entire region of Mt. Kailash is of important religious significance and includes the two turquoise-blue, pristine high-altitude lakes of Mansarovar and Rakshesa. Nature lovers can encounter numerous unusual species of birds, wildlife, and flora here. This holy region is known as center of the universe, attracting scholars and researchers from all over.

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1: Sunday Arrival and transfer to hotel in Thamel - Briefing at dinner and handover passports for Chinese visa.
Day 2: Monday Halfday sightseeing. Afternoon check bikes, equipment and packing.
Day 03: Tuesday Transfer to Airport. An hour flight to Lhasa. It's a 1.5 hour (90km) drive to reach our hotel in Lhasa (3658m).
Day 04: Wednesday Easy ride around Lhasa, visit: - Norbulinka, Jokhang and Sera Monasteries, Overnight in Hotel.
Day 05: Thursday Visit Drepung monastery and Potala Palace. Rest of day free to explore Lhasa. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 06: Friday Ride to the bottom of Khambala Pass. Overnight in Camping.
Day 07: Saturday Ride to Nagartse. Overnight in Camping.
Day 08: Sunday Ride to Gyangtse. (Visit Pelche Monastery) Overnight in Hotel
Day 09: Monday Ride to Shigatse. (Tashilhunpo Monastery) Overnight in Hotel
Day 10: Tuesday Ride to Lhatse. Overnight in Lhatse Hotel.
Day 11: Wednesday Ride to Sangsang. (KM 90-100) Overnight in Camping.
Day 12: Thursday Ride to Raka. (KM 110-130) Overnight in Camping.
Day 13: Friday Ride to Saga. (Km 80-100) Overnight in Guest House.
Day 14: Saturday Ride to Basaguke (Km 110-120) Overnight in Camping.
Day 15: Sunday Ride to Zhongpa. (Km 100-110) Overnight in Camping.
Day 16: Monday Ride to Baryang. (Km 100-110) Overnight in Guest House.
Day 17: Tuesday Ride to Mayum La (Km 120-130) Overnight in Camping.
Day 18: Wednesday Ride to Horchu. (Km 100-130) Overnight in Camping.
Day 19: Thursday Ride to Dharchen. (Km 80-100) Overnight in Guest House.
Day 20-22: Friday Mt. Kailash Circle. Overnight in Camping.
Day 23: Monday Ride or Drive to Baryang (Same way Back), Overnight in Camping.
Day 24: Tuesday Ride or Drive to Saga (Same way back), Overnight in Camping.
Day 25: Wednesday Ride to Peiku Tso (Km 100-120), Overnight in Camping)
Day 26: Thursday Ride to Khozo. Front view Mt. Shishapangma. (Km 70-100) Camping.
Day 27: Friday Ride to Below Tongla (Km 100-120), Overnight in Camping.
Day 28: Saturday Ride to Nyalam (Km 80-100), Overnight in Camping
Day 29: Sunday Ride to Friendship Bridge and then to Barabise for Lunch. Drive to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Hotel
Day 30: Monday Departure or start optional programme.

TRIP REQUIREMENTS

Bike Rent: You need a mountain bike in excellent condition with helmet (both available for hire from us). We have big stock of bikes with front suspension e.g. TREK & GIANT with genuine parts.