Via Lhasa. Kailas Manasarovar Yatra. by HILLS AND TRAILS

Transcription

1 Kailas Manasarovar Yatra Via Lhasa by HILLS AND TRAILS 2017 HILLS AND TRAILS 3 / 8, Chandrashekhar Society, Swami Nityanand Marg, Andheri (E), Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. PH: / / / / / hillsandtrails@gmail.com Website: In the remote Nagari region of Western Tibet, in one of the highest, loneliest and most desolate places on earth, rises a sublime snow-clad pyramid of rock, Mount Kailas. Its reputation is near-legendary. To pilgrims of four religions this 22,028 ft. rock pyramid is the abode of gods and is the Navel of the Earth. For well over a thousand years pilgrims have made this arduous journey and circumambulated the mountain in an ancient ritual of devotion, for Kailas is a site of immense natural power. Here the temporal and eternal unite and the divine takes physical form. In its shadow lies the holy lake, Manasarovar, born from the mind of Brahma. Even to non-believers, the mountain and the lake are the crowning jewels of a magical land of pure light and intense colour, in the rarefied atmosphere of 15,000 ft. and above.

2 ABOUT THE KAILAS MANASAROVAR YATRA: Mount Kailas, being in the remotest region on earth, is approachable by land journey only, either on foot or by road. The Chinese invaded Tibet and entry to this region by any outsider was forbidden. The Cultural Revolution could pull down only the man made monuments; but it was unable to touch the true source of the region s sanctity, which springs from a place beyond human control. In 1981, under a special agreement between India and China, the first group of Hindu pilgrims in twenty-two years visited Kailas and Manasarovar. But this was only possible through Govt. of India and after making a dangerous, long, convoluted trek through the dense forests of Uttaranchal. This trek takes 30 days and even to a fit person it s a challenge, as the trek takes you along the Kali River, across the Lipulekh pass on the Indo- Chinese border and then into Tibet. Latter this part of the Himalayas was made accessible by Karakoram Highway, which connects China to Pakistan by road. The friendship bridge on the border of Nepal and China is the first halt on this overland journey from Kathmandu. This journey through the cold desert of Tibet plateau starts from Zhangmu. The travelling done in comfortable deluxe Non A / c coaches, and the journey is much more comfortable compared to the Govt. of India route. Due to the devastating earthquake which hit Nepal twice in May 2015, the road via Kodari and Zhangmu is badly damaged and has been closed down. The Chinese have till now only allowed the yatra through Simikot Hilsa Sher Taklakot route and through the land route via Lhasa. So we have decided to take the route via Lhasa, which the Chinese are trying to promote, for whatever reason. After spending two nights in Kathmandu we would take a flight to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. We would spend two nights at this scenic place. One can visit the world famous Norbulinka and Potala Palace, the original residence of Dalai Lama. Then we would drive towards Kailas Manasarovar area. Enroute we would halt at Shigatse and Saga. This journey would take us across many small, big rivulets; high passes, dusty roads and the great Brahmaputra or Tsangpo River. Driving through this cold desert we would reach the shores of Manasarovar on 7 th day. After the holy dip and Pooja on the shores of Manasarovar the next day, we would proceed to the base of Mt. Kailas at Darchen to start the Kailas Parikrama. The Kailas Parikrama takes three days and could be done on foot or on the horseback.

3 During this Parikrama we would have night halts at Dirapuk and Zuthul Puk. This arduous trek would take us across Dolma La at around 19,000 ft. After completing the circumambulation around Mount Kailas, we would retrace our drive back and start the return journey. ITINERARY: DAY 01: MUMBAI - KATHMANDU (1,300 M. / 4,290 FT.) After landing at the Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu, we would be transported to Hotel Radisson. (If the mentioned hotels are not available a similar hotel would be made available) In the evening we would have a meeting which would give us the detailed information about the yatra. Rest of the time would be free for everybody to spend time in some last minute shopping. Overnight in Hotel Radisson or a similar hotel. (L, D ) DAY 02: KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING AND THEN FINAL PREPARARTIONS OF YATRA. We would be visiting The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, which is considered as one of the most holy temple of Lord Shiva. After visiting this ancient Shiva temple, we would be visiting the Budha Neelkanth or The Sleeping Vishnu temple. This temple has a statue of Vishnu in the middle of water body, sleeping on Sheshnag or snake. In the afternoon, after lunch, we would make the final preparations for the yatra and transfer our luggage. We would also leave back the extra, unnecessary luggage in the hotel. Overnight in Hotel Radisson or a similar hotel. DAY 03: FLY FROM KATHMANDU TO LHASA (3,650 M. / 11,975 FT.) 2 TO 3 HRS. After an early and sumptuous breakfast, we would check in at Tribhuvan International Airport to catch a Trans Himalayan flight to Lhasa. This 2 hours flight would fly high over the Himalayan giants like Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyo. If

