Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar Tour

Overview It is a long overland journey into remote area of western Tibet. Mt. Kailash is believed to be the ultimate destination of souls and the spiritual center of 4 religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon. Like Mount Kailash, Lake Mansarovar is the abode ofpurity. It is a place of pilgrimage luring many Hindus and Buddhist from all over the world. Taking a bath in Lake Mansarovar and drinking its water is believed to cleanse all sins committed over a hundred life time. Lake Manasarovar is also a source of the four major rivers of South Asia. The pristine beauty and serenity of these religious sites is truly awe inspiring and instills in people the feeling of being one with Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims walk around the 32 mile circumference of Mount Kailash and it is an essential part of the overall journey to Mt. Kailash. Trekking through this long path is difficult and physically tiresome. However, with proper preparation devout pilgrims are able to complete the Kora.

Itinerary in detail

DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you will enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu

DAY 02: TIBET VISA PREPARATION & KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to see the ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after lunch.Then, you will visit the Patan museum. In the meantime, we will work out for visa issuance, checking necessary equipments and shopping for the trip. There will be a briefing on the day to day itinerary. It is very important that all Kailash bound travelers must attend the meeting. Overnight in hotel

DAY 03: DRIVE TO NYALAM (3750M, 150KM) VIA KODARI BORDER After early breakfast we drive through Bhaktapur, Dhulikhel and reach Friendship Bridge (i.e. Nepal- China border). From here we walk for about 10 minutes to cross Friendship Bridge and meet our Tibetan guide and landcruiser drivers. After all the immigration and custom formalities at the Chinese check post here, our journey continues for another 35 km which can take almost 3 hours through up-winding road to Nyalam with beautiful scenery. Then, you will be transferred to the guest house in Nyalam (3700m). The facilities of the guesthouse are very simple and basic. We stay free and spend overnight here.

DAY 04: REST DAY IN NYALAM FOR ACCLIMATIZATION Today is free for acclimatization. We will be going for a short trek around which helps us to acclimatize fast in higher altitude. Overnight stay at Nyalam guest house

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DAY 05: DRIVE NYALAM TO SAGA (4450M). 255KM, 7-8 HOURS On our today's long driving day over the sandy and rocky land of Tibet, natural sceneries like Pelku tso Lake and Mount Shishapangma (8020m) along the route are seen unimaginably beautiful , nomads chasing herd of yaks and sheeps on the pastures keep you wondering. By the late afternoon you will cross Bhramha Purtra River on the way to typical Chinese and Tibetan town of Saga. Overnight at Saga

DAY 06: DRIVE SAGA TO PARYANG (4700 M), 236KM, 6HRS We drive from Saga to Paryang through the windswept territory passing through many villages and camps of Yak herders with the distant view of snow- capped mountains. This vast and dry plateau is the traditional campsite of the nomads who tend grazing their animals during the summer.Overnight at Paryang

DAY 07: DRIVE PARYANG TO LAKE MANASAROVAR (4558M), 232KM, 4-5HRS We drive from Paryang to Lake Manasarovar through open territory with a view of distant mountains, Yak herder’s camp, if lucky might come across a herd of Kyang (Wild Ass). During the drive you will have the first sight of Holy Mount Kailash from the top of the Mayum La Pass (5280m) and Manasarovar Lake. Overnight at camp

DAY 08: REST DAY AT LAKE MANASAROVAR Today we make excursion around Lake Mansarovar. From Mansarovar Lake we can see Mt. Gurla Mandata in the distance, visit Trugo and Chiu Monasteries. The scenery is stunningly beautiful with panoramic views of the Himalayas and moon like desert plateau. We will see wild ass, Yaks, special black necked crane and Tibetan deer around the lake. Overnight at Camp

DAY 09: DRIVE LAKE MANASAROVAR TO DARCHEN (4600M) (60KM, 1.5HRS) Manasarovar is the lake of compassion, tranquility and bliss. After completing the memorable morning bath in the Lake, we will be heading towards Darchen. This tiny village of Darchen is the starting and ending point of Mt. kailash trekking. The guide will arrange needed yaks and porters. Overnight at Darchen

