Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter 9 Days

Please Note:

• We strongly advise to keep a provision of 2 – 3 extra days to overcome any delays.
• Due to the nature of travel, there is always the possibility of change in the schedule. We or our associates shall not be liable for any such delays.
• We or our associate agents have the right to change the Itinerary in the event of adverse weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
• The group shall be required to follow the itinerary strictly. The entire group will enter and exit together as per schedule.
• In case of any alteration in the itinerary for reasons beyond our control, every effort shall be made to provide lodging / boarding etc. to the guests and the best available efforts shall be made to make alternate arrangements however under such circumstances, all additional charges shall be borne by the guests.

INDIAN PILGRIMS ABOVE 70 YRS. ARE GENERALLY NOT ALLOWED TO UNDERTAKE KAILASH YATRA, however special permission may be granted with strict conditions as mentioned below:

Participants over 70 years can also apply for permit by completing the following formalities/ conditions:

• Medical certificate from an Indian Government Hospital certifying that participant is fit to travel above 4000 meters.
• Application letter by participant signed by 2 direct relatives.
• There must be 2 direct relatives travelling with the participants.
• Participants suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma are prohibited from applying for permits.
• Penalty: In the event of death of participant over 70 years, there shall be a penalty of USD1000 to be paid to FEC by the relatives of the participant travelling together.
• The decision to allow permits for 70 years and above shall be made by FEC after studying all the relevant documents.

PML HOLIDAYS advantages during Kailash Yatra:

• Services of a qualified high altitude medical doctor stationed at Mansarovar to ensure the guests remain in good health.
• Services of a priest stationed at Mansarovar to help you perform Pooja etc.
• Services of an accompanying experienced Nepalese escort with 15+ years of experience throughout Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
• Pure vegetarian meals prepared by our expert cooks well experienced in cooking Gujarati, North and South Indian cuisine - ample variety during meals (except during Kailash parikrama).
• Provision of Gamow bag, medical oxygen cylinders, pulse oximeter and first aid kit during Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, on need basis.
• Down jacket on returnable basis to all pilgrims.
• Duffel bag and shoulder bag to each pilgrim on complimentary basis.
• Yatra completion certificate to all successful pilgrims who undertake the Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• ZERO casualty record since its inception - the best in the industry!

Travel Tips for Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:

Visa & Documentation:

• All foreign nationals willing to undertake Kailash Mansarovar Yatra including Indians require a VISA to enter Tibet. One must be in possession of a valid passport for another six months to obtain Chinese VISA.
• All Foreign Nationals must obtain China Tourist Visa (L - Visa) from their home country before arriving in Kathmandu. However, we will require a scanned copy of all guests’ passports at the time of booking the trip (which should be at least 45 days in advance), to apply for the necessary travel permits.
• For Indian passport holders, we shall be sending you VISA application form in advance and you will have to send it back to us, duly filled. Also, we shall require your original passport in New Delhi approx. 20 days prior to group’s arrival date in Kathmandu to apply for the group VISA with China Embassy in India.
• Kindly be informed that the VISA is not stamped on your passport rather it will be on a separate piece of paper issued by Chinese Embassy because it shall be a Group VISA.

Accommodation:
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra falls probably in the world's most remote part. Most of the time, you would be away from modern civilization. One must be well equipped and self-contained. The group shall stay overnight in guest houses / hotels.

• Guest house accommodation wherever available will be very simple with a cozy room (dormitory at most of the places having 4 to 12 beds) with common bathrooms but no toilets. Hot water will be provided in every room for refreshing and for drinking by our Sherpa team.
• Soaltee Westend, Karnali Resort and Purang Himalaya Hotel have attached toilet facility.
• Parmarth Ashram at Mansarovar is without toilet / shower facility – one will have to use either our toilet tent or shall use the open space to answer the call of nature.
• Dirapuk Hotel has no toilet facility – one will have to use open space.
• Zuthulpuk Guest House is without toilet / shower facility – one will have to use open space to answer the call of nature.

Recently, some good hotels have come up at Saga, Mansarovar and Darchen which can be booked with a supplement cost if entire group wishes to stay in upgraded hotels.

