ç Karnali Excursion Kailash Yatra 2018 Karnali Excursions, Nepal Shree Kailash and Mansarovar Pilgrimage 2018 Please join with us for the journey of a lifetime to experience Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram...! 1
Table of Contents: Particular Page 1. Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Pilgrimage Map 5 2. Shree Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage (16 nights/17 days) 6-7 3. Shree Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage with Muktinath & Damodar Kunda Darshan (20 nights/21 days) 8-10 4. Shree Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage with Janakpur, Valmiki Ashram, Chitwan, Lumbini and Muktinath (23 nights /24 days) 11-14 5. World-wide contact details of Karnali Excurisions 16 2
Aum Namah Shivaya! Holy Mt. Kailash is considered as an important pilgrimage destination as well as a power point where it is possible to gain inspiration and energy to transform oneself from this physical to a higher spiritual level. The custom of circumambulating mount Kailash is believed to purify the soul and cultivate in each pilgrim the ability to perceive the divinity. The experience is elevating and inspiring, and many pilgrims return to their homes with feelings of exaltation and spiritual inspiration. Karnali Excursions was one of the first tour agencies in Nepal to offer pilgrimages to Shree Kailash in 1993, when China opened its doors to tourism. Ever since, we have been providing a strong, well-organized and spiritually fulfilling experience for those who join with us for this holy piligrimage of a lifetime. 3
What we offer: We teach yoga and pranayam, which help to acclimatize in high altitude. We offer regular support during the trip to help you to cope with Acute Mountain Sickness. We provide personal escort to senior citizens and those who need extra support. We demonstrate walking, trekking, eating and sleeping techniques during the entire journey. Karnali Excursions senior leaders join as facilitators and trip leaders. We perform morning and evening prayers followed by Bhajans and Kirtans. We serve pure vegetarian North Indian, Chinese, Gujrati and South Indian meals. 4
Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Pilgrimage Map Please view our Yatra plan with different options below 5
1. Shree Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage (16 nights/17 days) Trip highlights: Darshan of highly revered Pashupatinath and perform Rudravishek. Darshan of Doleshwor Mahadev (head part of Kedarnath). A journey from holy city to the holiest mountain (explore the best of Lhasa). Pilgrimage to sacred Lake Mansarovar, holy Mt. Kailash and Tirthapuri. Nandi and Asthapada Darshan. Travel by tourist vehicles to Lake Mansarovar and base camp of Kailash (no walking involved) Departure dates S.N. Batch Arrival in ktm Dep to Lhasa Back to Ktm Depart to home 1 May 20 May 2018 23 May 2018 04 June 2018 05 June 2018 2 June I 03 June 2018 06 June 2018 18 June 2018 19 June 2018 3 June II 19 June 2018 22 June 2018 04 July 2018 05 July 2018 4 July I 08 July 2018 11 July 2018 23 July 2018 24 July 2018 5 July II 22 July 2018 25 July 2018 06 Aug 2018 07 Aug 2018 6 Aug I 05 Aug 2018 08 Aug 2018 20 Aug 2018 21 Aug 2018 7 Aug II 19 Aug 2018 22 Aug 2018 03 Sep 2018 04 Sep 2018 8 Sept 02 Sept 2018 05 Sept 2018 17 Sept 2018 18 Sept 2018 Brief itinerary: Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Day 02: Guided sightseeing and briefing on Kailash trip. 6
Day 03: Pashupatinath Darshan, Rudravishek, Puja and trip preparations. Day 04: Fly to Gonggar Airport and drive to Lhasa. Day 05: A day in Lhasa for sightseeing and acclimatization Day 06: Drive to Shigatse. Day 07: Drive to Saga. Day 08: Drive to holy Mansarovar Lake. Day 09: Holy bath, Havan and rest day. Day 10: Drive to Tirthapuri, explore around and return to Darchen. Day 11: Kora starts: trek to Driraphuk. Day 12: Trek to Zutulphuk via crossing Dolma La and having darshan of Gauri Kunda. Day 13: Trek to Tangsar and drive to Saga via Mansarovar Lake. Day 14: Drive to Shigatse. Day 15: Drive to Lhasa. Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu. Day 17: Trip concludes and departure for further journey. 7
