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Mt. Kailash 2023: Footsteps to Enlightenment (May 18-June 3, 2023)
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 It is with great excitement and gratitude to present this journey through Tibet to the holy mountain of Mt. Kailash. The write-up is extensive and goes over the details of this 16 day journey culminating in a trek around Mt. Kailash, one of the most sacred sites on the planet.
In addition to the program presented below in the itinerary, we will be focusing on four areas of spiritual development during the trip. The first area is to connect with the Bon deities and shamanic teachers on the inner planes anchored to this area. Bon is the indigenous shamanic practices of Tibet. We will do this through journeying and ritual practices and also learn the shamanic healing technique of soul conduction or the ability to lead those who have died but are lost in the inner world to a better place.
The second area is focusing on developing our kundalini energy through breathing and meditation practices by connecting with Lord Shiva and Shakti. Mt. Kailash is a living altar revered by Hindus who see it as the abode of Lord Shiva. We will do daily meditation and breathing exercises during the journey to develop our subtle bodies and in particular the central channel and chakras.
While doing the trek around Mt. Kailash, we will connect with the Arcturians to do the Arcturian 5-Pointed Medallion Transmission. This is a series of 5 transmissions/meditations that we will conduct at various points during the trek to anchor cosmic energies onto the planet. These 5 external points are reflected by 5 internal points centered around our heart chakra. The purpose of this Arcturian transmission is to imprint onto the earth grid the frequencies of unconditional love, unconditional forgiveness, and unconditional wisdom. The goal is to have these blessings radiate out onto the planet, the solar system, this galaxy, and other galaxies like a beacon.
The fourth area of study during the trip will be to connect to the Buddhist information field prevalent in the area. We will do this by contemplating impermanence and focusing on the teachings of the 6 Bardos by Guru Padmasambhava. The Bardos mean a gap and the six bardos reflect various states of consciousness both in this life, during the dying period, and after the death period which our consciousness experiences. Guru Padmasambhava is one of three Buddhist saints that helped establish Buddhism in Tibet. In particular on the journey, we will each carry a small vajra, bell, and phurba if you want which will ritually absorb the energy and information of the journey to and through Mt. Kailash. These objects will be ritually blessed in the waters of Lake Manasarovar, a highlight destination during the trek around Mt. Kailash.
If the trip calls to you and when you commit to the journey, the process starts. The trip is in linear time eight months away but actually begins now.
I look forward to sharing this life changing and soul enhancing experience. Thank you for continuing to be part of the journey and process occurring now on the planet.
Much Joy and Light,
Gene |
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Day 1 Arrival in Chengdu, China
Thursday, May 18
You will fly from your home destination to Chengdu, China. We will spend one day here before flying to Lhasa. Accomodation: Shangri-La Hotel (5* star)
 Day 2 Lhasa ArrivalFriday, May 19
Highlights: Welcome to Lhasa! Today upon your Lhasa arrival, you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide and escorted to the hotel. For the remainder of the day you will have a good rest to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Accommodation: St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5* star)
 Day 3 Lhasa Saturday, May 20
Highlights: Today you will visit the famous Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
Potala Palace: Which is known as the cardinal landmark of Tibet and the residence of the Dalai Lama lineages. Stands 13 stories high and owes over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues, the Potala Palace formed a small world in itself.
Jokhang Temple: Listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2000 as part of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. The temple is a four-story timber complex with a golden top, with the combination of Tang Dynasty, Tibetan and Nepal architectural styles. Every day, pilgrims come from every corner of Tibet to worship here, making it a perfect site for photographers.
Barkhor Street: As the oldest street in Lhasa, Barkhor Street is considered as the center of the old city, and a perfect place to learn Tibetan culture, economy, religion, and arts. The street is full of handicrafts, such as ornaments, knives, thangkas, religious musical instruments, gold and silver ware, masks and a lot more. If you intend to buy some souvenirs for friends or family, Barkhor Street will be an ideal place.
