14 Days Overland Trip

Transcription

1 R Helpline : + Landline : i Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Days Overland Trip Kathmandu to Kathmandu Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 1

2 Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour Itinerary Nights/14 Days overland trip (Kathmandu Keyrong- Mansarovar Lake Mt. Kailash Kathmandu) Day 01» Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m) Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, welcome by our representative and transfer to your pre-booked 3 star or equivalent hotel. Check into room and relax for the rest of the time. Overnight stay and dinner will be at the hotel. Meals included : Veg Dinner Accommodation Style : 3* equivalent hotel stay sharing basis Day 02» Kathmandu Sightseeing Early morning by 0630 AM, breakfast in the hotel and then continue for the tour in Kathmandu by 8.00 AM. You will visit Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkanth Temple, both are biggest holy temple in regards to Lord Shiva & Vishnu respectively. Return hotel from sightseeing and take lunch in hotel. In the evening, we will have short briefing program followed by introduction of all group members. Overnight stay at the hotel. Accommodation Style : 3* equivalent hotel stay sharing basis Optional trip : One can even book for mountain flight as an optional tour for this morning at additional cost. This is an hour flight over World s highest Mountain peaks. The flight departure time is at 0630 AM so those passengers who booked for this incredible flight should be ready by 0530 AM in the hotel and one of our tour officers will pick up and transfer you to the domestic airport. The flights are weather permitted. Day 03» Drive Kathmandu to Dhunche (126 kms/6 hours) or Shyabru Besi (145 km / 7 hours) After breakfast drive to Dhunche or Shyabru Besi in your bus. The drive to Dhunche or Shyabru Besi is not long in distance but the road and traffic conditions can make it tiring and time taking. Upon reaching Dhunche or Shyabru Besi stay in a lodge/guesthouse. Dinner and stay at the guesthouse. Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 2

3 Day 04» Drive Dhunche /Shyabru Besi to Keyrong (4130m) via Rasuwagadhi (125 km/ 4-5 hours) After breakfast drive to the Nepalese border Rasuwagadi which is about 15 kms from Shyabru Besi. After immigration formalities the group will cross the border on foot to reach China side. The pilgrims are then transferred on their Chinese bus for onward drive to Keyrong. We travel in sturdy and comfortable vehicles that are controlled and guided by Tibetans. The accompanying Nepalese Sherpas get into the coaches after loading the food materials water etc and the onward journey into the Tibetan/Chinese region continues toward the town of Keyrong (also spelled as Gyirong or Kerung sometimes). On arrival, check into room and take rest for today. Our kitchen crew will serve hot tea or coffee with light snacks within short interval of time, after setting their kitchen. Then you can stroll around hotel vicinity or go for a walk in nearby markets. Dinner will be prepare by our cook and serve between 7 to 8 PM (Chinese time). Overnight stay will be in a guesthouse at Keyrung in dormitory style. Important remark : Being you are staying in high elevation at 4130m, there might be consequence of uneasy feeling with your health in the first night, so it is suggested to all travelers to drink liquid more as possible that may be in any form of soup, juice, tea, coffee or hot water. This will help you in re-hydration as well as in breathing system. Day 05» Free day at Keyrong (Kerung) for acclimatization (4130m) This day is reserved for rest for acclimatization in Tibet s tough climate. Our tour manager will assist you for a short hike in and around Keyrong for warming up your body to adjust with Tibet s high altitude. Also, you can enjoy the day with chanting Bhajan or Katha in the guesthouse. Day 06» Keyrung to Dongba via Saga (4600m) 310 kms / 7 hours drive The enjoyable drive through the mountains terrain and then the plains provides us a marvelous view of huge and bluish lake Pieko-Tso and some amazing sites on the way.. Cross the Yarlung Zangpo (Brahmaputtra River) and then turn for the northern route, and arrive at beautiful town of Saga (4840m). If time permits, we will make a short stop at Saga. The landscape gradually changes to the high Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 3

4 plains of Tibet, soft beautiful and photogenic. From Saga we drive further to Dongba (also spelled as Zongba or Zhongba). Stay overnight at guesthouse/lodge in dormitory style. Day 07» Dongba to Lake Manasarovar (4598m) 370 kms / 6-7 hours We have very important day today as we are heading to the holiest and one of the highest spiritual lakes, Lake Manasarovar. As per time schedule, our day begins with breakfast at 0730 AM. On the way before Mayumla Pass (4900 m), we take break for permit formalities and for lunch then continue the journey crossing Mayumla pass and Prayang county. You will have very good opportunity to see first glimpse of Mt. Kailash from the shore of Lake Manasarovar. There will be few minute halt for permit formalities, before heading to our camp / guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar. Here one can use time in praying and exploring the beauty of Mt. Kailash. After immigration complete, we will drive further to our guesthouse near Hor Que (Depending on permission of the local authorities we may have to change our vehicle here and travel in local buses operated by the authority near Mansarovar and Kailash region). During your drive to Mount Kailash through Lake Manasarovar, we will complete Lake Manasarovar parikrama approx. 70% and rest will be complete when we return from Kailash Trek. You will have very significant moment in Lake Manasarovar with almighty bless and even graceful evening with the breathtaking view of holiest Lake Manasarovar and Mt. Kailash. Besides this, you can also find some place near the lake to do some meditation. Stay in guesthouse in dormitory style. Note : If you are traveling in full moon group, your stay will be near Manasarovar Lake on full moon. Day 08» Lake Manasarovar to Darchen (4874m) 80kms drive / 2 hours Today morning, we wake up comfortably and we will find a good place for holy dip in Lake Manasarovar for all our pilgrims. We will also arrange shower tent for ladies nearby the bank of lake for changing the clothes. Also you can offer puja / havan / rituals at feasible place near the lake according to your choice, on your own. Our crew member will assist you if any help require. After finishing holy bath, meditation, puja and taking our lunch, we make short drive to Darchen (the base of Mt. Kailash). On the way to Darchen, we can also see panoramic scenery of Rakshas Tal (Demon s Lake) in the other side of Lake Mansarovar. Darchen is the major administrative hub of Kailash region with basic development in Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 4

5 infrastructure and facility. Darchen is and also considered as the base camp of Mt. Kailash from where the circumambulation around Kailash begins. You can stroll around small market in Darchen in the afternoon. Stay in a guesthouse in dormitory style. Optional trip: We arrange Asthapad excursion trip from Darchen on request but please be inform that one should trek from Darchen Asthapad Darchen, if there is no transport service permitted by Chinese authorities in this area. The trip to Astpad is subject to permission of local authorities and on direct payment basis to Tibetan Guides. Day 09» 08 kms Drive to Yam Dwar. Start Parikrama to Derapukh (5056m) 12 kms / 6 hours trek Today, we wake up early and take light breakfast then head to Tarboche. All pilgrims have opportunity to pass through Yam Dwar before trek commence. Also, the members who are not going for parikrama will return from Yama Dwar after very close darshan of Mt. Kailash, from this point. They will stay for 2 nights in Darchen guesthouse waiting for parikrama group. And other travelers who are going for parikrama will continue trekking ahead by foot. Those who wish to hire Horse/Yak and porter may do it directly with the help of the Tibetan guide on direct payment basis. You will given name coupon to choose the horse & porter and the same horse and porter will accompany you during trek. We will manage Yaks & Yak men to carry our kitchen and other logistics for Kora. Travelers should not forget to carry their packed lunch and hot drinkable water from kitchen before starting trek. Today trek is flat and gradual ascend along through the bank of Glacier River so it will be easy to reach Derapukh within 5-6 hours. We will take stopover in mid way for our packed lunch (Fruits, Frooty, Chocolates etc). At Darchen the weather will be cold so our Tibetan guide will book our guesthouse in advance so that we can check into room immediately on reaching there. Derapukh is one of the best and closest points from where we can see crystal clear North face of Mt. Kailash standing ahead. You will have great opportunity to take several memorable picture of Kailash from here. The night will be too cold below zero degree temperature so we will have quick and light dinner (Khichdi, soup etc) and rest in bed. Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Packed Snacks for Lunch, Light Veg Dinner / camp Note : Hot drinkable water will be made available in the morning for the day. Please fill your bottle. Optional : Charan Sparsh (5475 m is 6 kms trek from Derapukh. One can consult with tour guide to take this short trek to touch feet of Mt. Kailash. This is not a part of the package and depsnds on guides decision. (Distance 3 kms / 01 hour) Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 5

