Himalayan Project: Nepal / Tibet
September 1 - 29, 2012
Capacity: 8 people
Physical Rating: (3) Strenuous
Trip Details and Health Requirements
Join a pilgrimage to Mount Kailas, sacred mountain of Tibet
Lying in the remote and inaccessible far west of Tibet, Mount Kailas is the holiest mountain in the world for a billion Hindus and the center of the universe for millions of Tibetan Buddhists, Jains and Bonpo. This extraordinary journey will begin with a flight to Simikot in Nepal's remote Humla District. From here, our trek follows the ancient salt trading and pilgrimage route towards the Nara Langa Pass and to the border trading post of Taklakot. Along this part of the journey we will be distributing fleece jackets that have been collected by The Himalayan Project team from American schoolchildren. As we cross over into Tibet, we will drive overland north to holy Lake Manasarovar and on to Darchen, situated at the foot of Mount Kailas. Once there, we will make the 'kora' (holy walk) trek around the mountain sharing the trail with other pilgrims, who for a 1000 years have been coming to pay homage to the mountain's mystery. After completing this trek we will drive eastwards by jeep along the Tibetan plateau, stopping to explore several ancient Tibetan monasteries on our way to Rongbuk and the North Everest Base Camp. Finally, we will visit the city of Lhasa and the Potala Palace before heading back to Kathmandu.
There will be rigorous trekking, camping and overland driving through the remote and wild western Nepal and Tibet, from 9,000 ft to 16,000 ft and hiking to a maximum of 18,400 ft. The Himalayan Project will provide a fully supported trek with all the camping equipment and a wonderful English speaking Sherpa guide that Sally has worked with for 10 years! While trekking, clients carry a light day pack only. All equipment and baggage will be carried by porters, pack animals or jeep.
Rates: Please contact Brooke for details.
The mission of the Himalayan Project is to encourage the cultural preservation of indigenous people of the Himalaya, through education, community development, and social outreach.
For many years now Sally Hunsdorfer has been traveling to Nepal. On one of her first visits she started a dialogue with the Headmaster of the school in Chaurikharka, a mountain village at 10,000 feet that enjoys stunning panoramic views of majestic peaks and lush valleys. The conversation focused on the needs of his school and the surrounding community. Those basic and essential needs - shelter, education and the preservation of a culture barely clinging to existence - have become the primary work of the Himalayan Project. Click here for more information on this program of the Marion Institute.