GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION FOR MT. KAILASH & MANASAROVAR YATRA

Every year thousands and thousands of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain pilgrims throng Mt. Kailas traversing remotest and toughest regions of the Himalayas in pursuit of spiritual realization. High altitude, rugged terrain and arid climatic condition make the journey a quite arduous. Bureaucracies, at times, also become quite complicated. Overall management of a pilgrimage to Kailas calls for a very skillful maneuver and support of highly skillful staff with state-of-art equipment.

We have been catering to the needs of a pilgrim for last 10 years. Due to our outstanding level of service over these years, Sharma Tours & Travels has the honor to be one of the most trusted and reliable partner for many prestigious organizations in India and abroad. Each year we have conducted Kailas pilgrimage tour for more then hundreds of Yatris, of many prestigious religious organization, private or Govt firms, families etc. In Tibet we have our own operation office and have teamed with very influential and expert staff members who play a very crucial part to make your journey hassle free and as enjoyable as it can be. Our Nepali supporting team is specially trained to work with religious tour groups. Each of our staff members are well versed with every religious aspect of the pilgrimage, this is a rare case in most of the agencies who are accustomed to work with non-religious westerners.

We would invite you to join us for your ultimate pilgrimage to Mt. Kailas and Manasarovar and set yourself free from the sins of life time and sanctify your spiritual life.

We have appended the following broad guideline and related information in order for you to plan your YATRA.

VISA & ENTRY PROCEDURE
For Tibet, we organize a group visa, and in order to do this we will need a copy of your passport at least two weeks prior to the commencement of your trip, followed by your original passport one week before the trip departure date. Tourism regulations in Tibet are subject to change without prior notice, as per current regulation Chinese Embassy issues visa on Monday, Wed and Fri. Incase of US passport holder there will be additional charge of USD 14 in addition to your tour cost.

For any national other then Indian will need a multiple entry visa for Nepal which can be obtained either from your nearest Nepalese consulate or on arrival in Nepal. If you are staying only 3 days in Nepal you are entitled to free visa.

TRAVELLING VIA NEPAL’S HUMLA REGION OF SIMIKOT
For those taking part in our programs via this region, will have to submit us their passport copies as early as possible, including mailing us 4 passport sized photographs at least a week prior to your arrival in Nepal, so that we can process the special permits for the HUMLA region.

GUIDE & OTHER SUPPORTING CREW
Throughout your time in Tibet you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable Tibetan guide who will not only act as an interpreter but will also provide a valuable insight into the Tibetan way of life. The whole trip is fully catered by our qualified and experienced crew from Nepal and a special Indian cook (or a Nepali cook trained on Indian food preparation). A support crew from Nepal contains one sardar (local tour leader), one cook (either an Indian or a Nepali) and other members of kitchen crew and Sherpa assistants. Numbers of support crew depends on the size of the group.

During your Holy Mt. Kailas parikrama, your luggage and food supplies will be carried by Yaks. Ponies are now available for hire during the Kailas Parikarma, and all payments regarding this should be dealt directly with the pony herdsmen. Our guide will provide the adequate translation if so required. On average you will require approximately INR 7000 – 8000 per person for the hire of either a Yak & Yak man or Pony & Pony man. There is no concept of sharing yaks or pony between any members of the group or your own family.

ACCOMMODATION
In Kathmandu you will be staying in a hotel on full board basis. This includes your breakfast, lunch and dinner, but does not include bed tea / coffee or beverages or any other room services. In Tibet sleeping and eating will be on tents unless specified otherwise in the itinerary. Where guest houses are mentioned in the program we endeavor to stay in the best possible accommodation, you should be aware that most of the guest houses in Tibet are quite basic. The bedrooms are usually very small; the shared bathroom facilities are often outside. At times, it may be necessary to stay in a dormitory with several other travelers if individual rooms are not available.

In Lhasa extension trips, accommodation in Lhasa will be at standard hotels or as specified in your individual itineraries. In other places along the route, accommodation will be in the best available hotels. Meals will either be in the hotel or at a restaurant of your choice (where available). Whilst on the road, lunch will be at one of the many Chinese tea shops along the way which generally serve a variety of noodle and vegetable dishes.

TRANSPORTATION
The roads in Tibet can at times become quite rough and impassable for many vehicles, so for this reason we use Land cruiser 4WDs. These vehicles are extremely reliable and will make the journey as comfortable as possible. For the section between Kathmandu and Tibet border transportation will be by comfortable private mini tourist coach. There will be a truck for carrying luggage, camping equipments etc.

A TYPICAL DAY
A typical day begins with a hot cup of morning tea, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After packing your bags and having a good breakfast, you board the vehicle and drive to next station for overnight halt, each day’s drive is approx 7-8 hrs depending on road condition.

