Simikot Kailash Zhangmu Tour

Simikot, Kailash and Zhangmu tour is very exhausting and the distances traveled are much longer. Generally, we begin our trek from Simikot in Nepal to Mt. Kailas, the holy mountain of Tibet.

Our Simikot Kailash Zhangmu Tour begins in Nepal and takes you by foot into Tibet. This tour offers the breathtaking adventure that takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see as you trek up on to the Tibetan plateau through the eastern Himalaya. You will be sure to witness scenes and scenery that will live in your head for your entire life time. Our trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu -Nepaljung - Simikot in the northwestern corner of Nepal. We then walk through forests, valleys, fields and villages to cross the border into Tibet at Sher.

Before opening Simikot - Hilsa route travelers used to travel to Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar either through Lhasa or via Zhangmu. The tour to Mt. Kailash starts from Simikot which is situated at an elevation of 2910 meters and climbs up to Na-Lagna pass (4330 meters) sooner than accomplishment the parched Tibetan Plateau. From Simikot, it takes a 6 day’s journey to reach the Tibetan border town, which is plenty of time to be adapted in high altitude. There is no direct air service from Kathmandu to Simikot, fly to Nepalgunj the regional hub of western Nepal, stay overnight and then next morning fly to Simikot north of Nepalgunj. Monsoon rains often make delay the Nepalgunj-Simikot flights and make it difficult to get tickets, so it is always better to book this trip as earlier as possible.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

DAY 03:  Fly from Kathmandu -  Nepalgunj & Transfer to Hotel.

Day 04:  Fly to Simikot (2960m/9708ft) & trek to Majgaun (2700m/8856ft), 4-5 hrs trek.

Day 05: Majgaon - Kermi (2,690m/8823ft), 5/6 hrs trek.

Day 06: Kermi - Yalbang Chaur (2,760m/9052ft), 5/6 hrs trek.

Day 07: Yalbang Chaur - Tumkot Khola (2,800m/9154ft), 5/6 hrs trek.

Day 08: Tumkot Khola - Yari (3,450 m/11316ft), 5/6 hrs trek.

Day 09: Yari – Hilsa - Sher (3500m/11480ft), 7/8 hrs trek.

Day 10: Hilsa – Sher( 3,600m/11808ft) & drive to Taklakot (3,600m/11808ft), 1 ½ hrs drive.

Day 11: Taklakot - Lake Manasarovar( 4,558m/14950ft), 95km 4/5 hrs drive.

Day 12: Lake Mansarovar – Tirthapuri ( 85km 4/5hrs drive.

Day 13: Tirthapuri

Day 14: Toling Gompa 241 Km

Day 15: Sightseeing Tirthapuri

Day 16: Toling Gompa - Tsada

Day 17: Tsada - Darchen

Day 18 Darchen - Dirapuk (4909m/16101ft), 18km 7/8 hrs trek.

Day 19 :Dirapuk - Zutulpuk Monastery (4790m/15711ft), 20 km 6/7 hrs trek.

Day 20 : Zutulphuk - Darchen (15Km, 6/7 hrs trek) and drive to Mansarovar Lake (Hor Chyu) 45 km, 1/2 hrs trek.

Day 21: Hor Chyu/Paryang: 221 km 7/8 hrs.

Day 22: Paryang - Saga 241km 8/9 hrs.

Day 23: Drive to Zhangmu (2300m/7544ft) - 181 km, 5/6 hrs trek.

Day 24: Drive to Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft), 5/6 hrs drive.

Day 25: Free day in Kathmandu or join in different adventure trip or transfer to Airport for your onward destination. 

Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Meet MMT (Mountain Mart Treks) airport representative at International Airport and transfer to your choice of Hotel /Resort /Guest house. Free afternoon. Involve well come dinner held by MMT management, introduce guide, trip briefing and check trip necessities. 

Day 02 Kathmandu valley sightseeing & trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

After breakfast, day will start our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley such as, pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, the world biggest Stupa Bouddhanath, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple. After exploring the surrounding areas visit historical Patan Durbar Square & Kathmandu Durbar Square (Freak Street) with temple, unique ancient art, architectures, museum and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip counseling and ensure once again trekking gears, medical kid and trek legalization needs.

                                              “OR”

Leisure and easy day for different interest.

DAY 03:  Fly from Kathmandu -  Nepalgunj & Transfer to Hotel.

Transfer to domestic airport and fly to Nepalgunj, about  one and half hour scenic flight brings you to the southern Nepal border with India. This  flat land with quite tropical, hot and humid  climate. Transfer to Hotel and check in air-conditioned  room which is top most necessity to avoid from mosquito and heat. Overnight in Nepalgunj at Hotel.

Day 04: Fly to Simikot (2960m) & Trek to Dhara Pokhari (2300m/7455ft), 4-5 hrs trek.