DAY 10: TREK FROM DARCHEN TO DIRA-PUK MONASTERY, (20KM, 6HRS) The first day's trekking starts from the Sershong and a gradual walk with multitudes of other local pilgrims chanting and praying. From the valley you can see the Choku Monastery up on the hillside. The trail leads to few ups and downs until we reach our camp at Dirapuk (4,750 m). You will meet many Bon pilgrims going in the opposite direction (Anticlock-wise), because Mt. Kailash is being worshipped by four different religious communities, viz Buddhists, Bons, Hindus and Jains.We can on the grassy meadows enjoying with a view of Mt. Kailash, North West face at Dirapuk for overnight halt. Overnight at camp

DAY 11: TREK FROM DIRA-PUK MONASTERY TO ZUTULPHUK (15 KM, 6 - 7HRS) Today we cross Drolma-la Pass. We trek to much higher altitude just beneath Mount Kailash. The walk will bring us to one of the highest points at Drolma La, 5,200 m, and the pass is quickly descending to the gradual field towards Zutulphuk for the overnight camp. Zutulphuk is a Tibetan word which means magical cave. This small monastery is connected to an interesting story of great saint Milarepa (Buddhist) and Naropa (Bon). Overnight at camp

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DAY 12: TREK BACK TO DARCHEN, 14 KM, 4- 5 HRS & DRIVE TO MANSAROVAR, CAMP We follow the winding track out of the valley following into Trangser to Darchen. Overnight at Mansarovar at camp

DAY 13: DRIVE TO DONGBA (366 KM) 7HRS. OVERNIGHT AT GUESTHOUSE Today we will drive to Dongba for about 7 hours. The distance is 366 km. On arrival, check in at the guest house for dinner and overnight stay in Dongba

DAY 14: DRIVE DONGBA TO NYALAM After breakfast at the guest house we drive farther to Nyalam. While driving, you will enjoy the spectacular Himalayan landscape. On arrival, check in at the guest house and overnight stay in Nyalam

DAY 15: DRIVE NYALAM TO KATHMANDU We will drive back from Dongba following the same route to Kodari border in 2 hours driving. We cross the border town, have lunch at Border complete the Nepal re-entry immigration formalities and drive straight to Kathmandu following the Araniko highway. Overnight in hotel

DAY 16: FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU On your free day you can do laundry, last minute shopping and excursion around the market place in Kathmandu. Overnight in hotel

DAY 17: DEPARTURE TRANSFER TO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

COST INCLUDES  International Arrival/Departure Transfer  Private transportation during sightseeing  Kathmandu half day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu & Lhasa escorted by City Guide (any foreign  Tibet Entry Permit fee language accordingly )  Overland: Kathmandu - Nyalam -  4 Nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (Drive In & Out) Kathmandu on B/B basis  Accommodation in Lhasa & other towns  Monuments entrance fee while in Tibet on twin sharing basis with sightseeing in Lhasa with English Breakfast speaking city guide COST EXCLUDES International flight fare and departure Travel / Medical insurance & rescue taxes evacuation cost Nepal entry/re-entry visa fee Personal expenses such as telephone Tibet (Chinese) Visa fee (Collect on calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks upon Arrival) (including cold drinks and mineral Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu/Lhasa water/boiled water), laundry Single supplement for hotel Any extra cost involved in case of accommodation political turmoil, cancellation of flight, Note: Additional cost applies for single illness, and natural disaster supplement Photography charges at monasteries/palaces/sites

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All expenses incurred in the event of Tips for staffs (hotels, restaurants, early departure (evacuation fee, guide, driver) transport, extra hotel night, food etc.) Any other services not specified in the ‘Cost includes’ General Information

Nepal

Visa: All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration, Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with one passport size photograph.

Gratis visa for 30 days available only for tourists of SAARC countries Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency Tourist Visa Extension * Visa extension fee for 15 days or less is US $ 30 or equivalent convertible currency and visa extension fee for more than 15 days is US$ 2 per day * Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January - December).

Geography: Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India in the south, east and west. While the total land area is 147,181 sq. km including water area of the country that is 3,830 sq. km. The geographical coordinates are 28°00′N 84°00′E. Nepal falls in the temperate zone north of the Tropic of Cancer. Nepal’s ecological zones run east to west about 800 km along its Himalayan axis, 150 to 250 km north to south, and are vertically intersected by the river systems. The country can be divided into three main geographical regions: Himalayan region, mid hill region and Terai region. The highest point in the country is Mt. Everest (8,848 m) while the lowest point is in the Terai plains of Kechana Kalan in Jhapa (60 m). (Source NTB)

Climate: Climatic conditions of Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with the geographical features. In the north summers are cool and winters severe, while in south summers are tropical and winters are mild. Nepal has namely five major seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. Insurance: Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, etc. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

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Money Exchange Currency exchange rates in Nepal often fluctuate. Today exchange ' rate (USD1 = Rs 86.9). Please refer to the following link for the update: http://www.nrb.org.np/fxmexchangerate.php . When changing money try to get a mix of denominations (your guide will advise you on this).Keep smaller notes with you when on the trek or tour as it can be difficult to change larger notes once out of the city.

