Tirupati Holidays

Mount Kailash is famed as the Roof of the World, the Tibet Autonomous Region has fascinated by mankind. This mysterious land was forbidden not only by man but also by nature. An average elevation of 4,000 m. is bounded by the Kunlun Mountains to the north and the Himalayas to the south and at 6714 mtr. height from the sea level. it is believed to have been formed 30 million years ago when Himalayas were in their early stage of formation, is one of the most revered places in the Himalayas . Mt. Kailash , also known as Tise, Kailasa & Kang Rinpoche(Jewel of the Snows), Few mountains rival Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar for its mystique. Isolation, beauty and prominence. It is considered to be the 'Center of the Universe' by Hindus, Buddhists, Jain and Bonpo and its flanks give birth to four great Asian rivers the Indus, Brahmaputra , Ganges and Sutlej . Tibetans believe that it is the residence of Demchog, a fierce looking tantric deity who lives there with his consort, Dorje Phagmo. For the Tibetans also, it is a particularly special place in that their poet saint Milarepa, spent several years here meditating in a cave.

For the Hindus Mount Kailash is the earthly manifestation of Mt. Meru , their spiritual center of the universe, described as a fantastic 'world pillar' 84,000 miles high, around which all else revolves, its roots in the lowest hell and its summit kissing the heavens. On the top live their most revered God, Shiva, and his consort Parvati.

For the Jains, an Indian religious group, Kailash is the site where their first mystic achieved enlightenment. For the older, more ancient religion of Bon, it is the site where its founder Shanrab is said to have descended from heaven. It was formerly the spiritual centre of Zhang Zung, the ancient Bon Empire that once included all of western Tibet . Bon people walk around the mountain in a counter clockwise manner, unlike the other religions.

Accordingly, its near-legendary reputation draws pilgrims from throughout Asia to walk the sacred path around the earthly incarnation of the mythical Mount Meru and Lake Mansarovar . Once Pilgrimage journey made to this holy Mount Kailash and three-day circumambulation (Parikrama or Kora) around Mt. Kailash, which is also considered as the navel of the earth, involves crossing 5630 meter Dolma La (pass) that is believed to belong to Devi Parvati. Completing a Kora (Parikrama) is believed the free from the sins of a lifetime. And bath in the Mansarovar is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha).

Lake Mansarovar is sprawling below Mount Kailash is the sacred lake Manasarovar (4580m), The circumference of Mansarovar is 88-km, its depth is 90m and total area is 320-sq-kms The lake freezes in the winters and melts only in spring. It looks unbelievably fascinating on moonlit nights when an ethereal ambience pervades the atmosphere . The circumference of Rakshas Tal, also known as "Ravan Kund", is 122-km. A 6-km long natural channel - "Gangachhu" - connects Manas with Rakshas Tal. Where ritual bath will deliver a pilgrim to Brahma's paradise is believed to bring about salvation (Moksha) and drink of its water relinquishes the sins of a hundred lifetimes.

People have been visiting Kailash - Mansarovar for centuries. Almost all the major passes of Himalayas lead to Kailash - Mansarovar.

For the devoted pilgrims a visit to Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansorovar forms the ultimate realization of their spiritual hobby. And for the adventure-lovers it offers craggy beauty, remoteness and isolation. The tour is visit to Kailash during the annual Buddhist festival of Saga Dawa while most of the other trips are planned to arrive at Mt. Kailash during the full moon period to give all participants a rare experience. A journey truly called `never-to -be-repeated'.

By Overland: Traveling by overland from Kathmandu in Nepal to Mt. Kailash, which lies in the Southwestern part of Tibet, is an incredible 13-day journey, an epic pilgrimage that is expeditionary in nature. This is for those who want to experience the majestic beauty of Kailash but is limited by time. The trip begins by drive from Kathmandu to the Tibetan border at Zhangmu. After our stay in Zhangmu, we drive to the Lake Manasarovar across widely spread open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau known as ' roof of the world'. It is undoubtedly the toughest and most rewarding of all such journeys known to man. En route you can see the world's highest mountains, travel on the world's highest plains, meet nomadic Tibetan pilgrims and walk amidst burning butter lamps and chanting monks of Tibet 's ancient and legendary Buddhist monasteries. Rivers and streams are crossed and re-crossed, treacherous passes are climbed and conquered. The numbing cold at night, the fierce sun during the day, the bitter winds, the looming solitude and the everlasting dust are constant companions.
Then we make our most attractive Kora trip to Mt. Kailash and follow the track across huge dry plains for Nepalese border lies to the south. Finally, we take the trip back to Kathmandu . For Itinerary click here...

