Kailash Yatra (15 days tour)
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Upon arrival in Kathmandu airport. Our representative will meet you at the airport & transfer to Hotel.
Accommodation: On twin sharing Hotel Marshyangdi or similar.
DAY 02: HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF KATHMANDU
Morning, you will visit Pashupatinath temple and evening briefing for further journey of Kailash trip.
Accommodation: On twin sharing Hotel Marshyangdi or similar.
DAY 03: DRIVE TO KODARI CROSS THE BORDER THEN CONTINUE TO NYALAM
After breakfast, we will drive to the frontier town of Nepal to Kodari by non A/C bus, From here a short walk to the friendship bridge (10 minutes walk), You will be received by guide from our Tibetan counterpart. Complete the immigration formality in China side then continue on to Nyalam (3750 m.). It takes an hour and half to get to Nyalam.
Accommodation: Guesthouse very basic.
Kathmandu - Kodari: Four & half hours
Distance: 123 km
Altitude: 1800 m.
Kodari – Zhangmu – Nyalam: 32 km
Driving hours: 1 hour
Altitude: 3750 m. (Nyalam)
DAY 04: FREE DAY IN NYALAM FOR ACCLIMATIZATION
Rest day in Nyalam for acclimatization purpose. Today, you go for a short hiking above Nyalam for a couple of hours. This will help you to be acclimatized properly.
Accommodation: Guesthouse – very basic.
DAY 05: DRIVE, NYALAM TO SAGA
After breakfast, drive through the windswept territory passing many villages and camps of Yak herders with the distance view of snow capped mountains. We will be passing through the first highest pass of Lalung La Pass (5000m) where a superb view of high Himalayas can be seen from Gaurishanker, Shishapangma to Langtang Himal. Drive past the Khunmen Tso, Karru Ongchen and Peigutso Lake (4400m). We continue driving crossing the river “Yarling Tsangpo” known as Bhramaputra, to reach Saga (4600m)
Accommodation: Guest house very basic.
Nyalam – Saga: 240 km
Driving hours: 6- 7 hours
Altitude: 4600 m.
DAY 06: DRIVE SAGA - PARYANG
After breakfast drive to Paryang through windswept territory passing many villages and camps of Yak herders with distance view of snow capped mountains. On this day the road is quite flat, hence the drive will be smooth & comfortable compared to the other days.
Accommodation: Guest house - very basic.
Saga – Paryang: 255 km
Driving hours: 6- 7 hours
Altitude: 4550 m.
DAY 07: DRIVE PARYANG - LAKE MANASAROVAR.
After breakfast drive to Mayum Rive for 112 km and have lunch. Thereafter drive to Mansarovar. Today is the day of lifetime, as we will have the first sight of Holy Mt. Kailash and Holy Lake Mansarovar. We will continue by doing Mansarovar Parikrama by Jeep. Stay in a guest house on the bank of Holy Mansarovar Lake.
Accommodation: Guest house very basic.
Paryang - Lake Mansarovar: 280 km
Driving hours: 7-8 hours
Altitude: 4558 m.
DAY 08: DRIVE TO DARCHEN.
In the morning do Pooja and take holy bath at Mansarovar. After lunch, drive to Darchen by Land Cruiser. While going to Darchen, we will make a clockwise drive of Lake Manasarovar. The drive takes about 1 & half hours. Drive to Tarboche then start Parikrama. The drive, from Darchen to Yama Dwar, takes about 45 minutes. Our Yaks & yak men will meet you here. We will load all logistics on Yaks then start trekking for about 5 hours to reach Dirapuk. The First day of Kora is a gradual walk with multitudes of other local pilgrims chanting and praying. Camping will be on grassy meadows with a view of Kailash, north west face.
YATRI’S WHO WISHES NOT TO DO THE PARIKRAMA:
These Yatri’s will have to stay back in Darchen at extra cost till the time all the Yatri’s return back from their parikrama (02 nights), they will have to pay direct to the lodge.
OPTIONAL:
These Yatri’s can visit Asthapad paying extra for the Land cruiser on their own. From Asthapad you can see a superb & closest view of Mt. Kailash. It is nearly a 20 minutes drive to reach Asthapad.
