29 days (13 days Nepal, 3 days Kailash trek, 11 days over land tour, 2 days Lhasa city sightseeing tour)
Trip No. SR168
Grade: D
Max. Altitude: 5460m
Mt. Kailash, the holy mountain, and Manasarover Lake of western Tibet attract four great religions. Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Bon devotees journey to this pilgrimage site to take ritual dips in the icy waters of the sacred Manasarover lake. The peak of Mt. Kailash [6530m], despite numerous travel restrictions, is becoming more popular due to the spectacular views and the stark landscape. Our trek begins with a flight to Nepalhunj, it is South west Nepal. Next morning we flying to Simikot in the north - western corner of Nepal. We then walk through forests, valleys, field and villages to cross the boarder into Tibet at Sher/Hilsa. Our jouney continues by driving to Taklakot and on to Darchen at the foot of Mt. Kailash. The trek takes around six days and then we drive to Manasarover lake. We return to Kathmandu after a three day sightseeing tour of Lhasa.
Simikot (Humla): In May 1993 the governments of Nepal and China reached an accord that allowed the first treks across the border between the two countries. The people of Limi in northern Humla are Bhotias whose roots are in Tibet and who still enjoy the freedom to graze their animals on the Tibetan plateau. Humla was one part of the great Malla Empire administered from Sinja near Jumla. Until 1787 this empire included Jumla, Purang (Taklakot) and extended as far west as Googay, the "lost" villages of Toling (Zanda) and Tsaprang located in a remote Tibetan valley to the north of the Indian peaks of Nanda Devi and Kamet Himal. Taklakot was once part of Nepal, on a map you can see the chunk taken out of the north-west corner of Nepal like a bite.
Getting to Simikot: There is no direct air service from Kathmandu to Simikot. You most first fly 1-1/2 hours to Nepalgunj on to south west border of Nepal, spend the night, and take an early morning flight to Simikot. In Nepalgunj you can stay at a rough lodge adjoining the airport or travel 8km into town to stay in an air cooled room at the tourist Lodge / Hotel. If you want to walk to Simikot, start from Surkhet and walk for about 15 days. It takes about 50 minutes to fly the 218km fromNepalgunj to Simikot, almost the entire breadth of Nepal, over a 3800m pass. Look for the 7031m Saipal Himal off the left side of the plane as you approach Simikot. You may also be able to spot Rara Lake some distance off to the right. Simikot (2910m) is on a ridge high above the Humla Karnali encircled by high snow covered ridges. Simikot is a headquarters of the Humla District, it is a Nepal's most remote District.
Season: This trek is possible only in the summer monsoon season from May to September. The entire region is snowbound in the winter, passes are closed and Taklakot itself is isolated until the snowplow arrives in late March.

Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel with bed and breakfast.
Day 02/03: Kathmandu sightseeing.
Day 04/05: Fly or drive to Nepalgunj then the next morning fly to Simikot.
Day 06/11: Trek to Hilsa
Day 12/14: Drive to Taklakot, Lake Manosarover (4600m)
Day 15: Drive to Tharchen (4600m) 35km
Day 16/18: Trek around Mt. Kailash and trek to Tangsar, Tangmar, than drive to Manosarover lake, overnight
Day 19: Rest day at Manosarovar (4500m)
Day 20/24: Drive to Lhasa (3650m) 270km
Day 25/26: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Day 27: Fly from Lhasa to Kathmandu
Day 28: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 29: After have an last breakfast in hotel, transfer to airport for final departure from Kathmandu.

Seasons: Mar-Dec, Minimum pax: 4