Pilgrims who want to visit Tibet (China) directly from India (via Pithauragarh and Dharchula) is bound to stick on the quota of 900 pilgrims per year as declared by Chinese government. This permit is issued by foreign affairs office in New Delhi. This route is difficult compared to the routes from Nepal and also takes longer duration. Whereas Chinese government has opened its border with Nepal at two different points at present for pilgrims going to Kailash Manasarovar. These entry points are Kerung for overland journey and Hilsa for flying by helicopter. Besides these another entry point is Lhasa where pilgrims fly to lhasa from Kathamndu and then drive to Kailash Manasarovar . Moreover there is not any restrictions in number of pilgrims to Kailash Via Nepal.With all the above mentioned facts we can declare Nepal as the easiest, convenient and comfort access to Kailash Manasarovar for Indians.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES OF KAILASH MANASAROVAR PACKAGES OFFERED TO INDIAN PILGRIMS
KAILASH MANASAROVAR BY HELICOPTER VIA KATHMANDU (11 DAYS)
Kailash Manasarovar tour is designed for those who wish to take comfortable journey with limited time . We fly Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Simikot by regular flights and Simikot - Hilsa (Nepal - Tibet border) by chartered helicopter. From the border we drive by coach to Manasarovar via Purang, the most beautiful and peaceful place incomparable to rest of the places on this planet. You might get difficulties due to flight cancellation during monsoon season , choosing the month of May, August and early September for helicopter tour would be best for you. However we must consider the changing nature of weather which is unpredictable as well.
Day 01:
Arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to hotel. Evening: Detail briefing on yatra for about an hour by pioneers of Tibet tour and experts in mountain medicines. Stay at hotel. Dinner
Day 02:
AM-Get blessing from Pashupatinath and Guheswari Temple before embarking upon the journey. PM – Fly to Nepalgunj (1 hour) by fixed wing airplane. Stay at hotel in Nepalgunj. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 03:
Early morning have breakfast if you have time or carry pack breakfast and transfer to airport for your flight to Simikot. Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot (50 minutes to 1 hour) depending upon the weather condition. You will be received by our staffs at the airport and will take you to the hotel . Either visit Shiva temple or relax and get acclimatized. Stay at hotel/guesthouse in Simikot. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner.
Day 04:
Early morning leave hotel to fly to Hilsa by chartered helicopter. During your 20 minutes flight you will be delighted to see the magnificent views of mountains, rivers and villages . From heli pad,you have to walk about 10 minutes. Across the border you will meet Chinese guide and vehicles waiting for you, drive to Purang also called Takklakot (1 to 2 hrs,35 kms) which depends upon the time consumed for immigration. Rest for acclimatization in Purang. Stay at hotel. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner.
Day 05:
Drive to Lake Manasarovar (Chiu Gompa 4550m) by bus for about (2 hrs, 90 kms). On the way, you stop at the shore of Rakshas Tal and get first darshan of Mt. Kailash. After taking a brief halt you will then continue drive to Lake Manasarovar (4573m), take parikrama of the Lake by coach(3/4 hrs, 105kms) and perform holy bath. Stay at hotel in Manasarovar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 06:
In the morning perform pooja, homa, rituals etc. After lunch drive to Darchen for about (1 hour,36kms).Stay at hotel in Darchen.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 07:
Early morning drive to Yam Dwar (4606 m) by bus (30 mins,8 kms) and visit Yam Dwar, which is believed to be the door every soul has to pass before going to heaven. Pilgrims who wish to do parikrama on foot or by pony should begin from here and those pilgrims who do not wish to take parikrama will return to Darchen. Yaks will be used to carry foods and necessary equipment. After walking for (6/8 hours, 9 Kms) from Yam Dwar pilgrims take a night halt in Diraphuk. The trail is even and reasonably easy .Stay at guesthouse.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 08:
Wake up very early in the morning, take some light food and get ready for the most strenuous trek of the journey.From the beginning till you reach Dolma pass (5600m) you have to go up hill (at least 4 hours). Though,in between there are even paths too. The trail starts to descend after crossing Dolma La pass. We move down to reach Zutulphuk via Gauri Kunda (Parvati Kunda). It is believed Godess Parvati takes bath here. One needs to be very careful while walking down further from Gauri Kunda as trail here is rocky.. After reaching down to the valley base (other side), the trail becomes wider and flatter. Only after walking 6 hours more you will reach Zutulphuk (4790m). Stay at guesthouse.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09:
From Zutulphuk trek for about (3 hours/10 kms) to reach the pick- up point at Darchen .The trail is quite easy and flat. From the pick-up point, drive to Purang (4 hrs/130kms). Stay at hotel in Purang.
Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner
Day 10:
From Purang drive for about (1 hour/35 kms) to reach Hilsa. Fly from Hilsa to Simikot (20 mins) by chartered helicopter shuttle flights. From Simikot, you will fly back to Nepalgunj (1 hour) by fixed wing airplane and fly back to Kathmandu (1 hour) by connecting flight . Our staff will receive you at the airport and transfer you to hotel. Stay at hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner
Day 11:
You will have free time till your departure transfer. We will drop you off at the airport to catch your flight back home. Breakfast.
Note: The above itinerary is subject to change under unfavorable weather condition and unavoidable circumstances.
KAILASH MANASAROVAR BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ (9 DAYS)
Kailash Manasarovar tour by helicopter is designed especially for Indians travelling Manasarovar via Lucknow. As the journey only requires 9 days to get accomplished it is usually desired by those people who wish to take comfortable journey with limited time . We fly Nepalgunj to Simikot by regular flights and Simikot to Hilsa (Nepal - Tibet border) by chartered helicopter. From the border we drive by coach to Manasarovar via Purang, the most beautiful and peaceful place incomparable to rest of the places on this planet. You might get difficulties due to flight cancellation during monsoon season ,choosing the month of May, August and early September for helicopter tour would be best for you. However we must consider the changing nature of weather which is unpredictable as well.
Day 01:
Arrival in Nepalgunj on your own arrangement. Our representative will meet you and assists you Evening: Detail briefing on yatra for about an hour by pioneers of Tibet tour and experts in mountain medicines . Stay at hotel. Dinner
Day 02:
Early morning have breakfast if you have time or carry pack breakfast and transfer to airport for your flight to Simikot. Fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot (50 minutes to 1 hour) depending upon the weather condition. You will be received by our staffs at the airport and will take you to the hotel. Either visit Shiva temple or relax and get acclimatized. Stay at hotel/guesthouse in Simikot. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner.
Day 03:
Early morning leave hotel to fly to Hilsa by chartered helicopter. During your 20 minutes flight you will be delighted to see the magnificent views of mountains, rivers and villages . From heli pad,you have to walk about 10 minutes. Across the border you will meet Chinese guide and vehicles waiting for you, drive to Purang also called Takklakot (1 to 2 hrs,35 kms) which depends upon the time consumed for immigration. Rest for acclimatization in Purang. Stay at hotel. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner.
Day 04:
Drive to Lake Manasarovar (Chiu Gompa 4550m) by bus for about (2 hrs, 90 kms). On the way, you stop at the shore of Rakshas Tal and get first darshan of Mt. Kailash. After taking a brief halt you will then continue drive to Lake Manasarovar (4573m), take parikrama of the Lake by coach(3/4 hrs, 105kms) and perform holy bath. Stay at hotel in Manasarovar. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 05: In the morning perform pooja, homa, rituals etc. After lunch drive to Darchen for about (1 hour,36kms).Stay at hotel in Darchen. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 06:
Early morning drive to Yam Dwar (4606 m) by bus (30 mins,8 kms) and visit Yam Dwar, which is believed to be the door every soul has to pass before going to heaven. Pilgrims who wish to do parikrama on foot or by pony should begin from here and those pilgrims who do not wish to take parikrama will return to Darchen. Yaks will be used to carry foods and necessary equipment. After walking for (6/8 hours, 9 Kms) from Yam Dwar pilgrims take a night halt in Diraphuk. The trail is even and reasonably easy .Stay at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 07:
Wake up very early in the morning, take some light food and get ready for the most strenuous trek of the journey. From the beginning till you reach Dolma pass (5600m) you have to go up hill (at least 4 hours). Though,in between there are even paths too. The trail starts to descend after crossing Dolma La pass. We move down to reach Zutulphuk via Gauri Kunda (Parvati Kunda). It is believed Godess Parvati takes bath here. One needs to be very careful while walking down further from Gauri Kunda as trail here is rocky.. After reaching down to the valley base (other side), the trail becomes wider and flatter. Only after walking 6 hours more you will reach Zutulphuk (4790m). Stay at guesthouse.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08:
From Zutulphuk trek for about (3 hours/10 kms) to reach the pick- up point at Darchen .The trail is quite easy and flat. From the pick-up point, drive to Purang (4 hrs/130kms). Stay at hotel in Purang. Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner
Day 09:
From Purang drive for about (1 hour/35 kms) to reach Hilsa. Fly from Hilsa to Simikot (20 mins) by chartered helicopter shuttle flights. From Simikot, you will fly back to Nepalgunj (1 hour) by fixed wing airplane..Transfer to hotel for lunch and refreshment. Drive to Lucknow (4/5 hrs,200kms) on own arrangement. Breakfast and Lunch.