6 Day 10» Trek Derapukh to Zuthulpukh (4790m) 22 kms trek/10 hours via Dolma-La Pass (5630m) Wake up very early morning before dawn, we witness first sunlight on Mt. Kailash offering amazing view of Golden Kailash. Take quick light breakfast and get ready to begin the trek towards Zuthulphuk. This day is considered as toughest day of this trip. The trek goes steep climb up continuously upto Dolma-La high pass (5630 m) for about 3-4 hours and steep down to Gauri Kunda and upto flat valley for about 2.5 hours then after you will walk all the way flat land for about another 2-3 hours. That s why, it is the toughest & longest trek of about 9-10 hours. We should cross the high pass as early as possible in pleasant weather before strong windy at day time. At the top of Dolma La, you can even find the place called Shivasthal that covered with holy flags and the personal related things like clothing, ornaments, for which there is strong belief in Tibetan religion that you will get it (whatever you offered here) in heaven after your death. Travelers should not forget to carry their packed lunch and hot drinkable water from kitchen before start trekking. After crossing Dolma La, you will see Gauri Kunda at downhill in the right side of your path. Then further walking down for a while, we will take break for pack lunch. This downhill trail is not easy due to rocky & loose stones so we should walk very carefully and with group. Then after, you will catch soon flat trail that reach to Zuthulphuk. Also please note, the travelers who are travelling on yak/horse should also walk for 2 to 3 hours in between trekking while you are coming steep down after Dolma La. In Zuthulphuk, we will have guesthouse or fixed tent with bed, bed sheet & warm blanket. Stay will be in dormitory style. We will take dinner at earliest it prepared and go to warm bed. Meals included : Veg Breakfast, Packed snacks for Lunch, Light Veg Dinner Note : Hot drinkable water will be made available in the morning for the day. Please fill your bottle. Note : About 3-4kms trek (ascend and descend) near Dolma La pass is steep and rocky. Day 11» Gradual trek 08 kms to Darchen and drive to Dongba ( 3-4 hours trek) 340 kms/6 hrs drive This is our last trek day and we have to make short trek about 3-4 hours so we wake up in normal time and begin trekking to descend Darchen town. Our transport will pick up us from Darchen, upto where the road is accessible and drive to guesthouse at Darchen where our other group members are staying. Take lunch there and then we straight continue our drive to Dongba by completing the remaining course (approx. 30%) of Lake Manasarovar parikrama. Relaxed time and stay at guesthouse. Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 6

7 Day 12» Drive Dongba to Keyrong (310 kms/7-8 hours drive) After breakfast we begin our journey towards Kerung. On the way we pass through the town of Saga, we cross the bridge over beautiful Brahmaputra River and continue our journey across the vast open Tibetan plains. The journey offers stunning Himalayan views, particularly of Shishapangma and the Pieko-Tso Lake. Driving on well pitched roads and mountainous terrain we reach Kerung for an overnight. Stay in a guesthouse in dormitory style. Day 13» Keyrong to Kathmandu via Rasuwagadhi (270 kms / 8-10 hours) After breakfast drive towards Keyrong border. Here we walk to the Nepalese immigration control in Rasuwagadi, complete the Nepal entry formalities and get transferred to your vehicle standing in Nepal side. Drive further to Kathmandu. This drive may take about 8-10 hours by bus depending on road conditions and traffic. Dinner and night stay will be in the hotel at Kathmandu. Accommodation Style : 3 star hotel on sharing basis Day 14» Leave Kathmandu After breakfast you will be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport to board your flight back to home. Meals included : Veg Breakfast II The most enlightening spiritual experience comes to an end and pilgrims depart to their home with everlasting memories of the holy Kailash Manasarovar Yatra II Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 7

8 Kailash Yatra Packaged Cost Nights/14 Days overland trip Nationality of the pilgrim/traveler KMY overland yatra cost Indian passport holders INR 1,25,000 per person NRIs (Non Resident Indians) with foreign passport US$ 2260 per person Foreign passport holders (other than Indian and Nepalese) US$ 2270 per person British passport holders GB 1925 per person American passport holders US$ 2540 per person Single room supplement (Kathmandu only) per person for three nights with all veg meals INR 7800 (Indian national ) US$ 210 (NRIs & Foreigners) Additional night stay in Kathmandu per person per night sharing basis with all veg meals INR 3450 (Indian national) US$ 80 (NRIs & Foreigners) Up-gradation to 5* hotel in Kathmandu per person per night on sharing basis with all veg meals INR 3600 (Indian nationals) US$ 75 (NRIs & Foreigners) Important remark: The above price is subject to change in the event of change in the policy of local governments and concerned authorities, sudden hike in permit fee, visa fee, Govt taxes, major fluctuation in currency rate and any other reason beyond our control, at any time. Any additional expense incurred due to such reasons shall be payable by the pilgrim/traveler, before the commencement of the trip failing to which their bookings can be cancelled without further notice and all payments will be forfeited. Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 8