Accommodation: Two men Tented Camp for Trekking Yatri’s
Tarboche to Dhirapuk Gomba: 7 - 8 km.
Trekking hours: 5 hours
Altitude: 4860 m.
DAY 09: CONTINUE PARIKRAMA TO ZUTULPHUK VIA GAURIKUND
Today our parikrama (Kora) leads to much higher side of the holy path just beneah the Holy Mount Kailash. The walk will bring us to one of the highest point at drolma La pass (5630m). Just right after the pass, you can see a beautiful but tiny lake on the right hand side. This is Gauri Kunda, before descending to the gradual field towards, Zuthulpuk for the overnight stay. This will be the toughest and longest day in parikrama.
Accommodation: Two men Tented Camp for Trekking Yatri’s
Dhirapuk Gomba to Zutulphuk Gomba: 22 km
Trekking hours: 9 - 10 hours
Altitude: 4760 m.
DAY 10: TREK ZUTHULPUK – TARBOCHE AND DRIVE TO DARCHEN – LAKE MASAROVAR.
The morning can be spent exploring the caves and visiting the temples and shrine that has been built around Milarapa’s cave. A married elderly couple supervised the temple, which is usually an active residence for over half a dozen Tibetan devotees, helpers or relatives who continuously usy themselves with the tasks of maintaining the buildings. One imagines Milarepa’s disciples meditating here. The winding gradual track finally ends our holy pilgrimage walk. Once we reach at the trek end point near Tarboche, our land cruisers will be waiting to take the group back to Mansarovar for the night halt.
Accommodation: Guest house – very basic.
Zutulphuk to trek ending point: 10 km- 4 - 5 hrs trek
Pick up point to Lake Manasarovar: 35 km
Driving hours: 30min – 1 hours.
Altitude: 4550 m.
DAY 11: DRIVE LAKE MANASAROVAR- PARYANG . O/N guest house
DAY 12: DRIVE PARYANG – SAGA. O/N guest house
DAY 13: DRIVE SAGA – NYALAM. O/N guest house
DAY 14: DRIVE NYALAM – KODARI.
CROSS THE BORDER THEN CONTINUE TO KATHMANDU. O/N hotel.
DAY 15: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT.
Accommodation:
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra falls probably in the world’s remote part. Most of the times, you would be away from modern civilization. One must be well equipped and self contained. The group shall overnight in guest house / mud houses. For 03 parikrama days the group shall be staying in two men tents. Use of candles inside the tents is strictly prohibited as tents and sleeping bags might catch fire due to any negligence. If your tents / sleeping bags are damaged due to misuse by candles or other incendiary articles, we will expect replacement / reimbursement of the loss from you. Therefore we suggest that you use torch light inside the tents.
Guest house accommodation wherever available will be very simple with a cozy room (dormitory at most of the places) with common bathrooms and toilets. Hot water will be provided in every room for refreshing and for drinking by our Sherpa team.
Nyalam Hotel has common toilet facility.
Paryang guest house has common toilet facility however hot water bathing facility may be available at an additional cost on direct payment basis to the caretaker directly. New Hotel Saga or equivalent in Saga have attached toilet facility however hot water is available by buckets only between 2000 – 2100 hrs.
Guest house in Darchen does not have toilet / shower facility, one will have to use either our toilet tent or shall use the open space to answer the call of nature. Guest house in Mansarovar is without toilet / shower facility, one will have to use either our toilet tent or shall use the open space to answer the call of nature.
Dhirapuk & Zuthulpuk : one will have to use Tent toilet.
USEFUL TIPS
Mount Kailash.Com & HimEx Nepal Group operates this trip as a standard inclusive Holiday Package.
We provide you food, tented camp and guest houses accommodation where available. The trip will be led by one of our professional Sherpa Guide and assisted by cook and helper boys.
