The Holy Mountain and Sacred Lake
According to ancient Sanskrit documents, the Gangdise Range had become a holy Mountain as early as 2,000 years before Christ. The Hindu myth has it that the "palace" for the god of gods was built on the peak of Kailash of the Gangdise Range. This important mountain in Asian history with elevation of 6,656 meters is located in the county of Bruagn in Ngari area. The Tibetan Buddhists believe that the mountain is in the shape of an olive with a grand legendary palace on the peak. Four streams flow down the mountain from four sources, each in the shape of a horse, lion, elephant and peacock, which have given names to the four famous rivers in Ngari. The mountain "palace" was home to 500arhats. It is believed that centuries ago a visiting Bangladesh monk had heard chimes of bells and drum beats from the "palace". Pilgrims today still claim that a few lucky ones may hear mysterious sounds from the mountain. Kailash crowns the Himalayan Mountains with its myriad of myths and legends and remains the focus of the religious emotions of those who feel its pull. For centuries, pilgrims have come from afar to pay homage, praying for redemption by walking around this holy mountain of purity and benevolence. A full circle around the mountain takes from 24 hours to 36 hours. This tradition of worshipping was deep rooted in ancient pagan rituals and is still alive and strong today. One myth has it that Mila Xiba, a famous Tibetan monk, subdued a heretic in battle of faith and power on Mt. Kailash. The victory has been celebrated in every Year of the Horse when pilgrimage to the holy mountain is at its height.
Lake Manasarova, one of the highest fresh water lakes of the world, is over 20 kilometers to the southeast of Mount Kailash with a total surface area of 400 square kilometers. This placid lake is a vast expanse of pristine water, absolutely beautiful under the vast and clear sky. The legend has it that Goddess Woma bathed in the lake. Because of its sheer beauty and charming myths and legends, the lake was mentioned as a celestial lake of the west in an ancient book written by Xuanzang, a Tang Dynasty monk known for his journey to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. The book was entitled "The Western Territories of the Great Tang Empire". The lake was already known to the Tibetans as Macuitso about nine centuries ago. It was believed that in the "palace of the dragon king" on the bottom of the lake were boundless treasures. The chosen ones after walking around the lake a full circle would be promised a life of plenty by a small fish, a pebble or a feather they might have picked up. After the triumphant rise of Buddhism in Tibet in the 11th century, the lake was given a Buddhist name "Manasarova", meaning "perpetually invincible". Thereafter, the lake has been regarded as a gift from Buddha with cleansing and redeeming power that will bring spiritual and physical well-being. The lake has thus gained a primordial force, which, together with the Holy Mountain Kailash, has attracted countless pilgrims to the area of Ngari. They would take the strenuous journey around the mountain and lake as a test of their faith and for an experience of the holy power. Many of them have harbored the wish of bathing in the lake for many years. There are four holy bathing spots around the lake respectively named Lotus, Fragrance, Purification and Faith. Bathing at each spot while trekking around the lake would redeem different sins. The mysterious powers of Lake Manasarova are believed to be just as great as those of the towering Mount Kailash.
Itinerary:
DAY 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel Shanker. O/nt. at Hotel Shanker.
DAY 02: In the morning visit the Pashupatinath and the Boudhanath stupa. In the afternoon group meeting to discuss on trip to Kailash. O.nt at Hotel Shanke
DAY 03: Embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu – Kodari . Walk to The Friendship Bridge and drive uphill to Zhangmu . After completing custom and immigration formalities, proceed to Nyalam . O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar . (153 Kms / 6-7 Hrs)
DAY 04: Stay at Nyalam (3750m) for acclimatization . The Group will be taken for a 3 hrs Trek in Nyalam . O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar.
DAY 05: Drive Nyalam – Saga (4600m – 240 Kms / 6 – 7 Hrs). O/nt at Guest House.
DAY 06: Drive to Paryang (4750m - 255 Kms / 5-6 Hrs). O/nt at Htl Paryang.
DAY 07: Drive to Hor-Quo (4560m – 223 Kms / 5-6 Hrs ). Camp at the banks of Lake Manasarovar .
DAY 08: AM Lake Manasarovar Parikarma (4520m -115 Kms / 4-5 Hrs.)