9 What is included in this KMY package cost : Nepal portion of the trip» Airport to hotel return transfers in Kathmandu 03 night stay in a 3 star equivalent hotel in Kathmandu on sharing basis 03 breakfast, 03 lunches, 03 dinners in Kathmandu hotel (pure vegetarian buffet meal) Kathmandu city sightseeing including visit to Pashupatinath Temple by private non a/c bus. Kathmandu to Keyrong border return transfers by Nepalese non a/c bus 01 night stay in a guest house at Dhunche/Shyabru Besy with all meals (pure veg) Tibet portion of the trip» 03 nights stay in a guesthouse at Keyrong on sharing basis with all veg meals 02 nights at Dongba/New Dongba in a guesthouse with all veg meals 01 night stay in a guesthouse near Lake Manasarovar on sharing basis with veg meals 01 night stay in a guesthouse at Darchen 01 night stay in a guesthouse/mudhouse at Derapukh 01 night stay in a guesthouse/camp at Zuthulpukh Lights breakfast, packed lunch, light dinner during parikrama days Transport in Tibet side by Luxury air conditioned bus Support truck to carry kitchen equipments and other material English speaking Tibetan guide in Tibet side Nepali tour leader supported by cook, helper and sherpa Basic medical support for emergency (first-aid kit and oxygen cylinder during parikrama) Necessary group permit for visiting Mt. Kailash Normal Tibet single entry group visa to visit Kailash Manasarovar Nepal-China border tax, all Nepalese and Tibetan Govt taxes What is not included in this KMY package cost : Travel and medical insurance, Nepal visa fee for NRIs and foreigners, air tickets to reach Kathmandu and back, emergency evacuation service charges, emergency medical expenses, Ashtpad visit charges, extra cost for additional stay and food in the event of delay in trip due to any reason, riding yak/horse, porter, any expenses of personal nature, urgent visa fee if required, govt of India service tax, Nepal visa fee for foreigners and NRIs, visa splitting charges and additional vehicle expense for returning early from the trip due to any reason, hike in trip price due to any sudden change in permit fee/visa fee/currency exchange rate etc, any other additional expense incurred due to weather conditions, natural disaster, technical failure, delay or cancelation of flights, delay by authorities in visa or permit, strikes, riots, or any additional expense incurred due to any other unforeseen reasons/circumstances. Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 9

10 How to book and pay for the Kailash Yatra trip : To enroll you in one of our Kailash Mansarovar group 2017, you need to submit a scanned colored copy of a valid passport. The passport should be valid for atleast 06 months from the date of start of the trip. To start your bookings, we will require a Registration Form duly filled and signed alongwith and Booking Terms signed by the traveller, one latest coloured passport size photograph and yatra registration fee. For helicopter trips the required registration fee is INR 25,000 (Indians) / USD 500 (foreigners) per head. For Lhasa trips and other trips the required registration fee is INR 25,000 (Indians) / USD 500 (foreigners) per head, except overland trips from Kathmandu for which registration fee is INR 15,000 (Indians) / USD 250 (foreigners) per head. The registration fee includes a non-refundable amount of INR 9,600 (Indians) / USD 300 (foreigners) for helicopter trip and INR 4800 (Indians) / USD 200 (foreigners) for overland KMY from Kathmandu, if the booking is cancelled due to whatsoever reason. We suggest that before making bookings, you must read carefully all booking and cancellation terms PAYMENT OPTION ❶» WIRE TRANSFER TO INDIA BANK Swift wire transfer is a safe and easy method to make payments from outside India, against your bookings. You can simply visit your bank and request them to transfer money to our Indian account of Max Holidays by using the below mentioned SWIFT account information. Standard Chartered Bank Bank address : HB Twin Towers, Wazirpur, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitam Pura, New Delhi Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. Beneficiary Account no. : SWIFT Account Code : SCBLINBBCON OR Axis Bank Ltd. Bank address : Pitam Pura, New Delhi Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. Beneficiary Account no. : SWIFT Account Code : AXISNBB PAYMENT OPTION ❷» ONLINE BANKING (NEFT / RTGS / IMPS) You can make payments to any of our following bank account using your online banking service. Please do not forget to send us the transaction reference no. and amount to enable us trace and identify your payments. Axis Bank Ltd. Pitam Pura, New Delhi Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. Account no. : IFSC code : UTIB OR Andhra Bank Prashant Vihar, New Delhi Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. Account no. : IFSC code : ANDB Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 10