Food:
Inside Tibet, we take care of meals including breakfast, lunch & dinner with occasional tea break. While in guest houses, meals would be served to you in dining tent. This tent also serves as our meeting place & living hall. Bed tea will be served in your guest house with a wake-up call. Hot breakfast will be set in dinning tent/ dining hall. Once Sherpa team pack-up their equipment, please get one thermos flask filled with hot water for enroute journey. A light packed lunch will be served on the way. The food is simple and pure vegetarian. We provide two bottles of mineral water per person per day with our compliments except during 3 days of Kailash parikrama.

Transportation:
From Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and back; and Nepalgunj to Simikot and back, you will fly by scheduled flights however from Simikot to Hilsa and back, you will be flying by chartered helicopters. All these flights are strictly subject to seater conditions and there may be instances when half the group is left behind. From Sher till Hor Que, you will be carried by a Luxury Bus. From Hor Que onwards, transportation shall be by a battery-operated green bus - to be provided by CIPSC. There will be a separate support truck to carry the camping equipment and sherpa staff members. During the Kailash Parikrama, we will provide Yaks to carry the camping equipment and your personal heavy gears (one bag per weighing max. 15 kg per person only). A Yak or Pony can be hired for you to ride on direct payment basis. (Yaks are not well domesticated and trained to ride on it).

Guide/ Escort:

A Tibetan/ English speaking guide will escort the group throughout the trip from Keyrung Border till Keyrung Border including few Nepali staff who will be taking care of your food requirements etc.

Clothing & Accessories:

Tibet is a dry cold country as such weather may change unexpectedly at any time. Plan your clothing in a way that you can wear layers of clothes. Depending upon the season, during June, July, August till September, daytime will be pleasant and quite warm with about 15-20 degree Celsius, during afternoon time 1-4 pm can be windy. The morning and evening will be chilly between minus 2 to 0 degree Celsius.

Photography:
As Tibet gets very bright sunlight due to thin air so taking photographs can be quite glare. Carry photography gear accordingly. Taking photographs inside monastery will be charged as per monastery rule. Please ask your guide before taking photographs inside the monastery. Taking photographs at Army Camps/Checkpoints is strictly prohibited. Charging can be done at Saga, Darchen and Mansarovar guest houses.

Equipment on Trip:

We also provide Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tents, Dining Tables, Folding Chairs and full kitchen utensils. The lodges / guest house provides quilts and foam mattresses for bed. Duffel bags and down jackets are also provided, however if you wish, you may carry your own too.

Medicine:
We suggest you bring your own first aid kit with adequate medication regarding altitude sickness, nausea, dehydration and some painkillers. 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 lakes, streams or rivers as your body is not conditioned for this. Since the dry cold winds tend to make the nose dry, keep your nose smooth by applying Vaseline. Keep your feet dry, never let it get wet. Keep your boots inside tents to keep them dry. Wearing cotton and wool socks in combination would be the best. Face, feet and hands must be well protected. Request your doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the following: Fever, Body and joint pains, Cold, Cough, Sore throat, Headache, Acidity, Stomach cramps, Vomiting, Dysentery, Loose motion, Constipation, Diarrhea, Swelling, Muscle Pulls & Sore eyes.

In addition to the medicines for above, your first aid kid should include following:

Vaseline, Band Aid, Cotton, Badge roll, Dettol, Mouth freshener, Nose inhaler, Toilet paper, Rubber bands, Dust cover (face mask), Cough drops, Lip balm, Vicks, Elastoplast, Adhesive tape, 4" crepe bandage & OAS powder - useful for adding to your water bottle and for fluid replacing purposes.

Make a separate pouch for the first aid kit with a list of medicines and their appropriate usage. It is advised to carry glucose and glucose-based items (mints, toffees, mini chocolates bars for periodical consumption at high altitude for energy. Multi-vitamin and vitamin C tablets are required for daily consumption as a routine.

