Gurla Mandata Expedition

Grade B (difficult climbing), Tibet. The Gurla Mandata massif is part of the western Himalaya, in Burang (Purang) county in western Tibet, close to the sacred Mount Kailash.

Duration
30 days
Group size
No limit
Country
Tibet

Gurla Mandata Expedition Overview

Grade B (difficult climbing), Tibet. The Gurla Mandata massif is part of the western Himalaya, in Burang (Purang) county in western Tibet, close to the sacred Mount Kailash.

Grade B (difficult climbing), Tibet
The Gurla Mandata massif is part of the western Himalaya and lies in Burang (Purang) county in western Tibet. The sacred Mount Kailash lies close by to the north.
Local people call the mountain Namo Nanyi, meaning "Fairy's Peak". It has six ridges. The west ridge is fan-shaped and runs from north to south, and the eroded east ridge forms very steep cliffs.

The holy Lake Mansarovar and Langa Tso also lie to the north.

Gurla Mandata was first climbed in 1985 by a Sino-Japanese expedition. This 7,000-metre peak has been climbed only six times since the first ascent, even though the first attempt was made as early as 1902. The ascent follows the northern slope by way of the Zalompa glacier. The route is relatively safe: it crosses the left side of the glacier to reach the plateau below the summit ridge. Base camp is at the foot of the glacier at 5,600 metres.

The views below are excellent, with Lake Mansarovar and Lake Rakshastal on the dry Tibetan plateau and Mount Kailash behind them.

Note: the Tibetan border has been closed since 2020. We hope it will reopen for Tibet tours from 2023. Please contact us for details.

Key highlights of the Gurla Mandata Expedition

Itinerary

  1. Welcome to Nepal. One of our representatives will meet you at Kathmandu airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you have free time to rest until the evening, when we meet for a short briefing on the Gurla Mandata Expedition. Overnight at the hotel.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    None

  2. We spend two full days touring the Kathmandu Valley and its main UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Pashupatinath is a Hindu pilgrimage site where you can see traditional Hindu cremations. Swayambhunath is an ancient Buddhist stupa in the Kathmandu Valley, home to many monkeys and therefore also known as the Monkey Temple. It also has good views over the valley. Boudhanath, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, is a centre of Tibetan Buddhism, where we can visit monasteries and see monks chanting and people walking around the stupa. Finally, Patan Durbar Square is a medieval royal palace area in Patan, also known as the city of fine arts, with fine examples of metal and stone carving dating back to the 14th century and traditional Nepali architecture. Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast

  3. We leave Kathmandu early in the morning and drive towards the Tibetan border, passing villages, terraced fields and fine scenery on the way. At the border, we complete immigration formalities and then drive up to the town of Zhangmu. Over the following nights, we stay in hotels in several villages.

    Altitude
    2,300 m (7,550 ft)+900 m
    On foot
    None, 6–7 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Zhangmu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. After several days of driving and trekking, we rest and prepare for the expedition at the Gurla Mandata base camp. This preparation is essential before the climb begins. Our team organises everything for the coming days and helps you prepare mentally for the ascent. Overnight at the camp.

    Altitude
    5,600 m (18,370 ft)+3,300 m
    On foot
    Optional 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Gurla Mandhata Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Days 9 to 20 are spent climbing Gurla Mandata. The climbing period is physically and mentally demanding. The summit of Gurla Mandata is 7,694 metres high. It was first climbed in 1985 by a Sino-Japanese expedition. The route is relatively safe: it crosses the left side of the glacier to reach the plateau below the summit ridge. The views below are excellent, with Lake Mansarovar and Lake Rakshastal on the dry Tibetan plateau and Mount Kailash behind them.

    Altitude
    7,694 m (25,240 ft) at the summit+2,094 m
    On foot
    10–12 hrs on summit day
    Night in
    Tented camp, the high camps
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. On day 21, after the summit of Gurla Mandata, we return to base camp at the foot of the glacier at 5,600 metres. Overnight at the camp.