4 the weather is clear we can see these lofty snow clad summits. Though the flight time is only 2 hours; by the time we reach Hotel Manasarovar in Lhasa, it would be late in the evening due to the time difference between Nepal and Tibet. We would rest for the remaining part of the day. Overnight in Hotel Manasarovar or similar hotel. DAY 04: LHASA SIGHTSEEING AND ACTIVE REST FOR ACCLIMATISATION AT LHASA As we would be landing in Lhasa by air, we would be gaining height very fast. At these high altitudes the reduced atmospheric pressure causes reduction in available oxygen. Our bodies would need to get used to these rarified environment. This would take some time. To help our body to get acclimatised faster we would take one day s active rest at Lhasa. So to get acclimatised better we would go for local sightseeing at Lhasa. We would be visiting The Jokhang Temple, the Barkhor Bazaar in the morning and then in the afternoon we would visit the famous Sera Monastery and Norbulinka Palace. After coming back to the hotel, we would do the last minute preparations for the Yatra, which would be beginning the next day. Overnight in Hotel Manasarovar or similar hotel. DAY 05: DRIVE FROM LHASA TO SHIGATSE (3,840 M. / 12,599 FT.) 270 KMS. 6 7 HRS. After breakfast early in the morning we would leave the hotel and would proceed for Shigatse, which is the 2 nd biggest city in Tibet. The road which has been built by the Chinese few years back is impeccable and really makes the journey enjoyable. After crossing the Brahmaputra on the outskirts of Lhasa city, we would be

5 driving all along its banks right up to Shigatse. The world s highest railroad also runs parallel to the road right up to Shigatse and we can see this man made wonder from a very close quarters. Zigzagging through the barren countryside, which has got some beautiful green villages on the way, the road takes us to the 2 nd biggest city in Tibet, Shigatse, by late evening. Overnight in Hotel Getsar or similar hotel. DAY 06: DRIVE FROM SHIGATSE TO SAGA (4,850 M. / 15,345 FT.) 448 KMS HRS. This would be a really long drive. The countryside doesn t change much, as on this 6 th day of the tour we drive on the Karakoram Highway towards the town of Saga. This town is on the junction of another road which goes towards Nepal. As we start our journey out of Shigatse, immediately we cross a junction where one road goes towards the Northern side of Mt. Everest. After crossing various high altitude passes we reach Saga very late in the evening. Saga Town is the biggest town on this route after Shigatse. We could spend some time in the shops around the street and look for some cheap Chinese gift items. Overnight in Hotel Saga Grand Western Post or similar hotel. DAY 07: DRIVE FROM TO SAGA TO PARYANG (4,540 M. / 14,900 FT.) AND THEN TO MANASAROVAR THEN TO CHUI GOMPA. (4,560 M. / 15,000 FT.) 380 KMS. 7 8 HRS. This would be a very special day as on this day we would have the first glimpses of Manasarovar as well as Mt. Kailas. After breakfast we would proceed further towards Paryang. After negotiating some more high passes we would be travelling through the cold desert of Tibet. If we would be lucky we could see the Tibetan Wild Ass, The Siberian Cranes and Antelopes on the way. The vastness of the Tibetan plateau is so great that it would be impossible to pen it. We would drive through the hamlet of Old Dongpa and through typical desert sand dunes. Every day on this yatra we would start the long journey early in the morning and the yatra would follow the same pattern every day till we reach the start of the Parikrama.