Accommodation: St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5* star)
Day 4 Lhasa
Sunday, May 21
Highlights: Today in the morning you will visit Drepung Monastery. Afternoon is the visit to Sera Monastery to enjoy the debate there.
 Drepung Monastery: Located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the western suburb of Lhasa, Drepung Monastery is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered one of the 'Three Great Monasteries' (the other two are the Ganden Monastery and the Sera Monastery. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the appearance of a heap of rice. As such, it was given the name 'Drepung‘, which, in the Tibetan language, means 'Collecting Rice.
Sera Monastery: Which is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City. The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built. From Monday through Friday, every afternoon, you will be able to see monks debating at Sera Monastery.
Accommodation: St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5* star)
Day 5 Lhasa / Yamdrotso Lake / Gyantse
Monday, May 22
Distance: 250km Drive: 8hr Elevation: 4441m
Highlights: This morning you will be drive to Gyantse and finally reach Shigatse for the hotel check-in. After passing the Kamba-La Pass (4794m), you’ll get to the beautiful Yamdrok Lake for great highland lake view and the distant view of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7191m). Continuing on is a 1.5 hour’s drive to visit the Karo-la Glacier (5050m). Then you will get to Gyantse and visit the famous Pelkor Monastery. Finally in the late afternoon you will reach Tibet’s 2nd largest city---Shigatse.
 Yamdrok Lake: Which is one of the 3 most sacred lakes in Tibet. It is a lake of 72km long, fed by numerous small streams and surrounded by snow covered mountains. The two long arms of water, making it look like a scorpion from the sky. According to legend, Yamdrok Lake is the transformation of a goddess.
Karola Glacier: At 5,560m above sea level, and with an area of 9.4 sq km, this imposing glacier is visible from the highway which links Lhasa and Shigatse. The glacier has been divided into black and white layers due to smoke pollution from motor vehicles, which gives a distinctive colors to this great glacier.
Pelkor Chode Monastery: Founded in 1418, Pelkor Chode Monastery is the main monastery in Gyantse of Tibet. The highlight inside is the Kumbum, which has 108 chapels in its four stories. As an important center of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, In 1904, the Gyantse town and the Pelkor Chode Monastery were attacked by British army, although most of the damage was later restored, bullet holes from this attack still remain in the monastery.
Accommodation: Gyantse Yeti Hotel 3-star (best available)
Day 6 Gyantse / Shigatse
Tuesday, May 23
Distance: 100km Drive: 3hr Elevation: 4441m
Highlights: Today you will be driven back Shigatse and visit the Tashilunpo Monastery and local market
 Tashilunpo Monastery: which is one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet. Also called the Heap of Glory, it is located at the foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain), Shigatse. Founded by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, the monastery's structure was expanded by the Fourth and successive Panchen Lamas. Covering an area of nearly 300,000 square meters (3,229,279 sq. ft.), the main structures found here are The Maitreya Chapel, The Panchen Lama's Palace, and The Kelsang Temple. Tashilunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama since the Fourth Panchen Lama took charge in the monastery.
Accommodation: Qiaomulangzhong Hotel (4.5* star, best available)
Day 7 Shigatse / EBC
Wednesday, May 24
Distance: 350km Drive: 10hr Elevation: 5154m
Highlights: Today we will drive from Gyangtse to Lhatse, Tingri, and finally reach the camp site of EBC, which is only 10km away from the Everest Base Camp. You will witness spectacular high plateau views such as blue sky, float light clouds, stretching snow mountains, endless grasslands.
Rongbuk Monastery: Located at the northern foot of Mt. Everest, the Rongbuk Monastery is only 10 KM away from the Everest Base Camp. It was originally built in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama, and considered as the highest monastery in the world. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it used to hold 500 monks, but has only 30 monks now. The monastery is a perfect place to view Everest, on sunny days, a pile of thick clouds, just like a white flag floats lightly above the peak, which is known to be the miracle of 'The Highest Flag Cloud in the World'.
