Over the years, we have undertaken numerous physical pilgrimages to the centre of the world, Gang Rinpoche. Along the way, we encountered various historical beliefs, myths, and legends. These experiences have impacted us in various aspects, such as clothing, food, housing, transportation, speech, and behaviour, influencing and transforming the mind and conduct of each pilgrim. This practice can be considered as “awakening the state of consciousness.” If we combine it with the inward exploration that yoga offers, what kind of new experience will it bring?
Embark on a Yoga Journey through the Himalayas, commencing from Lhasa and heading west towards Ngari, Tibet. Immerse yourself in the mindful exploration of Gang Rinpoche. Witness the splendid expanse of both ancient and modern landscapes, spanning thousands of miles adorned with sacred mountains and holy lakes. Awaken bodily awareness through the breath and senses, establishing a profound connection with the sky, the earth, and the local civilization.
Gongga Airport is 65 kilometres from downtown Lhasa, while the railway station is 20 kilometres away. Upon checking in at a four-star hotel, it is important to acclimate oneself to the local climate and environment. Team members are advised to arrive in Lhasa early to allow ample time to adjust to the high-altitude plateau climate.
It is recommended to drink boiled water, consume more fruits, and reduce greasy food intake. Avoid strenuous exercise and prioritize sufficient sleep to combat high stress. Good psychological well-being is also essential to overcome and manage stress. In the evening, all team members will gather at the designated restaurant for dinner and to introduce the team leader and service personnel for this event.
Team members are advised to arrive in Lhasa a day or two prior to the activity. We will offer a complimentary City Walk for them to acclimate to hiking activities and adjust to the altitude and physical condition promptly.
After breakfast, drive to Shigatse, the capital of the Tsang Region. Ascend Gambala Mountain at 4,800 meters and capture the picturesque Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. Witness the ancient Karola Glacier, Gyantse County, and the anti-British ruins of Zongshan Castle. Overnight stay in Shigatse.
After breakfast, proceed to Mount Everest Base Camp to capture photographs of the five peaks above 8,000 meters (Everest, Lozi, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma) atop Mount Gaula. In the evening, enjoy observing the starry sky at Mount Everest.
After breakfast, we departed from Everest Base Camp and were captivated by the stunning scenery. With the morning sun before us, we traversed through the Shishapangma Nature Reserve and explored the plateau lake Pegutso, along with the towering Shishapangma Peak reaching an altitude of 8027 meters. We later rested in Kyirong during the afternoon.
Rest in Kyirong today, everyone can sleep late, and organize a trip to Nomura to watch the snow-capped mountains that day. Nomura is a niche route with pleasant scenery. A place worth visiting!
After breakfast, we will depart and encounter plateau desert and grassland landscapes throughout the day. In the morning, we will pass by Lang Tso and have lunch at Sangsang Town. The afternoon will be dominated by the captivating grassland scenery as we venture into sparsely inhabited areas.
In this high-altitude region, the clouds hang low while the land stretches out magnificently. Snow-capped mountains and ethereal lakes create a breathtaking panorama. Ngari feels like a journey through time, as if stepping into a primordial world. Amidst the immense mountains, people feel their insignificance, yet their hearts expand. Walking through this wilderness, one can only feel reverence and admiration.
After breakfast, head towards Ngari, the most untamed region of China, boasting expansive grasslands, numerous snow-capped mountains, and a sequence of lakes. Today, you may catch sight of Tibetan wild donkeys and Tibetan gazelles. Zhongba is also known as the “birthplace of wild yaks” in Tibetan folklore. If fortunate, you might also encounter Tibetan antelopes and other wildlife.
In the afternoon, you will visit the sacred mountain Kang Rinpoche and the holy lake Manasabad Yum Tso. This place has long been the centre of belief for the four major sects of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Bon religion. It is at the junction of China, India, and Nepal, and is highly revered by thousands of believers from different ethnic groups.
From Darchen Town, the route goes west through the Baga Grassland and ascends an east-west ridge. Although the sight of the sacred mountain is obstructed here, the Namunani peak in the Himalayas becomes visible when you turn southeast. As you continue, the sacred mountain gradually reveals itself from the hills, showcasing the magnificent and holy Mount Kailash, a giant pyramid-shaped peak adorned with glistening white snow.
