FAQ Kailash Yatra

Important Yatra Preparation Points

 If you are planning for the Holy Yatra/Tibet Tour, you should be aware that it is rigorous and challenging trip where we have to spend all the time at high altitudes. So, at least 2-month regular practice is recommended either 2 hour daily running, swimming, or joining on a health club may help to complete the Yatra successfully. Reduce drinking alcoholic beverage & smoking habits. Consult your Doctor to assess the state of your health to function safely within your own limitations. In addition to the personal prescriptions by your physician, a First Aid Kit is essential for the travel.  

Request your Doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the followings;

In addition to the Meditation, your First Aid Kit must contain the followings;

In addition to above one should carry glucose-based items [mints, toffees, and mini chocolate bars for periodical consumption at high altitudes for energy. Multi vitamins and vitamin-C tablets are required for daily consumption as a routine. Make a separate pouch for the First Aid Kit with a list of Medicine and their appropriate usage. Saving is not advisable since any cut or bruise may not heal quickly and may irritate with nagging discomfort. 

Additionally: - 

Once you finalized your plan to visit the Holiest Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar, be sure you are holding a valid passport. The copy of your passport should be sent to us at least 1 month prior to start your Yatra. 
It is advisable to carry extra money [In addition to the tour cost] for personal needs or emergency. Travel cheques, Indian currencies, credit card is accepted in Nepal. 
You can exchange your currency into Chinese currencies at the Chinese border. The unspent Chinese currency can be reconverted on return.
Documents:  

You are advised to own a small waist pouch or document bag to manage the following documents properly;

· Passport with Photostat copies Photographs, Identity card Diary for addresses, contacts, small notes etc.

· Ball pens with spare refills Maps/Charts/Books etc.

· Travel Cheques, credit cards & Currency.

· Airline/Railway tickets/vouchers.

· Any other document for personal purposes.

· For Indian National No Objection Letter from the Emabassy/consulate for Lhasa Trips by flight.

Clothing & Equipment’s: 

The following clothing and equipment’s are suggested for your own protection and safety.

o    Down Jacket, Polar fleece, Light quilted.

o    Pure wool and thick cotton socks

o    Thermal underwear (Inner-full fitting) wool or mixed combination.

o    Wool pullovers-polo neck, Flannel shirts.

o    Warm light gloves, Snow-cap (with ear covering)

o    Wool monkey cap, Sun hats & scarves.

o    Comfortable Trekking boots and Sandals

o    Sun / Snow glasses

o    Towels-including small hand towel.

o    Hot water bottle.

o    Light Trek bag (for camera, and very essential things.) and duffel bag to keep your personal belongings.

o    Raincoat with hood.

o    Ladies can select other clothing materials as per her interest.

o    Video camera: - as per the interest.

o    Binoculars.

o    Plastic mug/whistle.

o    Swiss knife (multipurpose)    

o    First aid box / personal medicine

o    Walking stick

Note: Please do not carry unnecessary and valuables

INFORMATIONS HEALTH PRE-CAUTION 

Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces certain illness generally not encountered over the plains. Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness [malaise], high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, sex and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping dose and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. Some of symptoms indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments. The best idea is deliberately slow down all the activities and follows the following rules:  

· Rest.

· Relax-do not exert, be excited.  

· Reduce talking.  

· Walk slowly – adopt one third of your speed and space.  

· Keep your load light.  

· Walk for 15 minutes and rest for 5 minutes.  

· Whenever you feel uncomfortable, just stop; rest and relax.  

· Ignore the sudden outbursts of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments.  

· Observe silence with smile.  

· Never go too high and too fast.  

· Avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs and intoxicants.  

· Consume plenty of liquids; never proceed with an empty stomach.  

· Chant a prayer or visualize everything around to suit your pleasant thoughts or put on the earphones and listen to your favorite music, bhajans, chanting etc.  

· Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over clothed than under protected. En-route avoids taking bath or drinking water from Lake Streams or rivers, as your system is not conditioned for this.  