Note : The above itinerary is subject to change under unfavorable weather condition and unavoidable circumstances.
KAILASH MANASAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND VIA KERUNG (13 DAYS)
The ongoing overland journey to Kailah Mansarovar via Kodari was interrupted as the border between Nepal and Tibet (China) was closed due the damage caused by earthquake in 2015. Hence in 2018 China has opened its new border Kerung for Indian pilgrims going to Kailash Manasarovar.
Before beginning the journey you will get an opportunity to visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath in the morning. The next day from Kathmandu we drive to Kerung via Syabrubesi. Beautiful sceneries landscapes, very close and clear view of Ganesh Himal makes the drive very pleasing and memorable.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.Hotel
Day 02: AM- Visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.
After lunch – Detail briefing on Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Rest of the day free for preparation.Hotel
Day 03: Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi.Guesthouse
Day 04: Cross China border by driving and arrive Kerung. Guesthouse
Day 05: Drive from Kerung to Dongba.Guesthouse
Day 06: Drive to Chiu Gompa taking parikrama of Lake Manasarovar. Guesthouse
Day 07: AM - Pooja, Homa, etc. PM - Drive to Darchen.Guesthouse
Day 08: Drive to Sersang Valley and start parikrama (Kora) of Kailash on foot. Arrive Diraphuk.Guesthouse
Day 19: Cross Dolma La and arrive Zutulphuk. Guesthouse
Day 10: End parikrama and drive to Dongba.Guesthouse
Day 11: Drive from Dongba to Kerung.Guesthouse
Day 12: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu.Hotel
Day 13: Transfer to airport for departure flight or join Manakamana and Muktinath Yatra at extra cost.
Kailash tour ends
Note: Above itinerary is subject to change under unfavorable weather condition and unavoidable circumstances.
DETAIL INFORMATIONS OF THE TOUR
PREPARATION FOR THE YATRA
Though Tibet is the most adventurous place but its remoteness, under developed infrastructure and high elevation situations require a traveler to make adequate preparations before travelling to Tibet (China).. Regular exercise which includes walking and climbing stairs many times is recommended for this tour. The habit of smoking and taking alchol is strictly not supported for this tour ,even if you have the habit of it we firmly suggest you to reduce it as soon and as much as possible. Some people are hit harder by altitude sickness. It has nothing to do with age or physical fitness. If a person is young and physically fit it does not mean he/she won’t be likely to suffer from altitude sickness. Some people get altitude sickness and some don’t. Loss of appetite, headache, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, short of breath are minor symptoms likely to appear in high altitude area before your body gets acclimatized . In order to make your body adjust with the high elevation we have night stops at all the places before you reach Manasarovar. Finally the best precaution and measure you could take is to calm down, let your body free, don’t take stress and think too much. Don’t be afraid if you feel uneasy or short of breath, just calm down and exercise breathing in and breathing out.
1.FOODING
Light food with carbohydrate meals are best. You can also bring light snacks as sweets, dry fruits,biscuits, choclates, e.t.c. but consuming chocolates towards the evening should be discouraged as caffine content in it is likely to cause insomnia. Drink lots of fluids as one needs more moisture than usual in high altitude region.
2. CLOTHING
The temperature during morning and evening will substantially come down. Therefore mornings and evenings will be chilly and we recommend you to carry warm clothes. We recommend that you bring the following clothing and accessories with you.
A. Footwear
1. Warm comfortable trekking boot – 1 OR Good well worn-in walking shoes – 1.
B. Clothing
- Wool shirts – 3
- Cotton shirts-3
- Thermal underwear-1
- Trousers/shorts for men-2
- Monkey cap/mittens/gloves-1
- Wool and cotton socks-5
- Towel-1
- Sleeping clothes-2 .
- Skirts/coulettes/trousers for women – 2 .
- Wind and rain gear with hood – 1 .
- Sun hat – 1
- Sweaters – 2
- Track suit – 1
3. ACCESSORIES AND PUJA SAMAGRI
Accessories
- • Personal first-aid.
- • Toilet kit – 1
- • Flash light/torch with extra batteries – 1
- • Sun glasses – 1
- • Repair kit (needle, thread tape etc) – 1
- • Water bottle – 1
- • Note book, pens, pencils.
