Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

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PROGRAM GUIDE

Visa Process

Indian nationals do not require a visa for Nepal
Foreign nationals will require a 15 days multiple entry visa for Nepal which can be availed on arrival at Kathmandu airport, Nepal. A visa fee of $25 is payable along with two passport size photos
Visa for Tibet will be organized by yatra india. To facilitate this, original passport of Indian Nationals is required well in advance prior to the departure date. Details will be sent upon registration.
For Non-Indian Nationals, Tibet visa will be organized in Kathmandu

How to Prepare Yourself

Physical and mental fitness is essential on this trip as we will be travelling to a region of high altitude and extreme weather conditions. To make the most of this yatra, we strongly recommend that you start an exercise regime and develop a walking habit, at least a month prior to the trip which includes:

Daily brisk walking or jogging for 5 km
Yoga meditators are advised daily practice of Yoga

Smoking and/or drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited for the entire duration of the yatra

What to Pack

A complimentary duffle bag will be provided in Kathmandu, Nepal. You are required to repack all articles needed for travel to Tibet in this bag and leave the rest of your luggage behind at the hotel in Kathmandu.

In addition, a backpack is required to carry daily essential items. It will be the only piece of luggage allowed in the car during the travel. Rest of the luggage will follow on a truck.

We Advise you Pack the Following Items:

Rain-proof jacket with hood and pant 1 each
Woolen turtle neck sweater 1
Warm T-shirts /sweatshirts and pants 2 each
Regular clothing (please avoid saris/dhotis) 6 sets
Thermal inner wear 2 pairs
Wide rim hat 1
Woolen cap and scarf 1 each
Water-proof/resistant trekking shoes with a good tread /grip 1 pair (e.g. Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc.)
Thick woolen gloves 1 pair
Water-proof gloves 1 pair
Woolen socks 2 to 3 pairs
Cotton socks 2 pairs
Light weight single bed sheet 1
Camera (optional). Please note that video cameras are not permitted.
Down jacket with hood* 1
Sleeping bag suitable for temperatures around 0 Celsius* 1

*If you do not have a down jacket with hood and/or a sleeping bag, they can be made available to you at no additional cost, on a returnable basis in Kathmandu. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you will be required to reimburse the cost of the same.

Other Essential Items

Personal clothing
Toiletries
Inflatable pillow
Small flask
Sunscreen lotion (50 SPF or more)
General footwear
Towels
Regular prescribed medicines

Toilet tissues
Water bottle
Sun glasses
Snacks, chocolates, biscuits, nuts, etc.
Hand sanitizer
Powerful flashlight (with extra batteries)
Extra large plastic garbage bags 4 / 5 (to protect your clothes from moisture)

It is important to carry a personal medical kit with electrolyte packs, pain killers, muscle relaxant cream, band aids, knee-cap, Vaseline, medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion and any other necessary medication.

Currency

The currency used in Tibet is Chinese Yuan. US Dollars, Indian Rupees and all other major currencies can be converted to Nepalese rupee and Chinese Yuan in Nepal. Assistance with conversion will be provided in Kathmandu.

We recommend you convert a minimum of Rs. 15,000 to Yuan for personal expenses.

If you wish to hire either a pony or a personal porter, it will cost approx US$ 220 / Rs. 12,000 or US$ 120 / Rs. 6,000 respectively for three days. We recommend that you convert this amount to Yuan in addition to the amount mentioned above.

Indian currency is accepted in Nepal. Please bring only 100 rupee notes since it is illegal to carry 500 and 1000 rupee notes in Nepal.

Credit cards are not accepted for currency exchange OR anywhere in Tibet.

Communication

Pay phones are available in Kathmandu, Zhangmu, Nyalam and Saga. Airtel Roaming works fairly well till Lake Manasarovar. The yatra coordinator will be equipped with a satellite phone at Kailash for emergency communication.

Temperature and Weather

Weather conditions from May to September in Tibet can be expected to be dry and sunny, with precipitation in July and August. Day time temperatures can be as high as 22 degree Celsius in Tibet. However, the intense sun at high altitude can make it feel even hotter. There can be an incredible drop in temperature from early afternoon to evening time. The temperature at night can drop as low as 0 to -10 degree Celsius.

Precaution at High Altitudes

Lack of oxygen at high altitudes (over 2,500 m) affects most people to some extent. With an increase in altitude, the human body needs time to develop physiological mechanisms to cope with the decreased oxygen levels. This process is called acclimatization. During the trip, participants will be given simple, yet unique and tested practices for faster acclimatization. Diamox (Acetazolamide) tablets will also be given to overcome Altitude Sickness. Those allergic to sulfa drugs will be given an alternative medicine.

**A qualified staff especially trained to handle high-altitude sickness and other conditions that may arise, will accompany the group throughout the journey. The staff will be equipped with all necessary medications and equipment including life-saving oxygen cylinders and Gamow bags.

Amenities in Tibet - A must read

Tibet referred to as the highest region on earth, is also one of the least developed parts of the world. Being extremely remote and isolated, the facilities for pilgrims although being upgraded, are still very basic. Modern amenities are very hard to find in the hotels and guest houses in Western Tibet. The quality of accommodation will vary from place to place. It may be necessary at times to share a room with a few others or participate in an outdoor toilet adventure, or go without a shower for a few days. Rest assured, we will in every instance provide you with the best accommodation that the place has to offer. We have successfully taken thousands of people to these sacred places for many years now and we will always be there to support you and make the journey a pleasant one.

we offer this yatra with the intention of providing you with the opportunity to experience these sacred places in their true depth and dimension.

Registration Process

When you're ready to register, please submit the Application Form here or feel free to contact us, so we can further assist you with your registration
We require the below specified documents to proceed further with VISA processing & Travel arrangements
The completed application form
Medical fitness certificate
Passport size photos 4
Photocopies of your passport 3
Please send only the pages with your photo, passport validity details and address. Ensure that the photocopy of the passport is clear, especially the photograph
A color scanned copy of the passport will also be accepted via email
The validity of passport should be for a minimum of 180 days from the last date of the sojourn
PIO/OCI or any other ID cards are not accepted in Tibet. Please send only the copy of the passport
Applications are processed on a first-come-first-served basis.
We will send you a confirmation of your registration within two weeks of receiving your Registration form, required documents and medical reports.