Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar are a remote and strenuous journey. This tour offers one of the most fascinating centers of geological epicene, center of oriental religion and philosophy and the ultimate pilgrimage. It is truly one of the last frontiers for discovery and exploration. All trips are of an expeditionary nature supported by well-experienced Nepali Sherpa team. If you travel with an open mind, this trip will be truly unique and rewarding experience. Here is some information to help you get most out of your adventure. However each one must organize according to individual requirements and preferences. A briefing session will be organized here in Kathmandu before your departure to Kailash and Manasarovar.

VISA

All foreign national travelling to Tibet requires a visa. Two p/p size photographs and passport valid for another six months are needed to obtain visa. It is advised to forward your passport detail, with your occupation well in advance (30 days in advance). You arrive Kathmandu minimum 3 days before scheduled departure.

VISA PROCEDURE:

• Indian nationals travelling to Nepal will not require any kind of Visa for Nepal but travelling to Kailas via the Tibet route requires a visa.
• Foreign nationals can avail 15 days multiple entry visit visa for Nepal with a fee of $25 on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Always carry two passport size photos for this process.
• Visas for Tibet require prior information upon the departure. Once you have booked with Richa Tours, necessary details will be sent well in advance.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation depends on the Kailas route you have chosen. If it is via Lhasa, you will be taken to the airport for your flight. Similarly, if the route is via land that is from Kathmandu to Kodari – (Nepal border) you will be transported by a bus/van depending upon the size of group. If there happens to be any landslide, the best available mode of transport will be used. The 8Km.between Friendship Bridge to Zhangmu (China Boarder) will be the best available mode of transportation. If the road is washed away, we may have to trek, which takes approximately 2 hrs. From Zhangmu on-ward, you will be provided with a land cruiser (4-Wheel drive). There will be a separate truck for the camping equipment and staffs. During the Kailash Parikarma you will be supported by Yak and Yak herders, A Yak can be hired for you to ride, which will cost you extra. (But yaks are not domesticated and tamed to ride on it).

ACCOMMODATION

We are traveling in the most remote part of the world. Most of the time we will be away from modern civilization. So we do not expect out side help. We must be well equipped and self-contained. The group will accommodate themselves in trekking style camps (except in Nyalam and Darchen where guest houses will be provided), which includes accommodation in two person tents. Mattresses and sleeping bags for every person will be provided. Dinner and breakfast will be served in a large dinning tent. The dining tent is our meeting place, living hall, reading room. There will be several toilet tents put up near by. Camp area will be lightened with pressurized mantels. Bed tea will be served in your tent as a wake-up call at around 6 Am (Chinese time). Hot breakfast will be set at dinning tent. Once Sherpa team packs up the equipment, we are ready to move at around 9 AM. A light pack lunch will be served at daytime. Upon arrival, staffs will set-up the camp and serve drinks at around 7 PM and dinner at 9 PM. We have a strict rule against the use of candles in your tents. There is a real danger of tents and sleeping bags catching fire because of carelessness or sudden accidents. If your tents / sleeping bags are damaged due to misuse by candles or other incendiary articles, we will expect replacement / reimbursement of the loss from you. Therefore, we suggest you to use torchlights inside the tents.

BAGGAGE

On flight you are allowed 20 Kg’s of checked baggage and 5 kg’s of hand baggage. Each passenger must pay for his/her excess baggage at the airport check-in point. During Kailas Yatra there is no weight limit, but please remember that there is always an advantage of traveling light. Carry practical and multi purpose clothing and equipment. We recommend wide-open type of rucksacks and a day backpack which is strong enough to carry the load for 15 days in all different modes of transportation. Suitcases are not suitable, as they cannot resist the bumps of the dirt road. For this reason, Richa Tours provides all pilgrims with a complimentary duffle bag in Kathmandu so that necessary items can be carried easily. We advise you to carry all the essential articles in plastic zip locks to protect your items from any kind of humidity.

HEALTH

All participants need to be fit in physical condition and have excellent health. Any one who suffers from chronic heart, lung, brain or vertebral problem will not qualify to participate in this trip as this trip involves traveling to remote and difficult places where medical emergencies may not be available. This trip involves driving/hiking and camping in mountainous terrain. When planning your trip, it is advisable to have a medical check-up explaining to your Physician about the altitude, you hope to reach. Visitors are particularly susceptible to bronchial problems due to high and dusty air, so medicines for such reasons should be carried. If you are taking any medicines, take enough supply, as it is not available in Tibet area. Do inform your trek manager of any previous medical problems before you start your tour. Let him know if you feel ill or have headache, dizziness, nausea dysentery or just bad blisters. As a precaution, you may carry DIAMOX to prevent the effect of high altitude, though you must check with your doctor first. Simple headache fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders can happen before acclimatization. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping doses and strong antibiotic must be avoided. Descending to lower altitude is the best, but many times it may not be possible. REST is BEST.

OXYGEN cylinders and Gamow Bag will be carried on all trips. Please remember the following points:

• Rest.
• Relax – do not exert; Do not be excited.
• Reduce talking.
• Walk slowly – adopt one third of your normal speed.
• Keep your load light.
• Do not exercise.
• Breathe slowly and long.
• Whenever you feel uncomfortable just stop: rest and relax.
• Ignore the sudden outburst of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments.
• Observe silence with a smile.
• Remember – never go too high too fast.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol – drugs or intoxicants.
• Consume plenty of liquid (three Liter per day); never proceed with an empty stomach.

Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over-clothed than under protected. Avoid taking bath or drinking water from lakes, streams or rivers. Since the dry cold wind tends to make the nose dry, keep your nose smooth by applying Vaseline. Keep your feet dry, never let it get wet. Wear your boots. Wearing cotton and woolen 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: