Important Guidelines for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – Must Read
Every year, thousands of pilgrims undertake the 'yatra' which involves accommodation & trekking under inhospitable conditions. Holding significance for Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, it holds religious importance also for the Jains and the Buddhists as well. There are several factors which makes it tough hence adequately experienced agency can organize it in an efficient way based on their past experiences. Here are our Important Guidelines for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
Permit & Visa compliances
The yatra passes through Nepal & Tibet (an autonomous region of China). Tibet Travel Permit is difficult to get, and moreover, rules and regulation keeps changing very quickly from the competent Authority called “China India Pilgrimage Service Center (CIPSC)” without any prior notice sometimes. Tibetan government provides special Tibet Permit just for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, not for other parts of Tibet/China. Any delay in obtaining permits may delay for group departure hence arrival as well as. The visa & permit both get issued on a strict group basis means the entire group enter & exits together. Anyone, if wants to exit early for any reason, needs to pay an additional amount then & there in cash for group visa cancellation & re-issuance of the modified visa.
Natural Calamities
Being on high altitude & hilly terrain natural disasters can happen at any time, most importantly bad weather. This mostly affects Helicopter flights and may have to cancel flights & people get stuck on the route out of schedule. We keep a close eye on weather changes & forecasts & re-plan the tour as per the options. Needless to say, our priority is the utmost safety of our guests while re-scheduling the yatra due to any natural calamity.
High Altitude & Trekking
We need to be aware that we are traveling at a high altitude and moreover, trekking will be challenging because of difficult terrain, lack of oxygen at high altitude, bone-chilling cold & unpredictable rain.
Awareness about the above risk factors and proper guidance can help to prevent or overcome any difficulties that may happen during the travel. From our past 4 years of experience, we have learned a lot regarding traveling to Kailash Mansarovar. We believe that one must be aware of these factors before planning/traveling to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra so that you can make the best decision for yourself and make it the most memorable yatra of your life. Therefore, we are making this complete guideline to share with you and give awareness of what to expect before making a vital decision. We hope that you will find this guideline document helpful. Please feel free to call or write us if still any of your questions/doubts left un-answered in our guidelines.
Hotel Information
We prefer all the guests in a group to stay together in the same category of rooms. This of course makes it easy for us to manage the group more efficiently, but our main goal is for you to get to know your fellow group members. Since you will be going on a long journey, everyone needs a companion and support at all times. We have seen people who experience this divine spiritual journey together tend to be friends forever.
The hotel is based on availability, therefore we have listed more than one hotel below:
NEPAL SIDE
Helicopter Tour
- Kathmandu (Double Sharing): 3 Star/4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing): Hotel Lord Mirag Inn, Hotel Amadablam, Hotel Mahadev, or Similar
- Nepalgunj (Double Sharing): Hotel Cygnett Inn Krishna, Hotel Kalpataru, Hotel Sneha, or Similar
- Simikot (Multiple Sharing): Mansarovar Lodge or Similar
- Hilsa (Multiple Sharing): Mansarovar Lodge or Similar
Overland Tour
- Kathmandu (Double Sharing): 3 Star/4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing): Hotel Lord Mirag Inn, Hotel Amadablam, Hotel Mahadev, or Similar
- Syabrubeshi (Double Sharing): Hotel Malla or Hotel Trekkers/Similar
TIBET SIDE
Although the entire region is inhospitable but still unlike others, we provide Guest House at all places in Tibet side (no tents) for the same package cost. All Guesthouses will be based on sharing with Common Bath. Indian Style bathrooms are available at few locations.
- Kerung: Hotel Xsongde/Similar
- Dongba: Hotel Sisapangma/Similar
- Taklakot: Hotel Himalayan/Similar
- Mansarovar Lake: Chu Gompa Guest House/Similar
- Darchan: Hotel Himalayan/Similar
- Derapuk: Basic Guest House on sharing basis
- Zuthulpuk: Basic Guest House on sharing basis
Most of the places in Tibet are Guest House on sharing accommodation with basic facilities only.
Additional Costs
Ashtapad Visit (Must be paid directly to Chinese Guide and Travel in 4 person group) extra cost around INR 1500 Per Person.
Age Limit
The age limit is 70 years old but we are able to get Tibet Permit for people above 75 years also in the past. However, we cannot guarantee that permit will be issued. Also, we need a health certificate for above 70 years old Yatri.
