KAILASH MANSAROVAR is one of the tough yatra. We are one of only few successful operators. We today see many travel agents selling it without knowing the yatra and land yatris in trouble. We thought let us tell the truth and give correct information to the people who wish to take this yatra. There are two routes to this yatra one is from India to Tibet and other is via Nepal. Indian government performs lucky draw every year and select about 1100 to 1800 pilgrims for Kailash Mansarovar tour,
Rout 1, Lipulekh Pass(Uttarakhand)Duration : about 24 days.Estimated cost per person: Rs.1.8 Lakh,and of which 12 to 14 days is trekking
Route 2 Nathu La (Sikkim) Duration : about 21 days. Estimated cost per person: Rs. 2.5 Lakh
The other route is via Nepal where most of the pilgrims under take yatra. This route is chosen by most people as there is no trekking involved except for the Kailash Parikrama. This yatra is also known as Jeep safari/Bus to Kailash Yatra.
One does not have any choice for stay. We have ensured to give the best guest house available in Tibet region. Accommodation in Tibet is ages old and has just basic facilities, There are about 4 -5 beds in one room and it is shared. Very basis or no facility for toilets, generally tour operator makes a toilet tent outside the Guest houses. Food is pure vegetarian and has Indian taste in it. Please be aware of travel agents who promise you good hotels in Tibet there are no hotels in Tibet except for Saga, kerung, Purang (taklakot), Darchen, Lhasa, Lihatse, Ali. Mostly Nepal agents coming and selling directly here in India mislead and collect money making false promises. Some indian agents who are just booking agents of Nepal travel agency are also not aware of conditions in Tibet.
Only Sarva Travels is Direct tour operator in Gujarat. Registered in Gujarat and Nepal. Only 5 to 10 operators are direct organizers in entire India. Ask for registration proof of Nepal if your operator claims it. They are just mediators of Nepal operators. Any wrongdoings by Nepal operators will directly affect you.
If you are thinking of going to Kailash Mansarovar you be prepared to adjust for poor standard of rooms. When you are around Mansarovar and Kailash most of the operators will keep you in tents as there is no advance booking system for rooms. If rooms are empty and you wish to stay in Guest house you need to pay 30 - 50 yuan per head per night. You may not get to take bath every day but one can pay for hot water shower for about 25 - 30 yuan at Nyalam, Saga, Paryang, kerung, Purang (taklakot) and Darchen.
Some times due to long drive and on going road construction work one gets delay in reaching the destination please bear with delay in dinner time. At times while traveling in Tibet we reach late and then sherpa has to handle your luggage as well as our kitchen also. Please bear with the sherpa team as it may some time take 2 hrs to serve you food. In lunch we always serve packed lunch which is made in morning as we would waste lots of time in preparing fresh food for lunch. Expect basis food and eat less but adequate never over eat at this altitude as it will immediately lead to constipation and stomach disorder. Sherpas prepare food and due to water and altitude the taste is also not what you expect.
In short one should be mentally ready for all this. Operator do their best to give you the best. But certain things are non existent . More over one may feel bit sick due to altitude. drink about 4 liters of water every day and you will be alright. Take one diamox everyday from kerung or Purang (taklakot) onwards this will keep you body fluids up float.
Generally preparation for this yatra should be prepared before 4 -5 months of this yatra. One should walk 5-6 km every day. Start drinking at least 3 liter of water every day. Even Ayurveda suggests to drink more water to keep your body fit.
We have mentioned above details which will normally not be mentioned by any travel agent as they themselves would never have traveled to kailash. Call us for more details and we would suggest to travel with us to travel safe and religiously. We will deliver what is promised and you may verify it by calling our clients mentioned in our Testimonial section.
Hotels/Accomodation
Could you give me details on the accommodation facilities provided?
The following is offered:
TRANSPORTATION
What kind of Transportation in Nepal & Tibet side?
Airport transfer and sightseeing in Nepal side is done by air conditioned Bus Kathmandu to kerung border is done by non a/c bus.
