In the morning, we move to the Nepal-Tibet border, en route to enjoy scenic views of waterfalls and rushing streams of Trishuli Valley, Langtang mountain range and Himalayan gorges. After paperwork formalities at the border, we arrive in Kyirong, a town on the Nepal-Tibet border, located on the eastern bank of the Kyirong Tsangpo River, which gives rise to one of Nepal’s largest rivers, the Trishuli. Once an important staging post on the trade route between India and China, it is now a small cozy town welcoming pilgrims with a mix of Tibetan and Nepalese culture, cuisine and traditions.

Today we stay in Kyirong for acclimatization and preparation for further climbing. Our first immersion into Tibetan culture awaits us with stunning views of Langtang and Ganesh Khimal. We will visit the historic Paba Monastery (2850m), which was built by the first Buddhist king of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, at the request of his consort, Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. The monastery is noted for its skillful paintings on the walls in the Nevar style. The living tradition of Tibetan Buddhism warms amidst the rugged mountain peaks. We will also visit the cave of Jetsun Milarepa, the great Tibetan yogi who achieved enlightenment in one lifetime and in one body. Milarepa is also considered one of the key figures in the formation of Tibetan Buddhism, who “reclaimed” Kailash from the followers of the Bon.

After breakfast, we will start our journey to the “happy land” of Saga, which lives up to its name and welcomes all pilgrims with its hospitable spirit. Along the way, we will ascend through the Ghantu-La Pass (5226 m), which offers incredible views of the sacred Brahmaputra River, originating from the icy peaks of Kailash. Among the many mountain gems, one of the highest peaks of Shisha Pangma and the “turquoise lake” Peiku Tso are among the many gems that open up to the mesmerized eye. Wild donkeys, mountain antelopes and other typical fauna of the Tibetan highlands are also encountered along the way. We will spend the night in Saga.

In the morning, we will leave for Darchen, which is also called the “base camp of Kailash”. For as much as three hundred years, the place has been in possession of Bhutan. It was once a deserted place where mostly rare nomads could be seen. But with the development of tourism in the Kailash area, the town conveniently located at the foot of the mountain has become the starting point for pilgrimage to the kora. You can’t yet see Kailash from Darchen, but you can already feel its power and tantalizing energy. We will spend the night here in awe of the majesty of the sacred mountain and in anticipation of the journey ahead. Staying in Dharchhen instead of Manasarovar is much more comfortable and preserves more energy before the upcoming detour around Kailash.

After resting at Darchen, in the morning we will head to the most sacred lake of Tibet -Manasarovar. It is the antipode of the lake of “dark forces” – Rakshasa. Numerous Indian pilgrims come to Kailash just to take a dip in this lake and achieve liberation. Ritual ablution in it purifies all negative karma and bestows blessings for long life and good fortune. Tibetans usually avoid taking a complete dip in the sacred body of water, which they call Mapam-Yumtso. It is considered great luck for them to collect some sacred water or sand from the lake, and to find fish that have been thrown ashore. Such fish is considered a medicine and a liberating substance. After puja and meditation on the shores of the lake, we will make blissful aspirations and return to Dharchhen for the night, filled with the divine purity of the “lake of the mind”.

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the starting point of the trek. The trek passes through beautiful hills with waterfalls and endless blue sky overhead. The highlight is the encounter with the northern face of Kailash. While trekking through the mountain gorges, one can reflect on how in life too, we overcome all obstacles through discipline and positive attitude. We can shed the weight of accumulated worries and enjoy the beauty of the present moment. The monasteries and caves encountered along the way are awe-inspiring and delightful in their age-old artistry.

After welcoming the most beautiful sunrise with a view of Kailash, we will continue exploring the surroundings. A day of rest and acclimatization in Dhirapuk awaits us, which will allow us to gain strength before the most difficult part of the route, the Drolma-La Pass. We can dedicate this day to a journey deep within ourselves, motivated by the majestic presence of Kailash. Conscious walking, meditation and breathing practices will help to know ourselves better and prepare for the next day. In the evening, we will share our reflections and insights in a cozy circle.

Today’s journey will start before dawn. We will reach the highest point of the route, the sacred Drolma-La pass and test our physical and spiritual strength. The eastern face of Kailash reminds us of the strength and dignity within us. The marvelous view of Gauri Kundu, the place where Goddess Parvati won the heart of Shiva with her penance, will also leave you unmoved and will be a reward for your efforts. On the descent we will visit the “cave of wonders” Zutulpuk, where we will make our most cherished wish. Milarepa’s cave in the center of the monastery is marked by murals from the Drikung Kagyu lineage and the imprints of Guru Rinpoche and Yeshe Tsogyal. The most challenging day is over and we return to Darchen for rest.

After a challenging climb, we relax for a full day in Darchhen, where we can explore local handicrafts and culture at colorful markets and sample traditional Tibetan cuisine. We’ll stop by the Chiu gompa and local monasteries, and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. By combining cultural and spiritual experiences, we will be able to reflect more deeply on our journey.

With a sense of accomplishment, we drive back to Saga County, where we are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of the city. We may be overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude and the budding nostalgia that overtakes anyone who has ever visited the Himalayas. The atmosphere of tranquility, majesty and contemplation that Tibet offers will forever remain in your heart even many kilometers away from these places.

As we embark on the road to Dhunche and approach the Nepal border, we are increasingly filled with a sense of transition and the need to leave the sacred land of Tibet. But we are also leaving something else behind, an old version of ourselves. Never again will we be the same and we will definitely want to return again to connect with the purity, strength and wisdom lurking within us. After checking our documents at the border, we head back to Nepal where everything seems familiar and native by now.

One last dash out of Dhunche and we are almost in Kathmandu, the place where our amazing journey to the Roof of Miru to the sacred abode of the deities, Kailash, began. As we enjoy the familiar sights of mountains, rivers and lush greenery, we realize more and more that the divine is forever in our hearts and we can always return to it.