· Keep your boots/Ked inside tent. Protect yourself against dust and direct sunshine during the long stretches of driving. Face, feet and hands must be well protected.  

· The uneven ground, steep slope and slushy banks are full of potholes. Do not combine walking and sightseeing together.  

·  Always listen to your guide or the one with experience. Never leave the group.

We provide the following services and equipment on the package:  

SERVICES

·         Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu will be on twin sharing basis in facilitated. And accommodation in Tibet will be either on guesthouse [as per the itinerary] in Basic needs. The guesthouse accommodation will be dormitory accommodation and tent accommodation will be on twin sharing basis.  

· Once you enter Tibet, boarder you will be accompanying by Chinese guide along with our official tour guide, Sherpa team and Chinese drivers. Our Sherpas who take care of your need and requirements are cheerful and helpful. The drivers of our Bus are competent and safe.

· Deluxe non-A/C or A/C coach as per the package costs with comfortable seats shall be used  

· In case Parikrama around MT. KAILASH is not possible as per the itinerary due to adverse weather or other conditions additional one-day expense will be borne by the organizer. Expenses of the more additional days have to bear by the clients only. 

· We request you to choose a leader from you group so that our official representative can take a decision consulting your leader and Chinese representatives [guide] in case of any urgent decisions required. Our official guide will discuss with Chinese guide and driver and brief you about the next day programme and general welfare at the time of dinner. 

· Please bear in mind that the comfort en-route and destination may not match your home or a five star. It is totally different mission and it is challenging. It is your SPIRIT and will power, which will carry you through. 

· “SPECIAL BRIEFING” by experts shall be conducted in KATHMANDU one day prior to the departure.

Risk and Liability: -   

· No Alcohol, Drugs and other intoxicants. Anyone found using these will be left behind at the very camp at their own risk. Further stay and return back are all at their own risk and the liability is theirs.

· Any natural adversity like landslides, storm, floods, heavy snow, road blockage political unrest, cancellation of flights, delay in arrival or departure, sickness or accident, any unforeseen events that change the scheduled program forces the travels to change the itinerary, the decision of the experienced coordinator and the travels are the final one. 

· Any additional cost incurred due to the above-mentioned reasons must be borne by the travelers.

· The pilgrimage is planned to make all do the parikrama of the Holy Mount. But it any one cannot make it them the additional cost of the camp of staying behind has to be born them and there. 

· Travelers can take insurance coverage.

Some Suggestion:

· Travelling Kailash used to be very difficult till 2000, now we can drive 80 speeds per hour till to Darchan. While travelling we recommend to drink a lot of water and bring lots of dry fruits because you can’t feel to have cooked food so every one hour you feel hungry.

·  Please don’t take any items related Dalai Lama and don’t talk anything related him, If Chinese police find the same, will make traveler difficult even they can cancel visa and permit and send traveler back to their home with heavy fine. 

· Don’t forget to take Travel Insurance, because it’s long journey on desert Himalayas no proper hospital and doctors are available. 

· Please do some shopping in Kathmandu for your travel materials like light, battery, woolen cloths, caps, shoes because you will get very cheap in Nepal. 

· Need to bring Passport Size photographs. If traveler holds other than Indian Passport then traveler has to take Nepal double entry visa on arrival at Kathamndu Airport.

These are few important notes. Please feel free to ask any question. Please kindly contact us We will  help you to provide a to z services in kathamndu and Tibet.

Question: How much walking is required on the Kailash Mansarovar tour package?

Answer.  This is a 38-kms / 3 days trek done at an average altitude of 15000 ft and the highest point is the Dolma La (Pass) at 19,500 ft. Attempt walking the entire distance including the trek up the Dolma La only if you are extremely fit physically. If you are reasonably fit, hire a pony (limited numbers available) for the 3-day parikrama (the rate for this service is about Chinese Yuan 2800 for a Yak and a porter). You may need the yak on day 2 of the parikrama on the ascent to Dolma La. But knowing the behaviour of the yaks and the yakmen, you should be prepared for walks on the first and last day of the parikrama. On these 2 days the walks are in general over level ground (i.e. with no major ascents or descents). There will be a walking for approx. 8 hrs. a day. However, there is the option of not doing the parikrama at all and staying behind at Darchen at your own cost. We can pick you up after the parikrama.

