16 Days Overland Trip

KAILASH Helpline : +91 8800750030 Landline : +91 11 40504050 MANASAROVAR Email 1 : [email protected] Email 2 : [email protected] YATRA - 2017 Website : www.kailash-yatra.org a spiritual journey to find inner peace

Kailash Manasarovar 2017

Kathmandu Lhasa Manasarovar Mt. Kailash Lhasa Kathmandu

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Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd.www.kailash-yatra.org : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi – 110034 (India) | 1

Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Itinerary ex Lhasa - 2017 15 Nights/16 Days fly- in / fly-out trip (Kathmandu –Lhasa - Mansarovar Lake – Mt. Kailash – Kathmandu)

Day 01 » Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive at Kathmandu airport to start your tour to Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Assisted transfer at the airport to the hotel. Enroute take a stop at Pashupatinath Temple – the abode of Lord Shiva. Overnight stay will be at Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza or Gokarna Golf and Spa Resort or similar.

 Meals included : Veg Dinner Accommodation Style : 5* equivalent hotel stay sharing basis

Day⟰ 02 » Kathmandu Sightseeing

Early morning by 0630 AM, breakfast in the hotel and then continue for the tour in Kathmandu by 8.00 AM. You will visit Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkanth Temple, both are biggest holy temple in regards to Lord Shiva & Vishnu respectively. Return hotel from sightseeing and take lunch in hotel. In the evening, we will have short briefing program followed by introduction of all group members. Overnight stay at the hotel.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : 5* equivalent hotel stay sharing basis

Optional⟰ trip : One can even book for mountain flight as an optional tour for this morning at additional cost. This is an hour flight oe Wolds highest Moutai peaks. The flight depatue tie is at 0630 AM so those passengers who booked for this incredible flight should be ready by 0530 AM in the hotel and one of our tour officers will pick up and transfer you to the domestic airport. The flights are weather permitted.

Day 03 » Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650 m) 1 hr & 30 minutes flight

After breakfast get transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to board your flight to Lhasa, Tibet. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, Lhasa you will meet with our local staff / representative who will escort you to the pre booked hotel in Lhasa. It will take approx 2 hours for you to reach the hotel from airport. Spend the first day free to acclimatize with the altitude as Kathmandu is at 1400m high and Lhasa is at 3650m. Spend the night at the hotel in Lhasa.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Hotel Yak 3* or equivalent on sharing basis

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Day 04 » Lhasa sightseeing

After breakfast take a tour of Lhasa visiting Jokhang temple, Barkhor street and Potala palace

Jokhang Temple: This is a huge building structure consisting of three floors and an open roof all dotted with chapels and chambers. The Jokhang Temple has undergone massive additions and reconstructions since the 7th century and particularly during the reign of 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. While parts of the existing temple structure date fromPotala Palace Tibet earlier times, most of the murals are from the 18th and 19th centuries and few statues (with the notable exception of the Joyo Sakyamuni) are older than the 1980's. The temple was sacked several times during Mongol incursions but its worst treatment has been at the hands of the Chinese since their occupation of Tibet in 1959. The Jokhang is the most celebrated temple in Tibet. Because the temple is not controlled by a particular sect of Tibetan Buddhism it attracts adherents of all the sects as well as followers of Bon-Po, Tibet's indigenous religion. Three pilgrimage circuits exist in Lhasa, each directing pilgrims to the Jowo Sakyamuni statue: the Lingkhor, hih eiles the itys saed distit; the Barkhor, which encloses the Jokhang temple; and the Nangkhor, a ritual corridor inside the Jokhang. Every day throughout the year hundreds of pilgrims circumambulate each of these three circuits. Some pilgrims will cover the entire distance by prostrating every few feet, and others will walk slowly, chanting sacred mantras and spinning hand-held prayer wheels. For more than a thousand years millions of pilgrims have trod these sacred paths with devotion in their hearts; this cumulative focusing of intention and love has charged the Jokhang with an enormously powerful field of sanctity.

