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From Lhasa a scenic drive towards Mt.Kailash with sightseeing tours at the famed ancient towns and cities of Gyantse and Shigatse. On arriving Lharze, our adventure starts off away from the main highway to Kathmandu for some days, the road climbs to the most wonderful scenic point with the most amazing views of the great Himalayan peaks.

Mt. Kailash (6714m) is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty with four great faces; the eastern face is believed to be crystal, the western ruby, the southern sapphire and the northern gold. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion-Bonpo.

To Tibetan it is known as Ghang Rimpoche(Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the naval 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. It is really fascinating to know that, the four major river system of the Indian Sub-Continent originates near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetan believes that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phangmo. From the early days up till now for the Tibetans and Buddhism it is more than a holy place, as their great poet, tantric saint Milarepa spent several years meditating in cave around the Mt. Kailash area.

For the Hindus Kailash is their spiritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic ‘World Pillar’ 84000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its root in the lowest hell and its summit reaching the heaven and the abode of their revered God Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.

For the pre-ancient religion Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven and it was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all western Tibet. Bon people circumambulate this holy mountain in an anti-clockwise manner; unlike the other religion doing it clockwise.

Over the centuries, pilgrims from all corners of the world have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves from sins, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.

‘A cultural journey at the roof of the world’

This remarkable trip covering the best parts of Tibet with fabulous journey, offering awesome rock formation cascades and canyons slightly hidden under the clear blue sky. With numerous high passes with stunning views of the picturesque landscape, tranquil lakes, rural traditional villages, large meadows with nomad camps scattered all around. This scenic exciting overland trip is one of the best in short duration.

The journey passes by the ancient most lavishly decorated monasteries and temples with chanting saffron colored monks, ever smiling faces of people and their typical lifestyle all contributes to this trip a memory of your lifetime. A land so rich in culture, tradition and steeped in religion with its unique landscape cast an enchanted spell that holds you in thrill and excitement. A sweeping panoramic flight over the mighty Himalayas with the breathtaking views of Everest and Makalu concludes this wonderful trip.

“A cultural journey in the high valleys, world’s highest monastery with Himalayan backdrop”

A journey of a life time at the roof of the world, visiting the ancient monasteries and the colorful bazaar, and finally on the foot of Mt. Everest at the Base Camp certainly makes this trip a memorable trip, as this trip covers all the best part of Tibet.

Tibet, with its vast landscapes from the verdant forest to the arid dry moonscapes, huddled in the rain shadow behind the mass range of the northern Himalaya, certainly makes this land as mysterious as it was for centuries and it still retains the feel of the medieval period and a tinge of Shangri-la. Located with pride at an average altitude of over 3000 meter, today mankind’s enthusiasm and curiosity has flung open the “Mighty doors” to experience the lifestyle, culture and landscape of this “Virgin Land”.   Stunning picturesque scenery of the landscape, rural villages, people, monasteries and breathe taking views the snow capped mountains from Mt.Everest, Cho-Oyu, Shisa-pangma and array of snow capped peaks. Our Tibet trip from Lhasa, Shigaste, Shegar and to Old Tingri onwards is one of the magnificent drive passing through traditional Tibetan villages and nomads camps with constant views of the close snow capped peaks, after a great tour of the great historical cities our route head towards Everest Base Camp via Pangla-pass at 5,200m and towards Rongbuk Monastery where the view of Mt.Everest is beyond imagination.

Drive continues to the highest monastery at Rongbuk through the large village of Tashi Dzong, and valleys with the ever present vista of the snow capped mountain before reaching our highest destination at Everest Base Camp at 5,200m, with ample time to explore around and heading back to join the main Friendship Highway and the Trans Himalayan Trade Route at Tingri. Journey continues on the good road to the last frontier town at Zhangmu and then back to Kathmandu.

Mt. Kailash 6714m is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty, with four great faces; the eastern face is believed to be crystal, the western ruby, the southern sapphire and the northern gold. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion-Bonpo.

