DAY 01: KATHMANDU (1,400m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and be met by a representative of Muktinathyatra.org. Transfer to hotel.

DAY 2: KATHMANDU – NEPALGUNJ (165m)

Morning sightseeing in Kathmandu including a visit to three UNESCO world heritage sites including Pashupatinath Temple one of the most sacred Hindu Temples of Nepal, located on the banks of the Bagmati River the temple is where holy sadhus come to pray and cremations are carried out; Swayambhunath, an iconic Buddhist temple offering stunning views of the Kathmandu valley and Patan Durbar Square. You will also have the opportunity to visit Budhanilkantha with its statue of the sleeping Lord Vishnu and the Tibetan Refugee Centre with its fabulous selection of carpets.

Afternoon transfer to Kathmandu Airport for the 55-minute flight to Nepalgunj. Overnight at hotel in Nepalgunj.

Optional extra: early morning mountain flight for close up views of Mount Everest.

DAY 3: NEPALGUNJ – SIMIKOT (2,910m) – HILSA (3,640m) – PURANG (3,400m)

40 minute flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot. After reaching Simikot take a scenic helicopter ride to Hilsa. After a tea break, you will drive across the Karnali bridge to arrive in China. Once immigration formalities have been completed you will continue driving to Purang on the Tibetan Plateau. Overnight in Purang at guesthouse.

DAY 4: PURANG (TAKLAKOT) (3,400m)

Free day in Purang for rest and acclimatization.

DAY 5: PURANG – LAKE MANASAROVAR (4,558m) (50km)

2-3 hour drive from Purang to Lake Manasarovar going past Rakshyas Lake. Today will be your first sighting of Holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Overnight in Chu Gompa at guesthouse.

DAY 6: LAKE MANASAROVAR – DARCHEN (4,600m) (40km)

Morning puja and dip in Holy Lake Manasarovar. Afternoon drive (1.5 hours) to Darchen, the base of Mount Kailash.  Once at Darchen those wishing to hire horses and porters for their Parikarma must confirm this with their guide. Overnight at Darchen. In guesthouse?

Optional for extra fee: Trip to Asthapad (8km drive).

DAY 7: FIRST DAY OF PARIKARMA, DARCHEN – TARBOCHE – DERAPUK (5,000m)

Drive to Tarboche, the auspicious gateway and first prostration point, via Yama Dwar. Your Parikarma will begin here accompanied by yaks and guides. The 15km trail takes almost 7 hours to walk around the North face of Mount Kailash. Overnight camping in Derapuk. Those not doing the Mount Kailash Parikarma will return to Darchen and remain there until the rest of the group have completed their Parikarma.

DAY 8: SECOND DAY OF PARIKARMA, DERAPUK – ZUTHULPHUK

4-5 hour uphill trek to the highest point, Dolma-La Pass (5636m) before descending gradually for 4-5 hours to Zuthulphuk. Overnight camping in Zuthulphuk.

DAY 9: THIRD DAY OF PARIKARMA, ZUTHULPHUK – CHONGDO – PURANG OR HILSA

Final day of your Parikarma begins with a 10km walk along a gradually descending track to Chongdo. At Chongdo you will be driven by landcruiser to Purang.  Overnight in either Purang or Hilsa at guesthouse.

DAY 10: HILSA – SIMIKOT – KATHMANDU

Morning helicopter flight from Hilsa to Simikot. Same day flight to Nepalgunj and then Kathmandu.

DAY 11: DEPART KATHMANDU

Morning transfer from hotel to Kathmandu International Airport for your return journey.