Tibet Side: It will based on your selection, however, we recommend by AC Coach for best value and save money.
By Luxury AC Coach: Our preferred Selection since road conditions in Tibet side are excellent nowadays. AC Coach is very high standard providing comfort and moreover, you will be together with friends and can sing Bhajan and have fun. Our past clients feedback is they find it more comfortable.
By Jeep: More expensive (Additional INR 30,000 to INR 50,000 than AC Coach rate). You will be traveling with few other members.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Do we need to undergo medical tests? Why is it necessary?
Yes. Details are available in the medical form. You are required to trek through high altitude region. In such places, the atmospheric air is under low pressure and people may suffer from Hypoxia (less oxygen). In the rarefied atmospheric conditions, a participant may develop ailments like pulmonary oedema/cerebral oedema and acute mountain sickness, etc. Participants hence need to be screened thoroughly before they are induced into high altitudes.
I have been to high altitude last year and my stay was uneventful. Do I need a medical exam?
Yes, it is necessary to undergo medical examination every time before going to a high altitude region.
How can I qualify medically?
By undergoing all the medical tests mentioned in the medical form and consulting your physician about your fitness to travel to a high altitude of 19000 feet and above.
Do I need to carry the medicines which I have been taking and prescribed by my doctor?
Yes, you are advised to take sufficient stock of medicines to last the entire duration of the trip. The suggested list is available with us
FOOD
What type of Food and drink will be provided there at Tibet?
For breakfast one gets high energy and nutritious beverages like Bournvita, Horlicks along with Tea / Coffee. There is Porridge / Cornflakes and the Menu alternates Poha, Pancakes, Upma, Pakoras etc., and Bread with Butter/ Jams etc. are there. Lunch is Generally Packed and Served at a Scenic Spot near Some Water Pool. It Consists of a Tetra Pack ( Frooti etc. ) or Lime Water with Glucose, Puri / Chapatti & Vegetables, Tinned Fruits / Sweets, Pickle. Dinner is at the Guest House and the menu is very varied with soup, Indian, Chinese and European cuisine and a desert. We serve bottel mineral water thoughout the journey. You can watch our testimonials where our past yatris have told for our food and other services.
AGE LIMIT
Is there any Age Limit to Join Kailash yatra?
Aged minimum 10 years and maximum 70 yearsto join Kailash yatra, we are organizing these yatra since past 11 years and there is not a single casualty or death in our tour. Due to the nature and climate we advice that child below 7-8 years should not be accompanied in the tour.
CURRENCY/TELEPHONE
What are the Arrangements for Communication en-route, like Cell Phone or Satellite Phones?
Public phones are available in Kathmandu, Saga, kerung, Purang (taklakot), Darchen, Lhasa, Lihatse, Ali. Airtel / Vodafone / Jio Roaming works fairly well till Lake Manasarovar and even during kailash parikrama, but it is exorbitantly costly. It is advised to use locate public phone. Or you can buy local prepaid Tibet (Chinese) sim card approx cost 100 to 150 yuan, but you can use of this card for incoming and easily send to sms but there will be no facility of outgoing for Tibet to india.
In Nepal you can use Indian sim for communication but it is costly. we suggest you can use whatsapp calling from your hotel room without any charge.
In Nepal carrying 500 and 1000 denomination Indian currency is prohibited, It is advised not to carry while you are travelling to Nepal. In Tibet Chinese currency Yuan is used and conversion is about 1 Yuan = 10/11 Rupees. You need to convert Indian currency at our office or at Kathmandu.
INSURANCE
From where can I buy travel Insurance?
We can assist you for your travel Insurance on request. It is importance you take travel insurance as this is tough yatra to be on safer side, cost of insurance is about Rs 1000 - Rs 3000 only as per age.
The emergency evacuation cost is very high if helicopter is to be used.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
To reserve your place for the trips, please complete the Booking Form and send it with the advance deposit of INR 20,000 per person for Indian nationality or USD 300 per person for other than Indian nationality to our bank account. Note: In case of cancellation, deposit is not refundable. However, service charge, hotel cancellation fee, transportation cancellation fee, bank transfer fee, and other charges may apply.
