Mount Kailas-Manasarovar Yatra Information 2015

Om Namasivaya !

Kavoy Kanakatthirale Potri !

Kailai Malayane Potri Potri !!

From Puranic age Sri Kailas is a holy mountain full of snow and spread over TIBET. Here Lord Shiva Himself is in the form of Sri Kailas mountain and blesses His devotees. It is situated at a height of 22,028 feet above sea level.

Doing Parikrama of Sri Kailas erases the accumulated sins of a life time, while 108 circumbulations will achieve Salvation. A  holy trip to holy Mt. Kailas is a memorable one for  the rest of our life. The Tibetan people have named it” Kang Rinpoche “ or snow jewel and the Hindus refer to it as Mount Meru. Buddhist, Hindu and Jain pilgrims from allover the  world come to this  holy mountain to circumbulate rather than scale the 22028 foot high peak.

Hindus who walk around the 52 kms circumference of Mt. Kailas use the term parikrama. Tibetans refer to the clockwise circumbulation as a kora. Both words mean the same thing,

The Jains who refer to the Kailas as Ashtapada believe the founder of their faith , Adhi Rishabanantha, resides a top of the mountain.

And the Bonpos ,the region which predates Buddhism in Tibet, maintains that the entire mystical region and the Nine story Swastika Mountain is the seat of all power.

Mt. Kailas is also the source of four major Rivers: The Indus, The Brahmaputra, The Karnali, and the Sutlej. The end of these rivers are more than 2000 kms apart, yet they all have their source within hundred kms of Mt. Kailas. Nature lovers can encounter numerous unusual species of birds, wildlife and flora & funa here. Mt. Kailas also known as the’ Sumeru Parvat’ in Hindu  epics .

Sprawling below Mt .Kailas is the sacred lake Manasarovar where ritual bath will deliver a pilgrim to Brahma's paradise and drinking  of its water relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes. Near Manasarovar is another large lake named Rakshastal ( Ravana Lake ) that holds far less spiritual significance.

We will be undertaking the trip by the grace of Lord Siva. This opportunity has come to us only because of the good deeds we did in our previous births and now and the blessings of Lord.   We should remember this in every moment of our trip to Mt.Kailash and  we will be benefited by this thought. We are conducting this pilgrimage during May, June and August for  Outer parikrama/ Inner Parikrama / Saptharishi cave/ Nandhi parikrama .

A c c o m m o d a t i o n: While in Nepal yatris will stay in twin sharing rooms in a  Star hotel.   In Tibet the accommodation will be in  guest houses with shared rooms .

F o o d: All South Indian  food will be provided  during the trip. In Tibet, our Nepali staff will cook delicious vegetarian hygienic food  that will include Tea/ Horlicks/ Bournvita, , Oats/ Cornflakes /Bread& jam for the breakfast and  Noodles , VarietyRice, Sabji,  Pullav ,Tin fruits for lunch. Sweets, Snacks and Biscuits on the way . Variety soups, Bonda, Pakoda, ,Vadai, snacks in the evening with Tea/Bournvita .And  Rice , Curry, Dhal , Sambar/ Rasam/ Vathal kolambu, Pongal, Kerala kanchi, Variety Pickles, Appalam / Papat, Salad,  etc for the Dinner daily.

 Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n:  Transportation from Kathmandu to the border will be on deluxe bus. Transportation in Tibet will be 4 wheel drive Land cruisers (4500 Model) with trucks to carry our personal and group gear. There will be 4  yatris per vehicle and 1 driver. While on trek we will provide yaks to carry your personal gear. Horses for personal ride is possible with extra cost.

 V i s a   &  D o c u m e n t a t i o n:  Pilgrims  must be in possession of a current passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining. There is no more transit visa for Nepal. 15 days multi entry visa costs 30$ and 40$ for 30days multi entry visa. It is better to have 1 month visa. We will take care of all the Chinese visa and entry permit procedures. Indian passport holders do not need visa for Nepal.

