The Holy Mount, Kailash Mansarover Yatra

Mt. Kailash, 6,740 m. is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier, wholly within Tibet. It is the perfect mountain with awesome beauty, with 4 great faces. It is the spiritual centre for four great religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, the Jain religion and the pre-Buddhist animistic religion - Bonpo. To Tibetans it is known as Khang Rimpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow) and they see it as the navel of the world. It is said that a stream from the mountain pours into a nearby lake and from here rivers flow in the four cardinal directions. The River of the Lion Mouth to the North, the River of the Horse Mouth to the east, the River of the Peacock Mouth to the south and the River of the Elephant Mouth to the West. Strangely enough, four major rivers do indeed originate near Kailash, the Indus, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Karnali and the Sutlej. Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. For the Tibetans also, it is a particularly special place in that their poet saint Milarepa, spent several years here meditating in a cave.

A Shiva-linga shaped Mt. Kailash from the Northern Face
For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru, their spritual centre of the universe, described as a fanatastic ‘world pillar’ 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top lives their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati.
For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first prophet achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet. Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions.
Over the centuries pilgrims have constantly journeyed immense distances to achieve enlightenment or cleanse themselves of sin, braving enormous distances, particularly harsh weather and bandit attacks.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Meet and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: At leisure in Kathmandu. Obtain Chinese Visa.

Day 03: Morning drive to the frontier town of Nepal at Kodari. From here, a short walk to the friendship bridge for the drive on a local available vehicle to Zhangmu, the main entrance of Tibet, China at the height of 2,300 m. which is about 145 kms from

Kathmandu. In Zhangmu, you will be received by guide from our Tibetan counterpart. After all the formalities at the check post here, our journey continues for another 35 kms which can take almost 3 hours through the up-winding road to Nyalam with beautiful scenery as the drive brings us for the overnight stay at Nyalam(3,700 m.). The lodges and guest houses here are very simple and basic. You can expect the unexpected as the China Tourism in Tibet is slowly picking up since last 7-8 years.

Day 04: Rest day for acclimatization and local hikes around.

Day 05: Morning drive to the first pass of Lelung La at 5,050 m. From here a superb view of the high himalayas can be seen from Gaurishanker, Shisapangma to Langtang Himal. From here the road diverts towards near Shisapangma on the trail to Saga on the absolute windswept landscape on the rough dirt road. Saga, one of the large village enroute to Kailash. The drive can take approximate 5-6 hours depending upon the road condition. We will be camping near the village for the overnight.

Day 06: Another morning drive through the windswept territory passing many villages and camps of Yak herders with the distance view of snow capped mountains. After 5-6 hours of drive brings us to Paryang for the overnight stay.

Day 07: From Paryang, our journey continues to Darchen, the start of our Parikrama or Kora. The drive passes through open territory with a view of distant mountains, Yak herders camp, if lucky you might come across a herd of Kang (Wild Ass). The drive takes us to a high pass of over 5,000 m. before we arrive at Darchen (4,480 m).

Darchen is located beneath the majestic holy Mount Kailash, a small village with couple of guest houses. During the auspicious pilgrimage time, this place will be flooded with Pilgrims with hundreds of tents all around. Darchen,the beginning and end point of the Kora.

Day 08: The first day of our Kora is a gradual walk with multitudes of other local pilgrims chanting and praying. The trail leads us to few ups and downs till we reach our camp at Dirapuk (4,750 m.), after 5-6 hours walk. Camping on the nice grassy meadows with a view of Kailash, north west face.

Day 09: Today our circumbulation (Kora) leads to much higher side of the holy path just beneath the Mount Kailash. The walk will bring us to one of the highest point at Drolma La, 5,200 m. before descending to the gradual field towards Zuthulphuk for the overnight camp after 5-6 hours walk. Zuthulphuk has a small monastery.

Day 10: The winding gradual tracks finally ends our holy pilgrimage walk (5 hours) at Darchen for the overnight.

Day 11: After completing the holy Kora at Darchen, our next spiritual destination takes to Lake Mansarovar for the holy bath. It is believed
a ritual bath delivers a pilgrims to paradise and drink of its holy water relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes. The drive from Darchen takes a little over 2 hours on the dirt road. Lake Mansarovar, one of the largest salt lake in Tibet. We will be camping at the shore of the lake very close to the monastery and its village.

Day 12: Rest day at Lake Mansarovar for dip in the Lake and local hikes around.

Day 13: Retrace the journey back to Paryang, approximate 5-6 hours drive.

Day 14: Continue drive back to Saga.

Day 15: Drive back to Nyalam.

Day 16: Drive to Zhangmu and continue towards Kathmandu after the holy memorable journey of a lifetime. Transfer to Hotel.

Day 17: Free for souvenir shopping and other independent activities.

Day 18: Transfer to Airport for International departure.

For Package Price Please Contact at:

info@bestway2india.com
bestway@satyam.net.in


The package price covers:
Airport transfers in Kathmandu, Twin sharing accommodation at 3 Star Standard Hotel in Kathmandu on BB Basis,
Transportation Kathmandu / Tibet Border / Kathmandu by private vehicle, Camping arrangement backed by Nepalese Sherpa crew on full board basis, Hiring charge of Sleeping Bags, Transportation inside Tibet by Land Cruiser (4 pax per land cruiser), Necessary Yak & Yakmen for Kailash Kora, Applicable entrance fees to visit Monasteries, Normal Tibet Entry Visa fee, One halfday sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley.