FULL PAYMENT must be received before 30 days of your departure date. Without full payment one cannot commence their trip. No Exception Accepted.
If you wish to make amendments to your trip arrangements, you must notify Sarva Travels. in writing. Each amendment to your trip arrangements will incur an administration fee depending upon the situation. All administration fees must be paid before departure.
It is our most important aim that you enjoy your holiday and that we earn your trust. However, we are not responsible for any cancellation due to any industrial disputes, Technical failure of any type of transport we use, loss of earnings, late arrivals or force majeure, or any items beyond our control.
After booking, if you wish to cancel your trip, you must notify Sarva Travels. in writing. Once Sarva Travels receives your request, cancellation will take effect subject to the following:
If cancellation takes place before 45 days prior to your departure date or before applying your Tibet permit, your full payment will be refund except the non-refundable deposit: after that all previously paid amount(s) will be forfeited.
You declare and warrant that:
You are in good health and mental and physical fitness at the time of booking this trip. You have disclosed to Sarva Travels every matter concerning your health and mental and physical fitness of which you are aware, or ought to reasonably be expected to know, that is relevant to Sarva Travels decision to permit you to go on the trip.
Sarva Travels reserves the right to:
Insurance
Personal travel insurance is not included in the trip price. It is a condition of booking a trip with Sarva Travels, and your responsibility to ensure that you are adequately insured for the full duration of the trip in respect of illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal items and cancellation and curtailment.
Airline
Any material published by Sarva Travels, the Booking Form and these conditions of contract are not issued on behalf of, and do not commit any airline whose services are used or proposed to be used in the course of the trip. In the event that an airline’s proposed travel or fare schedule is amended or cancelled, such amendment or cancellation will not be considered a cancellation of the trip by Sarva Travels
Trip Prices
The prices are based on ground costs, fuel prices, airfares, exchange rates and assumptions made at the printing of the brochure. Sarva Travels tries its utmost not to increase trip prices (in full or part), however sometimes increases are outside its control. Sarva Travels reserves the right to amend trip prices (or any part) without notice at any time before and including the departure date. Amendments may be necessitated for many reasons including, but not limited to, exchange rate fluctuations, increased fuel costs, airfares, airport charges, increases in ground operator service fees, or the need to engage alternative air or ground operators. Any increase in trip prices must be paid prior to the departure date.
Assumption
You accept and agree to assume all risk associated with the journeys and further agree to abide by the terms and conditions of Sarva Travels as described herein and its brochures and publications. In the event of illness, accident, weather, political and other factors beyond their control, I will not hold Sarva Travels and its agents, associates or employees responsible or liable for damages. I understand I am traveling at my own risk.
PARIKRAMA FACTS
How much do I have to walk during Parikrama?
Kailash parikrama is of 42 kms. If you can not or do not want to go for Kailash Parikrama by foot then you can hire a horse and horse man for 3 days by paying extra (around Yuan 3500 to Yuan 4000 per person). This rate is may vary during travel time, hence not a fixed rate. Even you do hire a horse, you have to walk at least 4-5 kms on second day of parikrama.
You can choose not to go for Parikrama at all. Our staff will be there preparing accommodation and meals.
What if I don’t want to do Parikrama?
IF you don’t want to do Parikrama we would provide you accommodation and food Darchen base camp and you would have to wait until others return from Parikrama.
If I want to do Parikrama riding on horse (pony) how much does it cost?
The cost is around Yuan 3500 to Yuan 4000 per person which you have to pay yourself directly to the horse owner or the porter you are going to hire or Chinese Guide. The package doesn’t include the price of horse (pony) ride.
What If We Come Back Due To Any Reason Early From Parikrama?
Once you have booked and paid for horse money is non refundable. If you stay one night at Dirapuk and then decide to come back accommodation at Darchen will be available but at extra cost about 200 - 300 yuan.
Is It Possible To Return Without Parikrama And Without Waiting For Other Group?
It is possible but you have to have your own group more than 25 persons to change the itinerary according to your desire. If the group is below that the cost may increase. One has to bear cost of 300 yuan per person for visa break charges to China and extra car cost from darchen to china border.
What Is Difference Between Inner Parikrama & Outer Parikrama?
Inner Parikrama means parikrama of Nandi Parvat and route is seperate on 2nd day of parikrama.The outer parikrama means parikrama of Kailash Parvat via Gauri kund. The regular Overland and Helicopter is actually only outer Parikrama which is easy to complete. However, for Inner Parikrama, it takes longer and it is quite challenging. Please make sure you are healthy enough to do the Inner Parikrama. We organize inner parikrama every year in August.
PERMIT/VISA
Is passport must?
Yes, it is must for Kailash Mansarovar yatra travel.
The Chinese visa is a group Visa paper based.
First of all we need your passport copies by email to apply for Tibet Travel Permit (required by Chinese government).
We will get Tibet permit before 1 month of departure date. After that we need your original passport for Group Visa processing:
Indian Nationality: You have to send your original passport to us for Visa processing.
NRI or Foreign Nationals: You have to send your COLOR copies of passport by e-mail for permit processing. You will get group paper permit. You also need to carry four color passport size photographs when you travel to Nepal. This is required for Nepal and China visa. You should arrive in Kathmandu few days earlier than of the departure day.
The visa formality takes three working days in Kathmandu so that their arrival days should be fall on Sunday / Monday / Tuesday to meet the visa procedure working days. If the above departure dates do not meet these arrival days then please contact us before your confirm your flight ticket. The additional cost there of incur due to early arrival than of above package itinerary for visa formalities should be borne by NRI guests itself.
Note Chinese visa and Tibet permits are 2 different things you need to apply for China visa seperately for Kailash Mansarovar yatra. After you get group Chinese Visa, we will send your passport back to you.
Therefore, since it takes time, we suggest our Yatris to book as early as possible, so that your yatra can be begin in your desired departure date.
Indian yatris are advised to keep their Voter ID handy when they travel to Nepal.
GROUP SIZE
We generally take about 40 - 50 pax per yatra some times in peak season it may increase to 60 to 70 also. Our experienced tour leader is always with you.
IDEAL TIME TO GO
While tours operate from April to September in that Region, Please Check the Fixed Day Tours, and Itinerary for Details on Dates. The Tibet Plateau is a Dry Region and Rain / Precipitation is Very Little so any Month between May-September is Good. Weather wise although May and September will be Colder. However, July is the Rainy Season in Nepal and on the Road to the Border, Landslides do take Place and might require a 1-2 km Walk on Extreme Cases. Weather in Tibet is very Uncertain.
You may ask us for Best Season as wheather keep Changing Every Year.
CLOTHINGS
What sort of clothing and accessories is suggested for the Trip?
As the Kailash Mansarovar is at high altitude the climate is cold so it is recommended that you have warm clothes with you, thermo coat, monkey cap, comfort shoes, masks, walking sticks, sunscreen lotions, sun glasses are also recommended accessories for the trip. for more info please visit our Things to carry page.
Down jackets provided by other tour operators are useless and cheap. We recommend you to buy good quality jacket from Purang (taklakot), kerung for around 120 to 150 Yuan.
CHINA FEC (Foreign Exchange Center)
We are an authorized agent of China, Foreige Exchange Center (FEC)
Foreige Exchange Center (FEC) has a monopoly over the rights to handle travel arrangements & fix rates for the Indian pilgrims in Tibet side.
We make direct payment to FEC in US dollars, so price may get affected due to change in US dollar rates.
All arrangements within Tibet are solely at the discretion of the China Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) & for Indian nationals, Foreige Exchange Center (FEC) both are government organizations.
due to some unrest within Tibet or any other political reason China external affairs ministry may abruptly stop giving permit or visa without assigning any reason. One must be ready of last minute changes.
EMERGENCY
In case of emergencies, what are the steps that will be taken by you?