PM Drive to Darchen (4620m). O/nt at Guest House.
DAY 09: Trek to Serlung Monastery and to Nandi Parbat for an excellent view of Mount Kailash . The Group will stay at Darchen and make final preparation for the Kailash Parikarma. O/nt at Guest House
DAY 10: Drive ahead of Tarboche – to the trek starting point of Kailash Parikarma (13 Kms) Trek to Dirapuk (4860m – 7 Kms) approx 5 – 6 Hrs. Trek . Camp .
DAY 11: Trek to Zuthul Puk (4760m – 18 Kms). approx 9-10 Hrs. Trek. Camp
DAY 12: End Kailash Kora (10 Kms) approx 3 - 4 Hrs Trek . Drive to Paryang (270 Kms / 6-7 Hrs.) O/nt at Htl Paryang .
DAY 13: Drive to Saga ( 255 Kms / 6-7 Hrs.) O/nt at Guest House.
DAY 14: Drive to Nyalam. (240 Kms / 6 – 7 Hrs). O/nt at Htl Nyalam or similar
DAY 15: Drive downhill to Zhangmu and Friendship Bridge where transportation awaits for the final leg of journey to Kathmandu. O/N in Hotel Shanker.
DAY 16: Transfer to airport for onward flight.
DEPARTURE DATES ex – Kathmandu
MAY: MAY 03 SUN & MAY 17/SUN
JUNE: JUNE 01 MON (SAGA DAWA FESTIVALl) & JUNE 14/SUN
JULY: JULY 01 WED, JULY 14/ TUE & JULY 31 FRI
AUGUST: AUG 13 THU
SEPTEMBER: SEP 03 THU, SEP 17/ THU & SEP 22 TUE
* Indicates Full Moon
(Departure dates have been fixed with Full Moon at Lake manasarovar & kailas Region)
COST PER PERSON FOR INDIAN NATIONAL INR.77,000
COST PER PERSON NRI & FOREIGN NATIONAL USD 2,100
SERVICE INCLUDES :
* Arrival / departure Airport Transfer,
* 3 Nights Accommodation at Htl Shanker or similar on Twin Sharing & BB Basis,
* Halfday Sightseeing Tour Of Pashupatinath & Bodhnath,
* Kathmandu-Kodari- Kathmandu Transfer by Coach,
* 4500 Model Japanese Land cruiser (4 Person in 1 Jeep),
* Support Truck, Accommodation at Guest Houses throughout The Yatra,
* 1 Day Camping at Lake Manasarovar & 2 Nts Camping during Kailash Kora,
* Full Board Vegetarian Meals,
* Trekking Staff comprising of 1 Nepali Team Leader,
* Cooks & Sherpas,
* 1 English Speaking Tibetan Guide,
* All Camping Equipment,
* Yaks & Yak-men for porterage during Kailash Kora,
* First aid kit ,
* Large Oxygen Cylinder,
* Gamow Bag,
* Satellite Phone & China Telecom Phone Sets,
* All Permits & Tibet / China Visa Fees
* All VAT and TSC Taxes
COST EXCLUDES:
* Nepal Visa & Nepal re-entry visa fee ,
* Travel Insurance ,
* Emersancy Evacuation Cost ,
* Insurgent Fee (Npr.500 pp) and Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring additional transportation or porterage on The Arniko Highway (Rs.500-750 pp) and
* Expenses of personal nature.
* Airport Departure Tax Rs 1695.
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FAQ About Travelling to Tibet
01: How can I begin to prepare myself for Tibet tour if I long to explore it?
In the begining, one need to initiate a discussion with us via email / fax / telephone whichever one find convenient means. We would be happy to supply you with any relevant information on associated field. On the other hand, you can browse our site and pick up your most apt trip that suit your personal desire, and do let us know. Definitely We would operate the trip depending upon your choice. Likewise, seeking for Tailor made trip? Initially, make your mind up regarding time availability, kinds of activities, specific places you would like to explore in Tibet, type of hotel accommodation and total number of particiapants you have and other anticipation you may have and address us your query. We would answer you promptly with appropriate suggestion.
02: Is it necessary to obtain Chinese Visa to enter Tibet?