Tibet remains one of the most interesting, remote and undeveloped parts of the world. It is without a doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most likeable people you will ever meet.

The travelling in Tibet can be hard, adventurous and often unpredictable. Due to Tibet’s high altitude travellers with a history of heart, lung or anaemia problems should consult a doctor before even thinking about a visit. The main overland travel between Kathmandu and Kailash is an incredible, wonderful and amazing trip. However, if you are not up for a bit of adventure, or for accommodation, amenities that may be far from perfect, perhaps this trip is not for you as the trip to Tibet is not easy and is well worth the effort. Visitors should also understand before taking this trip that Tibet was only opened to tourism 19 years ago. The infrastructure of the Tourist industry is still very basic in this remote country. Please do not expect the standard you are accustomed to in the west. However, every effort will be made under the circumstance to ensure a smooth & pleasant trip.

Despite the fact that travelling to Tibetan terrain is full of hardship yet due to the immense religious significance it holds for many religious group Mt. Kailash has become the focus of the travellers around the world to feel the achievement of salvation being in the holy place. And to make the journey as comfortable as possible Gurkha Encounters offer all the support, planning and advice needed to help you realise your dream. Our specialised team of advisors, guides, cooks and Sherpas are always happy to apply their extensive knowledge and experience to help with all your planning, needs and requirements to create an enjoyable and memorable journey to the sacred mountain, Mt. Kailash.

Mt. Kailash (6714m) is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty with four great faces; the eastern face is believed to be crystal, the western ruby, the southern sapphire and the northern gold. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion-Bonpo.

To Tibetan it is known as Ghang Rimpoche(Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the naval 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. It is really fascinating to know that, the four major river system of the Indian Sub-Continent originates near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetan believes that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phangmo. From the early days up till now for the Tibetans and Buddhism it is more than a holy place, as their great poet, tantric saint Milarepa spent several years meditating in cave around the Mt. Kailash area.

For the Hindus Kailash is their spiritual centre of the universe, described as a fantastic ‘World Pillar’ 84000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its root in the lowest hell and its summit reaching the heaven and the abode of their revered God Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.

For the pre-ancient religion Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven and it was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all western Tibet. Bon people circumambulate this holy mountain in an anti-clockwise manner; unlike the other religion doing it clockwise.

Over the centuries, pilgrims from all corners of the world have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves from sins, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.

Adventure at the Roof of the world

The trek to Samye Monastery from Ganden is one of the most beautiful and pleasant trek with steep uphill route, it can be quite strenuous because of it’s high altitude of over 5000 metere passes of Shuga La(5,240m) and Chitu-La (5040m/16,700ft) The Trek from Ganden heads south reaching the first ridge at 4,510m/14,800ft. After an hour walk, the trail continues due south across the valley leading up to the first pass, Shuga-la, after the last village of Hebu. On the first few hours of trek there are few places where you need to cross the streams and creeks.

The trail passes through nomads and Shepherds camp with the hill side dotted with marmots dens. The dwarf rhododendron along this area are delightful and beautiful sight during the summer when it’s in bloom in miniture bouquets of pink, white and purple.

As the trek passes through beautiful country and meadows of green carpets, camp is made where there is creek nearby on the summer pastures. Before Chitu-la there is a small glacial lake, after the pass the trail follows the creek all the way to the Samye valley through the Yamalung pilgrimage site of the Nyingmapa sect, as you come to the village of Nyango.

A good three hours walk from here brings you to the first great Buddhist Monastery in Tibet, at Samye founded in 775 A.D.

Tibet, with its vast landscapes from the verdant forest to the arid dry moonscapes, huddled in the rainshadow behind the mass range of the northern Himalaya, certainly makes this land as mysterious as it was for centuries and it still retains the feel of the medieval period and a tinge of Shangri-la. Located with pride at an average altitude of over 3000 meter, today mankind’s enthusiasm and curiosity has flung open the “Mighty doors” to experience the lifestyle, culture and landscape of this “Virgin Land”.