Kailash Manasarovar via Lhasa has a very rare combination of culture, nature, heritage, pilgrimage and adventure. This journey to Kailash Manasarovar via Lhasa takes you to world famous Hindu and Buddhist shrines surrounded by no where else to be seen glorious landscapes. Kailash Manasarovar via Lhasa starts with blessings from Pashupatinath then we visit Bouddhanath. Bouddhanath is one of the biggest and oldest stupa of Lord Buddha.Next day we will fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa crossing highest mountains on earth. For the next 2 days, we explore fascinating city, Lhasa and local vicinity. We will also visit huge monasteries, Sera, Drepung and the world famous Patala Palace.On the 6th day, our overland journey to Kailash Manasarovar via Lhasa starts in coach or jeep. For the next 4 days, we spend nights at hotels/guesthouses and visiting major tourist attractions en-route. On the 10th day of our tour, we reach the most beautiful and different world, Kailash Manasarovar. Kailash Manasarovar is unique and incomparable to rest of the places on this planet.
It is believed that a ritual bath in the sacred Manasarovar delivers a pilgrim to Brahma’s paradise. A drink of its waters relinquishes the sins of hundred life times. A single circumambulation (Kora) of Mt, Kailash wipes out the sins of a lifetime.2 days of stay at lake Manasarovar will give you plenty of time to do puja, take holy bath at lake Manasarovar and enjoy the heaven on earth.We take parikrama (circumambulation)of Manasarovar by coach or jeepon the 12th day ofour trip.On 13th, we start “parikarma” (circumambulation) of Kailash on foot. Those who don’t take parikrama will drive to Darchen. They will stay in guesthouse and wait for rest of the group.1 full day and 2 half day “parikrama” of Kailash ends on 15th day. The group joins at Darchen from Darchen and drive back to Kathmandu.
Arrive Kathmandu. Assist and greet upon arrival and transfer to hotel. Evening – briefing on Lhasa and Kailash Manasarovar tour. Stay at hotel Royal Singi or similar.
Visit Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Soyambhunath and Budhanilkanth. We apply for Tibet visa. Stay at hotel Royal Singi or similar.
Day 3:
Drive to Lhasa.Stay at hotel Kyichu or similar.
Free until departure transfer to airport for flight back to home. End of service.
TIBET IS A UNIQUE AND INCOMPARABLE TRAVEL ADVENTURE. But its remoteness,undeveloped infrastructure, and high altitude conditions require a traveler to make adequate preparations. Wise preparatory exercise for this tour, therefore, would include lots of walking and stairs climbing. Jogging for those so inclined, is also good physical conditioning for such a trip.Consult with your doctor regarding the fitness of your health. If you have a habit of smoking and taking alcoholic beverages we strongly advise you to reduce it as much as possible. Some people are hit harder by altitude sickness. It has nothing to do with age or physical fitness. Due to high altitude travelers may face minor high altitude sickness as headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, diziness.Consuming heavy meals should be avoided, since extra oxygen is diverted for digestion. Light carbohydrate meals are best. Snacking is good. Sweets are fine, but chocolate should be avoided towards evening because of its caffeine content, thus aggravating sleeplessness.Drink lots of fluids because the amount of one's breathing increases at higher altitudes in order to take in more oxygen, more moisture than usual is lost from the body. Once again, the single mostimportant precaution you can practice is to TAKE IT EASY . Your body will begin acclimatingnormally if you give it a chance. Do not panic if you feel dizzy or short of breath, relax, breath in and out.
While driving to Kailash, it will be warm inside the vehicle but very cold outside. Mornings and evenings will be generally cold and warm clothing will be required. Temperature varies from 0 degree C to -24 degree C. Cold wind blows at the speed of 50 to 60 Km per hour at some places. We recommend that you bring the following clothing and accessories with you. Please note – all the items and number of pieces recommended in the list are not mandatory. As such, you may decide the items and pieces as per your choice and need. However, you should not forget to bring warm clothes and rain gear. We are providing wind-proof warm jacket, sleeping bag, duffle bag and back pack.
1. Warm comfortable trekking boot – 1 OR Good well worn-in walking shoes – 1.
Accommodation in Kathmandu is provided in a 4 star hotel on twin bed sharing basis with attached bathroom. But in Tibet it is in the guesthouses (mud houses) in dormitory style (4-8 beds in a room) without attached bath room. Please note that mud houses in Tibet have very basic facilities and one should not expect it to be like a guesthouse in anywhere else. Our staffs will always be there to help you if you face any difficulties.