While preparing breakfast our kitchen crew also prepares lunch at the same time and packs it in a hot case which shall be served on the way around midday. Drive continues after picnic lunch reaching the overnight halt place around late afternoon or early evening. Upon reaching campsite (or guest house) the kitchen crew will serve tea/coffee/hot water and some light snacks while other supporting staff set up tents. Dinner is served in a dining tent within 1 & 1/2 hr of reaching the camping site (or Guest house).

FOOD/DRINKS
Except on Lhasa extension trip your kitchen crew will provide tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Indian dishes. Food will be prepared either by an Indian specialist cook or a Nepali cook specially trained on Indian food preparation.

We use as much fresh produce as possible and our cooks and kitchen crew maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness and food preparation hygiene. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for.

To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of bread, puri, bhaji, corn flakes, fried potato, beaten rice, samosa, pakoda, halwa, upama and other dishes of Indian taste.

Lunch is generally a selection of Indian delicacies such as Dosa, Sambar, rice, seasonal vegetable curry, paratha, chole, puris, followed by selected sweet dishes and fresh fruits.

Dinner is usually assorted Indian dishes like rice, dal, seasonal vegetable curries, roti, salad, khichidi, papad, dosa and other item of Indian taste, followed by a variety of vegetable soups and completed with sweet dishes and fresh fruits.

During your entire tour in Tibet you will be supplied mineral drinking water. Refreshing drinks, dried fruits and assorted tits bits are kept in each car which you can take during day’s drive. Tea, coffee and other health drinks are also provided at all meals.

BEST TIME FOR TRAVELING
Despite the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau, the daytime temperatures are actually quite mild. Between April and November the average temperature ranges form 15-25 degrees Celsius and the skies are generally clear and blue. From July to August though there can be the odd shower during the day. The nights, however, can be very cold and temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius. During the day a light shirt or jumper and lightweight pants will be suitable, but a warm fleece or down jacket is recommended for the evenings.

The best time of year for Mt. Kailas tour is from April to the beginning of October.

HEALTH/VACCINATION
Vaccination requirements change frequently, so we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to your trip. We also recommend that each person carries their basic medicines. The main health consideration in Tibet is altitude related illness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. A supply of bottled oxygen is carried in the vehicle at all times should it be required. We also carry a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) in case of altitude sickness.

A supply of bottled oxygen is carried in the vehicle at all times. If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you consult your doctor about your suitability for traveling to Tibet before booking.

If you have any pre-existing medical condition, please consult your doctor before booking and bring adequate medication for any such condition. There are no inoculations required for Tibet, however, a rabies vaccination is recommended. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the most appropriate vaccinations or precautions to take.

We carry life saving equipments like Gamow Bag, Oxygen and a set of Medical kit. In the case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; you shall be driven by a land cruiser to the nearest Nepal – Tibet border as helicopter is not allowed to fly in Tibet. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu.

PLANNING & PREPARATION
If you are planning for the Holy Yatra, you should be aware that it is a rigorous and challenging trip where we have to spend all the time at high altitudes. So, at least 2 month regular practice is recommended either 2 hour daily running, swimming, or joining on a health club may help to complete the Yatra successfully. Reduce drinking alcoholic beverage & smoking habits. Consult your Doctor to assess the state of your health to function safely within your own limitations. In addition to the personal prescriptions by your physician, a First Aid Kit is essential for the travel.

RECOMMENDED LISTS OF CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
The clothing you bring will need to allow for both the warmth of the days and the chill of the nights. Following items are recommended to carry on such trip for your own protection and safety.

• Sleeping Bag down with inside extra cove
• Down Jacket, Polar fleece, Light quilted.
• Pure wool and thick cotton socks
• Thermal underwear (Inner-full fitting) wool or mixed combination.
• Warm trousers.
• Wool pullovers-polo neck, Flannel shirts.
• Warm light gloves, Snowcap(with ear covering)
• Wool monkey cap, Sun hats & scarves.
• Comfortable Trekking boots and Sandals.
• Sun / Snow glasses (UV protection).
• Towels-including small hand towel.
• Hot water bottle.
• Light Trek bag (for camera, and very essential things.) and duffel bag to keep
• your personal belongings.
• Rain coat with hood.
• Ladies can select other clothing materials as per her interest.
• Torch with spare cells & bulbs.
• Camera / film / Video camera: - as per the interest.
• Binoculars.
• Plastic mug/whistle/Unbreakable thermos.
• Swiss knife ( multi purpose)
• First aid box / personal medicine
• Walking stick.
• Dust Mask.
• Note book/pencil/pen.