    Altitude
    5,600 m (18,370 ft)−2,094 m
    On foot
    5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Gurla Mandhata Base Camp
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. After the climb of Gurla Mandata, we trek around the holy Mount Kailash. The main highlights are Lake Mansarovar, the snow-covered Mount Kailash, the Tibetan plateau and the many monasteries along the way.

    Altitude
    5,630 m (18,470 ft) at the Dolma La+30 m
    On foot
    6–9 hrs a day
    Night in
    Tented camp, Kailash kora
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. After three days visiting the holy Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar and other religious sites, we drive towards the border between Nepal and Tibet, passing many villages. Overnight at a guesthouse on the way.

    Altitude
    4,640 m (15,220 ft)−990 m
    On foot
    None, 9–10 hr drive
    Night in
    Guesthouse, Saga
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. On day 29, we leave the Himalaya and drive back to Kathmandu. In the evening, we hold a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant in the valley to mark the end of the expedition. This is your last night in Nepal, at a hotel in Kathmandu.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)−3,240 m
    On foot
    None, 10–12 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Your Gurla Mandata Expedition ends today. We will take you to the international airport 2 to 3 hours before your flight home.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • All airport pick-ups and drop-offs, and services in Kathmandu
  • 3, 4 or 5-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, depending on the package you choose
  • Kathmandu Valley sightseeing with guides and entrance fees
  • Tibet visa and permit
  • Tents, sleeping mats and camping equipment
  • Kitchen, toilet, dining and shower tents. (We normally provide twin-share tents. If you would like a single tent, please let us know in advance.)
  • All entrance fees in Tibet
  • All staff, with their insurance (cook, kitchen assistant and climbing Sherpa)
  • Transport by four-wheel drive (latest-model Land Cruiser, 4 people per vehicle)
  • Truck for luggage and equipment
  • Gamow bag (portable altitude chamber)
  • Oxygen

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Bar bills (soft drinks, beer, water and similar) and other personal expenses
  • Nepal re-entry visa (for NRIs, Europeans and Americans)
  • Emergency rescue charges, if required
  • Tips for staff
  • Photography fees, where applicable in Tibet

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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  • 11
Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

Wonderful time in Nepal with Earthbound Expeditions - Rajan Simkhada

October 2012, Tripadvisor

Our trip to Nepal was truly memorable and wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality and the tour arrangements that you had made for us. From the time we landed at Kathmandu you took care of everything. This probably differentiates you from other Tour operators who leave you to your own devices once the booking is made. When we started our tour, you kept in touch with us on an almost regular basis by phone and answered all of our queries. Nothing was too big or too small for you and you dealt with our every request promptly. For this we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

829Traveller829London, United KingdomRead on Tripadvisor

Wonderful time in Nepal with Earthbound Expeditions - Rajan Simkhada

October 2012, Tripadvisor

Our trip to Nepal was truly memorable and wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality and the tour arrangements that you had made for us. From the time we landed at Kathmandu you took care of everything. This probably differentiates you from other Tour operators who leave you to your own devices once the booking is made. When we started our tour, you kept in touch with us on an almost regular basis by phone and answered all of our queries. Nothing was too big or too small for you and you dealt with our every request promptly. For this we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

829Traveller829London, United KingdomRead on Tripadvisor

Great local agent that made your travel more easy;)

November 2012, Tripadvisor

Love the land & nature, adventure & Earthbound Expeditions is GREAT local agent. Profesional staff which is speak well english & others. Friendly & funny that chille-up your trip MORE great time. Mr. Rajan founder/ owner of Earthbound Expeditions ALWAYS made sure everything goes well. Heartful welcome & friendly communication by him made the planning well & enjoyable;) Plse try.....Earthbound Expeditions - Mr. Rajan ALWAYS made the trip more meaningful;)

dyss55Penang Island, MalaysiaRead on Tripadvisor

Great local agent that made your travel more easy;)

November 2012, Tripadvisor

Love the land & nature, adventure & Earthbound Expeditions is GREAT local agent. Profesional staff which is speak well english & others. Friendly & funny that chille-up your trip MORE great time. Mr. Rajan founder/ owner of Earthbound Expeditions ALWAYS made sure everything goes well. Heartful welcome & friendly communication by him made the planning well & enjoyable;) Plse try.....Earthbound Expeditions - Mr. Rajan ALWAYS made the trip more meaningful;)

dyss55Penang Island, MalaysiaRead on Tripadvisor

Wonderful service, excellent experince.