A l t i t u d e  S i c k n e s s:  Altitude is a major factor on all of our Tibet trips. We will often reach altitudes of over 5000 m. This can have mild or severe effects on the body no matter what your level of health. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty in sleeping and irregular breathing and swelling. The best way to prevent this is to stay extremely hydrated and conscious of how your body is functioning. We also schedule rest days to help the body acclimatize. There is also prescription altitude medication called Diamox (consult your doctor) that can help prevent these symptoms. So any one who sees the symptom of mountain sickness should immediately inform our tour leader .We also carry  oxygen cylinders  and portable altitude chamber (Gamow bag ). Be sure that each of you are traveling on your own risk.

P h y s i c a l   F i t n e s s:  Although most of the trip will be done in vehicles, it is important that pilgrims be in relatively good health. The trek around Kailash requires some strenuous hiking and altitude can take a physical toll on the body. If you have any chronic health problems please consult your doctor. All are requested to have medical checkup ( Better to take Tread-Mill Test ) and fitness report as well for taking Visa.

I n s u r a n c e:  We recommend that all clients obtain proper medical and travel insurance prior to the trip. It is high risk trip, goes to 19500fts  above sea level within 8 days  and cross at least 3 countries i.e. India, Nepal and Tibet (Peoples Republic of China).

F i r s t A i d / M e d i c a l  K i t s

 Adventure Outdoor Excursion provides basic 1st aid items but we highly recommend that you bring a well-stocked personal medical kit. .The following is a list of suggested medicines to include. Consult your doctor for all prescription medicine., Particularly Cardiac or Respiratory  problem should consult their Doctor before deciding to undertake the trip. (Better to take Tread-Mill Test and submit Medical Fitness Certificate at the time of Booking) .Take medicines for headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, body ache, Paracetamol tab, eye drops, Vicks, Breathing problem (High altitude sickness medicine), Antiseptic cream, Antibiotic (Consult your Doctor ), Band Aids, General pain killer, Muscle Relaxant, Neosporin ointment, Knee cap, Electral , glucose and regular medicines. Diamox  tablets are very important.

P e r s o n a l   G e a r:  The following is a list of the personal gear required for the trip.

Clothing

  1 down jacket (we will provide)

  1 Sleeping bag (we will provide )

  1 woolen  full sleeve Sweater

  1 pair Wool orThermal  ( Top & Bottom )

  1 Woolen shawl

  3 pair Jeans pants with warm T shirts for Men

  3 Chudithar sets ( flannel type) or Jeans pants with top for women

  1  Rain pant (Bottom only )

  1 Woolen Monkey cap

  6 pair warm socks ( cotton & nylon)

  1 pair Woolen socks

  1 pair woolen gloves

  1pair   soft thermal gloves 

  1 Polyester scarf

  2 towels, handkerchiefs or napkins

  1 pair comfortable waterproof hiking boots with spikes

   I pair comfortable  sandal chappal

  1 Sun Cap ( We will provide) 

TOILET KIT:

Soap, soap powder , Tooth paste  ,Tooth brush,  Comb,  sunscreen lotion Novae/  ponds cream/ UV protection cream,  Lip Guard,  Vaseline, Bryl Cream,,  Wet Tissues, Soap tissues,  small scissors,  knife,  women’s items , micoderm powder for shoes.

BELT POUCH:

Passport,  Chinese currency (Yuan) Torch , pen ,camera should be kept in the belt pouch.

OTHER ITEMS

Tumbler with spoon , Flask, Note Book with, Pen, Urea Koni bag 1No, Gift Items like Bangles, Studs, Bindis, Pencils to Tibetans and their children. Cooling glass with chain is very essential as ultra violet rays may affect the eyes resulting in snow blindness.  Milton Water bottle -1 litre ,  Plastic Mug/ Bucket, 5 litre watercan to bring  Manasarovar water,   dry fruits, dry Mango, Dry Amla, Dry Lemon. Ghee and Camper for Homa., Video / Digital camera with extra batteries (recharging facilities available)

1 large duffel bag and  1 backpack (We will provide in Kathmandu )

1 waterproof bag etc you will arrange.

