Fly In Drive Out - Saga Dawa Festival
16 DAY
Tibet
Easy
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
Kailash With Nimai crew will embark on a pilgrimage with you to the holy land of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar for fourteen days, starting from Kathmandu. The tour starts off with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal, then we cross the borders to Tibet, exploring and making our way to the Holy Mount Kailash. We explore the Holy Mount Kailash and its sacred surroundings. Some major sites we will visit during this tour are Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar, Rakshasa Taal, Pashupatinath Temple, and more during the Full Moon, the auspicious occasion of Saga Dawa Festival in the holy lands of Tibet.
Day 01 12 May 2024: Arrival in Kathmandu
Our representatives will receive you at the airport in Kathmandu, and guide you to the hotel in Kathmandu. Later, we will have a small briefing session on the trip, and meet the other group members, overnight at the hotel.
Altitude: 1400m
Meals: D
Distance: Inside Kathmandu Valley
Day 02 13 May 2024: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Today, we'll take a tour of a few well-known Hindu temples in the Kathmandu Valley. We will visit the Pashupatinath, Gujeswari Shaktipith, and Jalnarayan Temple. Later, you can get some supplies for the Yatra if necessary. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Altitude: 1400m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: Inside Kathmandu Valley
Day 03 14 May 2024: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
We will visit some of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley today, while we wait on receiving our visas (FOR NRI). Explore the Doleshwor Mahadev Temple – the ‘shir’ head part of Lord Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. We will then visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the most preserved cultural heritage in Kathmandu, and return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Altitude: 1400m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: Inside Kathmandu Valley
Day 04 15 May 2024: Kathmandu to Lhasa
We drive to the Tribhuwan International Airport, and take a flight to Lhasa. We will receive you at the airport upon your arrival in Tibet and drive you to the hotel. The rest of today, go slowly so that you can acclimate to the altitude more quickly. For the lengthy trip ahead, keep in mind to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.
Altitude: 3656m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 1.5 hours flight
Day 05 16 May 2024: Lhasa Sightseeing
Morning breakfast at the hotel, and we visit the capital city of Tibet, the old residence of The Dalai Lama, Potala Palace. We will visit the Potala Palace, approx. 3 hours in the old Palace Residence in the heart of the city. We will then head onwards to the Barkhor Street, then visit the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Explore around the place, and back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Altitude: 3656m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: Around Lhasa City
Day 06 17 May 2024: Drive Lhasa to Shigatse – via Gyantse
Our route passes via Gyatse to Shigatse, the capital of the Tsang region, home to the Panchen Lama, the second pope in Tibet. Excursion to the Tashilhunpo monastery (founded in 1447) early in the morning, stopping at the temple of Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, as well as other monastic temples. We will stop over at the Yamdrok Lake for a nice view of the gigantic freshwater lake. Hotel overnight stay.
Altitude: 3900m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 272km – 7.5 hrs
Day 07 18 May 2024: Drive from Shigatse to Saga – via Lhatse
Your route today will take you across beautiful, over 5000-meter-high passes. You are kept busy by various activities, such as lakes and nomads pursuing tens of thousands of yaks and sheep, while you drive across Tibet's mountainous and sandy terrain. By late afternoon, you will have crossed the Bramha Putra River and be at the characteristic Tibetan and Chinese town of Sag for the evening.
Altitude: 4640m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 449km – 6 hours
Day 08 19 May 2024: Saga to Mansarovar via Paryang
After our breakfast at Saga, we will be driving to the highest fresh water lake in the world, the holy Mansarovar Lake, lying at an altitude of 4558 meters, stretching wide with a pristine greenish-blue color. The holy lake is believed to be the resting place of Lord Bishnu. It is surrounded by Mt. Kailash, Mt. Gurula-Mandata, and the Lake Rakshasha (Rakshash Taal). The Rakshash Taal is believed to be created by the Evil King Ravan, and the locals believe the water is poisonous. Overnight at guest house around Lake Mansarovar.