Barkhor Street: The center of the old Lhasa, Barkhor is a circular street, which is the oldest street in Lhasa and remains very traditional. It is a place where Tibetan Norbulinka Palace culture, economy, religion and arts assemble and a place to which a visit must be paid. It was said that in the seventh century when Songtsen Gampo, the first Tibetan King (617 or ?-650) who unified Tibet, married Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepal princess Tritsun. Later Princess Tritsun built Jokhang Temple to accommodate the Jowo Sakyamuni aged 12 brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng. Barkhor is the road which pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. Buddhist pilgrims walk or progress by body-lengths along the street clockwise every day into deep night. They comprise most of Lhasa's floating population.

Potala Palace: PPotala was the winter palace of the Dalailama, which was originally built in the 7th century by the king Sotsen Gampo and rebuilt to the present size by the 5th Dalai lama in the 17th century. Built in the mid-18th century by the 7th Dalailama, Norbulingka, the Jewel Park was the Dalai lama's summer palace, it covers 100 acres with palaces, pavilions and a zoo.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Hotel Yak 3* or equivalent on sharing basis

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Day 05 » Lhasa to Shigatse (3875m) - 272 km/ 7-8 hrs via Gyantse

After breakfast in your hotel take a drive to Shigatse which is the 2nd largest city of Tibet. Built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama the Tashillunpo Monastery in Shigatse is a very important monastery in China as it is known as seat of the Panchan Lama. On the way pay a visit to Gyantse (3977m) and visit Kumbum Stupa. Continue drive to Shigatse for night stay.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Hotel stay on sharing basis

Day⟰ 06 » Shigatse to Saga (4640 m) - 390 km. / 8 - 9 hrs.

Early breakfast in the hotel. Visit Tashilumpo Monastery and drive to Saga. The drive is quite long today. Packed lunch will be served by our representative en route. On arrival at Saga check into the hotel/guesthouse for dinner and overnight stay.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Hotel or Guesthouse stay sharing basis / dormitory style

Day⟰ 07 » Saga to Manasarovar Lake (4598m) - 490 kms/ 8 hrs.

We have very important day today as we are heading to the holiest and one of the highest spiritual lakes, Lake Manasarovar. As per time schedule, our day begins with breakfast at 0730 AM. On the way before Mayumla Pass (4900 m), we take break for permit formalities and for lunch then continue the journey crossing Mayumla pass and Prayang country. Mostly the road drive is comfortable and scenic today. There will be few minute halt for permit formalities, before heading to our camp / guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar. Here one can use time in praying and exploring the beauty of Mt. Kailash. After immigration complete, we will drive further to our guesthouse near Hor Que (Depending on permission of the local authorities we may have to change our vehicle here and travel in local buses operated by the authority near Mansarovar and Kailash region). During your drive to Mount Kailash through Lake Manasarovar, we will complete Lake Manasarovar parikrama approx. 70% and rest will be complete when we return from Kailash Trek. You will have very significant moment in Lake Manasarovar with almighty bless and even graceful evening with the breathtaking view of holiest Lake Manasarovar and Mt. Kailash. Besides this, you can also find some place near the lake to do some meditation. Stay in guesthouse in dormitory style.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Guesthouse stay in dormitory style  Note : If you are traveling in full moon group, your stay will be near Manasarovar Lake on full moon. ⟰

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Day 08 » Lake Manasarovar to Darchen (4874m) – 80kms drive / 2 hours

Today morning, we wake up comfortably and we will find a good place for holy dip in Lake Manasarovar for all our pilgrims. We will also arrange shower tent for ladies nearby the bank of lake for changing the clothes. Also you can offer puja / havan / rituals at feasible place near the lake according to your choice, on your own. Our crew member will assist you if any help require. After finishing holy bath, meditation, puja and taking our lunch, we make short drive to Darchen (the base of Mt. Kailash). On the way to Darchen, we can also see paoai seey of ‘akshas Tal Deos Lake i the othe side of Lake Mansarovar. Darchen is the major administrative hub of Kailash region with basic development in

infrastructure and facility. Darchen is and also considered as the base camp of Mt. Kailash from where the circumambulation around Kailash begins. You can stroll around small market in Darchen in the afternoon. Stay in a guesthouse in dormitory style.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Guesthouse stay in dormitory style

⟰Optional trip: We arrange Asthapad excursion trip from Darchen on request but please be inform that one should trek from Darchen – Asthapad – Darchen, if there is no transport service permitted by Chinese authorities in this area. The trip to Astpad is subject to permission of local authorities and on direct payment basis to Tibetan Guides.