Staff

Our highly experienced Nepali  guide, energetic sherpas and Good Cook will be responsible for all camping & cooking arrangements. They speak  English & Hindi.

Communication

The last place to make any international calls is in Tarchen (Tibet ).This facility is available in Nylam, saga and Paryang . If any urgent message has to be sent by any of the pilgrims ,kindly contact us at our Nepal travels.

Traveling route : 

•  Delhi - Kathmandu - Zhangmu - Nylam - Dongpa - Manasarovar Lake – Mount Kailas- Tarchen - Diraphuk - Zuthulpuk - Saga - Nylam - Kathmandu – Delhi

Mt.Kailas & Manasarovar Tour Itinerary( subject to change)

Day 01   

Delhi to Kathmandu (1300m)

Arrival/transfer to hotel- After dinner Briefing of the program. It is very important that all pilgrims attend this briefing.

Day 02  

 Kathmandu  city Tour.

Morning: breakfast guided tour of Kathmandu holy sites including Pasupatinath, Guheeswari maa , Swayambhunath and Nilkanda Narayan. Evening final preparation for Yatra. Personal gear and equipment will be checked.If anybody needs to buy things our staff will help you outside shopping. Evening group Dinner.

Day 03 

 Drive from Kathmandu to Nylam  (3750m) 160 Km /7 hrs Approx.

 Over Night at Nylam Guest house.

Journey begins early in the morning (around 5 am). Packed Breakfast  on the way to Kodari. The road follows the river valleys of the Sunkosi and Bhotakosi rivers, passing through green mountains and cliffs . Landslides are regular events here during the monsoon season. Lunch at Nepal border Kodari . We drive to Friendship bridge (Nepal- China Border ). Walk along for 10 minutes to cross the bridge.  After immigration and custom formalities meet Chinese Guide and Land Cruiser drivers, then proceed the journey via Zhangmu ( First Tibet Town )to Nyalam (  30kms). We are put in Dormitory style accommodation  with 5 pilgrims in a room. Toilet & Bath room facility available.  Overnight Stay in a guest house.

Day 04 

Rest Day at  Nylam

Rest Day for acclimatization Over Night at Guesthouse: Nyalam (3750m) This day gives us a chance to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude. It is important to stay hydrated and extremely aware of your body's physical condition . Nylam has a population of less than 5000.

Day 05

 Drive from Nylam to Dongpa 

The road climbs up to the, La Lungla pass  (5124m) then drops down before heading western part of Tibet. Road to east goes to. Lhasa, capital city of Tibet. The driving is difficult, but the stunning views of the Himalayas and in particular Shisha Pangma (8012m) more than make up for the rough travel. We crossa huge lake Pigiutso on our way. A delicious packed lunch will be served on the way. By late afternoon we will cross the Brahmaputra river and a quick drive will take us to Dongpa. 

Day 06

Drive from Dongpa to Lake Manasarovar 

Over night halt at Zhu  guest house

Today is the day for the lifetime that we are going to have darshan of the Holy lake Manasarovar. This is the longest driving day of the trip. By late afternoon the drive through the green pastures and huge valleys gives way to the first Darshan of Mt Kailas and Lake Manasarovar.  We will drive down to The holiest bathing gate of Manas.

Day 07

 Drive to Tarchen (4600m) 60km   Over Night stay at Guesthouse:

Lake Manasarovar is regarded as the most holiest lake among many other lakes. According to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology the four great rivers of the Indian sub-continent, the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Karnali, and Indus all arise from  Kailas and joins  this lake. This day offers a wonderful opportunity to see the great lake Manasarovar with Mt. Gurla Mandhata (7728m) on the south and Holy Kailas on the North. After bath  we will perform  Homa/Havan Puja then drive to Tarchen . It is considered as a base camp for the Holy Kailas.