2. Shree Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage with Muktinath & Damodar Kunda Darshan (May to July II - 19 nights/20 days, August to September - 20 nights/21 days) Additional Trip highlights: Visit city of beauty, Pokhara. Holy pilgrimage to Muktinath in the Himalayas in place of salvation. Breath taking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range. Departure dates S.N. Batch Arrival in ktm Dep to Lhasa Back to Ktm Depart to home 1 May 17 May 2018 23 May 2018 04 June 2018 05 June 2018 2 June I 31 May 2018 06 June 2018 18 June 2018 19 June 2018 3 June II 16 June 2018 22 June 2018 04 July 2018 05 July 2018 4 July I 05 July 2018 11July 2018 23 July 2018 24 July 2018 5 July II 19 July 2018 25 July 2018 06 Aug 2018 07 Aug 2018 6 Aug I 05 Aug 2018 08 Aug 2018 20 Aug 2018 25 Aug 2018 7 Aug II 19 Aug 2018 22 Aug 2018 03 Sept 2018 08 Sept 2018 8 Sept 02 Sept 2018 05 Sept 2018 17 Sept 2018 22 Sept 2018 Muktinath Muktinath, the place of salvation, is one of the 108 Divya Vishnu Dhams in the world. It is situated at the elevation of 3800 meter on the lap of Thorang peak in Annapurna Mountain range. Mukti Kshetra and Thiru Saligrama, are the other names of Muktinath. As mention in Gandaki Mahatmya of Vishnu Purana, Lord Vishnu is considered reclining in the Himalayas with his head placed towards the Damodar Kunda (the Saligram Lake) and the chest being located at Muktinath. So it is a very important pilgrimage site for the Hindu followers. 8
There are 108 holy water spouts considered to be fed by different holy sources dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The main sanctum of Muktinath Temple houses the idols of Vishnu, Sridevi, Bhu Devi and Garuda. Buddhists believe the image of Vishnu placed in the Muktinath temple, is one of the manifestations of Avalokiteawara. Narsingh Gompa, Jwala Mai (perpetual natural eternal flame) and small shrine of Bhagwan Nilkantha Swamy are other not-to-miss attractions of the Muktinath. Narsingh Gompa is the sacred site for Buddhist followers. Jwala Mai is the melting point of the five super natural elements (Pancha Mahabhut: Prithvi, Jal, Vayu, Tej and Aakas). The founder of Swamynarayan sect, Bhagwan Nilkantha Swamy also visited this place and sanctified by meditating here. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche (Padmashambhav), also meditated at Muktinath and sanctified this place while he was on his way to Tibet. Thus, Muktinath is considered a very important pilgrimage site for both, Hindu followers and Buddhist believers. Kagbeni, the confluence point of Kaligandaki and Muktinath Rivers, is believed to be another important holy site for Hindus in the antiquity of Muktinath area. Hindu peoples perform ablution (Tarpan) in the name of departed souls). 9
Brief itinerary: (For May, June I & II, July I & II batches) Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and briefing on immediate arrangements and Muktinath Yatra. Day 02: Drive to Pokhara, en-route visit to Manakamna Temple. Day 03: Fly to Jomsom and drive to Muktinath/ Fly to Damodar Kunda, holy bath and Puja. Day 04: Fly to Pokhara and explore around. Day 05: Return to Kathmandu and briefing on Kailash-Mansarovar trip. Day 06-19: Kailash part is same as above in no. 1 Shree Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage day 3 to 16. Day 20: Trip concludes and depart for onward journey. (For Aug I & II and Sept batches) Day 01-16: Kailash part is same as above in no. 1 Shree Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage. Day 17-20: Same as above day 2 to 5. Day 21: Trip concludes and depart for onward journey. 10
3. Shree Kailash-Mansarovar Pilgrimage with Janakpur, Valmiki Ashram, Chitwan, Lumbini and Muktinath (May to July II - 22 nights/23 days, August to September 23 nights/24 days) Additional Trip highlights: Pilgrimage to birthplace of Sita Mata, Janakpur, birthplace of Buddha, Lumbini & Valmiki Ashram. Holi confluence of Trishuli & Kaligandaki at Devghat. Jungle Safari at Chitwan National Park Departure dates S.N. Batch Arrival in ktm Dep to Lhasa Back to Ktm Depart to home 1 May 14 May 2018 23 May 2018 04 June 2018 05 June 2018 2 June I 28 May 2018 06 June 2018 18 June 2018 19 June 2018 3 June II 13 June 2018 22 June 2018 04 July 2018 05 July 2018 4 July I 02 July 2018 11July 2018 23 July 2018 24 July 2018 5 July II 16 July 2018 25 July 2018 06 Aug 2018 07 Aug 2018 6 Aug I 05 Aug 2018 08 Aug 2018 20 Aug 2018 28 Aug 2018 7 Aug II 19 Aug 2018 22 Aug 2018 03 Sep 2018 11 Sept 2018 8 Sept 02 Sept 2018 05 Sept 2018 17 Sept 2018 25 Sept 2018 Janakpur Dham Janakpur Dham was the capital of King Janak s ancient Mithila Kingdom during the Treta Yug, (nearly 12,000 years ago). Janakpur Dham is named after virtuous king Janak. The main Janaki Temple in Janakpur was constructed by the queen of Tikamghad, 11