A qualified and well-equipped doctor especially trained to handle high-altitude sickness and other conditions that may arise, are available at selected places in Tibet and their advice can be taken at your cost. Generally this has rarely happend with us in these 11 yrs as our scientific approach towards your food and well being such situations are avoided.
If I become sick and have to go back to Kathmandu can I go back early?
If Doctor advises you to go back then you should go back immediately. In case of emergency returning yatri must pay around 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 Rs for special car. Group leader's decision will be final. This is to save your life. Any quarrel will attrace strict police action from China guide. It is important that you take deep breaths and also slow down your movements. Yatris should prepare by doing 20 pranayams (deep breathing exercise) in the mornings and evenings starting at least a month prior to your yatra. It is also useful to include a walk of at least 3 kilometers a day. We are associated with Travel Tag (National Insurance) for medical insurance. We advice you to buy medical insurance for your yatra. We also need medical certificate from MBBS doctor that you are fit to travel to very high altitude region. We advice you to have ECHO & TMT test from reputed check-up centre nearby you as most of death happens of Heart Attack due to lack of Oxygen. Please ask your doctor clearly about this and show your ECHO & TMT result to check your heart fitness to function properly in low Oxygen level. Most of death happens at Mansarovar. Please inform us immediately if you feel breathing problem. DO NOT WALK AT ANY COST. Just lay down CALM and inform somebody. We will take you to the nearby medical center. It takes 3-4 hours to reach there depending upon location. Medical facilities are rare and too far to reach in-time, so we advice you to know your body well so that you can inform us well in time. People having sickness will be banned immediately and will sent back to low altitude area to kerung or purang (taklakot). China authority takes special car fare for this. Please keep extra money for the same. You are going very close to nature and nature does not forgive. Please do not think about money you spent. Your life is more important than anything else. Insurance in case of natural death will not be entertained by any insurance company. Sarva Travels is not responsible for any accidental or natural death.
PRIVATE GROUPS
Can we form our own private group?
Yes you can for your own private group, the group size should be at least 26 - 35 to get good bargain, if size is small the price will go up as logistics costs remains same.
LUGGAGE
How much luggage one should carry ?
Due to Airline restrictions one can carry 15 kgs in domestic flight and on International flight one can carry 20 kgs. We give you
1 Duffel bag
1 back pack bag
absolutely free of cost. You need not carry your own luggage bags. We shall courier these bags at your door step 15 days before your departure date.
DURING MUKTINATH YATRA
To reach Muktinath we need to go through Kathmandu-Pokhra-Jomsom-Pokhra-Kathmandu route. We will travel by Non AC bus from Kathmandu to Pokhra. The easiest method for Pokhra-Jomsom-Pokhra is chartered flights will reach Jomsom in 30 mins or less. These are small rotter blade or fixed wing aircraft and can cary upto 15 to 18 passenger in one go. There are limited 5-6 flights in a day. Jomsom is the most high altitude and dangerous airport strip in the world. flight goes above Annapurna and Dhaulagir mountain range. Due to bad weather they can cancel all flights for the day. If we will have chance to reach Kathmandu in time for forthcoming Kailash Yatra we can wait at Pokhra for the next day at maximum and try for the next day. If next day also bad weather continuous we need to get back to Kathmandu for Kailash Yatra schedule. In that case we will refund only flight tickets fare (8,000/-) in total. Rest of money for the Muktinath yatra will be deducted as we would have already spent it on your travel and hotels. No claim will be entertained. If we reach Jomsom and we face similar problem while coming back we will have only one way to come back to Pokhra and that is by rugged road. It will take minimum 14 Hours to reach to Pokhra. This rugged road goes from mountain range and have deep Gandki river at one side and mountain at other. In rainy season land-slides are common and we need to change bus if road is blocked. We may need to go by walk from one location to another to catch other bus. 1-2 Kms each time. For adventure seekers this would be fun! Please be prepared for this. No refund will be possible as this also cost same as your flight ticket. Please carry enough water and food items from Jomsom for the journey. We will have only one or two stops where VERY basic food will be available.
DONTS