Journey to the Sacred Mountains of Tibet
Some of the Best Night Photography locations in the world | Himalaya Snowy Mountains and Tibetan Culture
Fixed date tours no longer offered – The snowy mountains of Tibet is deeply connected to my heart and embedded in my being, for many reasons, I don’t plan to return for another couple of years, but it’s only matter of time that an unstoppable urge will take me there. If you feel the same way, please fill the registration below and someday I will take you there(again).
Mt. Meili lies north west of Shangri-la, and is bounded by the Salween River on the West and the Mekong on the east. The highest peak Kawagebo, “God of Snow Mountain ” in Tibetan, which rises to 6740m and is considered the most Sacred by Tibetan Buddhists, and even holds an almost equal status with Mt Kailash, and remains as one of the “Virgin” peaks to climbers – unclimber with access forbidden.
The highest peak Kawagebo, “God of Snow Mountain” in Tibetan, which rises to 6740m is considered the most sacred by Tibetan Buddhists, and even holds an almost equal status with Mt Kailash, and remain as one of the “virgin” peaks to climbers.
Mianzimu peak rises to 6509m and is a striking part of the whole Meili Massif, being truly outstanding; one of the most graceful mountains in the world.
Mt. Everest known in Tibetan as Qomolangma meaning “Goddess Mother of the Universe”. journey to the Rombuk Valley, you will truly be gazing across the roof of the world, five of the 8000m peaks can be seen from the Pang La Pass.
Everest 8848m – 1st | Lhotse 8516m – 4th | Makalu 8485m – 5th | Cho Oyo 8201m – 6th | Shishapangma 8027m – 14th
Mt. Kailash, 6638m also known as Mount Kallas, or Kangrinboqe, lies in the Gangdise Mountains, which are part of the transhimalaya in Tibet. It is considered a sacred place to four religions: Bon, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. It is believed that a peregrination of Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that purifies the spirit.
Gurla Mandhata, or Naimona’nyi , 7694m, It lies on the other side of Lake Manasarovar facing Mt. Kailash. The lake and the peak are holy to the Tibetan people, many do full circuits of them and take many weeks to complete. If Mt Kailash symbolises power, Naimona’nyi represents grace. The flowing lines of the snowy slopes rise delicately above the azure lake; reeds blowing in the wind and wildfowl beginning their nesting season. It is a tranquil place, peaceful after the rigours of the mountains.
Lake Yamdro: known as “Jasper Lake” in Tibetan Language, it has beautiful vivid colours and smooth water surface reflecting the blue sky and changes of sun light.
Lake Manasarovar: at the foot of the most sacred Mountain Kailash, you can truly feel the essence of the Tibetan landscape, water, grassland and snowy peaks in the distance.
Who can join us? – You must be in good physical and mental health. Risks is high for Preexisting Medical Conditions: Heart and Cardiovascular Disease；Bronchitis, Diabetes not controlled, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Very High Blood Pressure, Prior bypass surgery or Angioplasty, Coronary Artery Disease … Please check with your doctor if you are not sure of your own medical conditions
What about weather? – It’s the beginning of rainy season, more changeable in Meili Mountain Range & Yading National park region; North side of Everest and Mt Kailash area is usually clear in May, it may offer great conditions for night photography.
What about altitude? – We have lots of experience in the Himalaya, and have planned this trip specifically for acclimatisation. First 10 days sleeping between 3200m to 3950m, then following 7 days sleeping between 4200m to 4970m. This is why we have 17 Days long trips so by the time you reach Mt Kalaish you will be ready for 2 days Kora Trek.
What about fitness level? – You need to have a healthy diet and start some fitness training at least 3 – 6 months prior to the trip. Walking around hilly monasteries and other hikes at high altitude will require more energy than usual, and hiking at 4500m is far more strenuous than steep hikes at sea level. The fitter you are, the more you can enjoy the experience and photography.
More about the Kailash Kora Trek – Our plan is to do it in 2 days with porters carrying our bags: Day 1: 20km in 6 hours with 200 meters of ascent. ( Sleeping in dormitory room in Monastery. Milky Way over Mt. Kailash taken from this location) Day 2: 12 hours trek starting with 700 meters ascent ( from 4970m – 5670m ) in 8km distance. Followed by a long 22km hike to the end of the trail to complete the Kora. You can decide later whether you want to do the Kora or not, photography from Dira Puk Monastery is the best, so you can go back the same way as the day 1 route, which is an easy downhill walk. The key here is to be fit enough to at least make it to the Monastery for the night. Continuing the Kora in a clockwise route is a choice and not essential.
Price USD $6900:
Single Occupancy – most of time we will have very good accommodation and sometimes with mountain view
Share Occupancy – USD 1300 deduction on total amount for couples or friends share a room – Or one female participant can share a room with Juanli with total deduction of USD $700
Included: Accommodation, Food, Vehicle Transport, Park Entry Fee, Tibet Permit Fee, Flight from Shangri-la to Lhasa
Excluded: Chinese Visa Application cost, Travel/Medical Insurance, Flight to Shangri-La and out of Lhasa
In the unlikely event of schedule change due to government policy or other unpredictable circumstances, we will do our best to find alternative routes that offers similar experience in Tibet region.
Guided by: Juanli Sun
Booking Process
Submitting booking form | Deposit of USD$1300 payment to confirm your place in January 2025 | Final Payment due 60 days prior to the trip| Chinese Visa Application | Trip Preparation – Fitness Training would be strongly advised for this trip | Chinese Visa Application – You need to have your Chinese Visa and Passport scanned to us no later than 30 days before the trip
Open Journey Registration Form