- • Pocket knife – 1
- • Plastic bags for reading material, cameras etc. – 1
- • Binocular (optional)
- • Sun block cream and lip salve –
Puja Samagri
- • Camphor
- • Agarbatti (insence sticks)
- • Samidha (for Hawan)
- • Bel patra
- • Kumkum .
- • Rice
- • Wicks dipped in ghee .
- • Moli (red threat)
- • Bell
- • Small Diya
- • Prayer book etc.
Please note: We strongly suggest that it is not compulsory to bring exact number of pieces and all items listed above. You are free to choose the numbers and items on your own. But please carry warm clothes and rain gear .Our company provides sleeping bag, duffle bag,back pack and wind-proof warm jacket.
4. ACCOMMODATION
In Kathmandu we will provide you 4 star hotel on twin bed sharing basis with attached bathroom.In Tibet you will be staying at guesthouses (mud houses) in dormitory style (4-8 beds in a room) with no attached bathroom. We would strongly like to remind you that mud houses in Tibet have minimum facilities only fulfilling the basic requirements. Therefore we suggest you to manage with what is available there and believe that we will be giving you the best possible services. Our staffs will always attend you and will help you in any difficulties.
5. DAILY ROUTINE
The best is to rise early morning everyday at 6:30 AM, you will be provided with bed tea and then breakfast, after that begin the day drive or trek. It takes 3 days to trek when one decides to do parikrama around Mt.Kailash and rest is all drive. Every day you will be provided with lunch boxes between 11 AM - 2 PM (approx.). After lunch drive/hike continues and you will reach night camp by 7 PM. After arrival at each assigned destination you will be served with light snacks like tea, biscuits, etc.
6. INSURANCE
In order to be protected against unfavorable and unavoidable circumstances that might occur during your trip, we advise you to take a trip cancellation and medical insurance policy in your home country. Transportation cost coverage in the event of helicopter or surface evacuation should be included in the policy. We feel sad to say that above mentioned policies are not available in Nepal.
7. VISA
We must receive scanned copy of passport (page containing name, photo, date of birth, passport No., nationality) at least 6 weeks prior to the commencement of tour. This copy of passport is necessary to confirm the trip. From the first entry in Tibet ,at least 6 months validity of passport is required. We carry all the procedure to get permit and visa.
As per the rules and regulation of Chinese Government, we have to obtain Tibet visa for Indian passports from their New Delhi embassy and for other than Indian passports from Kathmandu embassy. In this case, our New Delhi office will obtain visa for Indian passports and we in Kathmandu will obtain visa for other than Indian passport. Passport holders other than Indian will have to obtain 30 days Multiple Entry Nepal visa since they will be entering Nepal twice. This visa he/she can obtain from Nepalese Embassy in their country or on his/her arrival at Kathmandu airport.
9. MEDICINES RECOMMENDED FOR KAILASH TOURS
Before deciding to take Kailash Manasarovar tour we would recommend you to have your health checkup by a well known doctor this is to assure that you are medically fit and fine.
We recommend following medicines, but you MUST consult your doctor, as some of the medicines might not suite you.
MOUNTAIN SICKNESS :
Diamox 250 mg - ½ tab twice a day for prevention before starting the high altitude trip. 1 tab twice a
day, once mild symptoms are noticed – 20 Tab.
ANTIBIOTICS :
Triethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole – Bactrim Dsor Septra DS- Double Strength (160mg/800mg) – 20 Tab
DIARRHEA :
• Loperamide Hydrochloride - 2 tab one time only – 10 Tab.
• Fasigyn DS - 1 tab two times a day for 3 days – 6 Tab.
• Jeevan jal - with plenty of water – 3 Pkt.
ACHES (HEAD, BODY, MUSCLES) :
• Tab. Calpol - 3 to 4 times a day – 10 Tab
If above is not effective,
• Cap. Proxyvon - 1 cap 2 to 3 times a day – 10 Tab.
FEVER :
• Tab Calpol as above – 10 Tab.
VOMITING :
• Tab. Domperidon (Don - 1 ) - one tab 2 to 3 times a day – 10 Tab.
COMMON COLD :
• 1. Tab. Terfenadine 60m (Terf / Zenad) - 2 times a day – 15 Tab.
SAFETY MEASURES:
• Handy Plast
• Cotton
• Crepes etc.
11. RISK AND LIABILITY
Heritage Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. will put every efforts up-to their limitation under the circumstances to conduct the Yatra as smooth and comfortable as possible. We however act as intermediary between the concerned airlines, hotels, tour operator in Tibet and local offices providing service. Heritage Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd. is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by pilgrim including those occurring due to unavoidable situations. like landslide, flood, political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay in issue visa and permit, sickness, accident or any other circumstances beyond our control.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. GROUP SIZE
We require minimum 17 pax on group joining basis but there is no limitation of maximum size.