October 2012, Tripadvisor

Once I did my research and settled on Earthbound Expeditions, Rajan was excellent to communicate with. Helped me to make an itinerary that I was happy with at a price I was also satisfied with. Once there everything went very smoothly. All the different drivers and guides were on-time. The guide and porter for my trek where good. And when I had an issue and needed to make a last minute change to my itinerary Rajan took care of it promptly with no additional charges. Rajan also personally accompanied several of us to dinner on our first night and called a number of times during the trip just to make sure everything was all good. All in all excellent customer service and one that I would feel comfortable to recommend to anyone coming to Nepal.

m pTexasRead on Tripadvisor

Wonderful service, excellent experince.

October 2012, Tripadvisor

Once I did my research and settled on Earthbound Expeditions, Rajan was excellent to communicate with. Helped me to make an itinerary that I was happy with at a price I was also satisfied with. Once there everything went very smoothly. All the different drivers and guides were on-time. The guide and porter for my trek where good. And when I had an issue and needed to make a last minute change to my itinerary Rajan took care of it promptly with no additional charges. Rajan also personally accompanied several of us to dinner on our first night and called a number of times during the trip just to make sure everything was all good. All in all excellent customer service and one that I would feel comfortable to recommend to anyone coming to Nepal.

m pTexasRead on Tripadvisor

Kailash Mansarovar, August 2012

August 2012, Tripadvisor

We, a team of 10 like minded friends can never thank Rajan and his team at Earthbound for making our KMS yatra, a truly blessed and most memorable experience of our lives. We all completed our trip successfully on 3rd Sept, 2012. Some of us managed to do "Charan Sparsh -most wonderful experience" from the North Face of Kailash from Derapuk. A billion thanks to Sriram who helped us in our mission. Sri never let us us give up, gently prodding and encouraging us throughout the trek. This made us feel like seasoned trekkers giving us a lot of confidence. God Bless Sri and his wonderful attitude. Sri is indeed a great team leader . More thanks coming your way...... Arjun was a gentle and smiling human being who looked after us very well. Hari was a great entertainer and a good cook. His cooking constantly tickled our taste buds. The awesome trio of Sriram, Arjun & Hari met our countless demands with a smile. If the Great Lord wills it, we want to come back and do inner kora with you and the same team of Sri, Arjun n Hari Rajan who heads this team is a fantabulous person so simple, humble and positive. More details & Photos on blogspot: http://kmsyatraaugust2012.blogspot.in/

Malini NBengaluru, IndiaRead on Tripadvisor

Kailash Mansarovar, August 2012

August 2012, Tripadvisor

We, a team of 10 like minded friends can never thank Rajan and his team at Earthbound for making our KMS yatra, a truly blessed and most memorable experience of our lives. We all completed our trip successfully on 3rd Sept, 2012. Some of us managed to do "Charan Sparsh -most wonderful experience" from the North Face of Kailash from Derapuk. A billion thanks to Sriram who helped us in our mission. Sri never let us us give up, gently prodding and encouraging us throughout the trek. This made us feel like seasoned trekkers giving us a lot of confidence. God Bless Sri and his wonderful attitude. Sri is indeed a great team leader . More thanks coming your way...... Arjun was a gentle and smiling human being who looked after us very well. Hari was a great entertainer and a good cook. His cooking constantly tickled our taste buds. The awesome trio of Sriram, Arjun & Hari met our countless demands with a smile. If the Great Lord wills it, we want to come back and do inner kora with you and the same team of Sri, Arjun n Hari Rajan who heads this team is a fantabulous person so simple, humble and positive. More details & Photos on blogspot: http://kmsyatraaugust2012.blogspot.in/

Malini NBengaluru, IndiaRead on Tripadvisor

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