Mount Kailash - Heart of the Mimalayan Buddhist Tradition
June 17 - Jyly 5, 2013
12/01/2013 10:38 (GMT+7) Font size:  
Join us as we cross the Himalayas through Nepal and Tibet to Mount Kailash, source of some of Asia’s mightiest rivers and spiritual center of the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
We will begin our journey in Kathmandu, Nepal, settling in and grounding ourselves in meditation practice under the guidance of local spiritual masters. Next, we’ll head northwest, through central Nepal and western Tibet, towards Mount Kailash. We’ll spend four days circumambulating the mountain, just as pilgrims before us have done for centuries.
The program will proceed at a relaxed pace, allowing time to acclimate and to take in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and experience its unique culture. Through the course of our travels, we will explore the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of the places we visit. Underpinning our travels will be an in-depth exploration of Buddhist thought and meditation.
This trip is will be physically rigorous. While trekking around Mount Kailash, we will walk upwards of 20 km (roughly 14 miles) a day. The meditation curriculum will focus on shamatha meditation, or calm-abiding, using the objects of the sense doors and simple mantra recitation to invite the mind into the present moment. Program fee is $4,500, $1,000 of which is a tax-deductible donation to the Tricycle Foundation.
The pilgrimage is open to all, to beginners and longtime practitioners alike.
Places of Interest:
The Kathmandu Valley
One of the most spiritually diverse cities in the world. Kathmandu has for centuries provided spiritual seekers with a gateway to Himalayas. It is adorned with temples at every turn, many of which we will visit and learn about. It is home to a vibrant community of spiritual practitioners— Nepali, Tibetan, Western and East Asian, among others. Our visit to Kathmandu will serve as our introduction to the region, and it is where we’ll deepen our connection as a practice community.
Mount Kailash
In traditional Tibetan Buddhist cosmology, Mt. Kailash is placed at the center of universe. Uncannily symmetrical, this remote and remarkable peak is situated in the far west of Tibet, 1,200 km (720 miles) from Lhasa. At 6,714 meters (22,028 feet), Mt. Kailash is the source of four major waterways—the Indus, Sutlej, Karnali and Tsang Po rivers. Sanskrit for “luminous crystal,” Kailash is thought by Hindus to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his wife, Parvati. Tibetan Buddhists call the mountain Gang Rinpoche, or the “Jewel of Snow,” and regard the mountain as the body mandala of Korlo Demchog (Chakrasambhava in Sanskrit) and his consort, Dorje Phagmo (Skr., Vajrayogini). A visit to this magical landscape is considered the most precious of pilgrimages for both Tibetans and Indians, a journey they hope to undertake at least once in their lives.
Lake Manasarovar
Sitting at 4,590 meters (15, 060 ft.) above sea-level, lake Manasarovar is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is considered by Himalayan Buddhists and Hindus to be one of the holiest spots in the world. Surrounded by numerous temples and monasteries, the pristine lake is the ideal setting to recuperate from the arduous journey around Mount Kailash. It is here that we witness the epic beauty of the landscape that characterizes the Tibetan plateau.
Program guide:
Our guide, Roger Pfister, has been based in Nepal since 1995, where he has owned and operated Snow Jewel, through which he leads expeditions to remote areas in Nepal and Tibet. He has worked for over five years as a volunteer for the British-operated not-for-profit ROKPA Nepal, which brings aid to some poorest regions in the country. Roger has practiced extensively in both the Tibetan and Theravada traditions. He has attended annual Vipassana retreats in Thailand at Wat Ram Poeng, and in India at Bodh Gaya and Sarnath with meditation teacher Christpoher Titmuss. During his time in Nepal, he spent two years in intensive study at Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling, the official seat of the venerable Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and at Pullahari Monastery, under the guidance of Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. He took his first trip to Mt. Kailash during the spring of 1996, and since then, he has made over 90 circuits of the mountain and 14 of Lake Manasarovar.
Program Leader:
Justin Kelley, a US citizen, has been living in southern Asia since 2006. During this time, he has practiced with eminent spiritual teachers from both the Buddhist and Hindu schools. He formally became a student of Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche in 2008 and has been practicing under his guidance since that time. He has served as an ordained monk for two years. Professionally, he has organized and directed international experiential education programs for US-based not-for-profit Global LAB. He has also created and directed pilgrimages for US-based dharma organizations, including the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies, Tergar International, and the Tricycle Foundation, exploring the significance of place in the process awakening. In 2010 he founded the spiritually focused international tour company The Sacred Path.
Nature of the program:
Housing is basic. We will stay in simple monastery guesthouses. The guesthouses provide clean and simple bedding, food, and a place to wash. Trekking around Mount Kailash takes some sacrifice and is not meant for the faint of heart. The reward that comes from completing this journey, however, will resonate for years to come.
Arrival:
It is essential that participants arrive in Kathmandu by 9:00AM on the 17th of June in order to secure permits for our Wednesday departure for Tibet.