11 PAYMENT OPTION ❸» VISA or MASTERCARD (Online Credit Card Payment Gateway) We accept Online Credit Card Payments (VISA and MasterCards). If you wish to make payments using credit card, simply visit and pay for your bookings PAYMENT OPTION ❹» CASH or CHEQUE If you wish to deposit payments by cash/cheque against your yatra bookings, kindly use our following bank account details. Please do not forget to send us a bank deposit slip against each cash or cheque payment transaction. You can also send cash payments to our Delhi head office and obtain cash receipt from our accounts department. Axis Bank Ltd. Pitam Pura, New Delhi Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. Account no. : OR Andhra Bank Prashant Vihar, New Delhi Account Name : Max Holidays India Pvt. Ltd. Account no. : Important notes about bookings, payments and cancellations As per the visa regulations a hand written passport is not eligible to apply for visa in India. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that he/she has a valid digital passport. All cheque payments are subject to realization of the cheque. No payment is considered as received unless the same is reflected in our bank account and confirmed to you in writing by our office. For all swift bank payments and refunds the swift bank fee shall be payable by the traveler only. We do not bear the liability of intermediary bank fee and other expenses incurred for making such payment transactions. Please take a note that all credit card payments attracts 3% online bank charge and the same is to be paid by the customer. Card payments are subject to realization from the bank. If require, we may ask the credit card holder to fill the Credit Card Payment Authority Form which is to be submitted to the bank along with a copy of passport of the credit card holder to claim your payments. Please visit to check the current rate of exchange of your currency The traveler is required to carefully read the booking and cancellation policy and also terms of services of the company as mentioned in various documents, registration form and on website If you do not agree with those terms, you should not process your bookings with us. While processing your bookings and payments you confirm your acceptance to all those conditions. Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 11

12 Know About Kailash Manasarovar Yatra A trip to holy mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is organized under tough climatic conditions and extreme inhospitable terrain. It is a spiritual adventure travel to the remote mountains lands of Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are the holiest pilgrim sites for the followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon religions. Please consider that due to its high altitude travel (above 5600 mtrs), tough climatic conditions, lack of infrastructure and facilities, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is also considered as one of the most difficult treks of Asia. Despite of its all difficulties and challenges it is a soul inspiring journey for the followers of different religions. Kailash Manasarovar attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the globe every year for inner healing. Max Holidays organise groups to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar every year by Deluxe Buses, Land Cruiser and Helicopters. The start points of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra are Kathmandu (Nepal), Nepalganj (Nepal border near Lucknow) or Lhasa (Tibet) and we offer various tour itineraries to meet with your requirements. Please visit or to know more about such trips. Where is Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar?» Mount Kailash is a peak in the Gangdisê Mountains, which forms part of the Transhimalaya in Tibet. It is situated near the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia including the Indus River, the Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), the Brahmaputra River, and the Karnali River (a tributary of the River Ganga). It is considered a sacred place in four religions Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon. Situated near Mount Kailash (22,000 feet) are the Lake Manasarovar (Lake of Compassion) and Lake Rakshastal (Damon s Lake) in Tibet Autonomous Region. Lake Manasarovar (also Manas Sarovar or Mapam Yumko) is a freshwater lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, 940 kilometres (580 miles) from Lhasa, the capital town of Tibet. It is situated at an elevation of about 4,590 mtrs (15,060 ft) above sea level, a relatively high elevation for such a large freshwater lake on the mostly saline lake-studded Tibetan Plateau. Lake Manasarovar is relatively round in shaped with the circumference of 88 kilometres (55 miles). Its depth reaches a maximum depth of 90 m (300 ft) and its surface area is 320 square kilometres (120 sq mi). Lake Manasarovar is near the source of the Sutlej, which is the easternmost large tributary of the Indus. Nearby are the sources of the Brahmaputra River, the Indus River, and the Ghaghara, an important tributary of the Ganges. It is considered that taking a dip in this lake washes the sins of the lifetime. Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 12