Day 09 » 08 kms Drive to Yam Dwar. Start Parikrama to Derapukh (5056m) – 12 kms / 6 hours trek

Today, we wake up early and take light breakfast then head to Tarboche. All pilgrims have opportunity to pass through Yam Dwar before trek commence. Also, the members who are not going for parikrama will return from Yama Dwar after very close darshan of Mt. Kailash, from this point. They will stay for 2 nights in Darchen guesthouse waiting for parikrama group. And other travelers who are going for parikrama will continue trekking ahead by foot. Those who wish to hire Horse/Yak and porter may do it directly with the help of the Tibetan guide on direct payment basis. You will given name coupon to choose the horse & porter and the same horse and porter will accompany you during trek. We will manage Yaks & Yak men to carry our kitchen and other logistics for Kora. Travelers should not forget to carry their packed lunch and hot drinkable water from kitchen before starting trek. Today trek is flat and gradual ascend along through the bank of Glacier River so it will be easy to reach Derapukh within 5-6 hours. We will take stopover in mid way for our packed lunch (Fruits, Frooty, Chocolates etc). At Darchen the weather will be cold so our Tibetan guide will book our guesthouse in advance so that we can check into room immediately on reaching there. Derapukh is one of the best and closest points from where we can see crystal clear North face of Mt. Kailash standing ahead. You will have great opportunity to take several memorable picture of Kailash from here. The night will be too cold below zero degree temperature so we will have quick and light dinner (Khichdi, soup etc) and rest in bed.

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 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Packed Snacks for Lunch, Light Veg Dinner Accommodation Style : Guesthouse stay in dormitory style / camp  Note : Hot drinkable water will be made available in the morning for the day. Please fill your bottle. ⟰ Optional : Charan Sparsh (5475 m is 6 kms trek from Derapukh. One can consult with tour guide to take this short trek to touch feet of Mt. Kailash. This is not a part of the package and depends on guides decision. (Distance 3 kms / 01 hour)

Day 10 » Trek Derapukh to Zuthulpukh (4790m) 22 kms trek/10 hours via Dolma-La Pass (5630m)

Wake up very early morning before dawn, we witness first sunlight on Mt. Kailash offering amazing view of Golde Kailash. Take quick light breakfast and get ready to begin the trek towards Zuthulphuk. This day is considered as toughest day of this trip. The trek goes steep climb up continuously upto Dolma-La high pass (5630 m) for about 3-4 hours and steep down to Gauri Kunda and upto flat valley for about 2.5 hours then after you will walk all the way flat land for about another 2-3 hous. Thats hy, it is the toughest & longest trek of about 9-10 hours. We should cross the high pass as early as possible in pleasant weather before strong windy at day time. At the top of Dolma La, you can even find the place called Shivasthal that covered with holy flags and the personal related things like clothing, ornaments, for which there is strong belief in Tibetan religion that you will get it (whatever you offered here) in heaven after your death.

Travelers should not forget to carry their packed lunch and hot drinkable water from kitchen before start trekking. After crossing Dolma La, you will see Gauri Kunda at downhill in the right side of your path. Then further walking down for a while, we will take break for pack lunch. This downhill trail is not easy due to rocky & loose stones so we should walk very carefully and with group. Then after, you will catch soon flat trail that reach to Zuthulphuk. Also please note, the travelers who are travelling on yak/horse should also walk for 2 to 3 hours in between trekking while you are coming steep down after Dolma La. In Zuthulphuk, we will have guesthouse or fixed tent with bed, bed sheet & warm blanket. Stay will be in dormitory style. We will take dinner at earliest it prepared and go to warm bed.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Packed snacks for Lunch, Light Veg Dinner Accommodation Style : Guesthouse stay in dormitory style  Note : Hot drinkable water will be made available in the morning for the day. Please fill your bottle. ⟰ Note : About 3-4kms trek (ascend and descend) near Dolma La pass is steep and rocky.