Question: How should I prepare myself for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra tour ?

Answer. Both mental and physical fitness is required to complete the trip. It is one of the toughest land journeys which you would have ever taken on earth. Physical preparations include ANY or all of the following: walking 4-5 kms. a day, swimming, playing badminton, jogging, freehand exercise, climbing a 10/20-storey building etc. All this not only helps muscle development but also expands capacity of the lungs, which is vital in high altitudes due to lower levels of oxygen. This is not a yatra in which you can depend on 'palkis' or ponies to take care of you. You have to depend on your own reserves of strength and stamina. Mental preparation means being absolutely positive about wanting to complete the journey. Yoga helps. A medical check-up is strongly recommended. Take your personal physician's advice on your participation. If you consume alcohal and smoke, better quit it.

Some useful tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra trekking trip: 

Try and make friends with the Tibetan guide and driver. They may appear stand-offish initially but are warm and simple people. Small gifts like Hindi movie cassettes, dark glasses, a cap/hat etc. go a long way in overcoming language problems and establishing rapport.

The first two to three days are particularly tough as you get used to the rigours of the journey and acclimatise to the sudden change of altitude. This can cause breathlessness, lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, lack of appetite, sleeplessness, headache, irritation, anger, lack of judgement. Drink plenty of water (4-5 litres a day), remain calm and quiet, avoid petty arguments, rest as much as possible, eat properly at mealtimes. Talk to the helpful and caring staff and inform them of any difficulties.

If you are not allergic to sulpha drugs (please consult your physician), take one tablet of Diamox at Kathmandu the night before leaving for Tibet as well as on the 2nd and 3rd nights, or even longer. Alternatively, take half tablet in the morning and half in the evening. Now a day, we do have non-sulphar drugs available by Ranbaxy. Oxygen cylinders and Gamow bags are carried for anyone having major problems. 

If you can't do the parikrama, say so. Don't take the altitude lightly. Many people understand at Darchen that the parikrama cannot be done by them and decide accordingly. We will make alternate arrangements for you to stay back at Darchen (at extra cost payable directly to the lodge, approx Rs. 2,500 a day approx).

Question: Is it compulsory to perform the Parikrama / Kora / Circumambulation of Mount Kailash

Answer. No, it is not compulsory. It depends on health and wish of an individual. But if you are travelling in a group you must stay at the base camp of Mount Kailash until the other group members come back after performing kora of Mount Kailash

Question: How long it takes for Mt. Kailash Parikarma / Kora / Circumambulation? How long is the trek?

Answer. The circle of the mount Kailash from Darchen (base of Mount Kailash) to Darchen is about 52 kms, out of which about 10 kms is covered by vehicle. The trekking of Mount Kailash is about 42 kms total which is performed clockwise and takes 2 nights halt including one night each at Dhirapukh Gompa and Zuthulpukh Gompa.

Question: What if I start the kora / circumambulation and I find difficult completing it after 1st day trek?

Answer. The circle of the mount Kailash from Darchen (base of Mount Kailash) to Darchen is about

Question: What is the difference between Outer Kora and Inner Kora of Mount Kailash?

Answer. The outer kora is the normal 3 days parikrama / kora / circumambulation of holy Mount Kailash which leads through Dhirapukh Gompa and Zuthulpukh Gompa. On the other hand, the Inner Kora of Mount Kailash includes (apart from the normal kora) visit and parikrama of Nandi parvat, Ashtapad, Atma Linga etc. The inner kora is comparatively very tough and is performed usually one or two times every year, depending on weather. However, August is considered to be the most suitable time for Inner kora of Mount Kailash.

Question: What kind of food is served on the tour?