Of course, Chinese visa is foremost requisite for Tibet tour. Prior to access Tibet, you need to get VISA + travel permit and should reserve the trip in advance.
03: What is the procedure to issue Chinese VISA?
As soon as you confirm the tour booking with us, you are advised to send us your passport details for Chinese Visa and Tibet travel permit procedure, which need to be sent at least two weeks prior to the trip departure
You need to confer the following details to us.
Name as on passport:
Passport Number:
Nationality:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Date of Passport issue:
Place of Passport Issue
Date of Passport expiry:
Profession:
In the knowledge of above details, we do head up procession.
04: When and how can I book my tour? Can I pay through bank transfer or via credit cards?
It is necessary to confrim the tour in advance of two weeks (at least). We accept both money transfer as well as any major credit cards as payment. Payments are accepted in US$.
05. Is it manatory to book the trip with travel agent? Also, can I select hotel on my own and custom the trip depending upon my personal desire?
Any visitors who intend to explore Tibet, require to make trip confirmation in advance with any registered travel agent. This is to manage tourism in a sustainable way, to grow sensibly without taxing on the environment and its rich and intact culture of Tibet. Even though you have bought package, it would allow you to be flexible regarding your timeframe or tour program etc. depending upon your personal choice.
06: Is it compulsory to strictly follow the set program or I will be allowed to decide on what I wish to see in Tibet?
Well, if you are making tour on joining group basis, fixed itinerary will be of the essence and need to follow what earlier decided. Nevertheless, if you do any trip on your own on individual basis, you have right to custom the trip as per your interest.
07: What is the fitness level? Do I need to take precaution on altitude sickness?
Though there is no such hard and fast rule regarding fitness level to travel Tibet, it is essential to have reasonable physical shape for participation. It is best suggested to take advice with Physician for those who suffering with cardiac and pulmonary problems prior to join up the trip. Getting reasonable amount of exercise at your home would be beneficial to attempt it successfully that works well for repiratory system and add stamina as well.
Since Tibet is situated at an average altitude of 4000m, it is most likely to experience minor altitude symptoms like headache, dizziness, breathlessness and loss of appetite etc., but take it lightly. It is best recommended to drink adequate water (minimum 3 liters per day) and have hygienic food that in some extent acts to prevent such symptoms. Advised to get knowledge prior about altitude sickness, prevention and remedies.
08: How can I access to Tibet?
Lhasa is easily accessible by flight as well as ground transportation from Kathmandu, Nepal, Whereas it can be reached by air transfer from mainland Chinese cities like Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai and Kunming.
09: By which means of tranportation, one can get to Tibet? What are the available means?
Generally, for the group composed of maximum 4 persons, we do provide 4WD Landcruisers, and we usually use buses for big group.
10: Which is the fine season to make Tibet tour?
Anytime from early April through late October are pleasant time to make Tibet tour. Meanwhile, one can explore Central Tibet throughout a year. Trekking trip in the most concentrated region like Everest base camp, western Tibet like Mt. Kailash are best recommended during the months of May, June, July, August and September.
11: What are your prices for different times of the year, since these tours tend to be 'seasonal'?
Actually, our pricing rate doesn't varied on seasons. It's same all through a year.
12: Is it possible to extend my stay in Lhasa by another week at my expense and come back on your Tour's fly back ticket?
Yes, it is. If you want to extend your staying in Lhasa for more days, we do arrange your return back flight accordingly.
13: What kind of accommodations we have enroute to Lhasa and in Lhasa (Guest house or Hotels)? Do they have attched bath rooms with hot water or community bath rooms? What type of toilets?
In major cities like Lhasa, Gyantse and Xiyaste, there we can get well - facilitated hotels with attached bathroom and western type toilet. On remaining places, non - attached room will be available, generally of traditional categories.
14: How good are the roads between Katmandu and Lhasa? Are these single lane or two lanes? Are these paved or graveled?
Basically, roads between Kathmandu to Lhasa are of two lanes, some parts, they are paved while on other can be found graveled as well.