Walking along the LaChu River Valley on the western side of Mount Kailash, the valley is filled with immense stones. On the eastern bank of the valley lies the massive sandstone rock at the mountain’s base, exhibiting a deep red and earthy brown colour, exuding a solemn and majestic aura. After a 2-3 hour walk from Talqin, we reached Qugu Temple. Today, we arrived at the Derapuk Temple camp, situated in the northern part of Mount Kailash.
The holy mountain in the north resembles a vast semicircular rock, distinctly different from its pyramidal shape when viewed from the front. Positioned on Zhonglong Mountain, adjacent to the LaChu River’s northern side, it directly faces the awe-inspiring north wall of Kailash Rinpoche, making it an ideal site for worshipping the holy mountain’s north wall.
Distance: The journey covers roughly 20 kilometres with an elevation gain of approximately 535 meters, taking approximately 6-7 hours. The predominant terrain is a gradual incline.
Accommodation: Derapuk Temple Camp.
Walk from the north of Mount Kailash and circle east of Gang Rinpoche. The sacred mountain initially concealed by hills, gradually unveils as the altitude and angle change. Ascend to the highest point on the journey – Dolma la Pass. Descending from Dolma la Pass, Tuoji Tso, a vivid green lake known as “the bathing pool of dakini,” comes into view.
The descending mountain road is narrow and winding, with jagged rocks. The sacred mountain is hidden behind many mountains, and what you see in front of you is a broad landform of mountains and valleys. After turning over a rocky beach, wading through streams formed by melted glaciers, and then passing Zutru Puk Temple just east of Mount Kailash Mountain, you can gradually see the vast and endless plains in the distance.
The line of sight passes through the Baga grassland, and the blue lake in the distance is Laang Tso. After walking out of the ZongChu River Valley, we came to several pagodas on the edge of the Darchen Grassland, and the route around the mountain began to turn to the west, which is already located in the front (south) of the sacred mountain.
From Baga Grassland to Darchen Town, the trip around the mountain has come to a successful conclusion. Back to Darchen in the evening, you can have a relaxing rest at night.
▲Points to watch: Sunrise on Mount Kailash Mountain, Dolma la Pass, Tuoji Tso, Zutru Puk Temple, South of Mount Kailash Mountain▲Distance: 30km on foot
Dome Silver City is situated atop Kaerdong Mountain at an altitude of 4,400 meters, spanning over 100,000 square meters. It serves as the capital of the historic Zhang Zhung Kingdom in Tibet. From the city wall of the Dome Silver City ruins, one can experience the magnificence of a bygone dynasty. Following that, venture into Zanda Earth Forest and step into Zanda, resembling an ancient and disordered realm. The scenery is distant, ethereal, and otherworldly, and possesses a unique wilderness beauty.
Watch the sunrise at the Guge Dynasty ruins in the early morning, where the remarkable light and impeccable natural craftsmanship promise delightful surprises. Once you’ve captured the moment with photographs, head back to Saga.
Today we depart from Saga to Shigatse. Jiaxie in Danga Township, Saga County is renowned in Tsang Region with a history of over 1,000 years. According to legend, it is a traditional folk dance performed to celebrate Princess Wencheng’s arrival in Tibet. In 2002, the Cultural Department of the Autonomous Region designated it as the hometown of Jiaxie Culture and Art. We will reach Shigatse via Lazi County, known as the “Hometown of Heap Harmony”. Today’s itinerary is relatively relaxed, allowing you to take a well-deserved rest.
Today, our souls will be baptized at the Tashilhunpo Monastery, where we can enjoy a visual feast of unique architectural colours. Walking through the corridors between the tall white and red walls is like stepping into a time tunnel, transporting our thoughts to a distant historical era. Their spirits are everlasting, and as tourists from afar, we follow in their footsteps, feeling their presence and allowing our hearts to be constantly uplifted and cleansed. Every wall, door, and wisp of smoke carries a singular message: kindness. And now, we shall return to the sacred city of Lhasa.
Although the Ngari event has come to an end, the good memories will always remain in everyone’s hearts.