Mt. Kailash Yatra

Kathmandu - Nyalam - Saga - Paryang - Lake Manasarovara - Darchen - Mount Kailash Circuit and retrace drive.

After a brief sightseeing of Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu , where you also complete China / Tibet permit formalities; along with our Nepalese crew, drive and cross into Tibetan plateau slowly acclimating. Additional day halt is provided at Nylam to get properly acclimatized. With 4 WD deluxe Land cruisers 4500/80, drive along the dirt road parallel to the snow capped peaks of Himalayas to south and Tibetan mountains to your north. The journey also involves crossing Bramhaputra River (Yarlung Tsangpo) by ferry and driving through several other smaller streams. Also cross several high mountain passes (averaging of 5000m/16,400 ft) that offers splendid views before finally arriving ;at the holy Lake Manasarovara . Hindus consider as the female energy, or "yoni" of the universe, in contrast to the male energy or "lingum" of Kailash. 

Our trips are so scheduled that you are at the holy lake on the full moon day and if you are a Hindu or Buddhist pilgrim, you may want to perform puja ritual here. Others can just drive around the lake and enjoy the scenery, and watch the rituals. Continue drive to Darchen, and not so far from there, you embark on a 3 days sacred kora trek (53 kms/34 miles) including a crossing of the 18,600-foot Drolma La. The pack animals (Yaks) carrying supplies including your gears are accompanied by our Nepalese and Tibetan crew. The first two days take between 6-7 hours trek but the last day of the trek is an easy 2-3 hrs walk down on to the Barga plain.

Itinerary:

Outline Itinerary

DAY 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel Shanker. O/nt. at Hotel Shanker.

DAY 02: In the morning visit the Pashupatinath and the Boudhanath stupa. In the afternoon group meeting to discuss on trip to Kailash. O.nt at Hotel Shanker

DAY 03: Embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu – Kodari . Walk to The Friendship Bridge and drive uphill to Zhangmu . After completing custom and immigration formalities, proceed to Nyalam . O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar . (153 Kms / 6-7 Hrs)

DAY 04: Stay at Nyalam (3750m) for acclimatization . The Group will be taken for a 3 hrs Trek in Nyalam . O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar.

DAY 05: Drive Nyalam – Saga (4600m – 240 Kms / 6 – 7 Hrs). O/nt at Guest House.

DAY 06: Drive to Paryang (4750m - 255 Kms / 5-6 Hrs). O/nt at Htl Paryang.

DAY 07: Drive to Hor-Quo (4560m – 223 Kms / 5-6 Hrs ). Camp at the banks of Lake Manasarovar .

DAY 08: AM Lake Manasarovar Parikarma (4520m -115 Kms / 4-5 Hrs.)
PM Drive to Darchen (4620m). O/nt at Guest House.

DAY 09: Trek to Serlung Monastery and to Nandi Parbat for an excellent view of Mount Kailash . The Group will stay at Darchen and make final preparation for the Kailash Parikarma. O/nt at Guest House

DAY 10: Drive ahead of Tarboche – to the trek starting point of Kailash Parikarma (13 Kms) Trek to Dirapuk (4860m – 7 Kms) approx 5 – 6 Hrs. Trek . Camp .

DAY 11: Trek to Zuthul Puk (4760m – 18 Kms). approx 9-10 Hrs. Trek. Camp

DAY 12: End Kailash Kora (10 Kms) approx 3 - 4 Hrs Trek . Drive to Paryang (270 Kms / 6-7 Hrs.) O/nt at Htl Paryang .

DAY 13: Drive to Saga ( 255 Kms / 6-7 Hrs.) O/nt at Guest House.

DAY 14: Drive to Nyalam. (240 Kms / 6 – 7 Hrs). O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar

DAY 15: Drive downhill to Zhangmu and Friendship Bridge where transportation awaits for the final leg of journey to Kathmandu. O/N in Hotel Shanker.

DAY 16: Transfer to airport for onward flight.

Trip Fixed Departure dates: (Ex. Kathmandu)

MAY: MAY 03 SUN & MAY 17/SUN
JUNE: JUNE 01 MON (SAGA DAWA FESTIVALl) & JUNE 14/SUN
JULY: JULY 01 WED, JULY 14/ TUE & JULY 31 FRI
AUGUST: AUG 13 THU
SEPTEMBER: SEP 03 THU, SEP 17/ THU & SEP 22 TUE

Note: Also Customize Departure Dates are available on request.

