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Kailash Mansarovar Important Travel Tips
Kailash Mansarovar Important Travel Tips
Kailash Mansarovar Important Travel Tips
Bonpo, Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain ; each hold different beliefs, each sees different gods, but the
underlying the reality is the same.
Anyone with the enough determinations can reach Kailash. For the journey to become a pilgrimage
he must be open to the transformative power not just of the goal journey itself, deprivations and
danger and most importantly, the breaking all of patterns of Habit, the constant necessity to be
alert to the present situations. The pilgrimage path purifies the heart, allowing the pilgrims to
experience something far greater than his limited self. This transformative power is visible on the
faces of those who submit themselves wholeheartedly to the process. To most people it is enough
to know the Mountain is holy, they do not ask why, but take the presence as a blessing and go
through tremendous hardships to be touched by its pawer.
Ramayan says : there is no mountain like Himalayas , for in it is Kailash. As the Dew is dried by
Morning sun, so are the sins of humankind by the sight of Himalayas or Himachal.
You are welcome to pursue religious practice in accordance with your beliefs. It will certainly be
respected. This is a very beautiful place with amazing multi-cultural subtexts and the enormity of
spiritual vibrations to be experienced. One has to be there to experience it.
Transportation:
From Kathmandu till China Border, the transportation will be provided by tourist bus or van
depending upon your group sizes. There will be a separate truck to carry the camping equipments
and Sherpa staff members. During the Kailash parikrama, we will provide Yaks to carry & your
personal heavy gears. (one bag per person only), if Yaks are not available then the Truck will
transport the duffel bags. Riding Horses can be hired for you to ride on direct payment basis.
Accommodation:
In Kathmandu, you will get 3 star hotel as per your booking. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra falls
probably in the world’s most remote part. Most of the times, we will be away from modern
amenities. We must be well equipped and self contained. The group will be overnight at Guest
houses and best available hotels on the way. Guest house accommodation wherever will be very
simple room (dormitory) with common bathrooms and toilets.
Accessories:
Sun glass (UV protected), sun cream (30 spf or more), chip-stick, water bottle (1 lt.), empty plastic
bags, camera , Repair kit (needle, thread, tape, cloth pin, safety pins etc.), Flashlight / Torch with
extra batteries, pocket knife, lighter, note book & pen, 4 passport size photographs, a copy of your
insurance policy (if any), reading material, spare batteries, personal medical kit.
Medicine:
We suggest you to bring your own first aid kit with adequate medication regarding altitude
sickness, nausea, dehydration and some painkillers. For altitude sickness preventions,
Diamox-250mg is very helpful; but the tablet should be taken each day 125mg after the meals
twice a day but for those who are allergy to Sulphur they should consult with the doctors.
Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over-clothed than under protected. Enroute avoid
taking bath 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/ kids 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 must include following:
Vaseline, Band Aid, Cotton, Badge roll, Ditto, Mouth freshener, Nose inhaler, Toilet paper, Rubber
bands, Cough drops, Chapstick, Amritanjan/Vicks/ Shi-chu /Tiger- balm, Elastoplast, Adhesive tape,
4" crepe bandage & Rehydrate 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.
Photography:
As Tibet gets very bright sunlight due to thin air so taking photographs can be quite glare. We
recommend you to take the advise from the photographic shop while purchasing the film rolls for
Tibet. 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/Check-points is strictly prohibited.
Currency:
All the foreign currencies are accepted in Zangmu Bank of China or ABC bank China or you can
exchange with the money lenders .
1 USD = 6.5 Yuan*
1 Yuan = 9.5 Rupees*
*Subject to change as per the rate of exchange
Optional:
Ski stick or a normal stick (one can also purchase it at Darchen), neck pillow, face mask, games like
Cards, chess etc. for the evening.
What to pack?
A complimentary duffle bag will be provided in Kathmandu, Nepal. You are required to repack all
articles needed for travel to Tibet in this bag and leave the rest of your luggage behind at the hotel
in Kathmandu. In addition, a backpack is required to carry a daily essential item which is allowed in
the land cruiser during travelling. Rest of the luggage will follow on a truck.
Anything else?
Yes, lack of oxygen at high altitude ( over 3000 m) affects most people to some extent. With an
increase in altitude, the human body needs time to develop physiological mechanisms to cope
with the decreased oxygen levels. This process is called acclimatization. The time taken to
acclimatize varies from person to person – it could take anything from one to five days.
Is this serious?
Acclimatization is normal adaptive process. If you do develop any of these symptoms, they will
typically pass in a few days. However, if you do not help your body to adopt [resting and drinking
plenty of water, is the key to this process, amongst other precautions], your symptoms might get
worse and could develop into a serious condition. People in good health should not be alarmed by
these points.
The two more serious conditions are: pulmonary edema {fluid entering the lungs], andcerecral
edema [fluid entering the brain cavity].
What happens if I fall sick with serious altitude sickness in Tibet?