By Helicopter: The trip begins from Kathmandu to Nepalganj by schedule flight, after overnight in Nepalgunj next day morning fly to Simikot by Fixed wings. After Simikot, we again make charter helicopter flight to Hilsa and walk to Shera (Nepal -Tibet border) after finis the entry procedure, drive to Taklakot by 4WD Jeep it takes 1 hrs.,then full day rest & overnight. Next day also we should stay there in Taklakot for acclimitization. On 4th day you will transfer to Lake Manasarovar across widely spread open spaces of the Tibetan Plateau. On 7 days tour, trekking is required only during the 3 day Kailash parikrama when one has to cross the 5600 Mtr/ 18,500 ft high Dolma Pass. Then we make our most attractive trip to Mt. Kailash and follow the pathway across huge dry plains for Nepalese border lies to the south. Finally, we take the trip back to Kathmandu as same route. This is truly the trip of a lifetime with stunning scenery and cultural highlights. For Itinerary click here.

The climate:
Depending upon the season, during June, July, August till September, daytime will be pleasant and quite warm with about 15-20 degrees Celsius. During afternoon time 1-4 pm can be windy. Winds blow at a speed of 50-60 km per hour and at times more. The morning and evening will be chilly between minus 2 to 0 degree Celsius.

Accommodation :
Accommodation will be very simple with a cozy room with common bathrooms and toilets. However, hot water will be provided in every room for refreshing and for drinking. Accommodated among 4 men in high altitude tents will be provided, while camping we shall be providing all tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and camping equipment required for the trip, expect for personal clothing. No laundry service will be available throughout the trip.

Food & Beverage:
While staying in lodges' en-route the meal will be provided from the best available Chinese or Tibetan restaurants. The food will be provided vegetarian very simple as per the clients' taste .At the camping time we will be providing vegetarian breakfast and dinner cooked by our sherpas at camp site. You will be required to bring sufficient supplementary food like biscuits, nuts, pickles, bhujias, Swahilis, freeze-dried milk and your favorite tinned products to add variety to the meals. Lunch will be packed of light snacks.

Clothing & Accessories:
We highly recommend one down jacket, one warm thick pull-over, one thin pull-over, two warm pants, two light loose cotton pants, warm trousers & woolen shirts (cotton will also do) one warm windproof cotton jacket, four cotton sleeve T-shirts, two thermal under pants, warm sweaters, two thermal vests, one rain coat or windbreakers, one pair comfortable shoes & light rubber sandal, light leather boots in case of snow, six pairs of warm woolen socks, one light cotton or silk scarf, one large cotton or silk scarf, one pair of warm gloves, soft paper tissues, monkey cap & scarf/dust mask to protect your eyes & nose from dust, two towels, Wind - Rain Jacket, sun hat, sun glass, sun cream, chap stick.

Road:
Road between Kathmandu and Nyalam is bad and it can be disrupted during monsoon. Some parts above friendship bridge and above Zhangmu is not in condition to ply vehicles as such we have to walk about 3 hours above friendship bridge and above Zhangmu road about 2 hours. Porters are provided in these areas. During monsoon, if it rains heavily, road will be flooded with water between Xigatse and Gyantse, so we have to detour via Northern highway. We use Southern highway via Gyantse and Yamdrok Lake . It involves the crossing of a pass Karo - La that is 5010m high .

Time:
Nepal Time is + 5:45 of Greenwich mean time and China time is 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal time in winter and 3 hours and 15 minutes in the summer

Transportation:
Throughout the journey you will be traveling in 4 wheel Drive Land cruisers and no walking is required. Maximum 4-5 people will be accommodated in a land cruiser . A truck will be required for all the luggage and camping gear except between Zhangmu & Kodari and While on trek, doing the Parikarma.(Circumambulation) during the Kora, we will provide Yaks to carry the camping & your personal heavy gears .

Guide/ Staff:
A Tibetan/ English speaking guide will escort the group throughout the trip including few Nepali (Sherpa) staffs for the camping. W ho are capable to works & cook on high altitudes will be accompanying the group.

Photography:
As Tibet get very bright sunlight due to thin air, so taking photographs can be quite glare. We recommend you to take the advice 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 or Army Camps.

Visas and Documentation:
You must be in possession of a valid passport. We will obtain your Visa for Tibet , and will require the following information when making your reserve

1. Full name
2. Sex
3. Nationality
4. Occupation
5. Date of birth
6. Passport number
7. Place of issue
8. Date of expiry
9. Postal Address
10. Two passport size photographs

Additionally, you must allow a minimum of 7 working days in Kathmandu the visa to be physically stamped in your passport. Getting a visa for Tibet as an Indian passport is guaranteed once the tour is booked. Clients traveling to Tibet should arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days prior to departure to Tibet to process the Tibet Visa with Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu as Chinese Embassy is open for visa application from 10 AM to 11 Am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If one wish to get the visa in one working day is also possible by paying surcharge of emergency visa fee. We advise to obtain double entry Nepal visa from Nepalese Embassy/Consulate abroad or obtain the same arrival at Kathmandu Airport .

