Journey to Mount Kailash - the heart of the world, the axis of the earth and the center of the universe. Budget tour to Tibet "Sacred Mount Kailash"

Tibet is the center of the spiritual world, and Mount Kailash is the heart of Tibet. In the Gandhi mountain system there is a peak over 6000 meters high, this is the sacred Mount Kailash, the highest peak of the mountain range of the same name.

The precious snow mountain, as the Buddhists call it, has so far remained unconquered, because the Chinese authorities do not give permission to climb. The only attempt to climb the mountain caused a stormy protest of believers, led by the Dalai Lama. The inhabitants of Tibet believe that Kailash is the house of God and anyone who climbs the mountain must die.

The mountain is considered sacred, representatives of 3 major religions make pilgrimage to it: Hindus, Buddhists, Jains. They must go around the mountain 108 times. This will give the purification of karma and the best reincarnation.

Hindus consider the peak of the mountain to be the home (summer residence) of the god Shiva. Perhaps, looking at Kailash, Mount Meru was created in this religion - the point from where the world begins and where the gods live.

Adherents of Bon, a religion that existed in China before Buddhism, believe that their teacher and mentor Salwa descended from heaven to the mountain in the form of Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche. The Jains are sure that the first Jain lived and received enlightenment here. And Buddhists believe that Buddha lived here in the angry incarnation of Samvara and therefore Kailash is one of the favorable places for spiritual growth.

In other words, many people believe that this mountain is endowed with divine power, and many try to make a ritual detour in order to find enlightenment and clear karma. This pilgrimage route is called a kora.

Photographer Samuel Zuder, visiting Kailash, was struck by him at first sight. Very soon he was able to gather a small group of helpers and for a whole month he photographed the surroundings and the pilgrims. The results of his journey are impressive. In the future, the photographer plans to publish a book Facing Faith: Mount Kailash, Tibet. For now, we’ll admire the stunningly rich photos he created:

Left: Sonam Tsering, 24. Origin: Darchen, Tibet. 4 rounds. Right: Tsering Zumba, 28. Origin: Darchen, Tibet. 22 rounds.

Polyana Tarpoche. May holiday Saga Dawa.

Left: Dolma, 18. Origin: Lhasa, Tibet. 1 bypass. Pictured right: Lobsang Yeshe, 27. Origin: Markam, Tibet. 5 rounds. Far right: Tempa Gyatso, 28.

Mount Kailash, Lha Chu valley.

“Worshiping Mount Kailash, a person does not give up the usual daily behavior. It's not like going to church where you have to stay calm and focus on prayer. During the ritual tour, I saw many groups and families who seemed to take great pleasure in worshiping the mountain,” writes the photographer.

Left: Sange, 17. Origin: Darchen, Tibet. 12 rounds. Right: Yeshe Gyaltsen, 35. Origin: Shigatse, Tibet. 12 rounds.

Mount Kailash, Dirapuk Gompa, north side.

Left: Dazang, 47. Origin: Nagchu, Tibet. 7 rounds. Right: Lhaga, 49. Origin: Gejey, Tibet. 6 rounds.

Mount Kailash, Dirapuk Gompa, north side.

The kora around Kailash is not an easy journey. This is a physically demanding three-day trek around Mount Kailash. How to choose the most favorable time for passing the kora around Kailash?

If you are a climber and are not afraid of the cold, then under good weather conditions you can climb the bark in almost any month of the year.

If you do not have any physical training and dream of doing a three-day trek, you can use this description of the weather and living conditions on Kailash throughout the year:

November - March: everything is closed in Darchen, 1-2 guesthouses, 1-2 tea houses are open, there are no food tents on the bark, you need to take food with you to the bark. The Green Tara Pass is covered with deep snow, we can't pass it, the wind is cold. Low season, trip is cheap. (In winter, they go to Kailash to look at the mountain, they don’t go to the kora. From February 28 to the second half of April, Kailash is usually closed to the public, it’s not worth planning a trip on these dates.)

April: Beginning of the kora season around Mount Kailash. Most guesthouses, restaurants and shops open in Darchen. It is still cold on the crust, the pass may be covered with snow, there may be a cold wind. You can take a little food on the bark. A sleeping bag for a critical temperature of -20 is useful. Middle season, trip is cheap. (As a rule, by the end of April they begin to issue permits to visit Kailash, usually not earlier than April 15-20.)

May-June: very auspicious time for the bark. These two months are the driest, the lack of precipitation provides good visibility. June is especially warm. The entire infrastructure is working at full capacity, you can not take food with you to the bark if you do not disdain local food and fast food. A sleeping bag for a critical temperature of -15, -10 will come in handy. The beginning of the high season.

July-August: A very auspicious time for the kora. The nights are the warmest of the year. In late July, early August, frequent precipitation, in the mountains it is rain, sleet, hail. The entire infrastructure is working at full capacity, you can not take food with you to the bark if you do not disdain local food and fast food. A sleeping bag for a critical temperature of -10 is useful. High season.