* Indicates Full Moon

(Departure dates have been fixed with Full Moon at Lake manasarovar & kailas Region)

COST PER PERSON FOR INDIAN NATIONAL INR.77,000
COST PER PERSON NRI & FOREIGN NATIONAL USD 2,100

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:

NEPAL SIDE: Arrival-Departure Transfers, 3 Nights accomodation at 4 Star Hotel on Twin sharing & BB basis, Half day Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath and Temple of sleeping Vishnu.

TIBETSIDE: Kathmandu-Kodari-Kathmandu transfer by Coach, 4500 Model Japanese Landcruiser (4 person in 1 Jeep basis) on Tibet side, Support Truck, English speaking Tibetan Guide, Accomodation at Guest Houses & Camping as per itinerary, Trekking Staff comprising of 1 Nepali Team Leader, Cooks and sherpas, Full board vegetarian meals, Camping equipment comprising of Two-men tents/ mattress/Dining & Kitchen Tents, Toilet Tents, Table & Chairs, Gamow Bag, Oxygen, Local Roaming Mobile Phone,Yaks & Yak-men for porterage during Kailas Parikarma, all permits and Tibet/China Visa fee.

TOUR PACKAGE EXCLUDES:

Travel Insurance, Evacuation Cost, Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation or porteage on the Arniko Highway(INR 500-750pp) and Expenses of personal nature

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAMMES:

* Best available accomodation at Hotels/Guest House during the Yatra
* Drive to Serlung Monastery to visit Asthpath and Darshan of Nani Parbat
* Reliable, co-operative and experienced English Speaking Tibetan Guides.
* High success rate for Parikarma of Holy Kailas Parbat

PREPARING FOR MT. KAILAS & MANASAROVAR:

Mt. Kailas and Manasarovar are a remote and strenuous journey. This tour offers one of the most fascinating centers of geological epicene, center of oriental religion and philosophy and the ultimate pilgrimage. It is truly one of the last frontiers for discovery and exploration. All trips are of an expeditionary nature supported by well-experienced Nepali Sherpa team. If you travel with an open mind, this trip will be truly unique and rewarding experience. Here is some information to help you to get most out of your adventure. However each one must organize according to individual requirements and preferences. A briefing session will be organized here in Kathmandu before your departure to Kailas and Manasarovar.

VISA: All foreign national travelling to Tibet requires a visa. Two p/p size photographs and passport valid for another six months are needed to obtain visa. It is advised to forward your passport detail, with your occupation well in advance (30 days in advance). You arrive to Kathmandu minimum 2 days before scheduled departure.

TRANSPORTATION: From Kathmandu to Kodari – ( Nepal border) you will be transported by a bus/van depending upon the size of group. If there happens to be any landslide, the best available mode of transport will be used. From Zhangmu on ward you will be provided a land cruiser (4-Wheel drive). There will be a separate truck for the camping equipment and staffs. During the Kailash Parikarma you will be supported by Yak and Yak herders, A Yak can be hired for you to ride, which will costs you extra. (But yaks are not domesticated and tamed to ride on it).

ACCOMMODATION: We are traveling in the most remote part of the world. Most of the time we will be away from modern civilization. So we do not expect out side help. We must be well equipped and self-contained. Adventure Treks Nepal  have pioneered the idea of building its own accommodation facility at Paryang County , Lake Manasarovar (Chui Gompa) and its recemtly opened accommodation facilty at Dirapuk at the base of Kailas Parbat.

Here you shall find clean , well kept rooms with Western Toilets at Paryang and Dirapuk. At Nyalam and Saga , we use the best available accommodation.

In some places we overnight in trekking style camps, which includes accommodation in two person tents, mattress and sleeping bag will be provided. dinner and breakfast will be served in a large dinning tent. The dinning tent is our meeting place, living hall, reading rooms & toilet tents will be put up near by. Camp area will be lightened with pressurized maintols. Bed tea will be served in your tent as a wake-up call at around 6 Am (Chinese time). Hot breakfast will be set at dinning tent. Once Sherpa team packs up the equipment, we are ready to move at around 9 AM . A light pack lunch will be served at daytime. Upon arrival staffs will set-up the camp and serve drinks at around 7 PM and dinner at 9 PM . We have a strict rule against the use of candles in your tents. There is a real danger of tents and sleeping bags catching fire because of carelessness or sudden accidents. 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 you use torchlight inside the tents.

BAGGAGE: On flight you are allowed 20 Kg's of checked baggage and 5 kg's of hand baggage. Each passenger must pay for his excess baggage at the airport check-in point. During Kailas Yatra there is no weight limit, but please remember that there is always an advantage of traveling light. Carry practical and multi purpose clothes and equipment. We recommend wide-open type of rucksack and a day backpack, strong enough to carry the load for 15 days in all different mode of transportation. The suitcases are not suitable, as they cannot resist the bumps of the dirt road.

