In the Footsteps of Sven Hedin: Mt. Kailash to the source of the Indus River

Duration: 3+ weeks
Months offered: May thru October
Costs: From $4,500

Mt. Kailash needs no introduction. The sacred peak is THE spiritual destination for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims the world over. The 3-day circumambulation around the peak is one of the most inspiring spiritual and physical journeys you will ever undertake. Branching off from the route around the peak are many enticing valleys that seem to lead to an enchanted 'nowhere'. Some 100 yrs ago the great Swedish explorer Sven Hedin had a hunch that one of these valleys would take him to the source of the mighty Indus river. Sure enough several days journey north from the Kailash circuit brought him to the pure spring that gives birth to this river. His journals tell of the magical high desert and mountain landscape surrounding this source. So enticing are these accounts, that we followed his route and discovered a stunningly beautiful Chang Tang landscape as well as the source of the this great river. Our goal is to begin the Kailash pilgrimage, and veer north to the source of the river, which has been visited perhaps twice since Hedin's time, where we will encounter wildlife and the occasional nomad, before heading south again to rejoin the Kailash pilgrimage. This expedition also includes options for journeys into the nearby Kingdom of Guge. Contact us for more information.