Altitude: 4558m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 277km – 6 hours
Day 09 20 May 2024: Mansarovar Exploration – drive to Darchen
We will get into our spiritual selves, and perform some rituals (puja) at the bank of the holy lake mansarovar. Our staffs will provide a bucket of hot holy water for each yatri from the lake Mansarovar for bathing. After our puja and prayers, we will complete the Parikrama of the Mansarovar Lake on a Jeep, and continue to the base camp of Kailash, Darchen. It is a village town right in front of the sacred Mt. Kailash. Overnight at hotel.
Altitude: 4575m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 110km – 2 hours (Mansarovar Parikrama)
40km – 1 hour (Mansarovar to Darchen)
Day 10 21 May 2024: Darchen - Yamadwar - Drirapuk (Kora starts)
We will embark on a three – day parikrama. We first drive to the small settlement of Tarboche, also called as Darboche. It is the starting point of the Kailash Kora, and is also known as the Valley of Gods. Yamadwar, the gatewat of the God of Death, is located here in Tarboche. We will walk for a few hours to arrive at the settlement of Derapuk, settling right in front of the North Face of Mt. Kailash. Overnight and rest at a guest house.
Altitude: 4900m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 13km – 0.5 hours (Darchen to Tarboche Valley)
7km – 5 hours (Tarboche to Drirapuk)
Day 11 22 May 2024: Dirapuk to Juthulpuk (Drolma La Pass)
Among the three days of Kora, today is the longest and the most difficult day. We will be heading towards the village of Jarok Donkhang first, and hike towards the Shiva-stal. We will rest for some time, and take a steep downhill and get to the banks of Lham-chu Khir river. We catch sight of the Holy Pond of ‘Gaurikunda’. We reach the village of Juthulpuk, this place is named after. The famous cave of Juthulpuk, Zruthulpuk cave, also known as ‘the miracle cave’. We will also catch sight of the Buddha’s Footprints along the way. Overnight at a guest house.
Altitude: 4760m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 19km – 8/9 hours (Dirapuk to Juthulpuk)
Day 12 23 May 2024: SAGA DAWA FESTIVAL
Trek to Chongdo and Drive to Darboche valley. Exploration of Saga Dawa festival. Morning visit at Juthulpuk Monastery. Start all flat walking about 6 kilometers up to our driving crew. Further, drive to Darboche valley and observe and celebrate the Saga Dawa Festival. All the Tibetans gather here for the final day of the Saga Dawa Festival. It is also difficult to get accommodation here for newly arrived people.
Day 13 24 May 2024: Darchen to Saga
After concluding the Saga Dawa Festival morning rituals, we will start our drive back to the town of Saga. After 7 hours of driving on paved roads, we arrive at Saga, where we will be spending the night in a guest house.
Altitude: 4640m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 470km – 9 hours
Day 14 25 May 2024: Saga to Kerung
Today will be a simple day. We drive in comfort and amazing scenery to Kerung, the last village town of Tibet to Nepal. We will be staying overnight and resting today
Altitude: 3000m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 170 km – 5 hours
Day 15 26 May 2024: Kerung to Kathmandu
After completing the immigration procedures at the Nepal-Tibet border, we will drive back to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. Afternoon souvenir shopping and overnight at the hotel.
Altitude: 1400m
Meals: B, L, D
Distance: 175 km – 8 hours
Day 16 27 May 2024: Departure
Our representatives will drop you at the airport as per the flight timings, we conclude our Lhasa Kailash Tour with great memories.