China Custom:
Declare money and other valuables like jewelry and electronic goods while entering and also at exit. Any curios must be declared with proper receipts available only from Government Shops when leaving the country

Health:
This is one of the toughest high altitude road journeys on earth. You Must be physically fit - no two ways about that. Generally patients with asthma & heart problems have a problem acclimatizing to high altitudes. In your interests it is essential you should be examined by your doctor to know about your health condition and your ability to cope up with the rigors of high altitude travel for days in 'no road' conditions, extreme cold, dust, trekking to an altitude of 19500ft during the Parikrama, etc.

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.

Altitude Sickness :
Altitude Sickness is an environment related condition that can effect anyone who ascents too rapidly to high elevations without acclimatizing properly. Clients may have required oxygen cylinders with mask which should bring by the clients on their own as these items are not easily available in Kathmandu . Since clients should travel. In high altitude, they need to submit the certificate, which indicates that he/she can travel in high altitude. These certificates should be provided by the medical doctor. This required specially for the Indian nationals. Tourists need to drink liquor as much as possible during the journey and must avoid the alcohol.

Medicine:
We suggest you to bring your own first aid kit with adequate medication regarding altitude sickness, nausea, dehydration and some painkillers.

Reservation:
Deposit of full payment should be made to reserve the arrangements as per the regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau at least 30 days before departure. Prices are quoted in United States Dollars for NRI/Foreigners. And Indian currency for Indian Nationals. All payments must be made in US Dollar.

Payment Policy:

• 30 days prior to tour departure date, 30% of the total cost should reach Tirupati Holidays Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd account by telex transfer with passport of client.
• And full payment should be making before departure to Manasarovar & Mt. Kailash Yatra.

Tour Cancellation policy:
All notice of cancellation must be sent to our office in written. Verbal cancellations will not be entertained. The cancellation policy as following.

• 20 days before trip departure 10% of total trip cost.
• 15 days before trip departure 50% of total trip cost.
• 07 days before trip departure 100% of total trip cost or no show

Equipment on Trip:
We also provide Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tents, Dining Tables, Folding Chairs and full kitchen utensils. We will provide Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag and Foam Mattress for bed.

Personal Equipment Checklist:
You need at least 3 pair of change of your clothing for this trip. Shorts, skirt or lightweight trousers are ideal in the heat of the day along with T-shirt, long sleeved cotton shirts and sun hat. During the evening and the higher altitudes warmers clothing will be needed, breeches, track. Well fitting, comfortable boots are to be preferred over training shoes for the actual trekking and clothing will be required for both extremes of climate, for hot sun when trekking through the lower foothills to freezing temperatures at night when camping in the high valleys.

Insurance & Emergency Expenses:
We highly recommend all clients to be insured against Medical, accidents & necessary emergency evacuation, if needed. We suggest that clients insured themselves against a comprehensive claim policy. This should also include Helicopter Evacuation if necessary. Please note that our Kailash Tour Package does not include any rescue or evacuation expenses in emergencies. Any Emergency arrangement other than regular straightforward tour itinerary service should be borne by the clients themselves.

General Considerations when Packing:
Keep the weight and bulk down to a minimum. Baggage allowance on most international flights is 20 Kg's/44 lbs. Most people tend to bring more clothes than they do actually need. You will only need one change of clothes for Kathmandu . On trek it is important to dress in layers. When it is hot you will only be wearing a base layer, when it gets colder you can add to this until you are wearing most of your clothes!

Currency:
The unit of Chinese currency is Yuan. USD 1 = 7.9 Yuan. 1 Yuan = INR 5-6 approx; Money can exchange at Bank of China at Zhangmu or from the locals at Zhangmu or Kodari. Exchange all your remaining Yuan at the end of the trip at Zhangmu itself before re-entering Nepal .

Risks & Liability:
Our associates and we will put every effort to make your journey smooth and pleasant. However, all the tours in Tibet are conduct strictly under the rules & regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Therefore,All a government organization, CTTB reserves the right to change itineraries without advance notice, depending on the weather, condition. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accidents, natural disaster, political actions, and road conditions unrest must be borne by the tourists .

IMPORTANT PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION CLICK ON PLAN & PREPARATION