The package price does’t cover:
Lunch & Dinner while in Kathmandu, Travel & Medical Insurance, Rescue Evacuation in case of emergency, Expenses of personal nature, Airfare to Kathmandu & back,

Travel Tips for Mt. Kailash - Mansarovar Yatra

Accommodation:
Accommodation will be very simple with acozy room with common bathrooms and toilets. However, hot water will be provided in every room for refreshing and for drinking.

Food:
The food will be supplied from our side while camping breakfast, lunch & dinner with occasional tea break. While staying in lodges enroute the meal will be provided from the best available Chinese or Tibetan restaurants. The food will be very simple as per the clients taste. All meals provided will be vegetarian.

Clothing & Accessories:
Depending upon the season, during June, July, August till September, day time will be pleasant and quite warm with about 15-20 degreees celsius. During afternoon time 1-4 pm can be windy. The morning and evening will be chily between minus 2 to 0 degree celcius.
We recommend one down jacket, one warm thick pull-over, one thin pull-over, two warm pants, two light loose cotton pants, one warm windproff cotton jacket, four cotton sleeve T-shirts, two thermal under pants, two thermal vests, one rain coat, one pair each of light tennis shoes & light rubber sandal, six pairs of warm woolen socks, one light cotton or silk scarf, one large cotton or silk scarf, one pair of warm gloves, soft paper tissues, monkey cap & sun hat, two towels, Wind – Rain Jacket, sun hat, sun glass, sun cream, chapstick.

Transportation:
During the drive we will be providing a 4 wheel drive (Land cruiser or similar), truck as a backup with all camping gear and crew. Maximun 4-5 person will be accommodated in a land cruiser.
While on trek, during the Kora, we will provide Yaks to carry the camping & your personal heavy gears.

Guide/ Escort:
A Tibetan/ English speaking guide will escort the group througout the trip including few Nepali staffs fot the camping.

Photography:
As Tibet get very bright sunlight due to thin air, so taking photographs can be quite glare. We recommend you to take the advise from the photographic shop while purchasing the film rolls for Tibet. Taking photographs inside monastery will be charged as per Monastey rule. Please ask your guide before taking photographs inside the monastery or Army Camps.

Medicine:
We suggest you to bring your own first aid kit with adequate medication regarding altitude sickness, naussea, dehydration and some pain killers.

Insurance:
We highly recommend all clients to be insured against Medical, accidents & necessary emergency evacuation, if needed.

Physical Fitness:
Before booking for this trip with us, clients should be in sound good health preparation for this trip. We advise bit of excersise like morning or evening walk or jogging.

Visa & Documentation:
Clients must be in possession of a valid passport to obtain visa. We will require the following details from your passport at the time of booking the trip - Full Name as in Passport, Nationality, Date of issue & expiry of Passport, Passport No, Date of Birth & Occupation

Altitude Sickness:
Accute mountain sickness is a frequent problem in the himalayan region.The altitude of the peaks and trils between them are among highest on earth. Acclimatization to altitude above 3000 meters takes time. The body undergoes a number of physiological changes aome of which are immediate like increased

pulse rate & respiratory rate. Others appear more slowly over a period of weeks like the cahnge in acid base balance and production of extra red blood cells.
These changes plus the effect of intense sunlight, walking hard & dehydartion may cause a number or mild vague symtons such as Loss of appetite, fatique, headache, nausea, dizziness, palpiatations, sleepnessness, mild shortness of breath with exercise.

The best treatment is prevention! Avoid rapid ascents, take acclimatization symptons seriously using rest days or diamox. If symptons are severe and the patient is ill DESCEND IMMEDIATELY 300 Meters of descent rmore should be sought. This usually give rapid improvement.

Payment:
A 50% deposit must be sent in advance to our company or its associates. Balance 50% should be paid at least 30 days before the trip departure.

Equipment on Trip:
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.
Personal Equipment Check-List:

You need atleast 3 pair of change of your clothing for this trip. 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.
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.

FIBRE PILE JACKET : [1]
SHORTS OR SKIRT : [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 litre metal

IODINE : 2% SOLUTION [TINCTURE OF IODINE] obtained from most chemists put into a small glass dropper bottle. 8 drops of iodine will sterilise 1 litre 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]
WALKMAN and 2 tapes - for those early nights. Spare batteries
CHOCOLATE BARS, SWEETS!
PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT.
SMALL PLASTIC BAGS /STUFF SACS OR PILLOW CASES: To separate and keep the gear in your kit bag in order
CIGARETTE LIGHTER: for burning toilet paper and rubbish.

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. Which should also include Helicopter Evacuation if necessary. 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 35 mm 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 if you plan to visit Chitwan National Park. 12 rolls of film per trek is not too many for the enthusiast.
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!

Personal Medical Kit:
We suggest that you bring the following:
Elastoplast
Adhesive tape
4" crepe bandage
Elasticated 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]
Anti -diarrhoea - 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

Liability: Bestway acts as an intermediary between the concerned airlines, hotels, transport/tour– operators and local tourist offices providing the services. Bestway or its PSA or its sub agent, is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury sustained by the tourists, including those occurring outside the touring programs. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accidents, natural disaster, political actions and unrest must be borne by the tourists. Program, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of printing and are therefore subject to change without advance notice before or during the tour.

“Any part of unutilized services is non – refundable”

Participation in our tour implies the tourist’s agreement to the above conditions.
For further information please contact:
E-mail: info@bestway2india.com