In the remote Ngari Province in far western Tibet, an area which is too high to support agriculture and which is home only to nomadic Drogpa herdsmen, lies the strikingly symmetrical Mount Kailas (6714m / 22,028ft) which is revered by the devout of several religions - Tibetans call the mountain Kang Rinpoche (Precious Jewel of the Snows), whilst both Buddhists and Hindus see the mountain as the earthly manifestation of Mount Meru - the spiritual centre of the universe. Pilgrims make their way to this sacred peak from as far away as Bhutan and Ladakh, believing that the sins of a lifetime can be washed away simply by completing a circuit of the mountain.

This year KE are offering two distinctly different trips leading to the circumambulation or ‘kora’ of the sacred mountain. Our Spring departure (KTOS.1) is timed to coincide with the Saga Dawa flagpole raising ceremony at Darboche. This epic journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, where we spend several days acclimatising and exploring the most important of the holy city’s temples and palaces. We have time to visit all of the city’s famous landmarks - such as the Potala Palace, traditional home of the Dalai Lamas and the Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest religious site, before setting off on the wild drive westwards across the Tibetan Plateau. This classic road journey runs parallel to the great chain of the Himalaya and affords breathtaking views of many of the world's greatest peaks. Equally as important as the landscape and the scenery is the wealth of cultural interest which Tibet has to offer. The itinerary includes time for sightseeing at many of Tibet's important monasteries outside of the capital, for example at Shigatse and our relaxed pace of travel will also enable us to stop off at some of the smaller settlements on our route, where we can meet the local people and witness the Tibetan way of life at first hand. We have a rest day beside sacred Lake Manasarovar and then proceed to Darchen, a village on the south side of Kailas which is occupied only during the summer months and the starting point for the ‘kora’.

Our Autumn departure (KTO.1) treks to Kailas from Nepal following an ancient pilgrimage route and this is certainly a most interesting way to approach the mountain. Flying into the airstrip at Simikot, we then trek through the high valleys of Humla to the Tibetan Border town of Purang, from where we will drive via the holy lake of Manasarovar to Darchen. Geographically speaking Humla is one of the westernmost of all the high valleys in Nepal, and lies along the Humla Karnali gorge close to the border with Tibet. The villages of the lowest sections of this remote valley are inhabited by people of Indian extraction, whilst the higher settlements are home to Bhotias who are of Tibetan origin. In the higher villages the traditional way of life is based on animal husbandry and the growing of a meagre barley crop, supplemented by cross-border trade with Tibet, a trade which used to extend as far as Lhasa and still reaches Kathmandu. Regular pilgrimage to sacred Mount Kailas and Lake Manasarovar is an important aspect of the lives of these hardy folk. Trails in this area have long been important trading routes between Nepal and Tibet, and the main passes are passable for loaded yaks and thus no serious obstacle for a trekking party. From the Nara Lagna Pass (4600m / 15,090ft), which we cross shortly before reaching the Tibetan Border, the mountains of Central Tibet can be seen stretching away to the horizon - arid, bleak and thoroughly enticing.

The route around Kailas, known as the ‘kora’ is 50 kilometres (31 miles) long and involves the crossing of a 5600 metre (18,370 foot) pass. However, our leisurely pace will give us plenty of time to enjoy the experience, to visit the three important monasteries on the route, take lots of photographs, and interact with the Tibetan pilgrims with whom we are sharing the trail. It is worth noting that many Tibetan pilgrims complete the circuit in a single long day, and go on to do several circuits before returning to their homelands. More than a touring trip, whichever approach to Kailas is used, this is a unique travel experience which will long be remembered.

Trip Guide
Spring departure: The overland journey to Mount Kailas traverses some very remote country, on roads which are often only suitable for rugged vehicles. The type of vehicle(s) that we use will depend to some extent on the number of people in the group. We will either use fully enclosed Land-Cruiser jeeps or a larger bus. Overland travel of this type can be a hot and dusty experience and in order to get the most out of this outstanding holiday, you need to be prepared to accept this fact. This trip includes several days when the group will be exploring in and around Lhasa on foot.

Autumn departure: The trek from Simikot to the Tibetan border is not particularly difficult or sustained. The average walking day is around 6 to 7 hours though there may some longer days. In general the underfoot conditions are good and we follow a well established trail. It should be noted however that trekking at altitude makes more physical demands than the equivalent terrain at lower elevations.

Both departures: During the 5-day circuit of Mount Kailas, we will be following excellent trails used by the thousands of pilgrims who complete the route each year. Although short, this trek does present a reasonably tough proposition on account of the altitude. We will be averaging just 10 kilometres (6 miles) per day. The high point of the walk is at the Drolma La (5600 metres / 18,370 feet) and our highest camp will be at Jarok Donkhang - at 5250 metres / 17,224 feet and by this time, the group will be well acclimatized. We have given the trip the overall grade of MODERATE and the trek is suitable for most regular hill-walkers and those with a good level of fitness.