 Mt. Everest: Located in the Himalayas ranges of the border between Tibet and Nepal, Everest is also called Qomolangma or Chomolungma. It raises 8,848 metres (29,029 ft) above sea level, and is the main peak of Himalayas and the world's highest mountain. Mt. Everest is covered by snow all year around. When sun shines on the mountain, the summit of the mountain seems like a pyramid covered by sunlight, offering a spectacular view.
Accommodation: Dorm tent of EBC (8-12 persons dorm tent, basic condition, no shower, public bathroom)
 Day 8 EBC / SagaThursday, May 25
Distance:460km Drive: 13hrs Elevation: 4600m
Highlights: This morning we will enjoy the sunrise of Everest Peak if the weather is good. Then we will drive to Saga, where you can view the worlds’ 14th highest peak Mt. Shishapangma (8012m), and Turquoise Lake Peiku Tso (4590m). You may also have a chance to see wild animals like wild donkey, wild antelope etc.
Mt. Everest: Located in the Himalayas ranges of the border between Tibet and Nepal, Everest is also called Qomolangma or Chomolungma. It raises 8,848 metres (29,029 ft) above sea level, it is the main peak of Himalayas and the world's highest mountain. Mt. Everest is covered by snow all the year around. When the sun shines on the mountain, the summit of the mountain seems like a pyramid covered by the sunlight, offering a spectacular view.
Note: Due to political and environmental reasons, it is now not possible to hike 1hr to the Everest monument site, but visitors can view Everest from a new monument which is 200m away from the tent.
Accommodation: Saga Hotel (2* star, best available)
 Day 9 Saga / DarchenFriday, May 26
Distance:450km Drive: 12hr Elevation: 4500m
Highlights: Moving towards to Darchen.
Accommodation: Himalayan Kailash Hotel 4-star (BEST in Darchen)
Day 10 Darchen
Saturday, May 27
Highlights: Today you will be free to relax in Darchen and visit the Lake Manasarovar. The tour guide will assist tourists to arrange trekking yaks and porters and do some preparation for your following 3 days trekking around Mt.Kailash.
Lake Manasarovar:  With altitude of 4588m, Lake Manasarovar is one of the Top 4 Holy Lakes and the most transparent fresh water lake in China, the name means “invincible lake” in Tibetan language, it is the most sacred of all Tibet's lakes, it is surrounded by beautiful landscape and adorned by Buddhists, Bon religion followers and Hindu as the most sacred place and the center of the world. Hindus have been walking round it for over 2,000 years. Buddhists associate the lake with Maya, Buddha's mother.
Accommodation: Himalaya Kailash Hotel 4-star (BEST in Darchen)
Day 11 Darchen / Drirapuk (Trek Day 1)
Sunday, May 28
Distance: 20km Trek Time: 7hrs Elevation: 4560m
Highlights: Traditionally pilgrims undertake the 52 km trekking circuit around Mount Kailash, commencing at Darchen (4574m) and crossing the Dolma-la pass on the second day of the three day walk. 8 kilometers after leaving Darchen with environment-friendly bus (40minutes), we get to a village called Sarshung, where porters are waiting their clients. After two hours, we come upon a grassy plain populated by nomads. For this turn in the valley it is another two hours at least before reaching Drirapuk(4920m). You need to camp or can rest in monastery's guest house made from cement with a few good facilities than others in Drirapuk.
 Mt. Kailash: Neighboring Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain by four religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Bon. Pilgrims believe that circumambulating Mt. Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune. and purify their soul. The path around Mount Kailash is 52km long, Hindus and Buddhists walk clockwise around Mt. Kailash, while followers of Jain and Bon religions walk counter-clockwise.
