Mt. Kailash (6714m) might not be the mightiest of Himalayan peaks but is certainly the holiest both for Hindus and Buddhists. The peak is snow-clad the year round and the mountain has four dominant faces looking over all directions. What is more, the region of Mt. Kailash houses four major rivers important to the drainage of a large part of the Indian Sub-Continent. A 53 km circuit or Kora of the mountain is one of the most important pilgrimages in Asia, the completion of which is said to remove all past sins. This package offered by Himalayan Glacier Trekking offers not only a chance to complete the Kora but also visit other fascinating places on the Northern route such as Tholing and Tsaprang.

This incredible journey into the heart of Tibet’s western region starts with a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to Nyalam, a quaint one street town on the border between Nepal and Tibet. The small Tibetan towns of Saga and Barayang serve as transit points before you head on to the beautiful Lake Manasarovar (4560m), the most venerated of Tibet’s many lakes. The Hindus consider a dip in the lake a holy act while the Buddhists circumambulate its circumference.

The Kora around Mt. Kailash begins from Tarchen from where the walk to Dairaphuk is exceptionally beautiful, offering views of several towering peaks including Mt. Kailash. The monastery at Dairaphuk offers spectacular views of the north face of the mountain. The trail continues over the Drolma La Pass (5630m) past the turquoise expanse of the Gauri Kund Lake before descending down past places of religious significance to Zuthulphuk monastery.

The circuit is completed in Tarchen where you can unwind for a day before moving on to the religious village of Tholing. Before reaching Tholing you will have the opportunity to relax in soothing natural hot springs. The day spent exploring Tholing and its more beautiful neighbor Tsaprang can be an enchanting experience. Found on eroded mountains cut by the Sutlej River, the monasteries in these places feature early Buddhist art and interesting architecture. After exploring an ancient culture a trip to Ali is fun to see a semi-modern town in Tibet, which features nightclubs and bright lights. You will make your way back to Kathmandu via the towns of Tsochen, Saga and Zhangmu.