MOUNT KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA 2012

Mt.Kailash:

Mount Kailash lies in the southwestern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. At 6,714 m (22,027 ft), Mount Kailas is the highest peak in the Kailas Range of the Himalayas . Mount Kailas is separated from the Great Himalayas chain by a trough that is drained in the northwest by the Sutlej River and in the southeast by the Yarlung Zangbo River (the extreme upper Brahmaputra River ). Mapam Lake , lying just south of Mount Kailash at 4,557 m (14,950 ft), is one of the world's highest lakes.

Mount Kailas , which has religious significance for both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists, is an important pilgrimage site. For Hindus, the peak is the home of the god Shiva, while Tibetan Buddhists equate the mountain with Mount Sumeru , the cosmic center of the universe

Lake MANSAROVER:

The great lake Mansarover is situated in the south-west corner of Tibet and in the north-west of Nepal . It beyond high Himalayas which borders Nepal and China . Tibetan plateau in itself is unique in its geographic make up with its fauna and flora and mythical setup of ecosystem. The lake is 20 kms from Mt.Kailash and is one of the most beautiful and sacred lake in Asia . It can be circumambulated in four or five days. It is often a gem like cobalt blue color but during storm, it can turn into a churning black sometimes.

According to Hindu and Buddisht epics, the four great rivers of the Indian sub-continent, the Indus , Ganga , Sutlej and Brahamaputra actually arise from Mansarover. In reality, only the Sutlej originates from the lake. Mansarover has been circumambulated by the Indian pilgrims at least since being extolled in the sacred Sanskrit literature called the Puranas around 1700 years ago. Legends has that the mother of Buddha, Mayadevi was bathe at Mansarovar by Gods before giving birth to her son

ITINERARY:

Day01: Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to Hotel.
Pick up from airport transfer to hotel free and relax.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing, Overnight at Hotel.
Have breakfast and get ready for Pashupati Nath Darshan and Kathmandu Durbar Square sightseeing. After than get back to Hotel and free day.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Nyalam (3750m) .
Journey begins at 5:30 am after having Breakfast in hotel of packed breakfast provided on the way. The road follows the river valleys of the Sunkosi and Bhotakosi rivers, passing through green mountains and cliffs. By the afternoon we get to the Tibetan boarder. Depending on the road conditions, we may stay in Zhangmu. If road conditions permit, we will continue 30km to Nyalam.

Day 04: Rest Day for acclimatization.
A leisure day gives us a chance to relax and acclimatize at the high altitude.

Day 05: Drive to Dongba (4500m) 335kms drive. Overnight at Local Guest House.
The road climbs up to the, La Lung (5124m) then drops down before heading western part of Tibet. Road to east goes to Lhasa , capital city of Tibet . Stunning views of the Himalayas and particularly Shisha Pangma (8012m) can be seen on the way. By afternoon we will cross the Bhramaputra River and contineu to drive to Dongba.

Day 06: Drive to Lake Manasarovar (4560m) 335 kms drive. Overnight at Local Guest House.
We start the yatra after having breakfast. By late afternoon the drive through the green pastures and huge valleys gives way to the first view of Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar . We will drive to Thogu holiest bathing gate of Manas. It is believed that The holiest Lake mansarovar is the source of four great holy rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra, Sutlej and Indus River. It is said that Lord Vishnu floated in it for an eternity, dreaming, until the life force stirred, and out of the water's infinite potential sprang forth all of creation.

Day 07: Drive to Tarchen (4600m)
This day offers a wonderful opportunity to see the great lake Manasarover with mt . Gurula Mandhata (7728m) on south and Holy Kailash on the north. After bath and Puja drive to Tarchen( The base camp of Mt.Kailash ) via Chiu monastery and hot spring. Those who want to visit Astapad , they can consult with our Nepali team leader at extra expenses.

Day 08: Drive to Tarboche (12 km) trek to Dirapuk (4900m)
Parikrama around Kailash begins at Tarboche . Our way of trekking passes numerous chortens as well as the sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddas . We will also have wonderful views of cascading creeks, streaming water falls and the mighty west face of Kailash. We will pass the Chukku Gompa and in about 6 hours we will reach to Dirapuk Gompa where we will set up camp or stay at the guest house on the basis of availability.