This year my dream to visit Tibet and see the sacred mountain Kailash came true. It is currently impossible to travel to Tibet on your own - these are the rules adopted by the Chinese side for visiting Tibet or the Tibet Autonomous Region (official name). But it is possible to go to Tibet through a travel agency, as part of a tourist group. I went through the Kailash operator tour because I used his services many times and I know firsthand about the reliability of the campaign and the professionalism of the team that works in it. Thanks to them for making this trip possible, special thanks to our guide Semyon Smirnov. This concludes my little digression.
The route of our journey to Tibet began in Nepal. The meeting place of the group was the city of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Together with the guide Smirnov Semyon, our group consisted of 10 people.

1. Photo of the group.

In the two days we spent in Kathmandu before flying to Tibet, we visited places that are a must for tourists and those who are in Nepal for the first time. This allows you to get to know and understand a little the culture of the peoples inhabiting Nepal. For some Europeans, the surrounding reality at first causes a slight culture shock, but after a few days, most travelers take it calmly.

2.photo Durbar square

I have already been to Nepal, and from what I saw in Kathmandu, the places where the Swayambhunath stupa and the Pashupatinath complex are located are more interesting and consonant to me. Let me tell you a little about these places.
Swayambhunath Stupa is located on the top of the hill. It is noteworthy that this place is revered in Hinduism, Buddhism and the Bon religion. According to the legends, the first sanctuaries on this site appeared a very long time ago. Here, at this place, religions peacefully coexist with each other: there is a Hindu temple and Buddhist shrines belonging to different schools. A pujari from a Hindu temple can bless a Buddhist monk and it looks organic.


3.photo Stupa Svyambu


4. photo of Stupa Svyambu


5. Photo of a Hindu blesses a Buddhist

The complex with the Pashupatinath temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati river, sacred to Hindus. I will not be mistaken if I say that the complex is the center of Kathmandu Hinduism. And it is difficult to overestimate its importance for Hinduism. The entrance to the main temple of the Pashupatinath complex is open only to Hindus, the rest can only look at it from the side. But even this is enough to understand that this is a very strong place. On the banks of the Bagmati River there are places for the cremation of the bodies of the dead. The attitude towards life and death among Hindus differs from that generally accepted in Western countries. In short, it can be expressed as follows. Reincarnation is the knowledge that the soul - the consciousness of man is immortal. Death is a state between births in an earthly body, which many of us do not remember. A person living many lives gains moral experience, and the next birth will be determined in accordance with his actions and aspirations. This is the law of karma, the law of correspondences. The body is the receptacle of the soul - consciousness and an instrument of knowledge of the world. When a person has fulfilled his destiny or the body has worn out, then physical death occurs. In order for the soul-consciousness to quickly leave the physical world and unite with God the Absolute without being attached to the body and cut off attachments, there are rituals in different religions that help the soul-consciousness go this way. Outwardly, they may differ, but their essence is the same, whether it is cremation, burial or heavenly burial - feeding to vultures, which is practiced in Tibet.


6.photo Pashupatinath


7.photo of the Buffalo statue in front of the Pashupatinath temple on which Shiva rode


8.photo of the site for the cremation of the bodies of the dead


9.photo while waiting for cremation

Rising upstream of Pashupatinath, you can see the caves where Marpa and his disciple Tilopa visited and meditated. This was the end of our stay in Kathmandu.


10.photo Tilopa's cave

The next day we flew to Tibet, to Lhasa. Flying over the Himalayas, we were lucky to see the top of the highest mountain on earth - Everest.


Upon arrival in Lhasa, immediately boarding the bus, we went to the place where the Samye Buddhist monastery is located. There is a mountain near the monastery, according to legend, it was here that the duel between Padmasabhava and the Bonn priest took place, as a result of which Padmasabhava won. Personally, it is difficult for me to imagine that the enlightened Padmasabhava and the no less enlightened Bonn priest could compete with each other. Here at the top there is a good temple of the defenders.


From the top there is a beautiful view of the Samye Monastery, which is built in the form of a mandala. The monastery is large and beautiful, restoration works are being carried out in some temples of the monastery. The first feeling that you experience when entering the main temple of the monastery is power and it is physically felt. And in general, from this place I had a feeling - I'm in Tibet and I somehow calmed down - everyone came. In the defender's room above the door is a part of a stuffed python. Where they got it from is a mystery to me! Probably brought from India. True, he was not allowed to take pictures. But in other places it was possible to take pictures. For those who will be in Tibet: Samye Monastery, in my opinion, is a must to visit.




14.photo Samye monastery in the main temple


15.photo Samye Monastery of Temple Defenders

Then we found the way to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. At present, there is intensive construction in Lhasa, and Lhasa is becoming a modern city. China's influence is hard to miss. The Dalai Lama's Potala Palace is now a museum. Previously, the spiritual and secular lines of Tibet's power were concentrated in it. There are a lot of visitors and this is not surprising. Another significant place in Lhasa is the Jokhang Monastery, which has not lost its significance to this day. Monks live in it and services are conducted. According to legend, on the site where the Jokhang Monastery is located, there used to be a lake. The Dalai Lama's Potala Palace and Jokhang Monastery, along with Samye Monastery, are strong places we visited, despite the fact that there are no monks in the Dalai Lama's palace and no religious ceremonies are held. Religious buildings and those artifacts that are in them must be used for their intended purpose and by those who know how to do it. Otherwise, they can turn into exhibits. There are many examples of this. In Western museums, there are a lot of artifacts and religious objects that have become exhibits. Religion should not be frozen and separated from the people. She must live and serve for the benefit of people. Then spiritual traditions will be preserved and multiplied.