Answer. For breakfast one gets high energy and nutritious beverages like complan, bournvita, horlicks along with tea/coffee. There is porridge/cornflakes and the menu alternates pancakes, upma, pakoras etc., and bread with butter/ jams etc. are there. Lunch is generally packed and served at a scenic spot near some water pool. It consists of a tetra pack (Frooti etc) or lime water with glucose, puri/chapatti & vegetables, tinned fruits/sweets, pickle. Dinner is at the campsite and the menu is very varied with soup, Indian, Chinese and European cuisine and a desert. Water collected from streams near the campsite is boiled and hence safe for drinking. You can add iodine drops or chlorine tablets.

Question: Do we get pure vegetarian food without onion?

Answer. During entire trip of Kailash Mansarovar food served by the hotels, guesthouses and our chef is always pure vegetarian (Jain food) without onion and garlic.

Question: Do we get drinkable water on the trip to Kailash Mansarovar?

Answer. Yes, mineral water or filtered water or water purifying tables are made available during the trip to Kailash Mansarovar. There are number of small shops where packed drinking water is available.

Question: Does my India Mobile work during Kailash Yatra?

Answer. Yes, the Indian mobile does work during the Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake Yatra (except the day of Mount Kailash Parikarma), but kindly take international roaming from your provider.

Question: Can a single person or a couple join the Kailash Yatra group?

Answer. NTP Fixed Departure Tours by Helicopter and the same can be joined subject to availability in the specific departure dates. All our departures are guaranteed and any number of person may take part in these departures.

Question: What are the different ways of travelling to Kailash?

Answer. 
1. By road from India. This is a 28-30-day trek but the disadvantage of this trek is that it has to be booked well in advance and there is no certainty that one can go despite being in physical shape, because the number of seats is limited and participants are chosen for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through draw by the Ministry of External Affairs, India. About 400 people out of 6000 applicants go for this yatra each year.

2. By road from Kathmandu and from there by road to Lake Manasarovar at the base of Mount Kailash. One may fly to Kathmandu from Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata or Mumbai. This is the most popular route for doing Mount Kailash Yatra.

3. Our Helicopter tours of Kailash are perfect choice for those who cannot afford to spend 15-16 days for the Yatra or who are not very comfortable with high altitude road journey. This tour uses fixed wing aircraft for the flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj and from there to Simikot. From Simikot a helicopter flies to Hilsa. Coach are then used to reach Manasarovar.

4. Tour via Lhasa wherein one will fly to Kathmandu and then to Lhasa by China Air and from there one will visit various towns in Tibet like Shigatse, Gyantse, Lhatse, Prayang etc. and will reach Lake Manasarovar. On the way back, there are three options:
a. drive back to Lhasa and fly back to Kathmandu 
b. drive to Hilsa and fly via Helicopter and fixed wing aircraft to Nepalgunj
c. drive back to Kathmandu via Keiyrong – Rasuwagadhi Border (Nepal-China Friendship Route).

Question: What route does the Kailash 14-day tour follow?

Answer. As stated above after 2 nights at Kathmandu, the group leaves for the Tibet border (Keiyrong/Zhangmu) on the 3rd day. There is a 2-night halt at Keiyrong/Nyalam, with an additional day for acclimatising to the height. Thereafter halts are at Saga and the sacred Lake Mansarovar before reaching Mount Kailash. This is followed by the 3-day Kailash trekking (parikrama). The return route is the same. Each day there is an incredibly beautiful and equally exhausting drive for 8 hours or more, on rough and rugged terrain. There are very few metalled roads in this part of Tibet.

Which currency I must carry on my Kailash Yatra travel?

Answer. Indian rupees currency notes are widely accepted in all small and big establishments and shops in Nepal side. During travel in Tibet one must carry Chinese Yuan only. The exchange rate of Chinese Yuan is approx. 01 Yuan = INR 11 which vary from bank to bank and also on the day of exchange. US Dollars are also accepted at some places but carrying Chinese Yuans for small payments is always better. Exchange is available at Kathmandu Nepal and Taklakot (Burang) Tibet side. To avoid inconvenience and high exchange rate it is better that you buy and bring Yuans before starting from home, if available.