Our day begins soon after dawn (and sometimes before) with bed tea. After packing kit bags breakfast will be ready. The morning drive / walk usually take 4 to 5 hours through villages and admiring the scenery before stopping for lunch. After lunch we will drive / walk for another 3 to 4 hours to arrive campsite. Now there is time to relax. The three course evening meal is served in the mess tent followed by tea. Generally we are in our sleeping bags by 9 pm, looking forward to tomorrow's new adventure.
Visa & Entry Procedure:
It depends on whether joining the Yatra in Kathmandu or China. If you are joining the Yatra in Kathmandu you will need a multiple entry visa for Nepal which can be obtained either from your nearest Nepalese consulate or on arrival in Nepal.
For Tibet, we organize a group visa, and in order to do this we will need a copy of your valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months at the time of booking to process of your YATRA permit & Visa and your actual passport two days before the visa issuing days. If you are entering via mainland China you have to obtain Chinese visa from you home country. Visa regulation in Tibet keep changing please ask us for latest Tibet visa information.
Transportation for YATRA
Transportation in Kathmandu, sightseeing tours, Kathmandu to Korari pick up / drop by Private Coach and in Tibet by Land Cruiser 4WDs (Toyota 4500) with a support truck for carrying luggage and trek equipments and food supplies.
Best Time for YATRA:
The best time for the Mt. Kailash tour is from May to September.The daytime temperatures are actually quite mild. Between April and November the average temperature ranges form 15-25 degrees Celsius and the skies are generally clear and blue. From July to August though there can be the odd shower during the day. The nights, however, can be very cold and temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius. During the day a light shirt or jumper and lightweight pants will be suitable, but a warm fleece or down jacket is recommended for the evenings.
Food during YATRA:
Food will be all vegetarians. Special care is taken to ensure that our food is always hygienically prepared, as this becomes an important aspect when traveling though remote Tibet. Boiled drinking water is available at all meals and disinfected water is provided for hand washing outside toilet tents and before meals. The simplicity but quality of the food our cooks can produce on such rugged terrain will surprise you.
Health Considerations
All participants must provide health certificate given by a reputed doctor confirming that the participant is fit to travel in altitudes of 5700 meters.
Fitness:
Obviously the fitter you are before embarking on an adventure holiday the more enjoyment you are going to get out of it. Begin a fitness programme as it makes sense to get as fit as possible prior to the trip. You need to concentrate on building stamina. Running, cycling and swimming are all excellent forms of exercise, so too is walking, particularly up and down hills [and stairs]. Be sensible in your approach to getting fit and build up fitness gradually. There will be some uphill and downhill climbs but taken slowly they shouldn’t be too much of a problem. It is preferable that you have previous camping and hill walking experience but not essential.
Acclimatization:
Proper acclimatization is very important as ascending too high, too quickly above 10,000 ft. will increase the likelihood of developing altitude sickness. This is totally preventable problem and our routes are planned specifically to allow a gradual gain in altitude. By slowly gaining height we reap the benefits of a gradual gain the fitness and acclimatization.
Equipment & Clothing:
We provide 2 men roomy tents to sleep in. We also provide Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tents, Dining Tables, Folding Chairs and full kitchen utensils.
We will provide Sleeping Bag and Foam Mattress for bed.
Well fitting, comfortable boots are to be preferred over training shoes for the actual trekking and clothing will be required for both extremes of climate, for hot sun when trekking through the lower foothills to freezing temperatures at night when camping in the high valleys. Shorts, skirt or lightweight trousers are ideal in the heat of the day along with T-shirt, long sleeved cotton shirts and sun hat. During the evening and the higher altitudes warmers clothing will be needed, breeches, track.
- FIBRE PILE JACKET: [1]
- LIGHT COTTON TROUSERS: [1]
- BREECHES /TRACK SUIT BOTTOMS /ULTRA FLEECE TROUSERS: [1]
- DUVET JACKET: Down or synthetic
- WOOL BALACLAVA, WOOL MITTS:
- WATERPROOFS: Jacket and trousers
- SUN HAT
- SCARF: Silk/Nylon, useful for keeping the sun off the back of your neck
- SUNGLASSES / GOGGLES: Essential to get a pair which cuts out 100% UV rays
- SUN CREAM: High protection factor [15 or higher] or high altitude glacier cream
- LIP SLAVE/LABISAN: Protection for the lips. Get one with a sunscreen
- WATER BOTTLE: 1 liter metal
- IODINE: 2% SOLUTION [TINCTURE OF IODINE] obtained from most chemists put into a small glass dropper bottle. 8 drops of iodine will sterilize 1 liter of water in 20 minutes.