Drak Yerpa Monastery, in addition to Buddhism, is also associated with the Bon religion, which was the main religion of Tibet before the advent of Buddhism. The caves where the Bonn masters practiced are located above the main monastery. To get to them you need to spend about two days and you need equipment, as our Tibetan guide said. I think it's no secret to anyone that Tibetan Buddhism has become what it is now also due to the fact that it adopted a lot from the Bon religion. Of course, this process was mutual. It is said that from above the area where the monastery is located resembles the figure of the goddess Tara. There is a place for the ritual of heavenly burial. As far as I know, the Chinese authorities currently prohibit Tibetans from performing this ritual.

The next point of our journey is the Pelkor Chode monastery and the Kumbum stupa. The monastery has a good room for defenders, the faces of some defenders are covered. They are only opened at important times. When this happens, they decide in the monastery. I tried to photograph the face of one defender, but the camera was unable to focus. The Kumbum Stupa has 108 rooms, in each room there is a statue of a deity, symbolizing one or another aspect of the divine nature.




Shigatse Monastery is the residence of the Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual person in Tibet after the Dalai Lama. Its whereabouts are currently unknown.

Having reached Lake Manasarovar, we left our things at the guesthouse and went for a walk to the lake. At the entrance to Lake Manasarovar, the sacred Kailash appears for the first time. In our group there was a geologist Yulia Volkova from St. Petersburg. If questions arose concerning geology, it was always possible to get the opinion of a specialist. Lake Manasarovar, according to Julia, from a geological point of view, is of glacial origin. It is very beautiful. Its color changes depending on the lighting. The water in the lake is cool, but some of us took a dip. Was great! Near the lake on top of the mountain is Chiu Monastery, which has a cave where Padmasabhava also visited and left a footprint. Padmasabhava honored many places with his presence. He is not only one of the most revered saints in Buddhism, but also a great traveler. Near the monastery there are hot springs, where you can take baths for a moderate fee. More comfortable! In direct line of sight from Lake Manasarovar is Lake Rakshas.


24.photo Lake Manasarovar

The next day we left for Darchen. Darchen is a place where pilgrims flock from all over Tibet and other countries. This is the last stop before the start of the kora. Inner excitement reaches its maximum! Tomorrow the bark will begin, which is why we all came here. Each religion has its own significant places, visiting which has a powerful impact on a person. In Islam, this is a Hajj, in Christianity, visiting places associated with the life of Jesus Christ, in Hinduism, Buddhism and the Bon religion, one of such places is Mount Kailash and making a detour around Kailash. Many believers, especially from India and other countries, have been preparing for this for years. The Kailash area is still difficult to access due to various circumstances, including its remoteness and the actions of the Chinese authorities, which periodically close access to the sacred mountain. Bypassing is best done not in the winter. About what is Kailash and the area adjacent to it has been known since ancient times. The symbol of Kailash can be seen in every Hindu temple - this is Shivalingam. If you look at the mountain area from above, doubts disappear by themselves. And the fact that Shivalingas are poured with milk during rituals... Remember the milk rivers! In Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the Bon religion, this place is the dwelling place of the Deities. Legends about the world order also point to this place. There is no need to invent anything here! You just need to read what they say about this place in religious texts. Moreover, this information is not a secret.


After waking up and having breakfast in the dark, walking along the central street of Darchen, reaching its outskirts, we went out onto the trail. It started to get light. Together with the pilgrims, our group began its journey. Buddhists make their rounds clockwise, representatives of the Bon religion go counterclockwise. Some people still have a negative attitude towards the Bon religion. This is due to ignorance and often incorrect information about the Bon religion. We walked clockwise, it is difficult to gather a group of those who want to go through the kora in the Bon tradition. The height is about 5000 meters, there are no strong drops and rises on the first day. Of course, this is not an easy walk, and walking requires effort - after all, height affects. But you can go quite comfortably, if necessary, you can stop and rest. It is better to take your walking rhythm, the body will adjust itself. One and a half to two hours after the start of the kora, we reach the last post of the Chinese military. On the right side of the post is the cemetery of 84 Mahasiddhas. Unfortunately, the passage to the cemetery was closed. I tried to pass, but the Chinese military did not let me through. In this cemetery, a ritual of heavenly burial was performed, some call it heavenly feeding. It boils down to the fact that after death the body of the deceased is dismembered and fed to the vultures. It is clear that this tradition has been around for a very long time. In the conditions of the Tibetan plateau it is difficult to bury or burn the body. No pointless rituals! And there is a deep meaning in this ritual. The body of the deceased is offered to all hungry spirits so that they can get enough and leave the circle of samsara. In addition, it gave the Tibetans knowledge about the structure of the human body, the causes and effects of illness, and it was also a very effective practice of Chod. In the literal sense, the word "Chod" means - to cut off, cut off. Cut off from attachments. When an incision was made below the base of the skull and in the knee joints, the color of the liquid could determine the state of health of a person, what he was. If a person's heart was eaten by the leader of a flock of birds, then this was also seen as a good sign. By the way, in the south of India, in Hampi, I happened to observe when brahmins fed various food to crows after death. I think these rituals have the same roots. In Tibet, I saw cemeteries, from our guide I know that they are going to build a crematorium in Lhasa. Chinese authorities ban Tibetans from holding sky funerals. I think this is wrong! You can not deprive the people of their roots and traditions.


