Isolated for centuries behind the Himalayas in Tibet is a mysterious and mythical mountain, Mount Kailash, standing 6714m (22,028ft) high. The mountain has for more than a thousand years been a central pilgrimage site for some of the world's major religions. This trek leads around the sacred peak in 3 to 4 days, following the pilgrims' route. Though short, this high-altitude trek is not to be undertaken lightly - Mount Kailash remains isolated and remote, and getting there is an epic journey in itself. Also included in the guide is a visit to the lost kingdom of Guge, still almost unknown in the west. The ethereal ruined fortress of Tsaparang, Guge's former capital, is Tibet's greatest Buddhist treasure-house of art and paintings - a stunning location not to be missed. The Kailash trek, and other treks in the region are described in detail.This title provides extensive practical information for planning and preparation. It covers the key approach routes (by foot and road) and return route to Kathmandu or LhasaHistorical, and, cultural and religious background information. For adventure-seeking trekkers this comprehensive guide opens a door into the enchanting world of Kailash and western Tibet.

Author Biography

Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons met in 1983, on a trek from Kashmir to Ladakh. By then Bob had already driven an ancient Land Rover from England to Kathmandu in 1974 and led overland trips across Asia, Africa and South America as well as decrepit old tourist buses around India. He had also lived in Kathmandu as a trekking company manager. Before they met, Sian had worked in computer programming and systems analysis, but her heart had always been in the Himalayas, after a trip there on her way back from working in New Zealand.Since they met they have been leading and organising treks in the Alps, Nepal, Algeria and Niger; they have hitched across Tibet, driven a busload of over-50s overland to Nepal, explored the Sahara and driven across Africa to Gabon. Some of this was real work, but luckily that 'proper job' has not materialised. A journey by slightly less ancient (only 21 years old) Land Rover from England to Cape Town, provided the basis for the fourth edition of the Bradt guide Africa Overland. In complete contrast Sian and Bob have since updated the Bradt guides to the Maldives and the Cape Verde islands.However, they regularly return to their first love, Kathmandu and the Himalayas, where they work with Pilgrims Publishing in Kathmandu. For Pilgrims they have produced a cultural guide to the valley - Kathmandu: Valley of the Green-Eyed Yellow Idol - as well as new books on the monasteries of Ladakh (Ladakh - Land of Magical Monasteries) and a cultural, historical overview of the Guge kingdom (Kailash and Guge - Land of the Tantric Mountain).