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Day 11 » Gradual trek 08 kms to Darchen and drive to Paryang (3-4 hours trek) – 270 kms/ 4-5 hrs drive

This is our last trek day and we have to make short trek about 3-4 hours so we wake up in normal time and begin trekking to descend Darchen town. Our transport will pick up us from Darchen, upto where the road is accessible and drive to guesthouse at Darchen where our other group members are staying. Take lunch there and then we straight continue our drive to Paryang or Dongba by completing the remaining course (approx. 30%) of Lake Manasarovar parikrama. Relaxed time and stay at guesthouse.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Guesthouse stay in dormitory style

Day⟰ 12 » Paryang / Dongba to Saga (4600 m) 255 kms/ 4 - 5 hrs. drive

Have your leisurely breakfast at the guest house continue your drive to Saga. Enjoy scenic drive and reach Saga in the afternoon. Free time to relax and/or to explore the local markets of Saga. Stay will be in the hotel/guesthouse.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Hotel or guesthouse stay in dormitory style

Day⟰ 13 » Saga (4640 m) to Shigatse (3875m) - 390 km. / 8 - 9 hrs

Today after breakfast we continue our drive further to Nyalam. Night stay will be at Hotel Nyalam or similar guest house.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Hotel stay on sharing basis

⟰Day 14 » Shigatse (3875m) to Lhasa (3650 m) 272 km/ 6-7 hrs

After having breakfast we drive to back to Lhasa where we will have leisurely time and night stay in the hotel.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : Hotel Yak 3* or equivalent hotel stay sharing basis

⟰ Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi – 110034 (India) | 7

Day 15 » Fly Lhasa (3650 m) to Kathmandu (1400m) - 1 hr & 30 minutes flight

Breakfast in the hotel and some time free. Later transfer to the airport to board the flight back to Kathmandu. The flying time on this route is 90 minutes approx and this is considered to be one of the most scenic flights in the world as it flies over some of the highest mountain peacks of Himalayas including the Mount Everest. Upon arrival at Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel for night stay.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation Style : 5* hotel stay on sharing basis

Day⟰ 16 » Leave Kathmandu After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport to board your flight back to home.

 Meals included : Veg Breakfast

------II The most enlightening spiritual experience comes to an end and pilgrims depart to their home with everlasting memories of the holy Kailash Manasarovar Yatra II ------

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Kailash Mansarovar Tour Package Cost – 2017 15 Nights/16 Days overland trip ex Lhasa Tibet

Nationality of the pilgrim/traveler KMY overland yatra cost

Indian passport holders INR 2,35,000 per person

NRIs (Non Resident Indians) with foreign passport US$ 3650 per person

Foreign passport holders (other than Indian and Nepalese) US$ 3650 per person

British passport holders GB£ 2875 per person

American passport holders US$ 3850 per person

INR 26500 (Indian national )

Single room supplement (Kathmandu and Lhasa only)

US$ 645 (Foreigners)

INR 6500 PP Double room (Indians)

Additional night stay in Kathmandu

US$ 180 PP Double room (Non-Indian)

INR 7200 PP per night (Indians)

Everest Flight charges in Kathmandu

US$ 150 PP per night (Non-Indian)

Important remark: The above price is subject to change in the event of change in the policy of local governments and concerned authorities, sudden hike in permit fee, visa fee, Govt taxes, major fluctuation in currency rate and any other reason beyond our control, at any time. Any additional expense incurred due to such reasons shall be payable by the pilgrim/traveler, before the commencement of the trip failing to which their bookings can be cancelled without further notice and all payments will be forfeited.

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What is included in this KMY package cost :

Nepal portion of the trip »

 Airport to hotel return transfers in Kathmandu

 03 night stay in a 5 star hotel in Kathmandu on sharing basis

 03 breakfast, 03 lunches, 03 dinners in Kathmandu hotel (pure vegetarian buffet meal)

 Kathmandu city sightseeing including visit to Pashupatinath Temple by private non a/c bus.