Our path ran next to the Lha Chu River, along the western face of Kailash. The western face of Kailash has a concave shape, maybe that's why it is not always open, opposite the western face there is a place on which there is a stone called "Tara's saddle".


29.photo western face of Kailash


30.photo of Tara's saddle stone
By evening we reached a place near the Dirapuk monastery. Overnight at the campsite. Here the northern face of Kailash was already visible. Fatigue from the path traveled was felt. After we settled down and had dinner, I went to bed. A slight heat was felt in the body. Slept normally.


31. photo northern face of Kailash
During the night my body rested, in the morning I felt good. After breakfast early in the morning, we continued on our way. After some time, the climb began. The Bonpos were walking towards us and I greeted them in Tibetan – “Tashi Delek”. They also greeted back. The atmosphere on the kora among the pilgrims is warm, everyone is friendly towards each other. The views of the surrounding mountains and Kailash were beautiful. It felt like something important was happening. The trail gradually rose up - we were approaching the Drolma pass. Before the pass you can find a stone with a peculiar passage. Tibetans crawl through it. It is considered a good sign if a person does not get stuck in a crevice and manages to quickly climb through.


Before the Droma Pass there is also a place where they did the ritual of heavenly burial. The ascent to the pass is lengthy and requires effort. I had to rest often. Very hard! From the bonpos coming towards me, I heard a familiar mantra "OM MATI MU E SALEDU" is the Bonn heart mantra. And already to everyone who met me, instead of a greeting, I said this mantra. It was clear from their faces that they were happy. On the pass, a beautiful view opens up and a rock, which is called the ax of Karma, becomes visible.






After passing the pass, the trail gradually descends into the valley. And a little further to become wider. It's already a road. Walking becomes easier. In the evening we reached the Zutrulpuk monastery and stopped for the night at a campsite not far from the monastery. In the morning we went up to the monastery of Zutrulpuk - it is associated with the stay of Milarepa in it. There is a cave here where he meditated. I think that many saints meditated in it, so you need to visit such places! The monastery itself is small. It is currently undergoing renovation. In it, finally, they took me a bottle of vodka, which I carried with me all the trip. As soon as I showed it to the monk, he gestured to me – leave it! The fact is that vodka and alcohol are used in the rituals of offerings to spirits. From home I took 3 bottles with me and thought to bring them to the monastery. I gave one to the monk Dondup from the Menri monastery, but in other monasteries it somehow did not work out. After the monastery, we continued our way to Darchen, where the kora ends.
In the end, I want to say that visiting places like Kailash changes people, their attitude to the world around them, people. Maybe some people need more time, some less. When we left Darchen, I had a feeling of slight sadness. I love the Himalayas! I feel very good here! I wish all of us to treat each other with respect, love and speedy enlightenment. For those who want to visit Tibet and see Kailash, I wish their dreams come true!




37. photo group

April 29/Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Welcome to Lhasa! Arrival in the capital of Tibet, meeting of the group in full force. Rest in the hotel for acclimatization to high altitude.

April 30/Day 2: Lhasa
In the morning excursion to, which is the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. Potala consists of 13 floors with a total height of 118 meters. Inside there are one thousand rooms, in which about two hundred thousand images and statues of Buddhist masters and deities are placed. Particular attention is paid to the stupas, which contain relics of the Fifth and Thirteenth Dalai Lamas. Currently, the Potala attracts thousands of Buddhist pilgrims. They go around the kora around the Palace, recite mantras and prayers, make prostrations. After lunch, visit with the sacred statue of Chzhovo Buddha and where hundreds of Tibetans make kora (ritual detours) around the temple. Next, visit the Ramoche Temple, which is the second most important after the Jokhang. Ramoche houses a holy statue of Buddha, aged 8 years, brought from Nepal in the 7th century.

May 1/Day 3: Lhasa
In the morning a trip to, located 10 km from Lhasa. Drepung is the largest Buddhist monastery and university of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Drepung Monastery was founded in the early 15th century by Jamyang Choje, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the great reformer and founder of the Gelug school. Prior to the construction of the Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery also served as the residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon drive to Sera Monastery, which was also built in the early 15th century by Je Tsongkhapa's second disciple Sakya Yeshi. In Sere you can watch the famous philosophical debates of the monks. After the debate, you can make a kora around the monastery.