HEALTH: All participants need to be good in a physical condition and excellent health. Any one who suffers from chronic heart, lung, brain or vertebral problem will not qualify to participate in this trip as this trip involves travelling to remote and difficult places where medical emergencies may not be available. This trip involves driving/hiking and camping in mountainous terrain. When planning your trip it is advisable to have a medical check-up explaining to your Physician the altitude you hope to reach. Visitors are particularly susceptible to bronchial problems due to the high and very dusty air, so medicines for this should be carried. If you are taking any medicines, take enough supply, as it is not available. Do inform your trek manager of any previous medical problems before you start your tour. Let him know if you feel ill or have severe headache, dizziness, nausea dysentery or just bad blisters. As a precaution, you may carry DIAMOX to prevent the effect of high altitude, though you must check with your doctor. Simple headache fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders can happen before acclimatization. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping doses and strong antibiotic must be avoided. Descending to lower altitude is the best, but many times it may not be possible. REST is BEST.

OXYGEN cylinders and Gamow Bag will be carried on all trips. Please remember the following points:

• Rest.
• Relax – do not exert; Do not be excited.
•  Talking.
• Walk slowly – adopt one third of your normal speed.
• Keep your load light.
• Do not exercise.
• Breathe slowly and long.
• Whenever you feel uncomfortable just stop: rest and relax.
• Ignore the sudden outburst of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments.
• Observe silence with a smile.
• Remember – never go too high too fast.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol – drugs or intoxicants.
• Consume plenty of liquid (three Liter per day); never proceed with an empty stomach.

Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over-clothed than under protected. enroute avoid taking bath or drinking water from lakes, streams or rivers. Since the dry cold wind tends to make the nose dry keep your nose smooth by applying Vaseline. Keep your feet dry, never let it get wet. Wear your boots/Keds inside tents to keep them dry. Wearing cotton and woolen socks in combination would be the best. Face, feet and hands must be well protected. Request your Doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the following:

• Fever
• Cold
• Sore throat
• Acidity
• Vomiting
• Loose motion
• Diarrhea
• Muscle Pulls
• Body and joints pains
• Cough
• Headache
• Stomach cramps
• Dysentery
• Constipation
• Swelling
• Sore eyes

In addition to the medicines, your First aid kid must include the following:

• Vaseline
• Cotton
• Dettol
• Nose inhaler
• Rubber bands
• Cough drops
• Amritanjan/Vicks/Shi-Chu/Tiger-Bam
• Band aid
• Bandage toll
• Mouth freshener
• Toilet paper
• Dust cover
• Chap-stick

Make a separate pouch for the first aid kit with a list of medicines and their appropriate usage. It is advised to carry glucose and glucose based items (mints, toffees, and mini chocolate bars for periodical consumption at high altitude for energy. Multi-vitamin and vitamin C tablets are required for daily consumption as a routine. Never rush into things. Walk slowly and firmly. Guard yourself from slipping or falling to prevent fractures, sprains and muscle pulls. The uneven ground, steep slopes and slushy banks are full of potholes. Do not combine walking and sightseeing together. Inspect your track in front and trek slowly STOP LOOK & GO Listen to your guide. Never leave the group. Be in-group. Do not leave any one behind unless escorted.

CLOTHING: Tibet is a dry cold country. Weather may unexpectedly change at any time. Plan in a way that you can wear layers of clothes. The recommended items are:-

• Down Jacket
• Light wind proof Jacket
• Cotton socks
• Long Johns
• Sweaters – high neck
• Woolen Shirts
• Warm light gloves
• Scarf
• Thermal under wear
• Pure woolen and thick pullovers
• Thick wool trousers
• Woolen monkey cap
• Towels
• Raincoat or folding umbrellas – Best recommended is a panchu type Raincoat.
• Comfortable warm walking shoe for evening use.
• Wailing Boots, water resistant, ankle supported and soft interior – Break in earlier for comfortable use.
• Personal clothing as required.

In our Yatra there is not much to buy. The only place we could do shopping is at Zhangmu. Where Nepali currency is accepted. The tour manager will help you to change Nepali currency into Chinese and again back into Nepali currency at the end of the trip.

ACCESSORIES

• Dark sunglasses
• Water bottle (1lt.)
• Extra plastic bags
• Camera and film
• Repair kit (needle, thread, tape, cloth pin, safety pins etc.)
• Flashlight / Torch with extra batteries
• P-Cap
• Note book, pen & pencil.
• Pocket knife
• Strong sun block cream and lip salve (chap stick)

For more info: advnepal@wlink.com.np

Tours in Tibet