6 After having lunch at Paryang we would drive towards Manasarovar. We would drive till Mayumala, where the Chinese army personnel would verify all our documents and then would allow us to proceed further. After the check post, we would cross the high Mayumala Pass and would continue our journey towards Manasarovar. Late in the afternoon we would reach high rise plateau from where we would be able to see Mt. Kailas and Manasarovar simultaneously. The serene beauty of both keep even the non believers spell bound. After the holy Darshan we would continue our Parikrama of Manasarovar in the vehicle. During Parikrama we would halt at a spot to take a holy dip in the waters of Manasarovar. During this circumambulation we would also visit the Gurla Pass from where the Rakshas Tal would also be visible. After completing almost 3/4 th of the Parikrama we would halt at Chui Gompa which has got a very ancient monastery atop a small hillock. There are few hot water springs in the vicinity. We would stay right on the banks of Manasarovar. Overnight stay in Guest House. DAY 08: POOJA, HOLY DIP IN MANASAROVAR, AFTERNOON DRIVE TO DARCHEN (4,620 M. / 15,240 FT.) (35 KMS. 1 HOUR) This would be a rather relaxed day. We would get up early and proceed for the holy bath in Manasarovar. Afterwards all the Yatris would perform the holy Pooja on the banks of Manasarovar. After the distribution of Prasad and lunch; we would pack up and drive towards Darchen, which would act as the base camp for Kailas Parikrama. We would reach Darchen in hour s time. After reaching Darchen we would start the preparations for the arduous Kailas Parikrama which would start the next day. Overnight stay in Kailas Himalaya Hotel. DAY 09: DRIVE UP TO STARTING POINT OF KAILAS PARIKRAMA (13 KMS. / 1 HOUR) AND TREK TO DIRA PUK (4,890 M. / 16,040 FT.) (7 KMS. / 6 TO 7 HOURS)

7 After very early breakfast we would be driving to a place known as Yama Dwar. People believe that if you pass through this Dwar or door, the journey of one s soul on this planet ends and we could begin a new life! After taking the blessings at the Yama Dwar or Tarboche, we would start our Parikrama from Sersung monastery. The trek around Kailas would be on foot or on horseback. On the first day we would be reaching Dirapuk. This would be a gentle walk and the height gain would not be very much. During the walk the over powering figure of Mt Kailas would give us constant company. During the first day s Parikrama we would get to see all the four faces of Mt. Kailas from different directions. By late evening we would reach our Ashram at Dirapuk under the watchful eyes of North face of Mt. Kailas. Overnight stay in Guest House. DAY 10: CONTINUE PARIKRAMA OVER DOLMA LA (5,650 M. / 18,600 FT.) TO ZUTHUL PUK (4,760 M. / 15,700 FT) 18 KMS HRS. This would be a very long day. This would be the most tiring and the most challenging day of the whole yatra. We would be starting from our ashram at Dirapuk very early in the morning, as the whole trek might take almost 11 to 12 hours! After leaving the camp we would ascend steeply towards the Dolma La (5,650 m. / 18,600 ft.), which is the highest point of the yatra. This would be the place we would be incarnated again after our souls had left us at Yama Dwar! After spending some time at the pass we would start the descent and would be immediately greeted by the holy Gauri Kund, where Goddess Parvati is supposed to bathe daily. It would take almost 5 to 6 hours to reach here from Dirapuk. Then it would be a trod towards Zutulpuk. Overnight in large fixed tents / or guesthouse. DAY 11: END OF KAILAS PARIKRAMA NEAR DARCHEN, 10 KMS. 3 4 HRS. DRIVE TO SAGA (4,850 M. / 15,345 FT.) AROUND 600 KMS HRS.

8 As daily routine we would start early after breakfast and finish the last small leg of the Parikrama. This would be very easy for everyone as we would have become very familiar with the terrain by now! It would be a gentle up and down march and everybody would finish it in 3 hours. From the point where our buses would meet us, we would drive towards Saga. After collecting the holy water from the lake as Prasad we would start the return journey. We would be driving back through Paryang to Saga. After driving through the cold desert of Tibet we would reach a very cozy hotel at Saga by late evening. Overnight stay in Saga Grand Western Post. DAY 12: DRIVE FROM SAGA TO SHIGATSE. 448 KMS HRS This day would involve a very long drive. We would leave very early and start the journey towards Shigatse. We would reach Shigatse by late evening. Overnight in Hotel Getsar or similar hotel. DAY 13: DRIVE FROM SHIGATSE TO LHASA. 270 KMS. 6 7 HRS. This would be the last long bus ride. We would leave early and try to reach the Lhasa hotel by late afternoon. This would give us some time to visit the Barkhor Bazaar to buy some souvenirs for people waiting back home. After the last minute shopping we would settle in the hotel to collect our left over luggage and finish the last minute packing. Overnight in Hotel Manasarovar or similar hotel.