2. ACCOMMODATION AND FOODING
We provide 4 star hotel in Kathmandu with twin sharing rooms and single room with additional cost. All vegetarian meals are provided throughout the trip. We will always see to it that breakfast and dinner is served hot while your stay at the hotels/guesthouses. Hot cases will be used for carrying lunch and to keep it warm . In order to provide you with best hygienic food we always wash vegetables \ fruit (and even the dishes) in a mild disinfectant solution.You will be provided with mineral water throughout the trip. We would suggest you to bring supplementary food/snacks like protein bars,dry nuts, dry fruits, biscuits of your choice, chocolates, chewing-gum etc .
3.WHAT YOU CARRY :
We provide each client with down jacket, sleeping bag,day pack bag,traveler duffle bag.As we provide duffle bags please try to avoid suit-cases as far as possible for your own comfort and easy access.
Your back pack (provided by us), a small soft. light pack will be sufficient and must be comfortable since it is you who will be carrying it. It should contain small amount of cash, snacks, sunblock lotion, monkey cap, scarf, dust mask, woolen gloves, small towel, knife, torch, sunglass, small first aid kit, camera, binoculars - optional, reading/reference books, note book/pencil, safety pins, water bottle, toilet paper, raincoat gear and extra sweater or light jacket. Your money belt should contain money, passport, itinerary, travel agents address and telephone number, important telephone numbers, pen, copy of visa, mountain sickness medicine, reading glasses (if needed).
Your duffel bag that the truck carries will not be possible to get during the day time and so be sure that you carry all the necessary things in your back pack that you require in the day’s trip
4. BOOKING AND CONFIRMING THE TOUR
Tour bookings are accepted until 45 days prior to the date of arrival in Kathmandu. Unless other prior arrangements have been made, bookings are confirmed only after receiving scanned copy of passport along with non-refundable deposit of INR 10000.00 per person for Indian Nationals and US $ 200.00 per person for Foreign nationals/NRI . Unless other prior arrangements have been made, balance of the total tour cost must be paid to us at least 30 days prior to the date of arrival in Kathmandu from India/abroad. Failing which, booking shall stand cancelled and initial deposit payment (INR 10000.00 / US $ 200.00) shall be forfeited. However, if tour is cancelled for any reasons beyond our control, deposited amount to confirm the booking will be refunded in full.
6. TIBET PERMIT AND VISA
A. All tourists willing to visit Tibet must buy a package tour from the local agent in Kathmandu directly
or through their agents abroad and Tibet visa is issued only for the duration of the tour or trekking
booked and confirmed by Tibet travel agent. Chinese Embassy, Kathmandu issues Tibet visa for
tours and trekking in Tibet. But for Indian nationals willing to go to Kailash Manasarovar, Tibet visa
is issued by Chinese embassy in Delhi. For other than Indian nationals (passports) Tibet visa will be
issued by Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. Application for Tibet visa must be made by the
government recognized travel agency in Kathmandu.
B. Scanned copy of passport (page containing name, photo, date of birth, passport No., nationality) should reach us at least 6 weeks before the commencement of tour. This copy of passport is required to process for visa authority (not for obtaining visa). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry in Tibet.
C.Visa is issued by Chinese Embassies only after receiving visa authority letter from Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB), Lhasa or Foreign Affiars office.
D. Visa section in Kathmandu is open from Monday to Friday from 0900 hrs till 1100 hrs for submitting and collecting passports. But in Delhi it is open from Monday to Friday from 10 AM till 11.30 AM. All passports seeking visa must be submitted with the embassy. Copies of passports are not accepted for granting visa.
E. Only group visa on a sheet of paper is issued to ensure their Tibet entry and exit together. One passport size photograph is required for group visa for other than Indian nationals. Individual Tibet visa on passport is not issued at all. However, even a single person also can get visa on a sheet of paper.
F. Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) sends visa authority on the request of the local agent in Lhasa. They also issue travel permit as per the program of tour/trek booked and confirmed by the agent.
G. Local agent requests for visa authority and travel permit only after receiving passport details and full payment in advance.
H. Once visa authority is sent, there will be cancellation charge in case of cancellation.
Note : For Indian nationals entering Tibet from Nepal for Tibet tours or Kailash, Manasarovar tours and trekking, permission from Foreign Ministry of Indian Govt. is not required. Similarly, Indian nationals do not need Nepal visa. But for identification, they either must have passport or election card in their possession.
Heritage Nepal - Tours and Treks
