 We
fly direct to Lhasa from Kathmandu. This flight to Lhasa is
one of the spectacular flights over the huge Himalayan range.
Next two days we visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera
Monastery and Drepung Monastery, Norbu Linkha in Lhasa. Day
fourth we drive to Gyantse from Lhasa via Yamdrok Tso Lake.
On the way we visit Khumbum Stupa and Palkhor monastery.
Following day we drive to Xigatse from Gyantse and then to
Gonggar Airport visiting Tashi Lhunpo Monastery on the way.
Then we fly back to Katmandu.
For hundred years, followers have made the sacred journey
to Mt. Kailash to perform the ancient ritual of circumambulation.
A full circuit of the peak, known as 'parikrama'
represents one turn of the wheel of life. The circuit, approximately
32 miles, moves clockwise westerly across the Dolma La Pass
(18,600ft) in the north. The trail leads out of Dharchen and
up the western valley. At Tarpoche meadows there is a beautiful
flagpole and stunning views of the holy mountain. We camp
at Dira Phuk from where the north face of Mt. Kailash presents
an amazing sight.
The Trail to Dolma La Pass gains height steadily through
fields of green grass and flowers changing to a stark and
rocky terrain. At the highest point of the pass, and of the
journey around this most holy mountain, is marked by a huge
boulder festooned with strings of prayer flags. As we descend,
we pass by the holy Gaurikund Lake where Hindus believe Goddess
Parvati bathed before her marriage to Lord Shiva.
It is a long way down to the eastern valley of the Zongchu
River. We will reach Zuthul Phuk where we camp for the night.
On the third day before setting off down the valley, we visit
Milarepa cave famous as the meditation retreat of the Tibetan
saint, Milarepa. We then continue down the valley and arrive
back at Dharchen from where we will drive back to Kathmandu,
thus finishing our holiest pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash.
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