Altitude Sickness:

Acute mountain sickness is a frequent problem in the Himalayan region. The altitude of the peaks and trails between them are among highest on earth. Acclimatization to altitude above 3000 meters takes time. The body undergoes a few physiological changes, some of which are immediate like increased pulse rate & respiratory rate. Others appear more slowly over a period of weeks like the change in acid balance and production of extra red blood cells. These changes plus the effect of intense sunlight, walking hard & dehydration may cause a number or mild vague symptoms such as Loss of appetite, fatigue, headache, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, sleeplessness, mild shortness of breath with exercise.

The best treatment is prevention! Avoid rapid ascents; take acclimatization symptoms seriously using rest days or Diamox tablets. If symptoms are severe and the patient is ill DESCEND IMMEDIATELY, 300 meters of descent or more should be sought. This usually gives rapid improvement.

To minimize altitude sickness, never rush into things, walk slowly and firmly. The uneven ground, steep slopes and slushy banks are full of potholes. Do not combine walking and sightseeing together. Inspect your track in front and trek slowly.

Physical Fitness:

Before booking this Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with us, you should be in sound good health preparation for this trip. We advise bit of exercise like morning or evening walking or jogging. Each pilgrim should ensure that he/she is medically fit and is not suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, heart disease or epilepsy since such conditions might prove fatal at high altitudes. Medical fitness is of utmost importance. Pilgrims should complete the medical tests and seek expert medical opinion regarding their fitness to undertake the pilgrimage at high altitude from their respective doctors.

We would require a medical certificate from every individual stating that the person traveling is fit to travel at high altitudes.

Insurance & Emergency Expenses:

We highly recommend you to be protected against medical, accidents & necessary emergency evacuation. Please ensure that your insurance covers evacuation at high altitudes. Also be informed that air evacuation (evacuation by helicopter) is not possible in Tibet as such guest requiring emergency evacuation will be transferred by surface to nearest evacuation point in Nepal side after giving the necessary first aid. Any Emergency arrangement other than regular tour itinerary service should be borne by the clients themselves.

Please note that our Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour does not include any rescue or evacuation expenses in emergencies hence it is advised to be properly insured against any kind of risk.

Please note:

• If you are asthmatic or have any kind of breathing problem, you should not travel.
• Take advice of your doctor before undertaking this high-altitude pilgrimage & always keep your usual/prescribed medicines (if any) along with basic medicines for fever, nausea, dehydration, vomiting body ache and headache.
• Use very strong and rough bags to pack your belongings & don't keep the fragile items in your bag which have to be carried on the Yak. A duffel bag is advisable. No hard-shell suitcases please.
• Don't forget to bring some edibles like sweets, chocolates, glucose, candies, mints, khakra, laddu / pinni etc.
• Engage yourself in fitness exercise like aerobics every morning. Two things would help. 1. Breathing exercises (to increase your lung capacity. Pranayama would help) 2. Running/ fast walking. It would be good if you could do this on treadmill on Incline.  Like they say, “the more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war. Though this is certainly not war, working out will help you enjoy the trip a lot more.”
• Please do not expect luxury on this tour however as far as possible, our Sherpa team will ensure you the best journey/stay with us in this tough terrain, keep in mind that this tour is based on very basic infrastructure.
• It is always advisable to insure yourself against personal loss, injury/accident, death and emergency evacuation. Make sure that your policy covers Emergency Evacuation by Helicopter at high altitude treks.
• As there is no Hindu Temple at Holy Lake and Mt. Kailash as such no priest is available however, we shall have a priest stationed at Mansarovar to help you perform spiritual activities like Puja etc.
• If possible, arrange your Chinese Yuan (which you might require to buy some souvenir or to pay for pony etc.) in your own country or in Nepal as on the borders, exchange rate might differ. Alternately, you can carry US$ with you which can be easily converted but Indian Currency notes are not acceptable in Tibet. Do not carry Indian Currency Notes of 200 and 500 denominations as these are not acceptable in Nepal and cannot be exchanged. Also, they are not considered legal. PLEASE DO NOT CARRY THEM.
• Upon arrival at immigration desk at Tribhuvan International Airport, please request the immigration officer to put an entry stamp in your passport otherwise you’ll have to unnecessarily pay a penalty at Tibet immigration.
• Don't carry too many clothes.
• Always carry your passport, visa and insurance with you & keep the passport handy while traveling. Leave a copy of passport with us and another one at home.
• Please always carry your sweater / fleece, windcheater, waterproofs & water bottle.
• Please bring your water bottle to the dinner table for a refill. Always have water with you.
• Warm clothing & few other things can be bought in Nepal, they are of good quality.
• We advise all our guests to read the notes on acute mountain sickness carefully. Please note that this trip will take you to very high altitudes & one should take all the precautions seriously.
• We strongly advise all our guests to get an international travel insurance policy with evacuation provision.
• Please note that the Airport taxes on departure from Katmandu are not included in the cost.

Prior to Mount Kailash Parikrama:

• Start taking DIAMOX at least 2 days before starting your journey - once every morning after breakfast. It should be taken for 3-6 days. This is to minimize altitude sickness.
• Drink at least 3 liters of mineral water every day till you complete the Holy Yatra.
• Avoid riding Yak during Kailash Parikrama. A pony is preferred over Yak.
• Advise your requirements for Pony Hiring (available at an additional cost) to your tour guide at least a day before the beginning of Parikrama.

During Mount Kailash Parikrama:

• Walk slowly, don't compete with anyone and never lose your temper. This probably is going to be the toughest journey you have ever made so far.
• In case you feel any kind of breathlessness during parikrama, immediately inform our doctor or tour guide or sherpa staff & follow their advice.
• On the second day of parikrama, you will reach a height at Dolmala Pass where Oxygen level is very low. Do not stop/wait here for more than 5 minutes.
• During parikrama, you'll come across rivers and streams, you can wash your face occasionally with cold water. Avoid drinking water from streams or rivers enroute.
• As far as possible, try to walk. But, if you are riding a pony during parikrama, make sure that you hold it properly.
• On the second day of parikrama, you will see several clothes and prayer flags lying on the rocks, please don't touch the same.
• Walk carefully and guard yourself from slipping or falling to prevent fractures, sprains and muscle pulls.
• Do not combine walking and sightseeing together lest you fall or get hurt. Inspect the track in front of you and walk slowly.
• Travel in the group and do not leave anyone behind unless escorted.

While on the Holy Mansarovar Lake:

• Don't take a Holy dip in Holy Mansarovar Lake as the same is prohibited. You can take a bucket full of water from the lake to have a shower.
• If you face altitude sickness, do not proceed with parikrama because once you leave Mansarovar or Darchen and wish to come back from Parikrama due to any reason, there are no facilities available like stretchers etc.
• Even for Helicopter evacuation, you will have to drive to Nepal border, before evacuation can be organized and that too will depend on weather conditions.
• Don't forget to collect some white ringed stones from The Holy Lake as each stone is treated as "Shivalinga".

General Information during Kailash Yatra:

• If you smoke or consume alcohol, avoid it throughout the journey.
• Try and stay indoors while it is too windy or sunny.
• While staying in the guest house, avoid using public toilets (if available) as these are very dirty. It is advisable to use open area or our own toilet tents for toilet purposes, if available.
• Travel during Kailash Yatra with the TEAM SPIRIT and help your group members in case of any need or emergency.
• Please do not expect excellent vehicles in Tibet. The terrain being rough, vehicles may break down but do not panic, the drivers are expert enough to repair it. Repairs may take few minutes to a couple of hours but please maintain patience as we cannot leave group members behind.

General Considerations while packing for Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Pilgrimage Tour:

Keep the luggage weight and bulk down to a minimum. Baggage allowance on most international flights is 20 Kg's/44 lbs. You will only need two changes of clothes for Kathmandu. In Tibet, it is important to dress in layers. When it is hot you will only be wearing a base layer, when it gets colder you can add to this until you are wearing most of your clothes! During Kailash Parikarma, only one bag per person would be carried on Yak. It is advisable to carry your stuff in a duffel bag rather than suitcase or other normal bags. Following points must be kept in mind while preparing for & during the Holy Mount Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.