KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA

Duration: 13 Nights 14 Days

Tour Summary:

Day 01: Kathmandu (1400m) – Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu (1400m) – Kathmandu sightseeing (4 hrs) and yatra preparation.

Day 03: Timure/Syabrubesi (2000m) or Kodari 1800m – Drive to Nepal-China border (165 km, 7 hrs / 120km).

Day 04: Kyirong (2700m) (Nyalam) – Complete border formalities, then drive to Kyirong (24 km, 1 hr)/ Nyalam.

Day 05: Kyirong (2700m) Nyalam (3650m)– Acclimatization Day with short walks.

Day 06: Saga (4500m) – Drive to Saga (250 km, 5 hrs).

Day 07: Lake Manasarovar (4500m) – Drive to Holy Lake Manasarovar, complete vehicle Parikrama (470 km,9 hrs).

Day 08: Darchen (4700m) – Perform rituals at Manasarovar, then drive to Darchen (40 km, 1 hr).

Day 09: Diraphuk (5000m) – Drive to Yamdwar, then trek to Diraphuk (12 km trek, 4-6 hrs).

Day 10: Zuthulphuk (4790m) – Trek over Dolma La Pass (5620m) to Zuthulphuk (22 km trek, 10 hrs).

Day 11: Saga (4500m) – Complete final trek (7 km, 2 hrs), then drive back to Saga (500 km, ~7 hrs).

Day 12: Kyirong (2700m)/Nyalam – Drive back to Kyirong (250 km, 5 hrs)/ Nyalam(250km).

Day 13: Kathmandu (1400m) – Complete border formalities, then drive back to Kathmandu (165 km, 6-7 hrs).

Day 14: Kathmandu – Depart from Kathmandu.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu

Your spiritual journey begins with a warm welcome at Kathmandu airport, complete with a Khada (traditional scarf). You will then be transferred to your 3, 4, or 5-star hotel, where you'll

settle into your twin-sharing accommodation. The day concludes with a vegetarian buffet dinner. You will spend the night at an elevation of 1400 meters.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today, immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Kathmandu, a city rich with world heritage sites and Hindu temples. After a vegetarian buffet breakfast, your sightseeing tour begins at 7 AM, lasting approximately 4 hours. You will visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the serene Jal Narayan Temple (Budhanilkanth, featuring the sleeping Vishnu), and the significant Gujeshwori Temple (a Shakti Pitha). After a vegetarian buffet lunch and dinner, a crucial briefing on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra will be held, covering final preparations and packing. You will stay overnight in Kathmandu at 1400 meters.

Day 03: Drive to Timure or Kodari by Bus (Nepal – China Border).

Following a vegetarian buffet breakfast and a Swastivachan ceremony for a blessed journey, your pilgrimage truly commences. You will embark on a 7-hour bus drive, covering 165 km, to Syabrubesi/Timure, located at the Nepal-China border. Upon arrival, you'll check into a tourist hotel offering 2-4 sharing accommodation. Vegetarian buffet lunch and dinner will be provided, and you'll spend the night at an elevation of 2000 meters.

Day 04: Immigration, Drive to Kyirong or Nyalam

After breakfast, a short walk takes you to Rasuwa Gadhi, the Nepal-China border. Once all immigration and customs formalities are completed on both sides, you will continue your journey by a bus for a 1-hour drive (24 km) to Kyirong. This beautiful small city, surrounded by the Great Himalayas, offers local temples to explore. You will be accommodated in a standard hotel on a twin-sharing basis, with all vegetarian buffet meals prepared by an own kitchen. The overnight elevation is 2700 meters at Kyirong / 3650m Nyalam

Day 05: Spend the Day at Kyirong (2700m)/ Nyalm (3650m) for Acclimatization

This day is vital for acclimatization to the higher altitude, as Kyirong is the starting point for this process. You are encouraged to take short walks around the area, visit local temples, enjoy shopping, and try Chinese food. It is also recommended to begin taking Diamox tablets to aid your body's adjustment. Your accommodation remains a standard hotel on a twin-sharing basis, and all vegetarian buffet meals are included. You will stay overnight at 2700 meters.

Day 06: Drive to Saga

After a vegetarian buffet breakfast, you will drive for approximately 5 hours, covering 250 km, towards Saga. The route will take you over Ghungtang-La (5236M), offering stunning views of old monasteries, beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and dense alpine forests. You will also catch a

glimpse of the holy Brahmaputra River. Your accommodation in Saga will be a 2 or 3-star hotel on a 2-4 sharing basis, with vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The maximum elevation reached today is 5236 meters, and you'll spend the night at 4500 meters.