It's not really necessary to spend a lot of money buying extra equipment and clothing before your trip. Warm fleece and woolen clothing is available quite cheaply in Kathmandu and down jackets, can be either bought or hired at very reasonable prices.

CUSTOMS:
There is no prohibition on still & video cameras, tape recorders or any other electronic equipment for personal use as long as they are declared in the customs declaration form at the point of entry. Export of art objects dating back prior to 1959 are prohibited & may be seized.

Additionally:
Once you finalized your plan to visit the Holiest Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar, be sure you are holding a valid passport. The copy of your passport should be sent to us at least 1 month prior to start your Yatra. It is advisable to carry extra money [In addition to the tour cost] for personal needs or emergency. Travel cheques, Indian currencies [except 500 and 1000 currency notes], credit card is accepted in Nepal. You can exchange your currency into Chinese currencies at the Chinese border. The unspent Chinese currency can be reconverted on return.

HEALTH PRE-CAUTION
Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces certain illness generally not encountered over the plains. Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness, irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, sex and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping dose and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. Some of the symptoms indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments. The best idea is to deliberately slow down all the activities and follows the following rules:

• Rest.
• Relax-do not exert, be excited.
• Reduce talking.
• Walk slowly – adopt one third of your speed and space.
• Keep your load light.
• Walk for 15 minutes and rest for 5 minutes.
• Whenever you feel uncomfortable, just stop; rest and relax.
• Ignore the sudden outbursts of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments.
• Observe silence with a smile.
• Never go too high and too fast.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, drugs and intoxicants.
• Consume plenty of liquids; never proceed with an empty stomach.
• Chant a prayer or visualize everything around to suit your pleasant thoughts or put on the earphones and listen to your favorite music, bhajans, chanting etc.
• Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over clothed than under protected. En-route avoid taking baths or drinking water from Lake Streams or rivers, as your system is not conditioned for this.
• Keep your boots/Ked inside tent. Protect yourself against dust and direct sunshine during the long stretches of driving. Face, feet and hands must be well protected.
• The uneven ground, steep slope and slushy banks are full of potholes. Do not combine walking and sight seeing together.
• Always listen to your guide or the one with experience. Never leave the group.

ROUTE & CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
The route from Kathmandu to Tatopani [Nepal-China boarder] is narrow and scary but most of it is black topped. The high altitude Tibetan terrain is dry, cold, windy and dusty. Night is colder rather than day. Torrential rains and strong icy winds is common feature. Flooding rivers and landslides are frequent. The average altitude is above 3,500M and the route covers many high altitudes pass.

NOTE:
• It is advisable to bring four-passport size photographs along with each of you'll as this may be needed, while obtaining the Tibet Visa or in case of other emergencies / eventualities.The above regulations and all visa fees are subject to change without prior notice.
• "PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY UNUTILISED SERVICES IS NON REFUNDABLE IN TIBET ON TOUR COST AS WELL AS ON AIRFARE."

BOOKING CONDITIONS
It is a fundamental condition of booking that you acknowledge that this is a journey into one of remotest and toughest regions of the Himalayas which requires some flexibility. The itinerary provided to you should be taken as a guideline only. Although every effort will be taken to keep to the given itinerary, we cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Govt. regulations/Interference (change in regulation and system etc), weather or natural casualties etc.

Your booking will be confirmed by mail or email once we have received:

• Down payment of INR 5000 PER PERSON for Indian nationals
• Down payment of USD 300 PER PERSON for other nationals
• Signed copy of booking form
• We much prefer that you pay the balance at least 2 weeks before the tour begins or upon arrival in Kathmandu before the trip departure.

PAYMENT INSTRUCTION
You can pay us using any of the following modes:

• transfer money to our given bank detail
• pay cash upon arrival
• pay by credit card

The tour will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so because of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances (force de majeure), such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war.

If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund all payments made to us, i.e. EXCLUDING the initial deposit amount. We shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as insurance, visas, vaccinations and other incidental costs).

In case of the journey broken of early return upon client's own wish or causes, STT shall not be liable to any refund of the days not utilized. Clients have to pay for the hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary.

You have to buy travel insurance which includes adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses, cancellation, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation.

All information and advice provided (vaccinations, climate, clothing, equipment, visas etc) is given in good faith but without any responsibility by us.

You agree to abide by the authority of the leader/guide assigned by Sharma Tours & Travels.

If you have a complaint that cannot be dealt with immediately, or you are not satisfied with the response please notify us in writing within 5 days of the tour completion. We shall try to agree on a settlement this process shall be governed by the laws of Nepal & Tibet.

We believe that booking for this tour is made after going through given booking conditions and are abided by.