 Kathmandu to Lhasa return flight tickets Tibet portion of the trip »

 03 nights stay in hotel Yak or similar in Lhasa on sharing basis

 02 nights at Shigatse in a hotel/guesthouse

 02 night stay in a hotel/guesthouse in Saga

 01 night stay in a guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar on sharing basis

 01 night stay in a guesthouse at Darchen

 01 night stay in a guesthouse/mudhouse at Derapukh

 01 night stay in a guesthouse/camp at Zuthulpukh

 01 night stay in a guesthouse at Paryang

 Pure vegetarian meals

 Lights breakfast, packed lunch, light dinner during parikrama days

 Transport in Tibet side by Landcruiser Jeep / Vans

 Support truck to carry kitchen equipments and other material

 English speaking Tibetan guide in Tibet side

 Basic medical support for emergency (first-aid kit and oxygen cylinder during parikrama)

 Necessary group permit for visiting Mt. Kailash

 Normal Tibet single entry group visa to visit Kailash Manasarovar

 Nepal-China border tax, all Nepalese and Tibetan Govt taxes

What is not included in this KMY package cost :

Travel and medical insurance, Nepal visa fee for NRIs and foreigners, air tickets to reach Kathmandu and back, emergency evacuation service charges, emergency medical expenses, Ashtpad visit charges, extra cost for additional stay and food in the event of delay in trip due to any reason, riding yak/horse, porter, any expenses of personal nature, urgent visa fee if required, govt of India service tax, Nepal visa fee for foreigners and NRIs, visa splitting charges and additional vehicle expense for returning early from the trip due to any reason, hike in trip price due to any sudden change in permit fee/visa fee/currency exchange rate etc, any other additional expense incurred due to weather conditions, natural disaster, technical failure, delay or cancelation of flights, delay by authorities in visa or permit, strikes, riots, or any additional expense incurred due to any other unforeseen reasons/circumstances.

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How to book and pay for the Kailash Yatra trip : To enroll you in one of our Kailash Mansarovar group 2017, you need to submit a scanned colored copy of a valid passport. The passport should be valid for atleast 06 months from the date of start of the trip. To start your bookings, we will require a ‘egistratio For duly filled and signed alongwith and Bookig Ters signed by the traveller, one latest coloured passport size photograph and yatra registration fee. For helicopter trips the required registration fee is INR 25,000 (Indians) / USD 500 (foreigners) per head. For Lhasa trips and other trips the required registration fee is INR 25,000 (Indians) / USD 500 (foreigners) per head, except overland trips from Kathmandu for which registration fee is INR 15,000 (Indians) / USD 250 (foreigners) per head. The registration fee includes a non-refundable amount of INR 9,600 (Indians) / USD 300 (foreigners) for helicopter trip and INR 4800 (Indians) / USD 200 (foreigners) for overland KMY from Kathmandu, if the booking is cancelled due to whatsoever reason. We suggest that before making bookings, you must read carefully all booking and cancellation terms..

------PAYMENT OPTION » WIRE TRANSFER TO INDIA BANK

Swift wire transfer is a safe and easy method to make payments from outside India, against your bookings. You can simply visit your bank and request them to transfer money to our Indian account of Max Holidays by using the below mentioned SWIFT account information.

Standard Chartered Bank Axis Bank Ltd. Bank address : HB Twin Towers, Wazirpur, Bank address : Pitam Pura, New Delhi Netaji Subhash Place, Pitam Pura, Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi - 110034 OR Beneficiary Account no. : 040010200031107 Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. SWIFT Account Code : AXISNBB040 Beneficiary Account no. : 537-0-501344-2 SWIFT Account Code : SCBLINBBCON

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PAYMENT OPTION » ONLINE BANKING (NEFT / RTGS / IMPS)

You can make payments to any of our following bank account using your online banking service. Please do not forget to send us the transaction reference no. and amount to enable us trace and identify your payments.