Early morning transfer Nepalgunj airport and we fly north of Nepalgunj about 50 minutes to Simikot, the headquarter of Nepal's most remote district, Humla. After meeting our crew, we set off on our trek, ascending from the airstrip on a rocky trail past terraced fields of barley and wheat. We ascend a forested ridge above the village town of Simikot, before making a long steep descent past Dandaphoya. The trail is then fairly level, through walnut and apricot trees, until we come to the scattered village of Dharapokhari which is separated by the Yakba Khola (Yakba stream). Overnight at Tented Camp.

Day 04: fly to Simikot (2960m/9708ft) & trek to Majgaun (2700m/8856ft), 4-5 hrs trek.

Landing at Simikot airport after 50 minutes flight from Nepalganj trek starts hiking towards at an elevation of 3800m after crossing this pass trail descends gradually until reaching at Majgaon also locally known as Tuling 2,700m. The walking span will be approximately 4/5 hours that will allow the chances of few greeneries of wheat and barley fields which is the major crops of this region. It depends upon the physical condition of the guests if they realize for any rest during these days the itinerary is flexible. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 05: Majgaon - Kermi (2,690m/8823ft), 5/6 hrs trek.

The trail follows through Dharapani after breakfast and this day would be little tough. Elsewhere that would be decided by the cook lunch will be served as sometimes it would not be at the fixed place due to unavailability of water on the route. As indicated above after 5/6 hrs. walking we will reach Kermi. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 06: Kermi - Yalbang Chaur (2,760m/9052ft), 5/6 hrs trek.

Climbing over a ridge we will walk through a valley having potato and wheat fields, besides this pine forest, many cairns would be other attractions at an approximate height of 2,990m. would be really wonderful experiences of the day. Then route allows trekkers alleviation by going down to the bank of the Chumsa Khola. After crossing this river no choice we should start climbing up with a very steep and rocky escarpment and this day we can say a day several of ups and downs. Ultimately we will descend to the bank of Karnali River, and after short walk we will reach at Yalbang Chaur. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 07: Yalbang Chaur - Tumkot Khola (2,800m/9154ft), 5/6 hrs trek.

This day we shall be going little bit higher altitude of 2,890m.some villages on the route after passing a main village named Yangar; we go down walking until the trail meets a small unknown river various upwards and downwards should be met with until reaching another camping spot Tumkot Khola. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 08: Tumkot Khola - Yari (3,450 m/11316ft), 5/6 hrs trek.

Another river called Bumachiya Khola comes along the route then another steep that is situated at the height of 3,310m, some mustard fields could be seen after walking through some forests we will reach at a great Jhyakthang Chu Valley stretching out before Yari. This day ends at Yari where camp will be set at the surrounding of Yari an ultimate Police Station is located here for the security of the trekkers. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 09: Yari – Hilsa - Sher (3500m/11480ft), 7/8 hrs trek.

This day's experience will be different day to scenery of flat valleys on the way that leads towards Nara Lagna La Pass at 4580m/15022ft with a gradual ascending. Then immediately route descends to Ranipuwa which is we can say or consider a real trek of the day until the Humla Karnali River. The continue to walk that will last reaching Hilsa where a stone pillar signifying Nepal/Tibet border then after a short walk we will reach at Sher.

Day 10: Hilsa – Sher( 3,600m/11808ft) & drive to Taklakot (3,600m/11808ft), 1 ½ hrs drive.

20 minutes walk from Hilsa to Sher at the moment Jeep will be awaiting there from Tibet side. on the way we will see Kocher Monstery where the prominent famous Sakya Monastery is located there was built in the 6th century. After this we will precede our drive to Taklakot that takes around 1 and half hour to reach locally Tibetans call this place Purang a place of trading center. A expanding market is situated in the proximity of Karnali River bridge almost all shops are made of mud walls and white canvas roofs. Tibetan wool trade is another famous business of this place and another extension of the sightseeing will be at the 2,890m remains of Simbling Gompa is considered as the biggest monastery and this night will be staying at Taklakot Guest House.

Day 11: Taklakot - Lake Manasarovar( 4,558m/14950ft), 95km 4/5 hrs drive.

Day starts by driving towards the Lake Mansarovar leaving the route of Manay Tibetan styled settlements, Gurla La pass 4,590m. we also can see other lakes including a big holy lake of Tibet. This night's camp will be set at a wonderful base of the Chiu Gompa. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 12: Lake Mansarovar – Tirthapuri ( 85km 4/5hrs drive.

It would be another exciting day as confronting the yak herding and sheep flocking nomads roving around. They pitched the black tents for overnight stay. Besides this, there would be seen some small rivulets.

Day 13: Tirthapuri

Drive to old Bonpo Capital Tschang and Back to Tirthapuri Camp 'Tirthapuri' to Hindus, 'Tetapuri' to Tibetans, is the holy power place of the Hindu Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is the power place for the Goddess Bajra Barahi and Tara to the Buddhist. The hot spring here is the main holy sight for the pilgrims and it represents the female element, while Mt. Kailash, the male. 'Tirthapuri' considered the third holiest place in Ngari. This is where Heruka subdued Rudra, and according to Tantrism, this holy place is considered one of the 24 major power places on the sub-continent. It is renowned for its blessing of red and white earth from the hot spring. There is the Dugpa Kagyu Monastery nearby. There is a famous monastery known as Gurem Monastery a medical Lama is residing.