Brisha Bhanu Devi about 129 years ago. She spent Rs. Nine Lakhs for the construction of the temple, thus it is also called Naulakha Mandir. It is the biggest temple of Nepal. Bivaha Mandap is the marriage place of Ram and Sita. Dhanus Sagar is one of the sacred lakes near Janaki Temple. It is believed that one of the pieces of Dhanus (bow) broken by Lord Rama, fell in this lake where as the other piece fell at Dhanushadham, which is located 15 km outside of Janaki Temple. Ancient Ram Mandir, Ram-Janaki Vivaha Mandap, Ganga Sagar, Janaki Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir are the other highlights of Janakpur. Devghat Devghat is located at the confluence of two holy rivers: - the Kali Gandaki River (originated from Damodar Kunda and Muktinath) and the Trisuli River (originated from the Gosain Kunda). Devghat means sacred bathing place of Gods and Goddesses. This is the place where Gods and Goddesses regularly take holy bath to enhance their Dewatto or quality being God. It is said that, one can cleanse sins of a lifetime having a holy bath at Devghat. It has been mentioned as the most sacred religious site in different holy books like Barah Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Bhagwat Geeta. 12
Valmiki Ashram and Gajendra Mokshya Dham Valmiki Ashram is the place where sage Valmiki wrote Ramayana. It is located in Chitwan district of Nepal, close to Nepal-India border. This is the place where Mata Sita gave birth to Lov and Kusha who were educated by sage Valmiki. Mata Sita also spent later part of her life after being sent into the exile by her husband Rama. Eventually, she vanished herself into the earth at this place. There is another holy place nearby Valimiki Ashram, called Gajendra Moskhya Dham. It is located on the bank of Narayani (Gandak) River nearby Triveni Dham. According to the Vishnu Purana, Lord Vishnu saved the Gaja, an elephant from the Graha, a crocodile while they were wrestling for a life. Lumbini Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. This is the place where the queen of 13
Kapilvastu, Mayadevi gave birth to a baby boy, Sidhartha Gautama, who later became Lord Buddha, awaken one. Emperor Ashoka also visited this place in 250 BC and erected a pillar, which is known as Ashokan Pillar nowadays, to commemorate his visit. Sacred Pond, Puskarini, nativity marker stone to mark the exact birthplace of Buddha, eternal perpetual flame, sacred garden, World Peace Stupa and monasteries constructed by various nations, are the major attractions of the Lumbini. Brief itinerary: (For May, June I & II, July I & II batches) Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and briefing on immediate arrangements. Day 02: Fly to Janakpur, explore the best of Janakpur d and drive to Chitwan. Day 03: Drive to Devghat for holy bath and jungle safari in Chitwan National Park. Day 04: Drive to Lumbini, en-route visit Valmiki Ashram and Gajendra Mokshya Dham. Day 05: Explore birthplace of Buddha and drive to Pokhara. Day 06: Fly to Jomsom and trip to Muktinath/Damodar Kunda, holy bath and Puja. Day 07: Fly to Pokhara and explore around. Day 08: Return to Kathmandu and briefing on Kailash trip in the evening Day 09-22: Kailash part is same as above in no. 1 Shree Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage day 3 to 16. Day 23: Trip concludes and depart for onward journey. (For Aug I & II and Sept batches) Day 01-16: Kailash part is same as above no. 1 Shree Kailash Mansarovar Trip. Day 17-23: Same as above Day 02 to 08. Day 24: Trip concludes and depart for onward journey. 14
Extended optional pilgrimage: 1. Gosain Kunda (where Lord Shiva reclined under water to neutralize the effect of Kalkut Bisha) Darshan by helicopter is also available in all plans in same period. 2. Damodar Kunda and Kagbhusundi Lake trip by helicopter, are also available in Plan 2 & 3 in the same period. 15
World-wide contact details of Karnali Excursions: Hira Dhamala 5778, Durbar Marg, Ktm, Nepal +977 1 4233192/4233087 +977 9851035496 karnaliexcursions@gmail.com www.karnaliexcursions.com, www.kailashtrekking.com United Kingdom (UK) Savi Meghani (UK) +4420 8866 7984 +44 7435 217216 savi_meghani@hotmail.co.uk Vanita Hirani (UK) +4420 8991 0692 (Mon-Fri, Call after 4:30 PM) +44 7941 992907 vanitahirani@hotmail.com North America (USA) Sarla Dave (USA) 4440 E Hartford Avenue Phoenix AZ 85032 +17088 956439 +17086 897848 sarladave1@aol.com Harish Patel (USA) +1-734-741-8824 +1-734-945-6179 Ramesh Natarajan (Canada) +116-300-2460 Sridevi Gayathri Ramesh +1 647-273-2100 grdiyers.karnali@gmail.com UAE Vaishali Thaker +971508627927 journeywithvaishali@gmail.com www.karnaliexcursions.com See you in the Himalayas! 16