- TOILET ITEMS: Soap, Towel, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Comb, Sanitary protection, Toilet rolls [2], etc. Toilet paper is provided on Trek.
- HEAD TORCH: [ Petzl recommended] -spare batteries and bulbs
- SEWING KIT
- SMALL KNIFE: Swiss army style - has many uses
- NOTEBOOK/DIARY/PENS
- SMALL PADLOCK: Useful for locking your kit bag
- 4 PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS
- A COPY OF YOUR INSURANCE CERTIFICATE
- MONEY BELT
- READING MATERIAL: [1BOOK]
- CHOCOLATE BARS, SWEETS!
- PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT: We suggest that you bring the following:
- Elastoplasts
- Adhesive tape
- 4" crepe bandage
- Elasticized knee and /or ankle support if you experience strain these joints
- Blister dressings, e.g. moleskin, compead, spenco dressings
- Nasal Decongestant
- Throat lozenges/ glucose sweets
- Wide spectrum antibiotic [Ciproxin recommended]
o Anti -diarrhea - Immodium or Lomotil - A course of Flagyll [treatment of giardia]
- Codeine Phosphate - constipator, cough suppressant and pain killer
- Cold and flu suppressant Aspirin / paracetamol.
- Rehydrate powder - useful for adding to your water bottle and for fluid replacing purposes.
- Small pair of scissors
- Any special medicines you require
OPTIONAL
- SKI STICK: Telescopic for easy carrying
- THERMAREST: Or similar self-inflating mattress, gives decadent luxury
- CAMERA GEAR
- GAMES: Cards, chess etc. for the evenings
- UMBRELLA: Not only for rain, makes a great sunshade
- WET WIPES: Or similar.
Insurance & Emergency Expenses:
We suggest that clients insure themselves against a comprehensive claim policy including Helicopter Evacuation. Please note that our Kailash Tour Package does not include any rescue or evacuation expenses in emergencies. Any Emergency arrangement other than regular straight forward tour itinerary service should be borne by the client themselves.
Camera & Films:
A 35mm system with interchangeable lens will allow you to get the best shots in most situations. A wide angle [28-35mm] and a telephoto [80-200mm] are very useful. Skyling filters protect your lens [skylight IB] and a polarizing filter is useful for snow scenes. A brush for cleaning your lens is important and your camera and lens need to be in protective cases. Kodachrome 64 is excellent for slides and for prints 100 ASA film is suitable. Faster films may be needed if using zoom lenses and 200 ASA film would be required.
Currency:
All major foreign currencies are accepted in Zhangmu Bank in return for Yuan, the basic unit of Chinese Currency. Yuan equals 10 Jiao and 1 Jiao equals 10 Fen. At present USD 1 = 6.5 Yuan,
1 Yuan = 8 INR. Approximate.
Communication:
During your Yatra the last place to make your international calls is from Darchan (base camp of Mt. Kailash).
General Considerations when Packing:
Keep the weight and bulk down to a minimum. Baggage allowance on most international flights is 20 Kg's/44 lbs... Most people tend to bring more clothes than they do actually need. You will only need one change of clothes for Kathmandu. On trek it is important to dress in layers. When it is hot you will only be wearing a base layer, when it gets colder you can add to this until you are wearing most of your clothes!
Symptoms of High Altitude Sickness:
Rather than one or two, usually a group of symptoms begin to appear as a person gains altitude. These symptoms vary in intensity and in the elevations at which they appear, depending on the individual experiencing them. The predominant characteristic associated with maladaptation to altitude is headache. Usually a headache appears in the evening after a long day of ascending. The headache should be relieved by aspirins and should go away by the following morning. The principal symptoms that accompany the onset of altitude sickness are: headache and weakness, sleeplessness, often accompanied by irregular breathing, particularly at night, fluid retention [oedema], particularly about the eyes or fingers, depending on the degree of altitude sickness, dry cough, mild nausea, loss of appetite, ataxia or loss of co-ordination and severe breathlessness at rest.