Day 14: Toling Gompa 241 Km

Overnight at guesthouses tent pitching is not allowed. Tirthpuri 4,330m situated at the west part of part of Tibet of Ali road that turns from Mont-ser Army Camp 11 km to the southern part situated at the bank of Satlej River.  A distance of 75 km from Darchen. having hot springs and several meditating caves including famous one is called Guru Rimpoche /Padmasambhav cave. Toling, a remote area is remarkable to this tour and exploring these surroundings overnight stay at guesthouse. Toling 3,780m was the capital of Guge and two main monasteries Khochar and Tabo were built by a renowned king Yeshe O in 996 AD.

Day 15: Sightseeing Tirthapuri

Drive to Tsaparang Gompa early morning17th century capital was shifted at Tsaparang and Guge Palace built in 10th century and drive back to Toling. Again sightseeing continue in the afternoon to explore Khochar and Tabo monasteries surroundings of Toling and overnight stay at guesthouse. Now it is developing town having shops, restaurants, means of communications, hospitals not like before. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 16: Toling Gompa - Tsada

Drive to Tsada, citadel on the mountaintop and drive back to overnight camp.

Day 17: Tsada - Darchen

Drive to Tarboche (between Tarboche and Chuku Gompa river side) 125km overnight at guesthouse.

Day 18 Darchen - Dirapuk (4909m/16101ft), 18km 7/8 hrs trek.

After a short drive from Darchen about 4km ending at Tarpuche from where the hiking starts for an encirclement of Holy Mount Kailash. This is the first day of hiking and an opportunity of to enjoying the stupas (chortens) and sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddas. Besides this several rivulets forcibly flowing of white water petering out beautiful cascades, a stunning view of Holy Mount Kailsha itself, in the route Chukku Monastery and ultimately day ends at Dirapuk Monastery. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 19 :Dirapuk - Zutulpuk Monastery (4790m/15711ft), 20 km 6/7 hrs trek.

Day will be counted as  hardest one of the tour by crossing of rocky and rockeries trails that ascends to Dolma~La Pass 5,630m. Before crossing this pass there is another important holy place should not be avoided known as Gauri Kunda. After a nice break at the top of the pass we will head down the steep trail to our eventual campsite at Zutulpuk Monastery 4,790m, near the cave of miracles where Milarepa meditated. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 20 : Zutulphuk - Darchen (15Km, 6/7 hrs trek) and drive to Mansarovar Lake (Hor Chyu) 45 km, 1/2 hrs trek.

Ending day of the circumambulation that will last approximately three-hour walk brings back to Darchen and 45km between Zutulphuk and Darchen where the Jeep will be awaiting to transfer to the camping place in the bank of Lake Mansarovar also called Hor Chyu. Overnight stay in tented camp.

Day 21: Hor Chyu/Paryang: 221 km 7/8 hrs.

Lake Manasarovar is one of the holiest lakes among others located in the land of Tibet. By following the cosmological concept of Hinduism and Buddhism on four prominent rivers named Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ganga and Indus it is described the source that is originated with this Lake is proved to be true. You can realized the truth as these rivers starts from this Lake. You can see the astounding face of Mount. Gurula Mandhata 7,728m, Trugo Monastery and Chiu Monastery. We shall drive back to Paryang from Hor Chyu for overnight stay.

Day 22: Paryang - Saga 241km 8/9 hrs.

Road crossing with wondrous valleys, several clean watered rivers, amazing yaks and sheep grazing pasturages, nomads, traders tour continues towards Saga. Other part of the attraction can be highlighted with marvelous landscapes, snow-capped mountain peaks, sand dunes, and typical geographical composition in the land of Tibet that make your  tour worthwhile enjoying the day which lasts at Saga.

Day 23: Drive to Zhangmu (2300m/7544ft) - 181 km, 5/6 hrs trek.

After we leave Tingri, crossing two high passes, Lalung La at altitude of 5124 meters and the Shung La 5200meters. On the way, we are rewarded by the magnificent landscapes of the surrounding peaks including Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. Then our journey heads towards the arid Tibetan Plateau to Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. As we leave Tibet, it appears an incredibly lush and green. Overnight at hotel.

Day 24: Drive to Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft), 5/6 hrs drive.

Leaving Zhangmu behind, we join the Friendship Bridge passing the Bhote Koshi River and mark the Chinese - Nepalese border. After that short drive, we say good-bye to our Tibetan guide. Then we drive and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari, there we have our Nepalese staff, completing the re-entry formalities we'll drive towards Kathmandu 132km, which may take 4/5 hours, it depends on road & weather conditions. Overnight at hotel.

Day 25: Free day in Kathmandu or join in different adventure trip or transfer to Airport for your onward destination. 

Departure Dates for Simikot Kailash Zhangmu Tour