Day 07: Drive to Lake Manasarovar

Today is an incredibly auspicious day as you drive towards the Sacred Holy Lake Manasarovar. You will experience your first breathtaking glimpse of Lake Manasarovar and a view of Mt. Kailash from Horchu. After completing local immigration formalities, you will continue your drive to complete the Lake Manasarovar Parikrama by vehicle. There will be opportunities to capture memorable group pictures with the magnificent backdrop of Kailash, Manasarovar, and Rakshash Lake. The stunning views and the potential to witness the galaxy at night will create cherished lifetime memories. You'll stay overnight in a mud house/guest house in Manasarovar on a dormitory sharing basis, with all vegetarian buffet meals. The overnight elevation is 4500 meters, and the drive covers 470 km in 10 hours.

Day 08: Puja, Hawan and Drive to Darchen

This is a deeply auspicious day for all Yatries, as being in the abode of God is a profound achievement. You will have the opportunity to bathe at the banks of the Holy Lake Sarovar, followed by Puja, Hawan, meditation, and other spiritual activities. After a vegetarian buffet lunch, you will drive 40 km (approximately 1 hour) to Darchen. Your accommodation in Darchen will be a standard hotel on a 2-4 sharing basis, with vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will spend the night at an elevation of 4700 meters.

Day 09: Drive to Yamdwar and Trek to Diraphuk (1st day Parikrama)

After breakfast, a short 7 km drive will take you to Yamdwar, the starting point for the Kailash Parikrama. After receiving darshan at Yamdwar, pilgrims will begin their first day's trek towards Diraphuk, a 12 km journey taking 4-6 hours. You have the option to trek by foot or hire a horse and porter. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by serene nature, the sounds of the flowing river, and views of Nandi Kailash. From Diraphuk, you will have the awe-inspiring darshan of the North face of Mt. Kailash. Do not miss the spectacular opportunity to witness the "GOLDEN MT KAILASH" as the first sunrays illuminate it in the early morning. Yatries not participating in the Parikrama will return to Darchen after Yamdwar darshan and await the trekking group. Accommodation in Diraphuk will be a guest house on a dormitory sharing basis, with vegetarian buffet meals. You will spend the night at 4950 meters.

Day 10: Trek to Zuthulphuk (2nd day Parikrama)

Today is considered the most challenging and significant day of the Parikrama. After a very light breakfast, you will continue your 2nd day of trekking from Diraphuk to Dolma La pass (5620m),

and then proceed to Zuthulphuk (4790m). This 22 km trek involves a strenuous 6-7 km steep climb up to Dolma La High pass, followed by a steep descent to a flat valley via Gaurikunda. You will then walk another 3-4 hours to Zuthulphuk. Even those who hired horses will need to navigate the steep ascents and descents. After conquering the toughest part of the journey, you can find local tea stalls to relax with a hot cup of tea or noodles. On the way, you will also see the East face of Mt. Kailash. Your accommodation in Zuthulphuk will be a guest house on a dormitory sharing basis, with vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The maximum elevation reached today is 5620 meters, and you'll spend the night at 4790 meters, with the trek taking approximately 10 hours.

Day 11: Trek to Ending Point and Drive to Saga (3rd day Parikrama)

This is the final day of trekking for the Parikrama. Wake up early for tea, coffee, and cookies. Your trek is approximately 7 km and takes around 2 hours to complete, leading you to the endpoint where your bus will be waiting. You will then drive to Darchen, marking the completion of the Parikrama circuit, and reunite with the other group members. After a vegetarian breakfast, you will begin your return journey to Saga, carrying wonderful memories and blissful lifetime experiences. Accommodation in Saga will be a standard hotel on a 2-4 sharing basis, with vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The overnight elevation is 4500 meters, combining 7 km (2 hours) of walking with a 500 km (7 hours) drive.

Day 12: Drive back to Kyirong

After a vegetarian breakfast, you will embark on a 4-hour drive covering 250 km back to Kyirong or the Timure Border. Your accommodation will be a standard hotel in Kyirong/Timure on a twin-sharing basis, with vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will spend the night at an elevation of 2700 meters.

Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu (Nepal)

Following a vegetarian breakfast, you will drive back to the China-Nepal Border. After completing all immigration and customs formalities at Rasuwa Gadhi, you'll take a short walk to your hotel at Timure. After a vegetarian lunch, you will continue your drive to Kathmandu. This journey typically takes 6-7 hours and covers 165 km. Your accommodation in Kathmandu will be a 3, 4, or 5-star hotel on a twin-sharing basis, with transportation by Jeep/Bus. You will have vegetarian buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, spending the night at an elevation of 1400 meters.

Day 14: Departure Day

Your sacred pilgrimage concludes today. After a vegetarian breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu airport for your onward journey.

Tour Cost Inclusive of:

1. Smooth arrival and departure transfers by comfortable tourist coach in Kathmandu.
2. Three nights of premium accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, including all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
3. Dedicated non-AC Nepali tourist coach for transfers between Kathmandu and the Nepal-China border.
4. Comfortable deluxe bus transportation for your journey from the Nepal-China border to Kailash and back.
5. All accommodation throughout Tibet is in well-appointed Tibetan Guest Houses or Hotels.
6. Critical safety provisions such as oxygen cylinders and an oximeter for your well-being at high altitudes.
7. All necessary China Tibet visa fees are covered.
8. Seamless processing of all entry, travel, and road permit fees required within Tibet.
9. The invaluable support of experienced Sherpas, a dedicated cook, and all essential supporting staff throughout your journey.
10. An expert Tibetan guide, along with yaks and yak handlers for carrying luggage during the parikrama.
11. Delicious Indian Vegetarian meals are provided consistently throughout your sacred yatra.
12. Guided visits to the revered Pashupatinath Temple and Sleeping Vishnu in Kathmandu.

Tour Cost Excludes:

1. Any beverages, snacks, souvenirs, or other personal expenses.
2. Nepal entry and re-entry visa fees for non-resident Indian passport holders.
3. Additional costs that may arise due to unforeseen events, like landslides during the monsoon season.
4. Rescue and emergency costs, including potential helicopter evacuations or jeep/ambulance evacuation in both Tibet and Nepal Part in case of Acute Mountain Sickness or any other kind of rescue (Full travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover these.)
5. The cost of hiring a yak or horse for personal riding during the parikrama which cost around $200 for per Yak / horse and $ 200 for per Yak man
6. Costs associated with visa splitting and extra transportation if any member chooses to exit the trip in Tibet before its scheduled conclusion and extra hotel cost in Darchen for those who don’t want to do Kora and wait at Darchen.
7. Tips and gratuities for supporting staff.

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra: Essential Packing List

• Prepare thoroughly for your journey to Mt. Kailash with this comprehensive packing list:
• Personal Medications: Bring an adequate supply of any prescribed medications along with a copy of your prescription. Keep them in their original packaging and easily accessible.
• First-aid Kit: Include essentials like pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, blister treatment, diarrhea medication, altitude sickness medication (if prescribed by your doctor), and any other personal needs.
• Hand Sanitizer: Essential for maintaining hygiene.
• Wet Wipes: Useful for cleaning when water is scarce.
• Sunglasses: High-quality sunglasses with UV protection are crucial due to the intense sunlight at high altitudes and reflection from snow.
• Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days.
• Lip Balm with SPF: Protect your lips from dryness and sun exposure.
• Water Bottles or Hydration Pack: Carry at least two 1-liter water bottles or a hydration pack to stay hydrated.
• Water Purification Tablets or Drops: As a backup for ensuring safe drinking water.
• Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark, especially in guesthouses or during early morning/late evening walks. Bring extra batteries.
• Camera and Extra Batteries/Power Bank: Capture the stunning scenery. Be mindful of potential cold affecting battery life.
• Adapter: China uses Type A, C, and I outlets. Bring a universal adapter if your devices use different plugs.
• Power Bank: Useful for charging electronic devices when access to electricity is limited.

Clothing (Layering is Key for May Weather)

• Thermal Base Layers (Tops and Bottoms): Two or three sets of moisture-wicking thermal underwear.
• Mid-Layers (Fleece or Wool Jackets/Sweaters): Two warm layers to trap heat.
• Outer Shell Jacket (Waterproof and Windproof): A high-quality jacket to protect against rain, snow, and wind.
• Outer Shell Pants (Waterproof and Windproof): Essential for protection against the elements. Consider full-zip pants for ventilation and easy layering over boots.
• Insulated Jacket (Down or Synthetic): For extra warmth, especially during colder evenings and at higher altitudes.
• Trekking Pants: Two pairs of comfortable and breathable trekking pants.
• T-Shirts: Several moisture-wicking t-shirts for warmer days or layering.
• Warm Hat: A beanie or wool hat that covers your ears to protect against the cold.
• Gloves: One pair of lightweight gloves and one pair of warm, waterproof gloves or mittens.
• Scarf or Neck Gaiter: Provides extra warmth and protection for your face and neck.
• Warm Socks: Several pairs of wool or thermal trekking socks.
• Comfortable Walking Shoes or Camp Shoes: For evenings and travel.
• Sturdy Waterproof Hiking Boots: Well-broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support are crucial for trekking.
• Trekking Poles (Optional but Recommended for knee problems): Help with balance and reduce strain on your knees, especially on uneven terrain.