Trip Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the trip price. It is a condition of booking a trip with
Global Connect Hospitality and your own responsibility to ensure that you are adequately insured for the full duration of the trip in respect of illness, injury, emergency coverage, death, loss of baggage, and personal items and cancellation and curtailment.
Global Connect Hospitality does not arrange any insurance. Please consult your local insurance company. Many health insurance companies do not cover while traveling to high altitudes. So make sure you are covered above 5000 meters altitude since Kailash Mountain base is higher than that. Nowadays, there are hospitals available in Tibet if in case of emergency.
You may check with an agent such as
Trawelltag Assist
Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Visa Process
The most important & complicated task in planning Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is getting Permit & Visa on-time. Be assured, it’s our responsibility and you do not need to worry about it. Here is the workflow of the process:
Step 1.
For a Group Tour, we will apply for Tibet Permit for which we will use the passport copies that you have sent us earlier while booking. Please note that Tibet Authority does not give us a fixed date to approve the Permit. However, usually, it takes 15-20 days prior to the yatra.
Step 2.
As soon as we get the Tibet Travel Permit approved, we will let you know.
For Indian Passport Holder: We will ask you to send your original passport to our Delhi Office. We will collect all group's passports and apply for Visa at once since it is a Group Paper Visa. To get the Group Paper Visa, it usually takes 3-4 days (working days).
For Non-Indian Passport Holder: We will apply for a Chinese Visa when you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal. It takes 3-4 working days at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu to process the visa.
Step 3.
For Indian Passport Holder Only: Once the Visa is approved, we will send you the Passport back to you Nepalgunj/Hilsa.
Therefore, since it takes time, we suggest our Yatris book as early as possible, so that your yatra can begin on your desired departure date.
IMPORTANT:
Sometimes we may NOT have enough time to send you passports after getting Visa. In such a case, we will give you a passport in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj. Indian Nationals do not need a Passport to come to Kathmandu or Nepalgunj since they do not need a Nepalese Visa. You just need to carry a Voter ID Card in the original. Foreigners (other than Indian passport holders), can get their Nepali Visa upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport.
I already have a Chinese Visa stamped in my passport, do I need Visa again?
If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get your Tibet group visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. Whether you already have a Chinese visa or not, a Tibet group visa is compulsory for all tourists entering Tibet from Nepal.
Cancellation Policy
It is our most important aim that you enjoy your holiday and that we earn your trust. However, we are not responsible for any cancellation due to any industrial disputes, Technical failure of any type of transport we use, loss of earnings, late arrivals or force majeure, or any items beyond our control.
Any time after booking, if you wish to cancel your trip, you must notify
Global Connect Hospitality in writing. Once we receive your notice, the cancellation will take effect subject to the following:
- Cancellation takes place in before 101 days prior to your departure date, your 97% payment will be refunded.
- Cancellation takes place between 100 days to 30 days prior to your departure date, your payment will be refunded except the non-refundable deposit of INR 9999/USD 150.
- If Cancellation takes place between 29 days to 11 days prior to your departure date, your payment will be refunded except the cancellation charges of INR 35000/USD 500.
- Cancellation takes place between 10 days to 2 days prior to your departure date, your payment will be refunded except the cancellation charges of INR 75000/USD 1100.
- Cancellation takes place within 2 days prior to your departure date, 100% of the amount will be charged at cancellation charges hence no refund.
Preparation before Arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal
Money in Kathmandu & Tibet / Personal Expenses
-
- Indian Rupees are not accepted in Tibet. We will exchange the amount to Yuan (Chinese Currency) for you upon your arrival. You must let us know upon Kathmandu/Nepalgunj arrival on the first day so that we can proceed immediately.
- It is suggested to carry a minimum CNY (Chinese Yuan) 3,000 extra money for any emergency.
- In Tibet only CNY (Chinese Yuan) is acceptable. You may easily exchange USD or INR to CNY in Kathmandu OR in Kodari (Nepal-Tibet Border).
- Most of the Yatri exchange their money in the Nepal-Tibet border.
- Any un-used CNY may be re-exchanged in Kathmandu.
Tentative Currency Exchange Rate
- The US $ 1: 6.0 Yuan (Chinese Currency)
- Yuan 1: Rs.11 (Indian Currency)
- The US $ 1: Rs.71/-(Indian Currency)
(Credit cards are not accepted in TIBET)
Things to Carry General Considerations when Packing:
Keep the weight of your luggage to a minimum. Baggage allowance on most international flights is 15-20 Kg. Most people tend to bring more clothes than they do actually need. You will only need one change of clothes for Kathmandu/Nepalgunj. On the trek, 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! It is advisable to carry your stuff in a duffel bag rather than a suitcase or other normal bags.
What kind of items to carry while traveling?
You have to take warm clothes like a sweater, trousers, thermo-coat, cap, trekking shoes, high-neck, gloves, etc. We recommend that you bring the following items to make your journey more comfortable clothing for both extremes of climate and temperature. While driving to Kailash, it will be warm inside the vehicle and light clothing will be required. But as soon as you step out of the vehicle, warm clothing will be required to keep off the cold winds of the Tibetan Plateau. The evening will be generally cold and warm clothing will be required.
We recommend that you bring the following clothing and accessories with you:
Clothing
- Towel / Washing Kit - 1/1
- Warm Thick Pullover – 1
- Wind Proof Jacket/Rain Coat-1
- Pants-4/ Monkey Cap and Sun Heat
- Cotton Full Sleeve T-Shirts - 2
- Thermal Under paints/Long - 2
- Thermal Vest/Warm Full T-Shirt - 2/2
- Trekking Shoes/Light Tennis Shoes and Light Rubber Sandal - 1/1
- Warm Woolen Shocks - 5
- Warm Gloves - 1
- Large Cotton or Silk Scarf - 1
Accessories
- Torch Light With Extra Batteries
- Sun Glass/Sun Hat
- Water Bottle (2Ltr. Capacity)
- Strong Sun Cream
- Moisturizer Cream
- Lip Balm
- Toothpaste and brush
- Hand Sanitizer
FIRST AID MEDICAL KITS
We highly recommend you consult your own doctor before you start the trip and bring the Medications as per his/her advice. However, the following items are worth full to bring:
- Diamox – 20 tablets *paracetamol (crocin)
- Pain killer
- Eye drops for burning eyes *multivitamin pills
- Muscle relaxant *antibiotic
- Motion sickness and high altitude sickness medicine
- Vicks vaporub *water purification tablets
FREE Gifts from Global Connect Hospitality
Global Connect Hospitality will provide a Jacket, Duffle bag, and backpack wherein the Jacket is returnable.
Who will Travel with Us from Global Connect Hospitality?
Our Sherpa team, Nepali guide, and Cook will be with you all the time in Tibet.
During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra / Tibet Side Vehicles / Transportation
- Nepal Side: We will provide decent transportation by AC Small Car/Bus.
- Tibet Side: We provide Luxury AC Coach.
Meals / Food
We will provide you breakfast, lunch, dinner (vegetarian), cooked by our professional and trained cook. We will provide you delicious pure vegetarian Indian meals during the entire trip. Some of the food are Daal, Chawal, Roti, Sabji, Papad, Khichadi, Fruits, Juice, mineral water, Coffee, Tea, Milk, Cornflakes, Kheer, etc as per the availability. We still recommend you to bring sufficient supplementary food like chocolates, biscuits, Nuts, Bhujhya, and your tinned products to add varieties to the meal.
Asthapad / Nandi Parvat Visit Asthapad:
Is Asthapad included in our Yatra?
No for Overland Package. Yes, for Helicopter Package. For Asthapad Visit, it is controlled by the Chinese Government and sometimes may not allow entering due to safety reasons. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the Asthapat Visit. You have to pay a little extra to visit Asthapad, Nandi Parvat which is about INR 1500-2500 only.
Parikrama: Inner & Outer
What is the difference between Inner Parikrama & Outer Parikrama?
The regular Overland and Helicopter is actually only outer Parikrama which is easy to complete. However, for Inner Parikrama, it takes longer and it is quite challenging. Please make sure you are healthy enough to do the Inner Parikrama. We do not recommend it for anyone above 60 years old unless they are solid health conditions. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary and departure date for Inner Parikrama.
How much do I have to walk during Parikrama? What about Horse?
If you cannot or do not want to go for Kailash Parikrama by foot then you can hire a horse and horseman for 3 days by paying extra (around INR 20,000-25,00) per person which you have to pay directly to Chinese Guide. We cannot take the Horse Payment as we cannot guarantee. This rate may vary during travel time, hence there is no rate available. Also, the availability of horses is not guaranteed.
Even you hire a horse, you have to walk at least 2-3 hours
Can I choose not to complete Parikrama?
Yes, you can choose not to go for Parikrama at all. Darchen is the base camp. If some of you do not want to go Parikrama then they have to stay at Darchen until everyone returns. We will provide accommodation guest houses and food for those not going for Parikrama. Global Connect Hospitality staff will be there to arrange accommodation and meals.
Mobile Phone in Tibet Mobile Phone:
How to keep in touch with our friends & family during the trip?
sim card doesn't work on the Tibet side but there will be shops at the phone center on the way to Kailash Yatra. You can take your mobile with you and buy a sim card there to call your family and relatives. You can also activate international roaming to get in touch with your family and friends. You can also find Wi-Fi facilities in the hotels in different locations.
Full Moon Departure
What‘s special about Full-Moon departure?
There are several reasons why Yatris choose Full-Moon:
- In Tibet, all the Festivals happens during Full Moon (especially Saga Dawa Full Moon Festival: the holiest day in Tibetan Buddhism)
- Full-Moon in Mansarovar: Many Yatris prefer doing puja during the Full Moon (Purnima)
- Many want to see a beautiful view of a full moon over Mount Kailash
Highest Altitude during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will take us from 130m to 5700meters. The lowest point will be Nepalgunj/Kathmandu, our starting point at 130m, and the highest point will be Dolma La Pass, on the second day of our Parikrama around Mt. Kailash, at approximately 5700m height. After our entry into Tibet we will be at 3800m for a day for acclimatization, then climb to 4400m, then 4600 around Lake Manasarovar. On the second day of the Parikrama around Kailash, we will be at almost 5000m. Around 10 days of our time in Tibet will be at an altitude above 4000m.
Altitude Sickness
As guests are traveling over high territory, Guests are likely to experience symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite, nausea, exhaustion, sleeplessness, breathlessness, etc.) until their body adjusts to the elevation. This can take a couple of days or more depending on an individual. Because of this itinerary has been made to stay at the place above 9000ft for at least 3 nights before moving on to the higher altitudes.
FAQ
Drinking-Water
Yes, during the entire Yatra we will provide you a free supply of Mineral Water.
What kind of food?
During the yatra, we serve pure veg meals.
Is Internet connection available in Tibet?
Yes! There is a Wi-Fi connection available in Nepalgunj, Taklakot, Darchen, etc.
Can I book a pony for one day Parikrama only?
No. The rule of the Pony owner and Porter Union there is clear that Pony and/or Porter can be hired for full three days and not a partial trip. Also, the money has to be paid in advance and no refund is possible if you return back in two days’ time instead of doing the full three days Parikrama. However, sometimes it is possible to get a pony/porter for just one day during Parikrama; the price will be exorbitant though.
Temperature / Weather
The temperature variation will be between -5 to 25 degrees Celsius. At night it gets chilling cold. During the day, if the Sun is out, it gets around 20 to 25 degrees. During driving days, it gets very stuffy inside the vehicle as the windows have to be kept closed due to dust. However, outside it may be very cold and windy. So while you are inside a vehicle during driving days keep your down jacket handy when you step out of the car. Inside the vehicle, you may need to take off your warm clothes.
Dip in the Holy Mansarovar lake
No, as per the authorities they don’t allow anyone to take a dip inside the holy Mansarovar Lake however they allow to take bath with a bucket on the bank of the Lake.
Collect water from the holy lake
If anybody wishes to collect the water himself/herself, then on our return trip after parikrama when we stop at the holy lake you can do so.
SPECIAL NOTES:
We are a reputed Company to sending Yatris to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Sometimes, situations may arise due to lack of control at Tibet Side or Natural Disasters. One needs to understand that Tibet is a rural area with very limited facilities. Therefore, you cannot expect any luxury services. Moreover, Tibet is an Autonomous Region that requires a special travel permit. The Official Rules and Laws in Tibet can change at any time as per our past experiences. Global Connect Hospitality is always up to date with the information and therefore, we reserve the right to change anything so that we can strictly follow the law.
Global Connect Hospitality has the right to change the itinerary in the event of adverse weather conditions or any unforeseen reason. The group will be required to follow the itinerary strictly. The entire Group will enter & exit together as per schedule. Therefore, we strongly advise you to follow our itinerary and arrive as per the Arrival Date above which will help you to overcome any delays. The Tour Operator or its partners shall not be liable for any such delays which are out of our control.
Risks & Liability:
Global Connect Hospitality team and its associates will put every effort to make your journey smooth and pleasant. However, all the tours in Tibet are conducted strictly under the rules & regulations of the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB).
Therefore, Global Connect Hospitality and its counterpart shall not be responsible for any change and alteration in the program due to unavoidable circumstances such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snow, political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, delay issue of the permit, and visa, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurred thereof shall be borne by the clients on the spot.