Day 09: Trek to Zutulpuk Gompa (22 Kms)(4790m)
Today is the hardest but holiest day of the pilgrimage. We will cross through a rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns draped with the clothes offered by pilgrims as a spiritual sign of death. Gaurikunda is one of the holiest sites to view/ visit from the top. Further hiking brings us to the accent up to Dolma -La pass (5630m). After a nice break at the top of the pass we will head down the steep trail to our eventual campsite at Zutul-Puk Monastery (the cave of miracles where Milarepa meditated) .

Day 10: Trek to Tangsar (8 kms) and drive to Dongba.
Trek to Tangsar 8 kms which will take around 3 hours. Upon reaching Tangsar jeep will be waiting for you and drive to Dongba 370kms which will take around 6 hours.

Day 11: Drive to Nyalam. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at the hotel.
This evening, you will be awarded by the certificate of Successful completion of the Yatra at the banquet of the hotel.

Day 13: Transfer to airport for final departure.

Cost :

INR 85,000/- per person (on the basis of group Joining)

Supplement cost for NRI : INR 5,500/- per person. (other than US passport holder)

Supplement cost for NRI: INR 10,500/- per person. (for US passport holder)

Cost Includes:
Arrival & departure transportation
3 nights hotel at Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on bed and breakfast basis.
Transfer to Kodari by private vehicle
Tibet side: accommodation in decent hotel/tents
While camping we provide two-man tents, mattresses, sleeping bag & camping equipments like dining & toilet tents.
Kailash permit & normal Tibet/China visa fee.
Pure vegetarian meals, Japanese land cruisers (4WD) & support trucks
English speaking Tibetan guide
Nepali tour leader
Ba sic first-aid kit

Cost Doesnot includes:
Airfares from Home - Kathmandu - Home
All beverages, Photography charges and Telephone calls
Travel Insurance of clients
Emergency evacuation expenses.
Riding Yak/Horse for Kailash Parikrama (direct payable to Yak/horse herder)
Cost incurred due to uncertainites like political disturbance, landslide and any thing which is beyond our control will have to be bear by the client themselves.
Personal nature cost.
Any cost not mentioned in cost includes.

Important Note:
Every effort will be made to stick to itinerary. As this is Adventure Travel in remote mountain region we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and health of fellow travelers can all contribute to changes. We try our level best to ensure the trip runs according to plan, as easy going altitude will be an asset.
Altitude Sickness:
Altitude is a major factor on all our Tibet trips. We will often reach altitudes of over 3500m. This can have mild or severe effects on your body even if you are physically fit. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty in sleeping. The best way to prevent this is to stay extremely hydrated and conscious of your body. Diamox can help prevent symptoms, consult your doctor. We carry several oxygen tanks and portable altitude chambers. You travel on your own risk.

First Aid/Medical kits:
Alps Adventure provides basis first air. We highly recommend that you bring a well stocked personal medical kit. Consult your doctor for medical prescription.

Insurance::
Full travel insurance coverage for medical evacuation, loss of belongings and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.
Happy Tour conducted by Alps Adventure Treks & Expedition and its related Organization comes to an end with pleasant and memorable memories to cherish forever.

List of Personal Gear:

• Duffel or Rucksack bag (with good zipper. You can have this on hire / buy at local shop in Kathmandu)
• Your personal Daypack (To keep your valuables, money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun cream and toilet paper etc, )
• Down Jacket
• 4 seasons Sleeping bag (Own sleeping bag is recommended. You can also hire / buy at local shop in Kathmandu)
• Hiking pants
• Waterproof jacket
• Full - sleeves shirt
• Jumper or pile jacket
• T - shirts
• Trekking boots (water proof)
• Camp shoes or Sandal
• Polypropylene/wool socks
• Light cotton socks for under wool socks
• Woollen socks to wear with boots
• Sun hat
• Beanie
• Gloves
• Sun block for lips
• Sun lotion
• Goggles or sunglasses
• Thermal Long underwear
• Insulated pants
• Nylon windbreaker
• Nylon wind pants
• Water bottle
• Sewing kit
• Medical & first aid kit
• Flash light
• Batteries and bulbs
• Swiss army knife (optional)
• Personal towel
• Personal toiletries and your personal edication which should be labeled