If the symptoms are a mild annoyance then you should rest until they subside. If the symptoms become more severe or do not disappear after a night's sleep, then you should descend until you feel well.
The basic treatment for severe altitude sickness is immediate descent:
Altitude sickness can progress rapidly once it becomes serious. The person afflicted should be taken down between 1,000 to 3,000ft. [300 to 450m.], the distance increasing with the extent of the symptoms.
The drug acetazolamide [diamox] has been used for assisting with acclimatization when travelling to altitude. Some reports indicate that the drug might be useful in treating the early stages of altitude sickness in addition to its use in prevention. It has been shown that people who had headaches, nausea and felt unwell improved considerably within 30 minutes of taking the tablets. The adult dosage is one 250mg. tablet twice a day. The most pronounced and irritating side effect is a tingling sensation which can occur at any site and without warning. The dose can be reduced to 250 mg. per day. It is recommended that the drug is started on the morning of ascent above 10000ft. /300m. And is continued until descent or the person feels acclimatized. If you decide to take acetazolamide, please inform your group leader. It should not be taken by people who are allergic to sulphur drugs.
Severe altitude sickness affects few trekkers, most know when to stop and head back down. All of our treks are based on experience and are planned to gain height gradually, with days allowed for rest and acclimatization. The above brief notes on altitude sickness are to point out what it is and to note the symptoms. Prevention is simple; make a gradual ascent and allow sufficient rest at intermediate altitudes.
Terms and Conditions
1. It is a fundamental condition that you acknowledge that this is a Pilgrimage tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We cannot be hold responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, Mount Kailash.com shall be responsible for providing suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Mount Kailash.com shall be only responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.
2. Your booking will be confirmed by email once we have received the deposit of INR 10000 and the signed copy of booking form and contract with the following details Full name as in passport, Date of birth, Nationality, Sex, Occupation and a Medical Certificate to travel to high altitude area.
The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 month prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
3. If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
CHARGE INCURRED
2 months before departure loss of deposit INR 10000
29 days to 2 months before departure 30% of total trip cost
10 to 28 days before departure 60% of total trip cost
Less than 10 days before departure 100% of total trip cost
4. If you do not show up at the meeting point specified on the agreed date, we will assume you have been delayed and will wait for you to contact us with your new expected arrival date. If you do not contact us within 48 hours we will assume you have cancelled the tour. There is no refund of any money paid.
5. The tour will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances (force majored), such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war. If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund all payments made to us including the deposit (less the unrecoverable costs such as air tickets cancellation). We shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as insurance, visas, vaccinations and other incidental costs).
6. In case of the journey broken off early return upon client's own wish or causes, Mount Kailash.com shall not be liable to any refund of the days not utilized. Clients have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary.
7. Before joining the tour we recommend you take out travel insurance. This should include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses, cancellation, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. You must supply documentary proof of it. If you do not have travel insurance you must have a credit card with at least a US$5000 limit.
8. The trek information sheets and the dossier give information and conditions relating to the tour and are deemed to be part of the contract and so you should be fully aware of their contents. However the itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but not a contractual obligation- Changes may be made because of exceptional weather, flight cancellations, sickness or other unforeseeable circumstances- No refunds are given for unused services or unrealized dreams. We do give sympathy though.
All information and advice provided (vaccinations, climate, trekking equipment, visas etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility by us.
9. You agree to abide by the authority of the leader. Signing the booking form implies your acceptance of the tour leader’s decisions which could affect the group or individuals. The tour leader will give you a complete briefing at your arrival about your journey with Mount Kailash.com.
10. If you have a complaint that cannot be dealt with immediately with the tour leader or you are not satisfied with the response, please notify us in writing within 10 days of the tour completion. We shall try to agree on a settlement; this process shall be governed by the laws of Nepal.
11. When making your booking it is implied and accepted that you have read and understood all these booking conditions and agree to abide by them.
