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.
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.
16 days tour programme
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and rest of the day free to acclimatize. O/n
hotel.
Day 02 : Kathmandu
visit Durbar Square, Pashupatinath & Swoyambhunath Temple. Kathmandu Durbar
square: This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th
and 18th centuries used to be the seat of Malla kings of Kathmandu. The Durbar
square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social religious and
urban focal point of the city. There are also several Museums inside the palace
building
Pashupatinath temple: One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. It
is situated 5km east from city center. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the
sacred Linga of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate its existence prior to 400 AD.
Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside
the temple also a World Heritage Sites.
Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): This is considered as oldest Buddhist stupa.
Watches over the valley from the top of hillock on its western side. The stupa
is one of the holiest Buddhist sites of Nepal. It’ establishment is linked to
the creation of Kathmandu valley out of primordial lake. It’s listed in World
Heritage site.
Day 03 : Kathmandu - Nyalam
From Katmandu to Nyalam - depart at 5.00 am from Kathmandu and drive through
the Nepal-Tibet border along the famous Araniko Highway. Stop for a quick breakfast
at Dhulikhel and lunch at Kodari. After immigration and customs formalities
on both sides (Kodari and Zhangmu), we drive to the small town of Naylam (3700
m). Please note that the guest-houses in Tibet will be of a very basic and dormitory
style. Drink lots of water.
Day 04: Nyalam
A day for rest - to facilitate altitude acclimatization. We may do some hiking
around. All meals and overnight stay at the same guest house/camp.
Day 05: Nyalam - Saga
Drive to Saga (250 kms 4500 m). We start after breakfast, enjoying the grand
view of Mt.Shishapangma(8021 m), Gauri Shanker and other high mountains from
Lalug la (5050 m) Pass. Packed lunch will be served at sacred lake Pigutso.
Overnight camp/guest house.
Day 06: Saga - Paryang
Drive to Prayang - after breakfast we drive across the vast Tibetan plateau
to Prayang (225 km). Packed lunch will be served, O/N camp/guest house.
Day 07: Paryang / Horr Chu
From Prayang to Lake Manasarovar Camp at Horr Chu. The auspicious day for all
travelers having first glimpse of the Holy Manas and Darshan (view) of Mt.Kailash
from The Horr Chu pass . Camp for night on the shores of Lake Manasarovar.
Day 08: Manasarovar
Rest in Lake Mansarovar. The experience of being in the abode of God, while
we spend 1 day in Lake Mansarovar it will help us to acclimatize, we can take
bath then Drive to Darchen, if time permit trek up to Gangtak Gompa to view
close view of Holy Kailash.
Day 09: Parikrama - Dirapuk
Start Parikrama of Kailash - early in the morning, trek up to Diraphuk (north
face of Kailash).
Day 10: Zutulphuk
Trek to Zuthulphuk Gompa - Parikrama - the day of challenging journey that every
pilgrim talks about. We trek up to Dolma La Pass (5600 m) , offer very short
Prayers at the Dolmala and go down towards the Gaurikunda. Lunch and dinner,
as usual, will be provided at the camp, in front of medicine Buddha Mountain
near by Zuthulphuk Gompa.
Day 11: Darchen
Zuthulphuk - Darchen - after breakfast, we trek around 8 kms to reach the point
where our jeeps will be waiting for us and drive to Darchen, or we can walk.
Parikarama ends and same day drive to Horr Chu. Lake Mansarovar to fill the
holy water in bottle.
Day 12: Paryang
We return through the same route. The same procedure as earlier will be followed
for meals and accommodation. Drive to Prayang.
Day 13: Drive back to Saga.
Day 14: Drive to Naylam.
Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu. O/n hotel.
Day 16 : Kathmandu – departure to airport for your flight to
onward destination.
Travel Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Accommodation:
Accommodation will be very simple with a cozy 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. 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 degrees celcius. During afternoon
time 1-4 pm can be windy. The morning and evening will be chilly 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 windproof
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, chap stick.
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 throughout the trip
including few Nepali staffs for 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 Monastery 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. Even swimming will give more fitness.
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.
Copy of Passport, Visa and 04 passport size color photographs of each person
should reach us atleast 25 days prior to the arrival date.
Altitude Sickness:
Acute mountain sickness is a frequent problem in the Himalayan region. The altitude
of the peaks and trails between them are among highest on earth. Acclimatization
to altitude above 3000 meters takes time. The body undergoes a number of physiological
changes some of which are immediate like increased pulse rate & respiratory
rate. Others appear more slowly over a period of weeks like the change in acid
base balance and production of extra red blood cells.
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
» NOTE BOOK/DIARY/PENS
» SHORTS OR SKIRT
» SMALL PADLOCK
» LIGHT COTTON TROUSERS
» 4 PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS
» BREECHES /TRACK SUIT BOTTOMS /ULTRA FLEECE TROUSERS
» A COPY OF YOUR INSURANCE CERTIFICATE
» DUVET JACKET
» MONEY BELT
» WOOL BALACLAVA, WOOL MITTS
» READING MATERIAL
» WATERPROOFS
» WALKMAN and 2 tapes - for those early nights. Spare batteries
» SUN HAT
» CHOCOLATE BARS, SWEETS!
» SCARF
» PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT.
» SUNGLASSES / GOGGLES
» SMALL PLASTIC BAGS /STUFF SACS OR PILLOW CASES
» SUN CREAM
» CIGARETTE LIGHTER
» LIP SLAVE/LABISAN
» OPTIONAL: SKI STICK
» WATER BOTTLE
» THERMAREST
» IODINE
» CAMERA GEAR
» TOILET ITEMS
» GAMES
» HEAD TORCH
» UMBRELLA
» SEWING KIT
» WET WIPES
» SMALL KNIFE
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 Mansarovar Yatra 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:
Swadeshi Journeys Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi acts as an intermediary between the concerned
airlines, hotels, transport/tour operators and local tourist offices providing
the services. Swadeshi Journeys 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 tourists agreement to the above conditions.
The most important thing the guests need to bring
is the positive frame of mind! Afterall, the holy darshan doesn't come so easily.………..
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