The daily routine that we have found to be best is to rise early each morning (at 6:30 AM we provide bed tea) and after a hot drink and breakfast begin the days drive/trek. Trekking is only for 3 days when you do parikrama around Mt. Kailash, rest is all drive. Lunch is served in lunch boxes between 11 AM - 2 PM (approx.). With lunch completed, the rest of the days drive/hike commences and the night camp is usually reached by 7 PM. Tea, biscuits, etc. will be served upon arrival at the destination. Sometimes the truck carrying the parties equipment and duffel bags may reach the site an hour or so after your arrival. It is therefore wise to have packed in your day pack a dry shirt and something warmer to put on as well as anything else that may be required.
To protect against unforeseen circumstances, we advise you to take a trip cancellation and medical insurance policy in your home country. The policy should also include coverage of transportation cost in the event of helicopter or surface evacuation being required. We regret, such policies are not available in Nepal.
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. We carry all the procedure to get permit and visa.
Consult
your doctor regarding the fitness of your health. Consider use of the
drug Acetazolamide (Diamox) as one treatment for mountain sickness. Talk
to your physician about its use and side effects.Aspirin (without
caffeine) is OK to use for headaches and sleep. There are certain
medicines,which though not designed for altitude sickness, do seem to
help some persons alleviate the symptoms. DIAMOX and DACADRON are two
such drugs. People with blood pressure problems,
for example, should NOT use DIAMOX, because of negative reactions.
All participants are advised to have health check up by a reputed doctor to insure that they are fit to take Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
We recommend following medicines, but you MUST consult your doctor, as some of the medicines might not suite you.
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.
Triethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole – Bactrim Dsor Septra DS- Double Strength (160mg/800mg) – 20 Tab
Some people are hit harder by altitude sickness. It has nothing to do with age or physical fitness. Due to high altitude travelers may face minor high altitude sickness as headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, dizziness.Consuming heavy meals should be avoided, since extra oxygen is diverted for digestion. Light carbohydrate meals are best. Snacking is good. Sweets are fine, but chocolate should be avoided towards evening because of its caffeine content, thus aggravating sleeplessness.Drink lots of fluids because the amount of one's breathing increases at higher altitudes in order to take in more oxygen, more moisture than usual is lost from the body. Once again, the single most important precaution you can practice is to TAKE IT EASY . Your body will begin acclimating normally if you give it a chance. Do not panic if you feel dizzy or short of breath, relax, breath in and out.
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.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met at the airport transferred to 4 star Hotel either Park Village Resort or Hotel Royal Singi or similar in Kathmandu. Stay at hotel. Evening 7 PM: Detail briefing on the Yatra for about 1 hour. Dinner.
Day 2: Morning: Sightseeing tour Early morning visit Pashupatinath temple and Guheswaori temple. Rest of the day onyour own. Stay at hotel. Breakfast. Lunch and DinnerSightseeing: 3 hours in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Lhasa flight Early morning have breakfast and leave hotel for your flight to Lhasa. The flights fromKathmandu to Lhasa operate in the morning. During this one hour flight you can enjoythe incredible panoramic view of mountains . At the Gongar airport our staffs will receiveyou and escort to the hotel. Rest of the day free for getting acclimatization.Overnight athotel in Lhasa.Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa: 1 hour Day 4: Sightseeing tour in Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and BarkhorBazar)
Day 4: Potala Palace:117 meters above the city below construction started on the red hill in 1645 under the 5th Dalai Lama.an immense building, 13 stories high with walls 3 meters thick and over 1000 rooms, containing 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. The entire building is made of stone and wood and covers an area of 130,000 square meters. The Potala is full of elaborate art work and frescos that tell many stories. Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazar: The foremost temple in Tibet, built in the 7th century ad and now housing the most prized Buddhist relic, a 1300 year old Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The main section of the temple is topped with golden roofs found no where else, except in Tibet. The Jokhang is encircled by the Barkhor Bazar, a sacred pilgrim path and also a lively and colorful market, where you can bargain over "treasures" such as ornate long bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite jewellery. Overnight at hotel in Lhasa. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse Drive to Shigatse, second biggest town in Tibet. It has the famous Tashilumpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama (second holiest monk after Dalai Lama). The main chapel contains a huge, 26 meter-high statute of the future Buddha. The monastery is grandly decorated with arts, ancientscriptures and scroll paintings. Overnight at hotel in Shigatse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Lhasa to Shigatse:6 hours drive.
Day 6: Drive from Shigatse to Saga After breakfast drive to Saga for about 10 hours.While drive to Saga you will pass by beautiful mountains, landscapes, lakes, towns, nomads. Overnight stay at hotel. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Drive from Shigatse to Saga: 10 hrs.
Day 7: Drive to Manasarovar lake After breakfast drive to Manasarovar Lake for about 9 hours. After breakfast, we start our journey to Lake Manasarovar via Mayum La Check Post (Army Check Post). We get an opportunity for the first Darshan of Kailash and Lake Manasarovar from here. Free for taking dip in the Lake, pooja, homa and rituals before driving to Darchen. Overnight at hotel in Manasarovar. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner. Drive from Saga to Manasarovar Lake: 9 hours.
Day 8: Drive to Darchen In the morning one can again take a dip in the Manasarovar lake ,perform puja and rituals . After lunch drive for about an hour and reach Darchen. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner. Drive from Manasarovar lake to Darchen : 1 hour.
Day 9: Drive to Yam Dwar then trek to Deraphuk (4920 m.) Drive for about 30 minutes and visit Yam Dwar. Those willing to do parikrama of Kailash will start walking from here and those not doing parikrama will return to Darchen to wait for rest of the people who are doing parikrama. Yaks will be used to carry foods and necessary equipment. The distance from Yam Dwar to Diraphuk (4920 m) is about 9km and it requires approximately 6 hours on foot. The trail is flat and reasonably easy. Stay at guesthouse. Breakfast. Lunch and Dinner Darchen to Yam Dwar 8 km: 30 minutes. Walking Yam Dwar to Deraphuk: 12 Km (6 - 8 hours trek)
Day 10: Diraphuk - Dolma-La Pass (5600m) – Gaurikund - Zutulphuk (4780m) Today is the toughest and longest day of this journey. You must wake up and start your journey for the next destination at around 4-5 AM with light food. Right from thebeginning till the Dolma pass (5600 m.), you have to go up hill (at least 4 hours). However, in between, there are flat portion of the trail. After reaching Dolma pass, the trail descends to other side of mountain via Gauri Kunda (also called Parvati Kunda). It is believed that the consort of Lord Shiva, Parvati, takes bath here. The trail further down from here is rocky. So, you need to be very careful while descending. After reaching down to the valley base (other side), the trail becomes wider and flatter. You will walk for another 6 hour or so to reach Zutulphuk (4790m). Stay at guesthouse. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Deraphuk to Zutulphuk: 22 km (10 - 12 hrs trek) Dolma-La Pass: 5600 m. Zutul Phuk: 4790 m
Day 11: End parikrama and drive to Saga After breakfast proceed for short trek to reach the place where coach will be waiting for you. Drive to Darchen where people who did not go for parikrama will be waiting for you. When all groups are gathered drive to Saga. Overnight stay at hotel. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Drive from Shigatse to Saga: 10 hrs
Day 12: Drive to Shigatse After breakfast drive to Saga for about 10 hours.While drive to Saga you will pass by beautiful mountains, landscapes, lakes, towns, nomads. Overnight stay at hotel. Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner Drive from Shigatse to Saga: 10 hrs
Day 13: Drive to Lhasa After breakfast drive to Lhasa for 6 hours. Overnight stay at hotel. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Drive from Shigatse to Lhasa: 6 hours
Day 14: Transfer to Gongar Airport After breakfast transfer to Gongar airport for Lhasa-Kathamndu flight.
Note: Above itinerary is subject to change under unfavorable weather condition and unavoidable circumstances. Any cost as a result of such conditions, has to be paid extra by the participants. We strongly suggest to keep your flight from Kathmandu back home at least 2 -3 days later than the schedule given above to avoid the hassle and cost to reschedule your flight home in the event of delay of your arrival in Kathmandu from Lhasa.
Our group size in minimum 17 pax on group joining basis. 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. Breakfast and dinner is served hot while staying in the hotels/guesthouses. We use hot cases for carrying lunch and try to keep it as warm as possible. All vegetables \ fruit (and even the dishes) are washed in a mild disinfectant solution. All water for hot drinks and other drinks is fully boiled. Water bottles may be filled with boiled water at night so that the water is cool to drink the next day. We will provide mineral throughout the trip. Please bring supplementary food/snacks like protein bars,dry nuts, dry fruits,biscuits of your choice, chocolates, chewing-gum etc for yourself or friends.
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, monkeycap, 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 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.
5. 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.
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 beissued 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 onpassport 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 eithermust have passport or election card in their possession.