May 2/Day 4: Lhasa –Mindroling Monastery - Samye Monastery
In the morning drive to Mindroling - one of the six main Nyingma monasteries in Tibet. For 600 years, scholars and yogis from all regions of Tibet have been trained in this monastery. In the afternoon - Samye Monastery - the very first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Samye was built at the end of the 8th century under the leadership of the king of Tibet, Trisong Detsen, who invited Shantarakshita, the great Indian Buddhist scholar and rector of Nalanda University, to Tibet. The king, together with Shantarakshita, began the construction of the Samye monastery, but due to evil spirits and the harmful influence of the king's ministers, it was impossible to complete the construction of the monastery. Then Shantarakshita advised the king to invite the famous Buddhist master Padmasambhava to Tibet. He accepted the invitation, arrived in Tibet and suppressed all the negative influences that prevented the construction of the monastery. Thus, Samye Monastery was finally erected. This monastery gradually became the center from which Buddhism spread to all corners of Tibet. Overnight at the hotel at the monastery.

May 3/ Day 5: Samye – Chimpu Caves Trek – Tsethang
In the morning - a short trek to Chimpu - a complex on the mountain, which is a cave for meditation and hermit huts. Even today, monks and hermits meditate in these caves. Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), after founding the Samye monastery in these caves, passed on the teachings of the Buddha to 25 disciples, among whom was the king of Tibet, Trisong Detsen. In the afternoon, transfer to Tsethang - a large city located in the valley of the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo). Inspection of the Yumbulkhagang Palace - the very first building and palace built in Tibet in the second century BC. Yumbulkhagang was also the residence of Nyatri Tsenpo, the first king of Tibet. Overnight in Tzethang.

May 4/Day 6: Tsethang - Yamdrok Lake - Samding Monastery - Gyantse
In the morning transfer to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, which is considered one of the four most revered lakes in Tibet. Visit Samding Monastery - the only monastery in Tibet run by a female nun. Abbot of the monastery - Samding Dorje Phagmo - the most important female incarnation in Tibet. Then drive through two mountain passes - Karola and Simila to the city of Gyantse. Visit to the Pelkor Chode monastery with the ancient Kumbum stupa, sightseeing of the city fortress.

May 5/Day 7: Gyantse – Shalu Monastery – Shigatse
After breakfast, a two-hour drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Central Tibet. On the way, you will stop at Shalu, a monastery from the early 11th century, which has preserved ancient wall images. Inspection of the Tashilhunpo Monastery - the residence of the Panchen Lamas. Here is a huge statue of Buddha Maitreya (Buddha of the Future), from which you can ask for good luck and fulfillment of desires.

May 6/Day 8: Shigatse - Lake Lanzo - Saga
A whole day on the road along mountain roads through 4-5 thousand mountain passes, from which indescribable views of the chain of the Himalayan peaks open. You will drive through meadows and countryside and see small lakes and nomad camps with yaks and sheep. After about 180 km, you will stop at the beautiful high mountain lake Langtso at an altitude of 4300 m. Herds of yaks and sheep graze around it. Late in the evening you will arrive at Saga, a small village located near the Yarlung Tsanpo (Brahmaputra) River. Night in Saga.

May 7/Day 9: Saga – Paryang - Darchen
Driving through the valley, you can enjoy beautiful views of mountain peaks and vast valleys where nomads graze their herds of yaks and sheep. Further and further to the southwest, the scenery will change to sand dunes, rocky mountains, and snow-capped peaks. Depending on the season, nomads and itinerant traders dress in colorful national clothes. For lunch, stop in the small town of Paryang, which is considered one of the highest mountain cities in the world. In this small town, one gets the feeling that the sky is so close that, by stretching out your hand, you can touch it with your hand. There are several Tibetan and Chinese restaurants in the city, as well as several shops where you can buy cookies, drinks and sweets. Toward evening we will reach Darchen, the starting point in front of the kora around Kailash. Overnight at the guest house.

May 8/Day 10: First day of Kailash kora – to Dirapuk monastery, 19 km, 6-7 hours
The whole length is 53 km. - simple enough. The path of the kora passes by the "cemetery of 84 mahasiddhas", then on the left hand on the mountainside is the Chugu monastery of the Kagyu school, which houses the shell of the Buddhist master Naropa. In the afternoon we will reach the Dirapuk Monastery, where we will stay overnight. This monastery has preserved a cave where the Buddhist saint Milarepa meditated. Dirapuk looks directly at the northern face of Kailash. From the roof of the monastery, Kailash appears in all its power and beauty. Opposite the northern slope, Hindus pray to Shiva. Followers of Hinduism believe that the abode of Shiva is located on the top of Kailash, and the peak itself is a display of Meru, the cosmic mountain, which is the center of the universe. Buddhists consider Kailash to be the habitat of Shakyamuni Buddha in the guise of the angry deity Chakrasamvara, the patron of one of the highest tantras of Vajrayana Buddhism. Overnight at the guest house at the monastery.

May 9/Day 11: Second day Kailash kora - Dolma-la pass - Zutulpuk monastery, 12 km, 7 hours
- the most difficult day of the kora, as we have to cross the Dolma-la pass (5637 m). Buddhists believe that all those who climbed the Dolma-la pass get rid of sins and negative karma, thereby starting a new life full of meaning and awareness. Climbing the Dolma-la pass, we will hang prayer flags, make offerings and pray for the happiness of all living beings. Further, the kora trail leads down to Zatulpuk Monastery, which is also a place of pilgrimage for Milarepa. Overnight at the guest house at the monastery.