13 What is the importance of this spiritual trip?» According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva, the destroyer of ignorance and illusion, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailasa or Kailash, where he sits in a state of perpetual meditation along with his wife Pārvati. Description in the Vishnu Purana of the mountain states that the four faces of Mount Kailash are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli. Mount Kailash is said to be a pillar of the world and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus. In Jainism, Kailash is also known as Meru Parvat or Sumeru. Ashtapada, the mountain next to Mt. Kailash, is the site where the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained Nirvana/moksa (liberation) Tantric Buddhists believe that Mount Kailash is the home of the Buddha Demchok (also known as Demchog or Chakrasamvara), who represents supreme bliss. There are numerous sites in the region associated with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), whose tantric practices in holy sites around Tibet are credited with finally establishing Buddhism as the main religion of the country in the 7th 8th century AD. It is said that Milarepa (c c AD), champion of Tantric Buddhism, arrived in Tibet to challenge Naro Bön-chung, champion of the Bön religion of Tibet. The two magicians engaged in a terrifying sorcerers' battle, but neither was able to gain a decisive advantage. Finally, it was agreed that whoever could reach the summit of Kailash most rapidly would be the victor. While Naro Bön-chung sat on a magic drum and soared up the slope, Milarepa's followers were dumbfounded to see him sitting still and meditating. Yet when Naro Bön-chung was nearly at the top, Milarepa suddenly moved into action and overtook him by riding on the rays of the sun, thus winning the contest. He did, however, fling a handful of snow on to the top of a nearby mountain, since known as Bonri, bequeathing it to the Bonpo and thereby ensuring continued Bonpo connections with the region The Bon, a religion which predates Buddhism in Tibet, maintain that the entire mystical region and the nine-story Swastika Mountain are the seat of all spiritual power. Who can travel to Kailash?» Any person who is in good health conditions to undertake travel in high altitude of 5600 mtrs and above can travel to Holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The age limit is 70 years but sometimes we are able to get permit for people upto 75 year of age depending on his/her fitness and consideration of the concerned authorities. Issuance of permit cannot be guaranteed in any case or circumstances because the same is always on the discretion of the concerned authorities only. It is strictly advisable for every pilgrim to consult with your doctor and undergo the basic medical tests to ensure that he/she is fit to Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 13

14 travel to such high altitude areas. We require a doctor s certificate confirming your fitness to undertake such challenging travel. In the event of non-receipt of the medical certificate before the commencement of the yatra and/or sudden change in health of the traveler which does not allow the traveler to take the trip, we retain the right to cancel your participation in our batch and all payments shall be nonrefundable. A valid passport, Tibet visa and necessary permits are mandatory for this yatra which can be obtained through an authorized agency only. Usually foreigners and NRIs get their visa in Kathmandu upon arrival and for Indian nationals it is mandatory to present the passports to China Embassy in Delhi alongwith a copy of the permit to get necessary visa. In the event of delay in grant of Visa from Embassy and non-receipt of the passport, Indian Nationals can fly to Nepal with their photo Identity Card (Voter ID Card). Please take a note that depending on the health of the pilgrim and due to adverse climatic conditions Tibetan authorities sometime stop people above 60 year age to undertake parikrama. Such decisions are totally at the discretion of the authorities and we do not take any responsibility of the same. Important remark: Kailash Mansarovar trips are full of uncertainties due to political, diplomatic, natural and many other reasons. Rules and policies of China Govt and other concerned authorities changes suddenly and quite frequently for Kailash Mansarovar travel for political, natural and diplomatic reasons etc. We as an operator do not have any hold or command over such changes and we and/or the travelers are bound to follow such rules/policies. We shall keep you informed for any such change/s. Any additional expenses incurred on traveler due to such sudden changes shall be payable by the traveler and any inconvenience caused to the traveler due to such changes will not be the responsibility of Max Holidays. Kindly consider the uncertain nature of Kailash trips before booking a trip for you. Organizing Kailash Yatra for pilgrims» Organising Kailash Yatra for pilgrims in such a high altitude in Tibetan region with lack of good services and facilities itself is a challenging job for operators and their local team. We put our best efforts to ensure that your yatra is completed with less hassles, lesser discomfort and without any hurdle or delay. But, since this trip is very unpredictable we do not guarantee that your trip will be without errors or problems. One should be prepared for tough situations in terms of climate, lack of infrastructure, shortage of basic needs, unwanted delays and discomfort etc. Trekking of Mt. Kailash is a challenging task and it requires extraordinary mental and physical strength. It has been observed that the people of strong will power and extreme spiritual mentality are the best people to complete this trek with lesser level of difficulties. If God permits one may have a pleasant and successful journey to Mt. Kailash. Important remark: It is advised that while traveling to Kailash Mansarovar (especially through heli route) one must keep their return date flexible and should avoid fixing any urgent appointment or important job near to the return date. In Kailash Mansarovar trips (especially in the helicopter tours) delay in onward or return journey is an obvious factor if the weather is not favourable for flights and helicopters or if there is any nature disturbance or technical problem. Please chose a date keeping in mind such unexpected delays in the trip. Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 14