Government Office Hours & Holidays Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs – 1700hrs (during summer) Sunday to Thursday: 1000hrs – 1600hrs (during winter) Friday: 1000hrs – 1500hrs. Saturday: Holiday You can find list of other national holidays in Nepal below; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_Nepal

Language Nepali, written in the Devanagari script, is the official language of Nepal. However, most people living in the city areas can understand and speak English fluently. Hindi language is widely understood across the country.

Tibet

Travel to Tibet through Nepal Getting entry to Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, you are required to obtain a Chinese visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. The opening time for Chinese visa is only available from 9:30AM- 11:00AM on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please note this visa application is compulsory despite you have already had a Chinese visa in your country as it is regulated by the border treaty signed between Nepal and China. The Chinese visa you get in Kathmandu is a "group visa". A "group visa" is not entered in travelers' passports but is a separate sheet of paper issued in duplicate by the Chinese consulate in Katmandu, listing all members of the group. A "group" may be any number of travelers. Obtaining a group visa requires at least two working days in Kathmandu.

Best Time to Visit Tibet May, June, July, August & September are the best months to visit Tibet, enjoying warm temperatures, intense sunshine, beautiful scenery, and festive events. This is the peak season.

Flight Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu Air China, one of the largest airlines companies of China, is only the Airline flying to Lhasa (Gongar Airport) from Kathmandu. It is believed to be one of the world’s safest airlines.

Accommodation and Food Lhasa is the historical and cultural center of Tibet. There are comfortable hotels and restaurants and you will be able to access and avail of modern amenities. However; as you travel farther from Lhasa to other towns and remote places the accommodations, food and amenities will be basic and you will be living more on Tibetan way. On camping treks we supply you with the best camping equipment, food, and service facilities that are available here; but please bear in mind that in rural and remote areas facilities are much lower than you would expect in your own country. Our cooks have several years’ experience

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preparing food for foreign clients but are best at preparing Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. Vegetables of every type and variety, meat are readily available in Lhasa and other major towns.

It is a good idea to take a good quality multivitamin to supplement your diet since a supply of vegetables and fruits may not be readily available in some remote areas while on trek.

Personal Packing List For clothing, we suggest casual style and layered clothing because temperatures in Tibet vary greatly during a day. Down Jacket is necessary if you go beyond Lhasa and Shigatse to remote areas, e.g. the Everest Camp or further to Mt.Kailash. Sun glasses, sun block, moisture cream are necessary, too.

For snacks, 2 liter of water each day, and some snacks. We also suggest the energy drink Red Bull is a great energy boost while traveling in Tibet.

For medicines, we suggest that you take some pain-killer pills with you and enough medicine for colds, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will be of great help for those who are sensitive to chilly weather conditions. Please consult your doctor prior to your travel to Tibet. Medicine is a must for travelers to Tibet.

Local Guides in Tibet Our guides are local. They are born and raised in the regions we visit so they know all the potential difficulties and how to avoid them. They are highly trained, speak English and know the local myths, traditions and history which they will share with you. Wherever you travel, our guides accompany and make the trip memorable and extraordinary.

Physical Preparation Being physically prepared for your trekking trip is essential. We recommend you begin a regular physical exercise well in advance of your trip, especially if you live at a low elevation. Include some day hikes in your regimen, working up to the maximum suggested number of hours for your intended trek. Wear the gear that you plan to take on your trip, so you know you will be comfortable in it. In particular, break in any new equipment (boots and pack, for example) before you go. Even if you do not plan to go on extended treks, regular exercise will help protect you from altitude sickness. If you are planning to take more challenging treks, you should have a high level of physical fitness. You should be engaged in regular aerobic exercise - for example, swimming, cycling, running, or hiking while carrying a load on your back. Stamina is a key aspect - both physical and mental. Remember that altitude is a significant factor, and a slow but steady pace is the best way to endure in the mountains.