Some airlines that offer convenient flights: Qatar Airlines, which connects through Doha; Gulf Airlines, which connects through Bahrain; and Indian Airlines and Jet Airways, which both connect through Delhi. You may also choose to arrive on the 16th or earlier, broadening your options. Please see the “Reservations” section for more information.
Transfers from the airport can be provided for a surcharge of $10, payable upon arrival. We can assist with arrangements for this and additional hotel bookings. Please see “Reservations” section for more information.
Itinerary:
Throughout the pilgrimage, internationally renowned program guide Roger Pfister will highlight the significance of the places we visit, introducing us to the local cultural and religious traditions. Simultaneously, seasoned leader Justin Kelley will lead the group through a meditation curriculum, guiding us in our exploration of the inner and outer meaning of pilgrimage.
June 17th: We will visit the Boudha Stupa in the afternoon, as well as other local monasteries and places of interest. During this time, Justin and other local experts will discuss the significance of this place.
Accommodations: Monastic guesthouse.
June 18th:
Visit to Patan—an ancient artisan center that was heart of the Nepali Kingdom for over two hundred years. Here we will explore local pilgrimage sites, visit ancient temples, interact with local craftspeople and much more. We will be joined by internationally renowned Nepali guide Anil Chitrakar, who has worked extensively to preserve the indigenous communities in Nepal. He has also worked to set up much needed infrastructure throughout remote Himalayan regions.
4pm Briefing on the Tibetan journey by Roger.
Accommodations: Monastic guesthouse.
June 19th:
Visit to Pullahari Gompa (round-trip walking time, 3 hours), the seat of the great Jomgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. Here we will explore hills behind Boudha, the grounds of the monastery, and meet with senior monks.
Accommodations: Monastic guesthouse.
June 20th: Departure for Tibet: We will proceed to Kodari, roughly 130 km and 5 hours from Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kodari, we will walk over the Friendship Bridge, where our Tibetan guide and drivers await us. We will then proceed onwards to Zhangmu, where we will finish border formalities before heading to Nyalam (3,700m; 12,239 ft), where we will stay for three days and four nights.
Accommodations: Simple, guesthouse. Public bath.
June 21st:
Day of rest. After lunch we will make an optional short trip to visit the famous cave of Milarepa and a local nomadic resting spot.
Accommodations: Simple, guesthouse. Public bath.
June 22nd: Short (3-5h) hike to Phukaro. Accommodations: Simple, guesthouse. Public bath
June 23rd: Take a longer hike (6-8 hours) to Dara Tso Lake (4,300m; 14,108 ft). Here we will enjoy the breathtaking scenery and have lunch on the lakeside.
Accommodations: Simple, guesthouse. Public bath.
June 24th: Travel from Nyalam to Saga (4,300m; 14,108 ft), a roughly 5- to 6-hour drive. We will first cross the Tong-la pass (5,120m; 16,798 ft), which has a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains. From here we travel near the base camp of Shisha Pangma and continue along side Peiku Tso Lake (4,591m; 15,062 ft), a veritable Shangri-la.
Accommodations: Basic, pilgrim guesthouse. Public bath.
June 25th:
On this day we continue towards Mount Kailash, traveling from Saga to Chiu (4,520m; 14,829 ft), via Paryang (4,570m; 14,993 ft). We will cross several high passes and enter the high dessert of western Tibet. After crossing the Mayum-la pass (5,216m; 17,113 ft), we drive along the shores of Gung Gyu Lake, which provides our first view of the majestic Mount Kailash.
Accommodations: Guesthouse adjacent to a public hot spring.
June 26th:
While we continue to acclimate, we will visit Chiu Gompa, which is home to one of the most important caves of Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have transmitted Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan. We will spend the first half of the day walking along the shore of lake in Chiu, which is home to the retreat caves of Langbona Gompa. In the afternoon we will proceed to Darchen for the evening.
Accommodations: Simple hotel. Public bath.
June 27th: This day will mark the beginning of the circuit around Mount Kailash. We will walk for roughly 6 to 8 hours, slightly uphill. Beginning from the south, we will reach Tarpoche, traditionally considered by Tibetan Buddhists to be the center of the universe. Those who are able can make a short trip to Chuku Gompa. We will camp just below Dirapuk Gompa (4,900m; 16,076 ft), which has some of the most spectacular views of the mountain.
Accommodations: Tent.
June 28th: This day will serve as our rest day on the circuit, as we continue to allow our bodies to acclimate. Those who like can visit the Dirapuk Gompa, home of the famous yogi Gyalwa Gotsangpa. Those who would like to can make an excursion to the north face (2 hours), stroll into a side valley, or simply rest near camp taking in the sights and sounds.
Accommodations: Tent.