9 DAY 14: TRANSFER TO THE GONGGAR AIRPORT FOR FLIGHT TO KATHMANDU. After very early breakfast we would reach the Gonggar Airport of Lhasa, which is around 25 Kms from the main city. This Trans Himalayan flight would again give us opportunity to see the lofty snow mountains of the greater Himalayan range. After reaching Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu we would settle in Hotel Radisson and relax. We could spend the day again relaxing or indulge in shopping spree in the by lanes of Thamel area, which is the hub of Kathmandu. There would be many gift items available in the market which could be carried back home. Overnight in Hotel Radisson or a similar hotel. DAY 15: TRANSFER TO THE TRIBHUVAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOR ONWARD FLIGHT BACK HOME. This would be the last day of our yatra. We would leave our hotel after breakfast and would get transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to catch our flight for onward journey. (B ) TOUR STARTING DATES: (Ex Kathmandu) (KM) 28 th May; 4 th & 11 th June; 2 nd & 16 th July; 6 th August & 3 rd September 2017 (Lhasa / Bus Tour) COST INCLUDES: 1. Accommodation: Kathmandu: 3 nights in Hotel Radisson or similar on twin sharing and full board basis. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Lhasa: 3 nights in Hotel Manasarovar or similar on twin sharing and full board basis. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Shigatse: 2 nights in Hotel Getsar or similar on twin sharing and full board basis. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Saga: 2 nights in Hotel New Saga Grand Western Post or similar on twin sharing and full board basis. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Chui Gompa, Darchen, Dirapuk and Zutulpuk : In small, cozy guesthouses with dormitory type accommodation. (Many places even 5 or more persons would have to stay in one room) All the guesthouses would have common and not so clean toilet facilities! (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

10 2. Travel: Kathmandu Lhasa Kathmandu Flight costs (By Air China Or Sichuan Airlines) has been quoted at USD 620 per person. In the event of any flight cost changes at the time of travel, airfare will be revised accordingly.) Airport transfers in Kathmandu and Lhasa in non A / C coach. Half day Kathmandu sightseeing in non A / C coach. All the travel in Tibet in comfortable deluxe Non A / c coaches. 3. Food: As per itinerary. (B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner) 4. Other facilities: Certificate of completion of yatra. Free Kailas Manasarovar Yatra DVD after completing the yatra. Mineral Water for drinking in Tibet section. One duffel bag, 1 One-day backpack, cap and hip pouch. (Only one kit per person) Gammow Bag, Oxygen, Basic first aid kit. Pulse Oxymeter. A down feather jacket on returnable basis during the yatra. English and Hindi speaking Nepali Sherpa Sirdar with staff and cooks who could make Indian cuisines. Experienced Sherpa staff. English speaking Tibetan guide. Entrance fees to monasteries. Yaks / Horses for carrying common luggage during Kailas Parikrama. Support trucks. 5. Normal Tibetan Visa fees, Kailas Permit Fees, Special Lhasa Permit fees. COST EXCLUDES: 1. To and Fro flight costs to Kathmandu. 2. Govt. service tax applicable at prevailing rates. (At present 9%). 3. Any expenses of personal nature such as mineral water, laundry, liquor, tips to driver or any other service personnel etc. 4. Cost for hiring of yaks / horses / porters for personal use. (The total hiring charges would approximately come to ` 25,000/- to ` 28,000/- per person.) (If a person hires a pony and a porter both)

11 5. Any additional expense caused due to any reason beyond control of HILLS AND TRAILS and its associates; like change in itinerary due to flight delays, road blockage, landslides, bad weather conditions, bridge breakage and any other natural calamity or incidence like strike, curfew etc. on which HILLS AND TRAILS and its associates do not have any control. 6. Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation etc. 7. Kathmandu / Lhasa / Kathmandu airfare has been quoted at USD 620 per person. In the event of any flight cost changes at the time of travel, airfare will be revised accordingly. 8. Tibet / China Visa Fee for USA / Canadian National shall be USD 125 additional. 9. Items not specified in the above in Cost Includes. SPECIAL NOTES: 1. The vehicles in Yatra are not at disposal. 2. IN THE EVENT OF ANY PRICE INCREMENT IN THE VISA FEE OR SERVICE CHARGES BY THE CHINA EMBASSY AT NEW DELHI, THE INCREMENT SHALL BE LEVIED ACCORDINGLY. 3. On this arduous Yatra delays and detours would be expected on account of landslides, road blocks due to weather conditions. Our effort would be to continue with the trip as per the schedule & make sure that you would be comfortable. But in such rare situations we might have to compromise on the campsite / hotels & adjust to these situations then & there. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such an event. 4. The itinerary described above is the planned one; but very rarely due to reasons beyond our control some spot changes would have to be done. The decision of the tour guide would be final in such a case. No compensation of any sort would be provided in such a case. 5. The distances & altitude mentioned in the above itinerary are to the best of our knowledge & information. Some minor variations would be expected. CANCELLATION: All the bookings such as hotel accommodations / ground transportation are pre booked well in advance. We are liable to pay penalties to all our suppliers / vendors if these services are released after booking, within the mentioned time frame. If the passengers want to cancel the tour due to any reason, they have to make an application in writing to that effect, along with the original receipt issued by HILLS AND TRAILS. Such cancellation will attract the cancellation charges given below. INTERNATIONAL TOURS CANCELLATION CHARGES ARE APPLICABLE ON ACTUAL FULL TOUR PRICE ( WITHOUT DISCOUNT) Before 60 days 30% of the tour cost.