Accmmodation: Guesthouse at Drirapuk (dorm-bed room, public toilet, simple conditions)
 Day 12 Drirapuk / Dzultripuk (Trek Day 2)Monday, May 29
Distance: 18km Trek Time: 8hrs
Hightlights: The second day is the hardest and most tough circuit with the Dolma-la pass lying 6.4km ahead but 762m above Drirapuk. The peak of Dolma-la pass is about 5630m above sea level, so it is better to set off early in the morning as the sun rays break over the ridges above. After taking a rest at the peak of Dolma-la pass, you will descend a staircase bringing you to the Lhachu valley floor, taking about one hour from the pass. From here it is still four hours trekking to today's final destination with no shelters on the way. It is better to walk on the right side of the river and finally get to Dzultripuk (with the Miracle Cave of Milarepa).
Accommodation: Guesthouse at Dzultripuk (dorm-bed room, public toilet, simple conditions)
Day 13 Dzultripuk / Darchen (Trek Day 3)
Tuesday, May 30
 Trek Time: 4hrs Distance: 14km Drive: 1hr 40KM
Highlights: Today, we will go through Milarepa's cave, where the temple and shrines have been built around. Then the walk back to Darchen is easy and the exit from the valley can be reached within three hours.
Accommodation: Himalayan Kailash Hotel 4-star (BEST in Darchen)
Day 14 Darchen / Saga
Wednesday, May 31
Distance: 450km Drive: 12hrs Elevation: 4500m
Highlights: Drive back along the main road to Saga for overnight
Accommodation: Saga Hotel 2-star (best available)
 Day 15 Saga / ShigatseThursday, June 1
Distance:510km Drive: 12hrs Elevation: 3800m
Highlights: Today we will drive from Saga to Shigatse
Accommodation:
Qiaomulangzhong Hotel (4.5* star, best available)
Day 16 Shigatse / Lhasa
Friday, June 2
Distance: 280km Drive: 6hr Elevation: 4441m
Highlights: Today you will be driven back to Lhasa
Accommodation: St. Regis Lhasa Resort (5* star)
 Day 17 Lhasa DepartureSaturday, June 3
Transfer via: Flight from Lhasa to Chengdu
Highlights: Today our guide accompanies you to the airport for your flight from Lhasa to Chengdu. Your Tibet tour is now complete.
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 The tour runs from May 18-June 3, 2023. We fly into Chengdu, China from our home destinations. From Chengdu we will fly to Lhasa to start the tour. The cost of the tour includes the flight from Chengdu to Lhasa as well as the flight from Lhasa to Chengdu at the end of the tour. We will fly from Chengdu to our home destinations at the end of the tour.
The total cost of the tour is USD $4500 per person in a double room. If you would like a single room the cost is an extra USD $1025.
Tour Includes: Transportation in modern buses, Tibet Travel Permit, Oxygen for emergency usage, Accommodation as listed or similar, 6 breakfasts in Lhasa and Shigatse hotels, Admission fees for the attractions listed, Professional English-speaking tour guide, Airfare Chengdu/Lhasa/Chengdu, Roundtrip airport transfers in Chengdu, One night hotel accommodation in Chengdu.
Not Included: Flight from home destination to Chengdu, China, China Visa, Yak and porter fees, any other meals not listed on the inclusions, Tips and gratuities to drivers, guides, porters, etc, Travel Insurance (cancellation and medical insurance should be mandatory).
Note: The price is based on exchange rates (RMB to USD) as at July 4, 2022 and subject to change. We will do our upmost to keep the prices the same.
To register requires a USD $500 deposit. A second deposit of $500 is required on January 18, 2023. The remainder of the tour price is due February 18, 2023 (deposit and remainder of tour price is non-refundable and non-transferable). Please contact Gene at gene.ang@gmail.com to register and/or for further tour information.
Important Notes for the Tibet journey:
You need to be in good physical condition for this journey. You will be traveling and trekking (3 days) at high altitudes and the better the physical condition you are in, the more you will enjoy the trip. From our experience, most people in good shape can participate in this journey. There is plenty of time to start an exercise routine – focusing on cardio and climbing hills will be especially beneficial.
There is also the option to travel by horseback during the trek, and to have yaks and porters carry your bags. These can easily be hired before the trek and our guide will assist you. You can also leave your heavy baggage in Darchen and carry a smaller pack for the trek.
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