18-Day Simikot to Kailash Trek: A Spiritual and Cultural Journey
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Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that takes you through the untouched Humla Valley in Nepal’s remote far west and into the sacred lands of Tibet, culminating in a visit to the revered Mount Kailash and the mythical Lake Manasarovar. This extraordinary trek offers an unparalleled spiritual and cultural experience, traversing ancient pilgrimage routes, scenic highlands, and remote landscapes.
Starting with a flight to Simikot in Nepal’s Humla District, you will follow the age-old salt trading and pilgrimage route across the Nara Langa Pass, arriving at the Tibetan trade post of Taklakot. From there, you will travel overland northwards to the shores of Lake Manasarovar, one of the most sacred lakes in the Himalayas, and onwards to Darchen, at the foot of Mount Kailash. Mount Kailash, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos, is considered the center of the universe. The highlight of the trek is the ‘kora,’ or holy circuit walk, around Mount Kailash, a deeply spiritual experience shared with fellow pilgrims.
After completing the kora, you will drive east across the vast Tibetan Plateau, past the mighty Yarlung Zangpo River, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The journey concludes with a drive south towards Zangmu and a return to Nepal via the Friendship Bridge. This trek offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, spiritual fulfillment, and rugged adventure amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains.
Trek Overview
- Total Duration: 18 Days
- Max Altitude: 5,630 meters (18,471 feet)
- Altitude Range: 2,745m (9,000ft) to 4,880m (16,000ft)
- Route Type: Lodge + Camping
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (due to altitude and terrain)
- Season: April to November
- Trek Style: Fully supported, with camping equipment, English-speaking guides, and 4-wheel drive jeeps for overland travel in Tibet. Porters and pack animals will carry your heavy luggage, while you only need to carry a light daypack.
Trip Highlights:
- Sacred Kailash & Manasarovar: Experience the holy mountain of Kailash and the tranquil waters of Lake Manasarovar, key pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore the unique traditions and lifestyles of the Humla and Tibetan people as you trek through remote villages and trading posts.
- Spectacular Scenery: Trek through the high-altitude landscapes of the Himalayas, taking in stunning views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: Undertake the holy Kora trek around Mount Kailash, a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual pilgrimage shared with fellow travelers from around the world.
Why Choose Us?
Our expertise, attention to safety, and commitment to customer satisfaction set us apart. With years of experience organizing treks in this remote and rugged region, we prioritize your comfort and safety. Whether you're seeking a spiritual journey or a physical challenge, we provide an unforgettable experience amidst the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas and Tibet. Join us for the Simikot to Kailash Trek and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Distance: 1-hour flight
Begin your journey with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a bustling town near the Nepal-India border. Here, you’ll be introduced to your trek leader and team. After arriving, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj
Meals: Dinner included
Distance: 7-8 hours of trekking each day
After a flight to Simikot, we begin our trek following the Humla Karnali River. The first few days will take you through picturesque villages like Dharapari, Kermi, Yalbang, and Yari, before tackling the challenging Nara Pass (4,450m). Upon crossing into Tibet, we reach the Tibetan trade post of Taklakot (Purang). This stretch offers scenic views and an opportunity to witness the traditional lifestyle of the Humla people.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
Distance: 6-7 hours of travel each day
After a day of acclimatization and exploration along the shores of the sacred Lake Manasarovar, we continue towards Darchen, located at the foot of Mt. Kailash. This is a time to relax, reflect, and prepare for the upcoming trek around Kailash.
Accommodation: Camping/Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
Distance: 5-8 hours of trekking each day
The spiritual highlight of the journey, the "Kora" around Mount Kailash, takes you through some of Tibet's most sacred landscapes. Trekking to Drira Puk and over the Drolma La pass (5,630m), you will connect with other pilgrims on this holy journey. The trek will take you through rugged terrain and offer magnificent views of Kailash and surrounding peaks.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
Distance: 7-9 hours of driving each day
After completing the Kora, we drive overland through the Tibetan highlands, offering panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Our route takes us past the vast Tibetan Plateau, stopping at the town of Nyalam near the Nepal-Tibet border. These days provide an opportunity to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of Tibet before heading back to Nepal.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided
Distance: 1-2 hours of driving
We cross the Friendship Bridge back into Nepal and drive to Kathmandu, marking the end of this incredible journey. After arriving in Kathmandu, the trek concludes, and you can reflect on the memories of a lifetime.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu (overnight stay, depending on flight schedules)
Meals: Breakfast included