12 Between days 50% of the tour cost. Between days 60% of the tour cost. Between days 75% of the tour cost. Between days 90% of the tour cost. Day of tour departure of the tour 100% GENERAL INFORMATION: Our effort would be to give a clear idea about various aspects of the trip to avoid any misunderstanding during the yatra. We request you to please read all the information given herewith carefully. The information provided would be mostly common for all the trips i.e. treks and overland tours unless specified. DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THE TRIP: Moderate to Severe This yatra involves travel in vehicles for very long hours. The roads could be in very bad conditions at some places and the journey could be very bumpy. The Kailas Parikrama would only be possible for people who would be fit! As we would be travelling in vehicles, height gains would be fast and this could lead to some medical problems. Maximum altitude gained would be at Dolma La. (5,650 m. / 18,600 ft.) ACCOMMODATION: The accommodation would be in a 5 star hotel on twin sharing, full board basis in Kathmandu. The accommodation would be in a 3 star hotel on twin sharing, full board basis in Lhasa, Shigatse. The accommodation would be in a good hotel on twin sharing, full board basis in Saga, which would be slightly better accommodation than guesthouses. At other places in Tibet we would stay in small lodges/ guesthouses wherever available. We would have to stay in such guesthouses in Chui Gompa, Darchen, Dirapuk and Zutulpuk. In all the guesthouses in Tibet, everybody would have to share rooms. There could be even 5 to 6 persons or more in one room. There would be no bathing facility in Tibet when we would be staying in guesthouses. The toilets in Tibet would be very primitive during guesthouse stay! Electricity may be available, but for a limited period of time.

13 FOOD: Food at all places would have a fixed buffet & vegetarian menu. During travel on long journeys it would be packed / picnic lunch. BEST SEASON AND AVERAGE TEMPERATURE TRAVEL (Air, Rail, Land) All other travel charges than mentioned in the itinerary would be excluded from the cost. The land travel after reaching Tibet would be in non A / C luxury coaches. There would be around 30 passengers in one coach. May September. The temperature would differ from season to season. The details of the temperature would be provided as per the travel time once the tour would be confirmed. TOUR LEADER / LOCAL GUIDES Tour Leader: Normally HILLS AND TRAILS would provide a tour leader on this tour. But if the group size is too small (less than 25), then we may not send a tour leader from Mumbai, but our local contact would provide a Sherpa Sirdar in this case. The tour leader who would accompany the group would have lot of experience in leading groups. He or she would mainly act as coordinator for the entire tour. He or she would work in tandem with Sherpa Sirdar. The tour leaders, though not qualified medically, are all competent to give first aid if and when required. It would be advisable to speak to your group leader in case of health problems that you may face on the tour. Local Guides: Local guides are called Sherpa Sirdar in Nepal and they have a good experience in leading treks and other trips. They would mainly act as route guides. Most of these guides would be good at communicating in very basic English or Hindi. They would be rarely trained in first aid or in any technical skills. In case of critical situations or problems, that the group might face, it would be expected that the group members make the decisions for themselves. The Sherpa Sirdar would just give his or her opinion, but the final decision would have to be made by the group members. MEDICAL & FIRST AID: Kailas Manasarovar yatra would be in one of the most remote region, where advanced, professional medical help would not be available. It would be participant s responsibility to ensure that he or she

14 would be in good health, physically and mentally both. It would be advisable to speak to your physician if you are unsure of your fitness levels. In case you have an existing medical condition or disability you must inform us before booking with us. If in our opinion, this yatra would not be suitable for your medical condition, we would reserve the right to refuse booking. In case of any health problem that you might face on the trip, it would be advisable to speak to your tour leader. The tour leader would be equipped to give only first aid to participants. Any expense incurred by us for any medical emergency OR for evacuation for any reason, the expenses for the same would be borne by the concerned participant. INSURANCE: No insurance of any kind on luggage, accident, medical, evacuation, life or other allied matters would be provided for by HILLS AND TRAILS. Members would have to make their own arrangements for the same. For more details contact us at: HILLS AND TRAILS 3 / 8, Chandrashekhar Society, Swami Nityanand Marg, Andheri (E), Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. PH: / / / / / hillsandtrails@gmail.com Website: