Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a once in a lifetime experience. It is real blessing for an individual to embark on this wonderful journey to the spiritual centre of the four religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bonpo- the pre-Buddhist animistic religion. Raghukul Holidays has been successfully helping people to fulfill this journey of their lifetime. They suggest a few tips which will help for a smooth, wonderful and divine experience.
Guidelines for the Yatris
Climatic condition:
Kailash Manasarovar is generally warm during days and cool during nights. The summer season (May to November) is most ideal for the yatris to visit the place for meditation and to obtain blessings of the divine and also for meditation. The average temperature during this season is around 15°C which is very convenient for the yatris to visit the temple and nearby attractions and to have a dip in the holy waters. The temperature can reach sub zero during winters (December to April).
Travel Tips
Visa & Documentation:
Visa is mandatory for all foreign nationals including Indians to enter Tibet. A valid passport is a prerequisite in order to obtain Chinese VISA.
Details of your Full name, Date of Birth, Occupation, Nationality, Passport Number, date of issue and expiry of Passport should be furnished 30 days prior to the trip.
Two passport size photographs
Please note the VISA is not stamped on your passport but a Group VISA will be issued on a separate piece of paper by the Chinese Embassy
Transportation:
From Kathmandu till Kodari Border, tourist bus or van will be provided for transportation based upon the group strength. In the event of any landslide, the best available mode of transport will be provided for which additional charges will be applicable.
The group will be transported from Friendship Bridge till Zhangmu (8 km) in the best available local vehicle. If the road gets washed away, the yatris will have to trek for about 2 hrs.
A 4500 C C Land Cruiser will be provided from Zhangmu onwards for 4 persons in each.
The camping equipments and Sherpa staff members will be transported in a separate support truck.
Yaks will be provided to carry the personal heavy baggage and camping gears during the Kailash Parikrama.
Throughout the trip English/ Tibetan speaking guide and few Nepali staffs will escort the group for the camping.
Accommodation:
Most of the times one will be away from modern civilization as Kailash Mansarovar probably lie in the world's most remote part. It is very important to be well equipped and self contained.
The group will have to stay overnight whenever required in trekking style camps which includes accommodation in sleeping bags, two men tents and mattress.
Simple Guest house accommodation comprising of dormitory, common bathrooms and toilets will be provided wherever available. However, hot water will be provided in every room for refreshing and for drinking.
Use of candles inside the tents is strictly prohibited due to risk of fire accidents. Use of torch light is suggested inside the tents.
Health specifications
The yatris to embark on this journey need to submit a health certificate attested by a reputed doctor confirming the fitness of the participant to travel in altitudes of 5700 meters.
The yatris will have to carry a first aid kit should containing the following items:
Antiseptic cream or wound disinfectant like iodine
Antifungal ointment and Neosporin Powder
Antibiotics, antidiarrheals, Lozenges like Strepsils (in plenty)
General painkillers or Anti-inflammatory like Brufen, Avil, Blister Treatment and Foot care ointments
Sunscreen oil, chap sticks and Cold cream
Thermometer
Band-aids, elastic bandages, adhesive roll and strips, gauze pads, moleskin
ORS sachets like Electral, Vicks vaporub and inhaler.
Please check with your doctors regarding antibiotics, antidiarrheals and other necessary medicines.
Other equipments
Porter will be provided for the yatris to carry the bulky luggage. You can carry a small back pack which will contain:
Water bottle filled with water, snacks, dry fruits
Knife, Small scissors, safety pins
Torch, waterproof matches, lighter
Map, Camera, film
Clothing
Although it will be warm inside the vehicle but you will begin to experience the cold winds of the Tibetan Plateau once you step out. Suggested clothing includes:
Warm thin and thick pullover one each, Warm Windproof jacket
2 Warm pants
4 Full sleeve cotton T-Shirts
2 Long Thermal under pants, Thermal vest and warm full T-shirts
Warm gloves, Monkey Cap, Raincoat with hood, Sun hat
Ankle high boots to avoid any muscular sprain
Rubber sandal, Light tennis shoes, 6 warm woolen socks, and extra shoe laces
1 Big towel and one small hand towel
Toiletries with washing solution, soap, etc.
Plenty of handkerchief and Paper tissue
Tips during the Trip
Don’t point metallic objects upwards during electric storms as they can attract lightning. Also, keep away from conical rocks and don't take shelter under a tree or on the top of hills. Open space is the safest and one can also sit down on a non-conducting sheet etc.
The shoes should be kept inside the sleeping bag during yatra nights, otherwise they may freeze.
Avoid exposure of hands and feet to extremities as it can lead to high altitude pulmonary edema.
Your body needs a lot of energy so consume lot of water and fluids
Good sunglasses need to be worn to protect eyes from snow blindness
Keep fingers, facial muscles and toes moving
Trekking should begin early in the morning
Always walk with a companion and do not get separated from the group
Eat appropriately
Overexertion and consumption of alcohol to be avoided
If you want to travel to Kailash Manasarovar, then the following suggestions before the trip will surely help to make your journey a memorable experience.
Follow some routine exercises daily like walking (30 minutes), jogging, stretching, aerobics which will put you in the right shape.
Read books on trekking which will help you to deal with altitude sickness and acclimatize properly