All of us will feel less-than-optimal for a days. This is expected, and is no big deal. However, if one
tries to be macho and decides not to follow very basic advice normal altitude sickness may
progress to advance stages of pulmonary edema or cerebral edema.
It is utmost importance to understand that medical facilities are more or less non-existent in Tibet.
Hospital is too far for rapid access. We are on our own.
What if get advanced altitude sickness, and the symptoms don’t subside?
If the symptoms do not subside even after the treatment and caution outline above , there is only
one other way to reverse the altitude sickness, but luckily it’s a sure cure: descent to a lower
altitude. The pilgrim is put into a fast car and driven out as soon as possible. As soon as one starts
descending, the symptoms will alleviate, and will start reversing immediately. Remember
Pulmonary and Cerebral Edema are not fatal themselves. They can be fatal if left unattended. They
are completely reversible if immediate, proper care is taken.
Physical Fitness:
Before booking for this trip with us, clients should be in sound good health preparation for this trip.
We advise bit of exercise like morning or evening walk 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 doctor.
We would require a medical certificate from every individual stating that the person traveling is
not suffering from any such decease as mentioned above and is fit to travel at high altitudes.
Following points must be kept in mind while preparing for & during the Holy Mt. Kailash
Mansarovar Yatra
During Parikarma :
12. Walk gradually, don't compete with any one and never loose your temper as this is going to be
the toughest journey you could have ever made so far. Talk softly and keep quite as you loose the
energy while talking too much.
13. In case you feel any kind of breathlessness during parikarma, immediately inform our tour
guide or Sherpa staff & follow their advise and let them check the your oxgen level with the
Oxymeter. If oxygen is low then do not walk ride the horse and ask for the oxygen supply if very
weak otherwise descends down do not climb at all, it is fatal and people can die of hyperthermia.
14. On the second day of parikarma, you come across the maximum height at Dolmala Pass
-5600m-where Oxygen level is very low as such don't stop/wait there for more than 10 minutes.
15. During parikarma, you'll come across rivers and streams, you must wash your face occasionally
with cold water. Avoid drinking water from streams or rivers en route.
16. As far as possible, try to walk. But, it is best you get a Horse to ride as a backup and very
helpful,if you are riding a pony during parikarma, make sure that you hold it properly.
17. On the second day of parikarma, you will see several clothes lying on the rocks, please don't
touch the same.
18. Guard yourself from slipping or falling to prevent fractures, sprains and muscle pulls.
19. Do not combine walking and sightseeing together. Inspect your track in front and trek slowly.
20. Travel in the group and do not leave any one behind unless escorted.
Prior to Parikarma :
1. Start taking DIAMOX when you start your trip from Kathmandu -once every morning after the
breakfast and 125mg in the evening after dinner. It should be taken for 6 days. This is to minimize
altitude sickness.
2. Drink at least 3 liters of water everyday till you complete the Holy Yatra.
3. Do not bath in the lake for longtime and get cold.
4. Advise your requirements for Pony Hiring (available at an additional cost) to your tour guide at
least a day before the beginning of Parikarma.
AM I FIT ENOUGH?
This is a rough and tough journey that is made difficult by the complexities introduced through
high altitude. [read this section please]. However, anyone with moderate fitness can do this. One
does not have to be a super human! Having said that, obviously the fitter you are the more you will
enjoy the trip.
Our goal is to make each one of you to around the mountain, and have a healthy, memorable, and
fulfilling journey.
How much trekking is involved during our journey to Kailash and manasarovar?
Out of the 11 days, Three days are on foot during Kailash parikrama. These are the days of pilgrim
have to walk around Kailash. The total trekking distance is about 44kms out of 53kms of parikrama.
Practice yoga breathing exercise also help to promote lung expansion which will allow you to
acclimatize faster. These exercises will be beneficial in improving your fitness. Good physical health
to a certain degree is essential to be able to enjoy the journey to Tibet and pilgrimage to
Kailash-manasarovar region.
Is there any medical precautions I need to take?
Although most of the journey will be done in vehicles, it is important that one should be in
relatively good health. Generally patients with asthma and heart problem have a problem
acclimatizing to high altitudes. If you any chronic health problems please consult your doctor prior
or registration for this pilgrimage and get clearance and bring adequate medication for any such
condition. One is cautioned not to undertake this journey against doctor’s advice.
Luxury or budget travel , what level does this trip operate at?
A trip of this nature cannot be luxury or high-end. The infrastructures simply does not exist in
Tibet.
We will make the best of what little does exist. Accommodations will be provided in the best
available in guest houses.
ENVIROMENTAL CONCERN:
All the members are requested to pack their puja items and other accessories in the cotton or
recycle bags, as we want to leave the sacred land in better conditions then before. As per the
ancient belief it is the lake where the Nagas reside, Also in the Mansarovar lake there are many
living creatures and swans; so it is prohibited to bath with any soap or detergent.