May 10/Day 12: Third day of Kailash kora, view of Mt. Nemo Nani - transfer to Lake Manasarovar FULL MOON!
will begin with a path along one of the cleanest rivers you have ever seen. The trail is gentle and there is much more vegetation. At the end of the valley, before turning right, you will have a stunning view of the snowy peak Nemo Nani (7728 m). After completing the crust around Mount Kailash, return to one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. This turquoise lake is full of fish and swans. The Tibetans consider it sacred and call it Mapham Tso, the invincible lake. Manasarovar is also sacred to Hindus. Around the lake are 2 sacred mountains - Kailash and Gurula-Mandala, and Lake Rashekshi. Chiu Monastery, an ancient monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, is located on a hill near the lake. When Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) brought Buddhism from India to Tibet, he remained in the Land of Snows for 55 years. When it was time for him to leave Tibet, he meditated for a week in a cave near Lake Manasarovar, on the site of which the Chiu Monastery was later built. Near the monastery there are hot springs where everyone can bathe. A few kilometers from Lake Manasarovar is Lake Rakshas Tal, which resembles a crescent in shape. There are almost always waves on this lake, cloudy and windy. There are no fish or algae in the waters of the lake. Locals consider this lake to be a dark beginning, a negative and unknown side of consciousness.

Optional/opportunity: bus bark around Lake Manasarovar.

May 11/Day 13: Lake Manasarovar – Paryang – Saga
Way back from Western Tibet. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges. Most tourists choose to take a break during these 3 days of moving to Lhasa after an unforgettable kora. But this journey usually brings unexpected surprises, such as huge rain puddles suddenly appearing or herds of yaks and sheep blocking the road. Wild animals crossing the road, beautiful lakes and snow, sunrises and sunsets. All this will make the road much more interesting.

May 12/Day 14 : FROM yeah - Shigatse
Way back from Western Tibet. You will spend the whole day on the road, as there are speed limits on the track. There are short stops for walks and photos. On the way, you will cross the Yurlung Tsangpo River in front of Lhatse. Arrival in Shigatse in the late evening.

May 13/Day 15: Shigatse - Yundrung Monastery - Lhasa
On the way back to Lhasa, you will visit the Yungdrungling Monastery - one of the main Bon monasteries in Tibet. In the evening, back to Lhasa, free evening for shopping, restaurants and tea houses.

May 14/Day 16 : Departure from Lhasa
Transfer to the airport or train station. Farewell to Tibet!

Routes are subject to change without prior notice.

Journey to the sacred mountain Kailash

19 days. Cost of the trip: $3200.

Kora around Kailash is the most exciting tour in Tibet, allowing you to see the highest peaks of the globe, get acquainted with the unique culture of the East, touch the secrets of ancient civilizations, visit the residence of the Dalai Lama Lhasa and make a ritual detour around the sacred Mount Kailash. In a remote, inaccessible area of ​​Western Tibet, the snow-capped peak of Mount Kailash (Kailash) rises. Compared to other Himalayan peaks, Kailash is not the highest mountain. The height of this peak reaches 6638 m, but its shape is amazing - a four-sided pyramid with edges oriented exactly to the cardinal points. Followers of four religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon and Jainism), two of which are global, consider Kailash a sacred mountain, the place where their gods live. They are sure that this unusual mountain is the "heart of the world" and is endowed with special powers. Worshiping the sacred mountain, believers make a kora. Kora is a Tibetan word that means pilgrimage and is expressed by going around a holy place: a monastery, temple, lake or mountain. According to legend, the bark around Mount Kailash in Tibet gives everyone who performs this ritual the opportunity to cleanse themselves of the sins of their lives. Today, the 53-kilometer trek around Kailash is the most sacred pilgrimage route in the world and attracts many travelers.

Hiking route
Kathmandu-Lhasa-Shigatse-Shegar-Everest Base Camp-Saga-Darchen-Mount Kailash-Lake Manasarovar-Saga-Nyalam-Jangmu-Kathmandu

On this day, you will arrive at Tribhuvan Airport, located in the capital of Nepal - Kathmandu. You will be met by an instructor of our company. After obtaining a Nepalese visa, you will go by taxi to the hotel, which is located in the tourist area of ​​​​the city - Thamel. After checking into the hotel, you can take a walk to the old Durbar Palace Square, where there are many medieval temples and the palace of the living goddess Kumari. There are a lot of tourist equipment in Nepalese shops, and you can buy the missing things. In the evening you will have dinner in one of the cozy restaurants.

Second day

After breakfast, you will go to see the main attractions of Kathmandu - the temples of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.

The temple complex of Pashupatinath, located on the banks of the sacred river Bagmati, was founded in the 13th century. It is a sacred place for all Hindus who worship the god Shiva, called the king of animals. Here is the Golden Temple, which is important for all Shaivites, and only Hindus are allowed into it. During religious holidays, numerous pilgrims from India and Nepal gather in Pashupatinath. Here you can meet sadhus - wandering yogis. They have a rather colorful look and for a small fee they allow you to take a photo with you. Every day in the temple complex there is a ritual - the cremation of Hindus.

The temple complex of Bodhanath is the main center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, a sacred Buddhist place. In the central part of the complex there is a large Buddhist stupa built in the 6th century, which is surrounded by numerous gompas (Tibetan monasteries). Tibetans and monks, reciting mantras and turning the rosary, make a bark around the stupa.

The Swayambhunath temple complex is a Buddhist shrine. It is located at the top of the 77-meter Swayambhu hill covered with forest. A huge number of monkeys live in it, because of which Swayambhunath is often called the Monkey Temple. In the center of the complex is a large stupa built in the 3rd century BC and rebuilt a millennium later, surrounded by several Tibetan monasteries and a Tibetan school. Climbing a 365-degree staircase, you can reach the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Kathmandu valley and the peaks of the Himalayas.

Day three. Flight to Tibet, transfer to Lhasa (3595m).

In the morning you will transfer to Kathmandu airport and fly to Tibet. Today you need to get to Lhasa. Lhasa is the heart and soul of Tibet, the center and main sacred city of the area. For many centuries, Lhasa served as the abode of the Dalai Lama, for which it is called the "city of celestials."

Upon arrival at Gongkar Airport, you will transfer by bus to Lhasa City, which is 60 km from the airport. On the way from the airport, you will enjoy the Tibetan landscapes and the view of the highest mountainous river in the world, the Brahmaputra. Upon arrival in the city, you will check into a hotel. Then you will have lunch and acclimatization in the highlands.

Day four. Excursions in Lhasa.

In the morning, you will start exploring Lhasa with a visit to the Jokhang. This is a famous temple and monastery, called the "House of the Lord", it is especially revered by the people of Tibet. Crowds of pilgrims come here to bow to the sacred statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, brought to Lhasa in the 7th century. The temple impresses with its highly artistic design. Gilded tiles and roof decorations in the form of deer, Buddhist prayer wheels, banners, figures of saints, mythical animals and birds give the Jokhang a brilliant look. The temple houses a large collection of works of art and cultural monuments.

In the afternoon, you will visit the large Buddhist Sera Monastery, a popular pilgrimage site and museum. The monastery was founded in the 15th century, earlier it was one of the three state monasteries of the famous university of Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelugpa school, more than 5 thousand monks lived in it. This monastery is still active. About 100 monks live in it, who arrange colorful debates on philosophical topics in the afternoon and this attract tourists.

Day five. Excursions in Lhasa.

On this day you will see the highest mountain palace - Potala (3767 m), called the "Pearl of the Roof of the World". For many years this door served as the residence of the Dalai Lama, today it is a museum. The Potala Palace was built and rebuilt over ten centuries. A myriad of wood, stone, gold and precious stones were spent on its construction. Today, this complex rises to 110 meters on the slope of the Red Mountain and consists of the Red and White Palaces. The palace halls, and there are more than 1000 of them, are distinguished by luxurious architecture and are decorated with golden and wooden figurines of saints, Tibetan carpets, drawings, as well as metal, porcelain, ceramics and jade products.

Next, you will have a trip to Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama. The name Norbulingka in translation sounds like "Precious Park". This is the most beautiful and largest man-made garden in Tibet. It has built several beautiful palaces.

Another attraction is the Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet, the number of monks in it previously exceeded 10 thousand. The monastery keeps the richest collection of historical relics, manuscripts, works of art, as well as the world's largest tanka of Buddha Shakyamuni, which once a year the monks hang out in the western part of the monastery on the mountain.

Day six. Transfer to the city of Shigatse (3840m).

In the morning you will have a long jeep ride from Lhasa to the second largest city in Tibet - Shigatse. The road goes along the Kambo-la pass, from where a wonderful view of the peaks of the Himalayas opens up. On the way, you will make a stop to admire the beauty of the sacred lake Yamdrok-tso, which is remarkable in that the water in it constantly changes its color. Next, you will head to the city of Gyantse to see the multi-tiered Kumbum stupa, the Pelcho Chode monastery, and the ancient dzong fortress. Upon arrival in Shigatse, you will check into a hotel.

Day seven. Transfer to Shegar village (4050m).

In the morning you will visit the main attraction of Shigatse - the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which previously served as the residence of the Panchen Lama Tibet. This is one of the largest monasteries in Tibet operating today. The complex name of the monastery is translated from the Tibetan language as "all happiness and prosperity is collected here." The monastery houses the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha, reaching a height of 26 m. It is made of several hundred kilograms of gold, silver, bronze, and decorated with pearls and diamonds.

Next, you will head to the village of Shegar. Along the way, you will see beautiful panoramic views of Tibet, the highest pass of Gyamtso La (5220 m), camps of nomadic shepherds and lonely monasteries. On the way, you will have a stop near the Sakya Monastery - the main monastery of the eponymous school of Tibetan Buddhism. It houses a significant library of ancient scrolls. In the evening you will reach the village of Shegar, where you will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

Day eight. Transfer to Rongbuk monastery (5100 m).