Axis Bank Ltd. Andhra Bank Pitam Pura, New Delhi Prashant Vihar, New Delhi Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. OR Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. Account no. : 040010200031107 Account no. : 117311100004827 IFSC code : UTIB0000040 IFSC code : ANDB0001173

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PAYMENT OPTION » VISA or MASTERCARD (Online Credit Card Payment Gateway)

We accept Online Credit Card Payments (VISA and MasterCards). If you wish to make payments using credit card, simply visit http://www.maxholidays.com/payments.html and pay for your bookings.

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PAYMENT OPTION » CASH or CHEQUE

If you wish to deposit payments by cash/cheque against your yatra bookings, kindly use our following bank account details. Please do not forget to send us a bank deposit slip against each cash or cheque payment tasatio. You a also sed ash payets to ou Delhi head offie ad otai ash eeipt fo ou accounts department.

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Important notes about bookings, payments and cancellations

 As per the visa regulations a hand written passport is not eligible to apply for visa in India. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that he/she has a valid digital passport.

 All cheque payments are subject to realization of the cheque. No payment is considered as received unless the same is reflected in our bank account and confirmed to you in writing by our office.

 For all swift bank payments and refunds the swift bank fee shall be payable by the traveler only. We do not bear the liability of intermediary bank fee and other expenses incurred for making such payment transactions.

 Please take a note that all credit card payments attracts 3% online bank charge and the same is to be paid by the customer. Card payments are subject to realization from the bank. If require, we may ask the credit card holder to fill the Credit Card Payment Authority Form’ which is to be submitted to the bank along with a copy of passport of the credit card holder to claim your payments.

 Please visit www.xe.com to check the current rate of exchange of your currency

 The traveler is required to carefully read the booking and cancellation policy and also terms of services of the company as mentioned in various documents, registration form and on website www.kailash-yatra.org/booking-cancellation.html. If you do not agree with those terms, you should not process your bookings with us. While processing your bookings and payments you confirm your acceptance to all those conditions.

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Know About Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

A trip to holy mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is organized under tough climatic conditions and extreme inhospitable terrain. It is a spiritual adventure travel to the remote mountains lands of Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are the holiest pilgrim sites for the followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon religions. Please consider that due to its high altitude travel (above 5600 mtrs), tough climatic conditions, lack of infrastructure and facilities, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is also considered as one of the most difficult treks of Asia. Despite of its all difficulties and challenges it is a soul inspiring journey for the followers of different religions. Kailash Manasarovar attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the globe every year for inner healing. Max Holidays organise groups to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar every year by Deluxe Buses, Land Cruiser and Helicopters. The start points of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra are Kathmandu (Nepal), Nepalganj (Nepal border near Lucknow) or Lhasa (Tibet) and we offer various tour itineraries to meet with your requirements. Please visit www.kailash-yatra.org or www.maxholidays.com/kailash-yatra.html to know more about such trips.

Where is Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar? »

Mount Kailash is a peak in the Gangdisê Mountains, which forms part of the Transhimalaya in Tibet. It is situated near the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia including the Indus River, the Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), the Brahmaputra River, and the Karnali River (a tributary of the River Ganga). It is considered a sacred place in four religions Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon. Situated near Mount Kailash (22,000 feet) are the Lake Manasarovar (Lake of Compassion) and Lake Rakshastal Daos Lake in Tibet Autonomous Region.

Lake Manasarovar (also Manas Sarovar or Mapam Yumko) is a freshwater lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, 940 kilometres (580 miles) from Lhasa, the capital town of Tibet. It is situated at an elevation of about 4,590 mtrs (15,060 ft) above sea level, a relatively high elevation for such a large freshwater lake on the mostly saline lake-studded Tibetan Plateau. Lake Manasarovar is relatively round in shaped with the circumference of 88 kilometres (55 miles). Its depth reaches a maximum depth of 90 m (300 ft) and its surface area is 320 square kilometres (120 sq mi). Lake Manasarovar is near the source of the Sutlej, which is the easternmost large tributary of the Indus. Nearby are the sources of the Brahmaputra River, the Indus River, and the Ghaghara, an important tributary of the Ganges. It is considered that taking a dip in this lake washes the sins of the lifetime.

