Tradition and Culture
For thousands of years this region has been the ultimate goal for pilgrims. It is the home of the Gods for Hindu, Jains, Buddhists and Bon. Mount Kailash – standing at 6714 metres high – is known in Tibet as Tise (the peak) of Khang Rinpoche (Jewel of Snows). For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the home of Hindu God Shiva and his partner Devi, whilst for Tibetans it is the home of God Demchong and his consort Dorje Phangmo.
According to legend, it is here that Milarepa - a great Tibetan Yogi and master of Tantric Buddhism - contested with Naro-Bonchung - a grandmaster of Bon - to prove the superiority of Buddhism. Many contests took place, but the final one was to see who could first reach the summit of Mt Kailash at the crack of dawn. Riding his damaru (ritual drum) Naro-Bonchung flew towards the peak only to be overtaken by Milarepa at the last second. Naro-Bonching was so astonished that he let go of his drum, which crashed down mountain leaving a vertical scar – a distinctive feature of the south face.
Read more about Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar and Lhasa
Pacakaging Suggestion for Lhasa Kailash and Manasarover Lhasa Tour
Packing
We recommend that you bring clothes for changing weather conditions, as the temperatures in Tibet can vary substantially. Wet weather gear is also necessary.
We will provide you a duffel bag in a hotel at kathmandu one day before leaving for Kailash Yatra , in which you need to repack important items for the journey and other suitcase and luggage will be stored in hotel during the whole time of journey.
The intensity of the light – and the high UV factor – in Tibet makes sunglasses imperative, as well as plenty of sun-block. Sunscreen products are not easily available in Tibet, so make sure you bring plenty of your own. A brimmed hat is also recommended, for extra protection.
You need to pack all your items in duffel bag, and a waterproof cover for your backpack in which you will carry important items such as changing clothes, tooth brush, creams and other stuff for your daily uses. You will carry only backpack when you are travelling in bus, the duffel bag will carry by the truck on the journey.
The following is a checklist of the items, which you should pack:
Walking boots and sandals (or trainers are OK)
Water/windproof jacket
Sweatshirts, T-shirts
At least one thick sweater
Shorts/skirts
Trousers/track pants
Thermal underwear
Water bottle
Warm socks, preferably woolen
Torch with spare batteries
Extra bootlaces
Sunglasses, Sunscreen
Personal medical supplies
Sewing kit, Towels
Day pack (for valuable items such as camera, money, passport)
Rucksack for clothes
Down jackets (we can provide these on a returnable basis in Kathmandu. Please note that in case of loss or damage, you will be required to reimburse the cost of the same.)
Warm hat with sun protection, Gloves
First Aid Medical Kit
You need to carry first aid kit or personal medical kit (typical backpacking kit for minor injuries/ our guide also will carry) Diamox, Aspirin, painkillers, Lip balm, Mustard, oil, Vaseline, Plasters, TCP, salt, mint, Vicks for sore throats.
If you have any other problem to your health first take a advise of a doctor for any medicine change for high altitude.
Communication
Payphones will be available in Kathmandu for Nepal region and for China region you have to buy another sim which is available at Lhasa, Shigatse. For Indian people Airtel data roaming can work till Lake Manasarover from there you need to keep China region sim card. The program coordinator will be equipped with a local China phone at Manasarovar and Kailash for emergency communication.
Precautions
Lack of oxygen at high altitudes (over 2,500 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.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) tablets are necessary to counter high altitude sickness. Please see your doctor for a prescription as it is mandatory to start taking these tablets three days before arriving in Kathmandu. This medicine must be taken for the entire duration of the journey.
Those allergic to sulfa drugs can alternatively take Gingko Biloba, a natural supplement available at online stores.
During the trip, participants will be given simple, yet unique and tested practices for faster acclimatization.
A qualified doctor, especially trained to handle high altitude sickness and other conditions that may arise, will accompany the group throughout the journey. The doctor will be equipped with all necessary medications and equipment including life-saving oxygen cylinders and Gamow bags.
Accommodation during this trip
Accommodation en route is very basic. However, we provide the best available Hotels/ Guesthouses on the way. Twin sharing rooms are available only in Kyirong. In rest of the places accommodation will be provided on triple sharing basis or in dormitory.
Meals & Drinking Water
We cater vegetarian Indians foods throughout the journey. Our experienced kitchen team along with Sherpas will travel with group throughout the tour. All provisions including drinking water will be taken from Nepal.
Accommodation during this trip
Accommodation en route is very basic. However, we provide the best available Hotels/ Guesthouses on the way. Twin sharing rooms are available only in Kyirong. In rest of the places accommodation will be provided on triple sharing basis or in dormitory.
Meals & Drinking Water
We cater vegetarian Indians foods throughout the journey. Our experienced kitchen team along with Sherpas will travel with group throughout the tour. All provisions including drinking water will be taken from Nepal.
Level of Ease
Fitness Level
This trek requires you to be physically and mentally fit. Please note that this trek is not advised for pregnant women and those suffering from chronic health problems, such as epilepsy, heart ailments, uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes, asthma, psychological problems, physical disabilities or obesity. It is mandatory to get medical insurance, which also covers emergency evacuation for the trip.
Transport
We provide luxury Chinese Bus in Tibet part. Bus with capacity of 29 seats will be provided. If the group size is above 32 pax, we will provide an emergency vehicle too. Apart from this, there will be a supporting truck to carry foods and other logistics.
Best Season
The best season to travel to Tibet is between Mid May and Mid September. Tibet is has a predominantly dry landscape with some of the most beautiful and sacred lakes.
Read more on when is the best time to travel to Tibet.
Visa & Travel Permit Information
Fees
Visa fees will be charged according to the rule of Chinese government.
Duration Required
Invitation Letter (for travel permit): A clearly scanned colour passport copy at least 30 days before arrival.
Visa Application: Original passport, Visa application form and supporting documents.
Please see more information regarding your Tibet Travel Permit and China Visa.
OXYGEN
Oxygen cylinders will be brought in each Bus. This will be used only in emergency situation.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Entry together and exit together is a fundamental rule of the Chinese government. So, everyone should travel together. But, if one member got sickness or any other issue during the trip, he/she should be evacuated immediately because there is no hospital or medical support available. In this case, we will have to manage extra services for which expenses should be covered by the evacuating passenger. Every passenger is requested to purchase travel/medical insurance to cover such expenses that may happen unexpectedly.
Note: Please do not forget to carry small bag where you will put water bottle, personal medicine, dry fruits & chocolates. Kindly dispose of any packaging responsibly. It is recommended to always keep a down jacket and raincoat - the weather is unpredictable in this region. Everybody has different pace of walk and people might not be around you when you need them. So, you have to be self-dependent on basic things.
Find out what to pack (link), which festival are happening in Tibet (link) and other important travel information to Tibet (link).