TRAVEL INFORMATION ON YOUR TOUR TO TIBET
Most importantly, all travelers traveling in Tibet are kindly requested to bear in mind that Tibet being extremely remote isolated by the most formidable Himalayas ranges, remains still one of the most captivating but least developed parts in the world. With its very short history of tourism (just about 12 years), the facilities for tourists although being upgraded are still at basic and limited scale. So, the visitors are requested not have high expectation in terms of facilities in Tibet. You can rather take this tour as an adventure from every point of view. However, we will always put all our efforts to make your journey as pleasant as possible.
Overcoming altitude problems: Traveling in Tibet is an adventure involving high altitude and could be strenuous. So far, most visitors have only minor effects from the altitude. However, we advice especially the guests with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headache, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder can take place before acclimatization. Our advice: Drink 4 ltr of water minimum a day. Do not exhaust yourself of much and breathe deep and take rest mote than usual. Bottled water is available in each hotel where you have overnight and in the restaurant en route where you have your lunch.
Landslides: As Tibet tours get opened mainly during the monsoon time; there are high chances of landslides mostly in the Nepalese part (also in the early part in Tibet). In case of landslides, to over cross them and the gap in between, extra vehicle with porters may have to be arranged. In that case, you are kindly requested to contribute nominal charges for porters and vehicle, ranging from Rs. 200 to 300 per person. We wish there will be no hassles as such.
Money: Banks in Tibet/China are closed on Saturday and Sunday. So you are kindly requested to carry about US$ 100.00 per person in cash to cover your extra expenses for your main meals and others en route until Lhasa. If it is cash dollars, even local people help you to get them exchanged in Chinese Yuan. Travelers Cheques and credit cards are very difficult to be cashed outside the banks especially out side Lhasa. Exchange rate from US$ to Yuan is about 8 Yuan from 1 US$.
Next, if any of the clients pay for the Tibet tour in TC, one afternoon you are kindly requested to accompany the guide to the bank in Lhasa for about 15 minutes and please make an extra counter signature on the TCs you have paid. Your direct present and counter signature ensures immediate encashment of the TCs to our agent in Lhasa. Otherwise, it may take months. Your kind co-operation in this regard will be highly appreciated.
Guide: we always try to provide a good English Speaking Tibetan guide. However, as Tibetan guides do not get enough exposure to English Language in Tibet, please do not expect fluent and spontaneous explanation from him/her. Your frequent questioning will encourage him/her to explain well, question by question.
Clothes: As the temperature in Tibet is low, it is always advised to carry, warm clothes with you. As the weather is harsh and dry, chapstick, suntan cream, sun hat, sun glasses with sporty shoes are always recommended.
Monastery fee: It is included through out your tour for the monuments and monasteries as mentioned in the itinerary.
Visa : As Tibet tour requires visa in-group;
Hotel in route: As the facilities in Tibet are very basic, hotels, although they look gorgeous, do not have proper facilities even in Lhasa. So, in the remote areas, it is obvious that hotels may not have enough double rooms and clients sometimes may have to have triple, four or five bedded rooms in the some places. However, we always try to provide twin bedded rooms. Especially, first two nights have to be spent in such hotels that may not have bathrooms attached and could require you to use common toilets. So, you are kindly requested not have a high expectation from the tour in the term of the facilities in the Hotels.
Recommended Restaurants in Lhasa: Eating out in Lhasa is enjoyable. The following restaurants are recommended that serve cheap and best food ranging from Tibetan to Chinese, continental to semi-Chinese.
01. Snow land Restaurant/Barkhor
02. Crazy Yak Restaurant/Barkhor
03. Kailash Restaurant/on the roof top of HTL Banaksol
Estimated expense for food in Tibet:
En route in Lhasa
Lunch Aprox. 15 Yuan 30 Yuan
Dinner Aprox. 25 Yuan 40 Yuan
Breakfast: From the first day onward, breakfast will be offered after an hour's drive from Kathmandu at a Mountain Resort at Dhulikhel. So, please do not bother for breakfast in your Hotel, which may cause delay to report to the bus stand. Breakfast is included through out your tour.
Tipping: Guides and drivers do accept some money as a tips.
Last minute checking: Very importantly, on the last day, if you are traveling in a group, please make sure your guide has the original visa copy with him (if you are traveling in group) and other necessary travel documents (travel permit for the group and alien's travel permit for the individual travelers) before you leave your hotel for the airport for the final departure. This is all to enable you to check out from the immigration without any hassle.
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