Day 08

Drive from Tarchen to Tarboche (5 km) trek to Diraphuk (4800m)

Over Night at Camp.

Trekking at north face of Mount Kailas: Our first day of trekking around Kailas begins at Tarpoche. As we make our way along the route we pass numerous crotons as well as the sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddas. we have to enter through Yamadwar.We will pass the Buddhist  Gompa and also have wonderful views of cascading creeks, streaming water falls and the mighty west face of Kailas. After 5 hrs later arrive at the Diraphuk Gompa where we will set up guest house  for the night. Time to time different  face of Kailas parvat will keep on appearing .The clear blue sky makes you feel the great Lord Shiva is everywhere with tons of blessings to showered on you. Total hiking for the day will be 18 km 7 hrs.

Day 09 

Trek from Diraphuk to Zhutulphuk Gompa (4790m) over -Night at Guest house Camp:

The hardest but the holiest day of the pilgrimage. We will cross through a rocky expanse dotted with stone. Before reaching  Dolmala pass  we have to cross two valleys  Yamastal and  Shivastal , here the pilgrims leave the Old clothes, spin of hair or a drop of blood in hope, that terrible Yamraj  attention to these signs and will allow the yatris to be born in spirite to pass Dolma-La there is the symbolic death, according to Tibetans faith. The pass associates  Buddhists will pray to  Goddess Tara devi and Hindus pray to ParvathiMa while crossing Dolma pass .On the pass yatris hang out the Tibetian flags on success. Crains draped with the clothes offered by pilgrims as a spiritual sign of death. On the way down from Dolma-La , we need to walk since horses will not be able to carry us down. Parvatistal   (Gauri Kund ) is one of the holiest sites to view from the top.  This is the day when every pilgrims talks about the most difficult journey, throughout the yatra.   Light lunch on the way. After a nice break at the top of the pass we will head down the steep trai1 to our eventual campsite at Zhutulphuk Monastery (the cave of miracles where Milarepa meditated). Total hiking for the day will be 18 kms ( 8 hrs).

Day 10

 Trek from Zhutulphuk to Darchen  and  go to Astapad darshan.

We will be ending the parikrama  by trekking  6  more kms and we will be reaching the point where the Land cruiser will be waiting for us. From there we will Drive down to Tarchan and after lunch we go for  Astapad Darshan. After lunch we will drive to Saga.

 Day 11

Saga to Nylam

Early breakfast ,Drive to Nylam. Enroute packed lunch will be provided.

Overnight  stay at Guest house.

Day 12 

Nylam to Kathmandu

Early morning  drive to Zhangmu (40 kms)   Some times due to season’s rush the traffic will be  controlled . But If we start  early  we will be in Kathmandu by evening.  In Zangmu  after the immigration & custom formalities transfer to Nepal border. Here also we have to clear through immigration and custom . We take Breakfast  here. Lunch will be on the way in Dhulikal. We will be staying in the  same  hotel in Kathmandu . We will celebrate our successful trip with a banquet for all  pilgrims.

Day 13

Transfer to Airport for Departure

      Inner Kora & Nandhi Kora

We also  arrange for Inner & Nandhi parikrama. It will take Five to six more days  for these parikrama. Only People who are physically and mentally fit and strong  can do this parikrama. Horse does not follow on this part of yatra. This is tough rocky and Icy part. Only Trained Porters can lead you in this part. Windproof and good thermal dresses and Helmet can protect you from high speed wind and falling rocks. Comfortable with good grip shoes are use to travel on this trail. Good weather is precondition.

Interested  pilgrims can  contact me  through mobile /email 

With warm Regards

M. Jayasree

Chennai,

 Mobile:  9840492438

Email me