The road to Rongbuk Monastery is quite difficult and interesting. You will have to drive for a long time along a long serpentine road to the Pang La pass (5150 m), from the height of which a breathtaking view of four eight-thousand-meter Himalayan peaks opens: Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Cho Oyu. Then you will reach the Rongbuk Monastery, from where Everest Base Camp is only 10 km away.

The Tibetan Buddhist monastery Rongbuk is one of the main attractions of Nepal, it is the highest (5100 m) and rather old (founded in 1902) monastery. Now only two floors are used in the five-story building, and out of the 500 monks and nuns who once lived here, only 30 remain. main building.

Near the monastery there is a stationary campsite where you will stay for the night.

Day nine. Transfer Rongbuk Monastery (5100 m) - Everest Base Camp (5360 m) - Saga city (4640 m).

A short drive to the observation point of the Everest Base Camp, and you will be able to see the highest point on the globe - Everest very close and take a photo as a keepsake. Then you will return to Rongbuk Monastery, from where you will go to the small town of Saga. Overnight at the hotel.

Day ten. Transfer to Darchen village (4670 m)

On this day, you will have a long road to the village of Darchen, which is the starting point of the kora around Kailash. The village has a small monastery, guesthouses - hotels for tourists and pilgrims, as well as restaurants with Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day eleven. First day of bark. Trek to Dirapuk Monastery (5050 m).

The road from the village of Darchen goes west along the ridge that covers the mountains. To the south stretches the wide plain of Barka, which is framed by the majestic ridge of the Himalayas. Very soon you will reach a place at an altitude of 4730 m, marked with prayer flags. From there you will have a view of the southern side of Mount Kailash, called "sapphire". This place is the first of four places where many pilgrims perform offering and prostration rituals. The trail will then take you north to the La Chu valley (4750m) where the Tarboche pole is erected every year, and how vertical it stands matters to the Tibetans. To the west of Tarboche is the Chorten Kangni, and it is considered auspicious among the Tibetans to pass through its arch. Then the ritual bypass route continues along the eastern side of La Chu past the gorge of the Chuku monastery, built in the 13th century, and soon the western wall of Kailash will appear before you. In this place is the second point where Tibetans-pilgrims make prostrations. After a few hours of walking, you will reach the Dirapuk Monastery, which is located under the northern wall of Kailash. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day twelve. Second day of the bark. Radial exit to the server slope of Kailash.

To have a good look at the glacier sliding down from Kailash, you need to approach its northern slope. On this day, you will make a radial exit, which will allow you to get as close to the sacred mountain as possible. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Day thirteen. Third day of the bark. Crossing the Drolma La pass (5760m), descent to the Zutrulpuk monastery (4800m).

From the Dirapuk monastery, the trail climbs up to a section of the slope of Mount Shiva Tsal (5330m) - a place where pilgrims leave their old things, accept a symbolic death and prepare for a new life, which begins at the top of the crust - on the Drolma La pass. From the pass you will descend past the sacred lake Tukpe Dzingbu into the valley and go to the campsite located next to the Zutrulpuk monastery.

Day fourteen. The fourth and final day of the kora. Transfer to Chiu monastery (4557 m)

On this day you will return to the village of Darchen, where the crust closes around the sacred Mount Kailash. Then you will make a transfer to the high-altitude lake Manasarovar. It is a popular place of pilgrimage for the Tibetans, and in order to cleanse themselves of sins, people perform kora around the lake, bathe in it and drink its water. Manasarovar is connected by a canal to the smaller lake Rakshas Tal. There are five monasteries on the shore of the lake. The most famous of them is Chiu (“little bird”), famous for the fact that it houses the lifetime sculpture of Buddha-Chomdente and there is a cave where Padmasambhava meditated. Nearby are hot springs where you can take a warm bath. Overnight in a guesthouse near Chiu Monastery.

Day fifteen. Transfer to the city of Saga (4640 m).

Return back. Having reached the town of Saga, you stop for the night at the hotel.

Day sixteen. Transfer to Nyalam (3750m).

Continuation of the trip across the Tibetan Plateau. On the way, the top of the Shisha-Pangma mountain (8027m) is clearly visible. Overnight at the hotel in Nyalam, located near the Tibetan border.

Day seventeen. Transfer to Kathmandu.

After crossing the Friendship Bridge, Nepal awaits you with its green plains. Return to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.

Day eighteen. Kathmandu.

Today is a free day in Kathmandu, which you can devote to buying souvenirs for friends and family.

Day 19: Flight home.

5 people - $3600 6 people - $3350

7 people - $3100 8 people - $2970

Airline information

Flight to Kathmandu from Moscow Airarabia - 700 dollars round trip

From Kyiv Flydubai: $650 Airarabia: $700 round trip

The cost of the trip includes

• Accompaniment of our Russian-speaking instructor
• three meals a day in Tibet
• Tibetan guide services
• all transfers on the route
• transfers in Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps (4 seats per jeep)
• all permits in Tibet
• yaks for carrying cargo during the kora around Kailash (1 yak for two people)
• accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu and in lodges and hotels during the route
• first aid kit

Schedule of hikes along the route