June 29th: This is the most strenuous trekking day. We will walk for roughly 8 to 10 hours. The day begins with a slow ascent towards Drolma-la pass, after which we will steeply descend into the valley, using the final couple of hours to walk slightly downhill to camp, situated roughly a mile and a half short of Zutulpuk Gompa (peak height 4,790m; 15,715 ft).
Accommodations: Tent.
June 30th:
The final day of walking is fairly easy (3 to 4 hours). We will pass near Zutulpuk Gompa and hike downhill to Darchen, where we will have lunch. Afterwards, we will drive to Seralung Gompa near Lake Manasarovar, which affords breathtaking views of the lake, Mount Kailash and Gurla Mandata (peak height 7,728m; 25,354ft).
Accommodations: Basic monastery guesthouse.
July 1st: We will spend this day resting on the shores of Lake Manasarovar. We will have the chance to explore the lakeshore, collect stones and shells and take a ritual bath in the lake or enjoy a swim.
Accommodations: Basic monastery guesthouse.
July 2nd: We will begin our journey back to Nepal on this day, traveling from Lake Manasarovar to Saga for the evening.
Accommodations: Simple guesthouse. Public bath
July 3rd: After crossing the powerful Brahmaputra River, we will travel back along our original path, near Shisa Pangma and Paiku Tso Lake to Nyalam for the evening.
Accommodations: Simple guesthouse. Public bath. July 4th:
From Nyalam we will descend from the high desert of western Tibet and re-enter lush green Nepal, leaving our local Tibetan crew and traveling by bus back to Kathmandu.
Accommodations: Monastery guesthouse.
July 5th:
Program close, which will finish by midmorning. Airport transfer.
If, due to unforeseen circumstances, political or natural, we require a schedule change, we reserve the right to make necessary changes without prior correspondence.
Program fee: $4,500, $1,000 of which is a tax-deductible donation to the Tricycle Foundation.
Included:
Nepal: Accommodations; meals; transportation; guide fees; entrance fees.
Tibet: All travel, meals and accommodations throughout the journey; all permits and road tolls; all local guides, drivers and cooks; all fees for sightseeing, Kailash circuit, grassland fee, yak and yak driver for your luggage; camping gear (see gear list for items not provided).
Excluded:
Visa fee for Nepal and Tibet; horse and horse driver for personal ride (to be more fully described in future correspondence) while at mount Kailash; cost for any emergency; drinks when eating in restaurants; personal expenses; insurance; gratuities.
Gratuities: While visiting locations of spiritual interest, as well as with spiritual masters, participants are welcome to make offerings as they deem appropriate. In addition, at the culmination of the program, we will make a collection from the group to tip the local guides, drivers and crew.
Single Supplement: Single supplement is $100 for the days in Kathmandu and $100 for a single tent for the three days at Mount Kailash.
Please note: We are not responsible for extra costs incurred by landslides, road blockages and other weather-related obstructions or political problems that may arise. Accommodation will be double occupancy, however, we will occasionally be in shared rooms (small dormitories). During the Kailash circumambulation we stay in tents of two people each. We assume your preparedness to share rooms/tents with others, regardless of gender.
Visa Information:
Nepal: Visas are best obtained upon arrival at the international Airport in Kathmandu. Visas of either one ($40 USD) or three ($100 USD) months are available. Travelers must carry passport-style/size photos to be used on the application.
Tibet: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will apply for the Chinese visa as a group. For this, we need one passport photo and a completed Visa form, which can be printed athttp://snowjewel.com/visalinks.html. Visa- Fee for non-US citizens US$ 114, or $198 for US citizens in cash, payable IN US DOLLARS upon arrival in Kathmandu when submitting your passport.
Insurance:
Due to the volatile situation in Tibet, we require that all participants purchase travel insurance. Zen Travels will be providing group insurance and costs will range from $250-$375 for the program depending on age. Their contact information is below. If you choose to provide your own insurance independently, then you must submit the plan for Tricycle’s approval.
Reservations:
Flights and Insurance:
Hotel and transfers:
If you will be arriving early and are in need of accommodations in the monastery guesthouse and/or airport transfer, please let us know as soon as possible. We will make necessary arrangements. Also, if you are interested in spending more time traveling in Nepal, either before or after the program, please let us know and we can connect you with appropriate individuals to help you with your plans. You can email Justin at justin@tricycle.com with requests and/or questions.
Required materials
1) Scanned passport copy. Please scan your passport and email to us as attachment. We just need the data page with photo, nothing else. No larger than 150KB, in JPG format only (please, no PDF!). If there are any problems with scanning, a digital photo works as well (low resolution please)! Passport Validity
Minimum 6 months from date of entry.
2) Flight booking information: Please provide your flight information as soon as the reservation is made. 3) Insurance information if purchased independently. All required information must be submitted to Tricycle by May 6, 2013. We reserve the right to make changes to this itinerary based on a variety of considerations, and will make every effort to ensure that any changes conform to the character and tone of the program. For more information, write pilgrimage@tricycle.com. http://www.tricycle.com
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