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What is the importance of this spiritual trip? »

According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and illusion, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailasa or Kailash, where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his ife Pāati. Desiptio i the Vishu Puaa of the outai states that the fou faes of Mout Kailash are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli. Mount Kailash is said to be a pillar of the world and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus.

In Jainism, Kailash is also known as Meru Parvat or Sumeru. Ashtapada, the mountain next to Mt. Kailash, is the site where the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained Nirvana/moksa (liberation)

Tantric Buddhists believe that Mount Kailash is the home of the Buddha Demchok (also known as Demchog or Chakrasamvara), who represents supreme bliss. There are numerous sites in the region associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), whose tantric practices in holy sites around Tibet are credited with finally establishing Buddhism as the main religion of the country in the 7th–8th century AD. It is said that Milarepa (c. 1052-c. 1135 AD), champion of Tantric Buddhism, arrived in Tibet to challenge Naro Bön-chung, champion of the Bön religion of Tibet. The two magicians engaged in a terrifying sorcerers' battle, but neither was able to gain a decisive advantage. Finally, it was agreed that whoever could reach the summit of Kailash most rapidly would be the victor. While Naro Bön-chung sat on a magic drum and soared up the slope, Milarepa's followers were dumbfounded to see him sitting still and meditating. Yet when Naro Bön-chung was nearly at the top, Milarepa suddenly moved into action and overtook him by riding on the rays of the sun, thus winning the contest. He did, however, fling a handful of snow on to the top of a nearby mountain, since known as Bonri, bequeathing it to the Bonpo and thereby ensuring continued Bonpo connections with the region

The Bon, a religion which predates Buddhism in Tibet, maintain that the entire mystical region and the nine-story Swastika Mountain are the seat of all spiritual power.

Who can travel to Kailash? »

Any person who is in good health conditions to undertake travel in high altitude of 5600 mtrs and above can travel to Holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The age limit is 70 years but sometimes we are able to get permit for people upto 75 year of age depending on his/her fitness and consideration of the concerned authorities. Issuance of permit cannot be guaranteed in any case or circumstances because the same is always on the discretion of the concerned authorities only. It is strictly advisable for every pilgrim to consult with your doctor and undergo the basic medical tests to ensure that he/she is fit to

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tael to suh high altitude aeas. We euie a dotos etifiate confirming your fitness to undertake such challenging travel. In the event of non-receipt of the medical certificate before the commencement of the yatra and/or sudden change in health of the traveler which does not allow the traveler to take the trip, we retain the right to cancel your participation in our batch and all payments shall be non-refundable. A valid passport, Tibet visa and necessary permits are mandatory for this yatra which can be obtained through an authorized agency only. Usually foreigners and NRIs get their visa in Kathmandu upon arrival and for Indian nationals it is mandatory to present the passports to China Embassy in Delhi alongwith a copy of the permit to get necessary visa. In the event of delay in grant of Visa from Embassy and non- receipt of the passport, Indian Nationals can fly to Nepal with their photo Identity Card (Voter ID Card). Please take a note that depending on the health of the pilgrim and due to adverse climatic conditions Tibetan authorities sometime stop people above 60 year age to undertake parikrama. Such decisions are totally at the discretion of the authorities and we do not take any responsibility of the same.

Important remark: Kailash Mansarovar trips are full of uncertainties due to political, diplomatic, natural and many other reasons. Rules and policies of China Govt and other concerned authorities changes suddenly and quite frequently for Kailash Mansarovar travel for political, natural and diplomatic reasons etc. We as an operator do not have any hold or command over such changes and we and/or the travelers are bound to follow such rules/policies. We shall keep you informed for any such change/s. Any additional expenses incurred on traveler due to such sudden changes shall be payable by the traveler and any inconvenience caused to the traveler due to such changes will not be the responsibility of Max Holidays. Kindly consider the uncertain nature of Kailash trips before booking a trip for you.