Altitude Sickness Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the biggest medical problem while trekking in Tibet. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows: Lose of appetite Weakness, Fatigue, Lassitude, Heavy Nausea, Vomiting legs Insomnia/Sleeplessness Breathlessness and breathing irregularity Dizziness, Light headiness, Confusion, Slight swelling of hand and face Disorientation Reduced urine output Persistent Headache

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You are advised to stop ascending if any of the above symptoms appears, otherwise more serious problems may occur and even cause death sometimes within just a few hours. The only remedy for the Altitude Sickness is to walk to a lower altitude. As the experience of most trekker, ascending no more than 300-500m per day above 3000 meters and having plenty of rest during trekking are the best methods for prevention of AMS.

Clothing, Equipments & Personal Things Lightweight walking boots or trekking shoes, if you plan to buy a new pair, please wear them for some days at home to avoid blisters. Also, bring spare laces and cotton shoe-pads. Women’s sanitary pad is a very good material to put into your shoes to take the sweat away A pair of normal walking shoes. You can wear them in the camp at night Warm jacket. Fiberfill or down should be adequate. If you trek is in April, May, late September or October, a down jacket is a must. Sometimes the temperature at night is Zero or even below Zero. November to next March is winter. It is too cold and not suitable for trekking A rain-proof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get one that is guaranteed waterproof. Don’t forget to prepare a rainproof bag for your backpack as well Woolen shirts and thick sweaters A pair of light weight trousers, the loose cotton pants is recommended. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks. Windproof/waterproof trousers are necessary on all treks going above 10000 ft. Wear warm trousers in the morning and at night Thermal underwear: these are excellent to sleep in at night. In the winter months thermal underwear are quite invaluable 2-3 cotton T-shirts, and it is better to have one long sleeved-shirt for avoiding sunburn 1-2 towels for removing the sweat on your back and head Wear a woolen hat in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item. A sun hat and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck A pair of gloves Several pairs of thin and thick woolen socks Cotton underwear

Trekking Gear Duffel bag to carry gear while trekking Day pack: this is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g., toilet items, camera film, towel, soap, etc Water bottle Sunglasses and snow glasses 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage Wallet and/or money belt with compartment for coins Toiletries with large and smaller towels. Toilet paper can be bought in Lhasa and some villages in the mountains Small headlamp or torch with spare batteries and bulbs, a box of matches or lighter to light the fire while cooking or burn the garbage

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Snow gaiters is essential in April, May and October, December at the beginning and the end of the winter for the snow on the mountain somewhere is deep to your knee A sewing box with needle and thread can help you sew something Camera, enough batteries(the batteries run fast in low temperature.), a note book, a pen, a pocket knife, an inflatable sleeping mat, a trekking map, GPS, etc are optional if you want to take them

Private Driver and Vehicles Our drivers have many years of driving experience in the areas and are very reliable. With Trek Himalayan, you can assure that we only use the highest quality vehicles available. We use mainly Toyota land cruisers, to ensure we get to our destinations as swiftly and smoothly as possible, as well as allowing freedom and flexibility to stop and look around or stretch your legs.

The tour in Lhasa city and around, we usually choose to use a minivan as the road condition is pretty good, and those places with poor road conditions or remote areas, we offer 4WD off road vehicles.

ATMs & Currency The currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Renminbi (RMB). Once you enter China, money can be exchanged at airports, hotels and banks. In Tibet, the only place to change foreign currency and traveler’s cheques is the Bank of China. The top end hotels in Lhasa have exchange services but they are only available for guests and exchange rates can be lower. The sensible thing to do is to change as much money in Lhasa. There are only a few other places (such as Shigatse) to change money. If you travel to remote places, carry your cash in small denominations. Several ATMs in Lhasa and Shigatse accept foreign cards. The Bank of China accepts Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and Plus. The Agricultural Bank accepts Visa, Plus and Electron

Road Condition Recently, the road conditions in Tibet are much better than before, especially in the cities and between the towns. Most of the famous sightseeing places have asphaltic-paved road, such as Lhasa area, Tsedang, Nyingchi town, Gyangtse town, the second largest city of Tibet-Shigatse, Nacku, Chamdo etc. But nowadays even in some remote areas, such as Mt. Kailash the road condition has been improved.

Tipping Your Logistic Staff Tips are expected at the end of your trip. Please note USD 15 per person per day is current affairs. Your Tour Leader will explain more on this upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

Extension

 Jungle Safari  Bungee Jumping  Mountain Flight  Paragliding  Yoga/Meditation & Spa