15 Risks and difficulties involved in organizing the yatra» Organising travel to Tibet region is difficult itself and the most difficult part of Kailash Yatra is to get the travel permit (for Kailash Yatra one need a special permit and group visa). The rules and regulations of the local authorities keep changing quite frequently. Moreover Tibet is a remote area with very limited availability of services and one should not expect to receive high level of comfort while travelling to Kailash Manasarovar and other region in Tibet. It is advisable to read about Kailash Yatra and guidelines for travelling to Tibet, before you book a trip. Also natural disasters and sudden changes in weather are very frequent and a common factor which makes the trip tough for us and for the travelers as well. Helicopter and flights are most affected due to bad weather conditions and sudden climatic changes leading to difficulties of getting proper food and clean accommodation are quite a common thing. One should be prepared for this. Sometimes you may have to stay in backcountry accommodation which may not be comfortable. High altitude sickness is also a very common factor seen in the travelers. Trekking and kora / parikrama (circumvallation) of Mt Kailash will be challenging and one need to be prepared for the same. One should practice walking daily in the morning/evening to become habitual of taking longer walks. To overcome with difficulties and risks and to make the yatra comfortable one must make himself/herself aware of the Kailash Manasarovar travel guidelines. Please contact our office for any clarification or information. Yatra booking requirements and process» To register yourself in one of our fixed departure dates for Kailash Yatra please contact our India head office at mobile phone no OR office landline no or us your details at kmy@maxholidays.com or kmybookings@gmail.com or info@kailash-yatra.org. Please take proper information from our office and tell our yatra booking officer about the date and type of yatra you want to select for your participation. We need a coloured copy of your passport (passport should be valid for atleast six months from the date of travel), Registration Form cum Agreement duly filled and signed by the traveler, one passport size coloured photograph and booking advance payments which can be done via bank transfer, cash deposit, cash, credit card payment gateway and other options available with our office. It is the responsibility of the traveler to take all necessary yatra related information from our office as while making the bookings with us you have agreed to the Booking Terms specified on our website and also conveyed during the course of correspondence. Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 15

16 About Mt. Kailash Parikrama (Kora)» The parikrama of Mt. Kailash is made in a clockwise direction. The parikrama of Mount Kailash is about 52 km (32 miles) long out of which about 9 kms is done by vehicle. Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day, which is not considered as an easy task. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the trek. Some pilgrims venture a much more demanding regimen, performing body-length prostrations over the entire length of the circumambulation The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan hills. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions. It is a popular belief that the stairways on Mount Kailash lead to heaven. Walking around the holy mountain has to be done on foot, pony or yak, taking some three days of trekking starting from a height of around 15,000 ft (4,600 m) past the Tarboche (flagpole) to cross the Dolma La pass 18,200 ft (5,600 m), and encamping for two nights en route. First, near the meadow of Dirapuk Gompa and second at Zuthulpukh after crossing Gauri Kunda. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Map» Organized by Max Holidays Pvt. Ltd. : 809, ITL Twin Towers B09, Netaji Subhas Place Complex, Pitam Pura, Delhi (India) 16