Organizing Kailash Yatra for pilgrims »

Organising Kailash Yatra for pilgrims in such a high altitude in Tibetan region with lack of good services and facilities itself is a challenging job for operators and their local team. We put our best efforts to ensure that your yatra is completed with less hassles, lesser discomfort and without any hurdle or delay. But, since this trip is very unpredictable we do not guarantee that your trip will be without errors or problems. One should be prepared for tough situations in terms of climate, lack of infrastructure, shortage of basic needs, unwanted delays and discomfort etc. Trekking of Mt. Kailash is a challenging task and it requires extraordinary mental and physical strength. It has been observed that the people of strong will power and extreme spiritual mentality are the best people to complete this trek with lesser level of difficulties. If God permits one may have a pleasant and successful journey to Mt. Kailash.

Important remark: It is advised that while traveling to Kailash Mansarovar (especially through heli route) one must keep their return date flexible and should avoid fixing any urgent appointment or important job near to the return date. In Kailash Mansarovar trips (especially in the helicopter tours) delay in onward or return journey is an obvious factor if the weather is not favourable for flights and helicopters or if there is any nature disturbance or technical problem. Please chose a date keeping in mind such unexpected delays in the trip.

Risks and difficulties involved in organizing the yatra »

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Organising travel to Tibet region is difficult itself and the most difficult part of Kailash Yatra is to get the travel permit (for Kailash Yatra one need a special permit and group visa). The rules and regulations of the local authorities keep changing quite frequently. Moreover Tibet is a remote area with very limited availability of services and one should not expect to receive high level of comfort while travelling to Kailash Manasarovar and other region in Tibet. It is advisable to read about Kailash Yatra and guidelines for travelling to Tibet, before you book a trip.

Also natural disasters and sudden changes in weather are very frequent and a common factor which makes the trip tough for us and for the travelers as well. Helicopter and flights are most affected due to bad weather conditions and sudden climatic changes leading to difficulties of getting proper food and clean accommodation are quite a common thing. One should be prepared for this. Sometimes you may have to stay in backcountry accommodation which may not be comfortable.

High altitude sickness is also a very common factor seen in the travelers. Trekking and kora / parikrama (circumvallation) of Mt Kailash will be challenging and one need to be prepared for the same. One should practice walking daily in the morning/evening to become habitual of taking longer walks.

To overcome with difficulties and risks and to make the yatra comfortable one must make himself/herself aware of the Kailash Manasarovar travel guidelines. Please contact our office for any clarification or information.

Yatra booking requirements and process »

To register yourself in one of our fixed departure dates for Kailash Yatra please contact our India head office at mobile phone no. +91 8800750030 OR office landline no. +91 11 40504050 or email us your details at [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected] . Please take proper information from our office and tell our yatra booking officer about the date and type of yatra you want to select for your participation. We need a coloured copy of your passport (passport should be valid for atleast six months from the date of travel), Registration Form cum Agreement duly filled and signed by the traveler, one passport size coloured photograph and booking advance payments which can be done via bank transfer, cash deposit, cash, credit card payment gateway and other options available with our office. It is the responsibility of the traveler to take all necessary yatra related information from our office as while making the bookings with us you have agreed to the Bookig Tes speified o ou esite www.kailash-yatra.org and also conveyed during the course of correspondence.

About Mt. Kailash Parikrama (Kora) »

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The parikrama of Mt. Kailash is made in a clockwise direction. The parikrama of Mount Kailash is about 52 km (32 miles) long out of which about 9 kms is done by vehicle. Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day, which is not considered as an easy task. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the trek. Some pilgrims venture a much more demanding regimen, performing body-length prostrations over the entire length of the circumambulation The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan hills. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions. It is a popular belief that the stairways on Mount Kailash lead to heaven. Walking around the holy mountain has to be done on foot, pony or yak, taking some three days of trekking starting from a height of around 15,000 ft (4,600 m) past the Tarboche (flagpole) to cross the Dolma La pass 18,200 ft (5,600 m), and encamping for two nights en route. First, near the meadow of Dirapuk Gompa and second at Zuthulpukh after crossing Gauri Kunda.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Map »

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