Documentation
- Tibet Permits
- Tibet Visas
- Special Kailash Mansarovar Permit
- Applicable Entrance Fees to above mentioned places
Transportation
- All ground transportation in private vehicles
- Airport Pickup and Drop Off Service
- Kathmandu – Lhasa Flight
Accommodation
- 4* Standard Accommodation in Kathmandu, Lhasa
- Twin Sharing Basis in Kathmandu, Lhasa, and Tibet, Group Sharing in Kailash Region
Support and Crew
- Nepali Guide and Tibetan Guide
- Nepali Crew Members in Kailash Region
Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (VEG)
- Drinking Water (2 bottles per day)
Sightseeing
- KATHMANDU: Pashupatinath Temple, Guheshwori Shaktipeeth, Jalnarayan (Sleeping Vishnu) Temple, Thamel
- TIBET: Lake Mansarovar, Holy Mount Kailash, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, Milarepa Cave, Drolma La Pass, Yamadwar, Gauri Kunda
Equipment
- Medical Kits
- First Aid
- Oximeter daily check (Pulse and Oxygen Level)
- Enough Oxygen Cylinders
- Other Necessary Equipment
- Stick for Parikrama
Clothing
- Down Jacket on a returnable basis
- Duffle Bag
- Day Backpack
- Personal Expenses
- Pony – Horseman – Helper
- International Airfare
- Insurance
- Emergency Circumstances
- Extra Nights
Recommendations for Yatra
The Touch Kailash Team will be providing a Duffel Bag, a 25l Backpack, and a Down Jacket (on a refundable basis), upon your arrival in Kathmandu.
Documents:
Carry a small waist pouch or document bag to organize essential documents:
- Passport with photocopies.
- Photographs.
- Identity card.
- Diary for addresses and contacts.
- Ball pens with spare refills.
- Maps/Charts/Books.
- Travel cheques, credit cards & currency.
- Airline/Railway tickets/vouchers.
- Any other personal documents.
Common Items:
- Big bag for equipment
- Small light trek bag
- Water bottle/Thermos flask (1 liter)
Clothing:
- Enough clothing for the entire journey, including trek suits, leisure wear, jogging trousers, T-shirts, polar fleece, shirts, salwar kameez, etc.
- Wool socks, thick tights, wool monkey cap, scarves, warm light gloves
- Wool/thermal long underwear
- Rainwear (umbrella or raincoat)
Footwear:
- Sports comfortable shoes/trainers (Nike, Adidas, etc.) with a spare pair
- A pair of light slippers
Toiletries:
- Toiletries kit (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toilet rolls, towels, etc.)
- Sunscreen lotion/cream
- Facial tissues, wet wipes
Camping Items:
- Torch/candle/matchbox/lighter/batteries
- Knife
- Plastic mug
- Dusk masks/face masks
Personal & General Items:
- Regular medicines
- Dark sunglasses
- Favorite food for energy (nuts, biscuits, powdered juice)
- Kapoor/Vicks/Inhaler, etc.
- Binoculars/Camera/extra batteries
- Milk powder for tea
First Aid Kit:
- Typical backpacking kit for minor injuries
- Diamox/Aspirin/painkillers
- Lip balm/Mustard oil/Vaseline
- Plasters
- TCP, salt, mint, Vicks for sore throats
- The Currency for Nepal is Nepalese Rupee, while there are options to exchange at the airport, you may find better exchange rates at the numerous exchange centers in the Thamel Market.
- The Currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan, US Dollars or other currencies are not accepted.
- While US Dollars and major currencies, including Indian Rupees, are accepted in Nepal, this is not the case in Tibet. If you intend to convert your money to Chinese Yuan, you can do so either at international airports or in Kathmandu.
This journey encompasses urban, rural, and remote areas in Nepal and Tibet, resulting in varying accommodations and amenities. Whether it's five-star hotels and guest houses or camping in the breathtaking Himalayan regions under the care of our staff, you can be confident that we will consistently offer the best possible facilities in every instance.
All Travelers must ensure that their passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of tour completion.
- Indian Passport Holders do not require a visa to enter Nepal.
- All foreign Passport Holders can get their 30 days multiple entry visa to Nepal at the Kathmandu Airport, or online from the Nepal Immigration Website.
- All Visas and Permits along with other needful documents for Tibet will be arranged by Touch Kailash Team.
Usefull Info
The Saga Dawa Festival is a special festival celebrated in Tibet, every year on the full moon of May. For Mahayana Buddhists, this festival is the most important and sacred one since it marks the birth of the Buddha, his achievement of enlightenment, and his release from the material world.