Sleeping & Hygiene

• Sleeping Bag (Optional): A comfort rating of -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F) is recommended, as guesthouse accommodations can be basic with limited bedding for cold May temperatures at high altitudes. Extra blankets can often be requested in hotels.
• Sleeping Bag Liner (Optional): Adds extra warmth and hygiene.
• Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss:
• Shampoo and Conditioner: Consider dry shampoo to conserve water.
• Soap or Body Wash: Travel-sized or biodegradable options are best.
• Towel: A quick-drying travel towel.
• Toilet Paper: Bring your own as it may not always be available.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: Carry an adequate supply.

Other Useful Items

• Small Day Pack Bag: To carry during the hike around Mt. Kailash.
• Snacks: High-energy snacks like energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate to supplement meals during the trek.

Important Considerations for Travel

• Weather Variability: May in the Mt. Kailash region can experience a wide range of temperatures, from cold nights and mornings (possibly below freezing) to milder days with sunshine. Snowfall is still possible at higher elevations.
• Altitude: The entire region is at a high altitude, and the kora itself reaches altitudes of over 5,600 meters (18,400 feet) at the Dolma La pass. Acclimatization is crucial.
• Rules and Regulation: Pilgrims has to follow the rules made buy our guide and any decision made by our guide will be legitimate.
• Basic Accommodation: Expect basic guesthouses with limited facilities during the kora.
• Sun Exposure: The sun is very strong at high altitudes. Protect your skin and eyes diligently.
• Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for acclimatization and overall well-being.

Required Documents:

• A passport with a minimum of six months' validity from your travel date.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• A standard health certificate from your doctor is mandatory.

Physical Fitness & Preparation:

• This journey is categorized as a tour, not a strenuous trek or expedition. Therefore, no specific advanced level of fitness is strictly required.
• Anyone who feels healthy and possesses strong willpower can comfortably join this yatra.
• However, individuals with pre-existing cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before embarking on the trip.
• Engaging in light morning and evening walks, jogging, stretching, meditation, and regular exercise in the weeks leading up to the trip will significantly enhance your comfort during the journey.

Recommended Clothing & Gear:

Temperatures during the yatra can fluctuate significantly between day and night, ranging from a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius to a minimum of -16 degrees Celsius. Therefore, layered clothing is essential for adaptability.

Please ensure you pack the following items: woolen gloves, balaclava, sun hat, thermal wear, water bottle, woolen socks, towel, light jacket, sunglasses, sun cream, torch with extra batteries/bulbs, muffler, mask, raincoat, sweater, shirts/T-shirts, and comfortable trekking shoes.

Travel Insurance:

We highly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance. Your policy should ideally cover medical emergencies, emergency helicopter evacuation, loss of personal belongings, and trip cancellation.

Trip Booking & Payment:

• To facilitate timely visa approval and travel permit issuance, a minimum of 30 days' booking is required.
• A 50% advance payment of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking.
• Chinese Visa Application:
• Your original passport and two passport-sized photographs must reach our office in Delhi one week before your departure date for visa processing.
• Please note that Chinese authorities may reject visa applications for yatris above 70 years of age. If any client above 70 plus years wants to join in a group, we will try to apply for permit if rejected permit application fees of US$ 200.00 per person will be charged
• Minimum group size should be of 25 Pax and should be age of upto 70 years.

Important Notes:

• Indian currency notes of denominations INR 200, INR 500, and INR 2000 are illegal to bring into Nepal.
• Mt. Kailash tour is all regulate by Chinese Government so there may be delay in permit or visa in this case tour may have to postpone and extra accommodation and other cost born by delay have to be covered by clients.

*Cost is based on a minimum of 25 passengers so the costs will be subject to revison if and when the number of passengers increase or decrease and all the costs provided above are subject to availability.. Also the itinerary is tentative and might be modified as per the weather or the prevalent situation at the time of trip