Holy Mt Kailash and Mansarover Lake Tour

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Trip at a Glance

Trip code
NNTR-1202
Duration
10
Max. Altitude
5630.00m
Level
MODERATE
Starts at
Kathmandu
Ends at
Kathmandu
Accomodation
4-Star Hotel In Kathmandu and Best available Guesthouses/Lodges in Tibet.
Meals
All Breakfasts are Included
Transportation
Private Tourist Vehicle as per the Itinerary
Trip Route
Kathmandu-shyabrubesi-Kyirong-saga-Mansarover Lake-Taboche-Zutul puk-Saga-Kyirong-Kathmandu.

Highlights

  • Stunning views of dramatic Tibetan vast landscapes with the snow-capped mountain range

  • Journey to the world highest and largest plateau of Tibet on road to Mt. Kailash

  • Walk around Holy Mountain the main pilgrimage hub of four main religions

  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the dry, arid landscapes around far south-west Tibet

  • Adventure of a lifetime experience visit of holy Kailash and Manasarover Lake

Overview

HOLY MT. KAILASH AND MANASAROVER LAKE JOURNEY:

‘Great scenic highland journey to the holiest of all holy Mt. Kailash’


Holy Mt. Kailash and Manasarover Lake Journey take you to the wildest country on this planet earth. Where you feel out of this world for few days, traveling around huge landscapes on the world's largest, highest Tibetan Plateau.
 
A journey of a lifetime, visiting the holiest of all holy spots to Mt. Kailash and sacred Manasarover Lake. An important pilgrimage for four great religions, likewise Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and for Bon sect of pre-Buddhism.
For Hindu of Lord Shiva, for Jain is where the first spiritual leader was enlightened and respect Ashtapada, a small adjoining peak next to Mt. Kailash.
For the Buddhist relates Mt. Kailash as supreme and great Mandala a wheel of life and throne of great saint Guru Khang Rinpoche. As for Bon the animistic and pre-Buddhism believes as a holy nine-storied swastika mountain, and does the Kora anticlockwise, while religions do clockwise.
 
Truly a holy mountain Kailash stands on its own within the vast Barkha plain of Tibet Far South West. The most remote country where travel is made easy and accessible with good networks of motorable roads to enjoy the journey.  
 
Mt. Kailash, besides as a holy mountain it is also a source of four major rivers, the Brahmaputra / Yarlung Tsangpo. Includes Karnali or Macha Khabub, Sutlej / Langchen Khabub, and Indus / Sindhu in Tibetan Singgye Khabub. 
 
Mt. Kailash towers high at 6,638 m and 21, 778 feet located on large Ngari area of southwestern Tibet. Falls as part of Old Trans Himalaya that links to the border of western Nepal, Ladakh / India, and close to Pakistan.
  
Our journey to Holy Mt. Kailash begins from Kathmandu capital city of Nepal, an overland journey. Heading towards mid-north frontier town and villages of Nepal and Tibet / China Kyirong County, where our Tibetan guide receives you.
 
From Kyirong County, drive leads towards vast plain within Tibetan soil past town of Saga, Pyarang crossing over high passes. To reach Manasarover Lake near Chu Gompa on the west side of the Lake. Time here to perform puja and for sidewalk for acclimatization and tour of Chu Gompa. Located on a cave of a high overhanging cliff.
 
The next day our actual journey starts with a short drive past Darchen town, to reach a holy spot at Tarboche. Situated west face of Mt. Kailash, begin to walk to cover 53 km / 32 miles distance around Mt. Kailash. The circuit, Parikrama or Kora takes you through Dhiraphuk, a small settlement with some simple lodge. As climb takes you on the holy hilltop at high Dolma-La Pass above 5, 630 m and 18,471 feet. 
 
 On top Dolma-La, a rock boulder regarded as a sacred place for worship, here Tibetan pilgrim makes an offering and pray. A great holy spot marked with thousands of Buddhist prayer flags with close views of Kailash North Face.
 
An easy long descend to Lamchu valley past near Gauri Kund, a small holy glacial pond to reach the bottom of Dolma-La Pass. The walk takes you to a small settlement at Zutulphuk, a place with a meditation cave of famous 11th Century saint Milarepa. As walk heads following Karnali River to end the holy Parikrama and circuit the Kora in Tibetan. 
 
On completing the holy pilgrimage hike, then on the road to Kathmandu, taking the same scenic route past Shera town. As the drive continues to the border town in Kyirong County for the last overnight stay in Tibet.
 
The next day, depart and cross the border of Tibet and bidding farewell to our friendly Tibetan guide and drivers. On reaching Nepal back into greenery and forest area with an exciting drive to Kathmandu. After a great mesmerizing experience and adventure on Mt. Kailash and Manasarover Lake Journey, with excellent services of Namaste Nepal and its Tibetan counterparts.
 

Outline Itinerary

DayItinerary
Elevation
Distance
1Arrival In Kathmandu
1,400m/4,600ft
5 Km
2Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu Valley and Obtain Tibet Visa / Permit 1,400m/4,600ft
-
3Drive to Kyirong Town
2,890m/9,410ft
185 Km
4Rest and Acclimatization day in Kyirong
2,890m/9,410ft
-
5Drive to Saga Town
4,400m/14,435ft
240 Km
6Drive to Lake Manasarover
4,590m/15,060ft
450 Km
7Rest, Explore, and Acclimatization day at Mansarover
4,590m/15,060ft

8Drive to Taboche past Darchen (4,575m/15,010 ft), and trek to Dhiraphuk
5,050m/16,568ft

9Trek to Zutul-Puk via Dolma-la Pass (5, 630m/18,471ft)
4,760m/15,616 ft

10Trek near Darchen and drive to Saga Town
4,400m/14,435ft

11Drive to Kyirong Town
2,890m/9,410ft
450 Km
12Drive back to Kathmandu
1,400m/4,600ft
185 Km
13Departure
5 Km

Best seasons for Holy Mt. Kailash and Manasarover Lake Tour


Best time in April to May and September to October months. Including the monsoon wet season of June to August. As Tibet falls on rain-shadow, the southern Himalaya mountain range forms a barrier for monsoon rain clouds and it does not reach Tibet.

Around whole areas of Tibet, the weather is fine and clear most of the season, as the land with high altitude gets much sun for long hours, although cold morning and from late afternoon till night time. Can get very windy especially on the drive from Saga onwards during afternoon time till late 4 p.m.

Chances of snowfall sometimes around high passes and altitude wise, do get light rain around monsoon time of June to mid-September, but the mostly dry and arid country as weather-wise. Does not get heavy rain like in southern countries of the Himalayas range.

Food and Accommodation in Holy Mt. Kailash and Manasarover Lake Tour


A journey to Mt. Kailash takes you to remote areas of Tibet, where facilities of the Western standard of tourist class hotels are not available, only in few places like Kyirong and Saga town. Most of the places with very simple and basic lodges or guest-house, where travelers need to understand, that you are traveling around the harsh and highest country in the world. Where clients have to be in a positive attitude due to the nature of the destination to Mt. Kailash within the wildest country of the world. 

The food in Lode and hotels in Saga are standard, for larger groups a set of buffet meals of variation from continental, Chinese, and Tibetan as well for breakfast.

But while staying on the Kailash circuit or Parikrama the Guest-House, accommodation is simple and basic but clean, with simple Tibetan and Chinese food including Nepalese meals are available. 

The food like dumpling /momo (normally of Yak, pork meats or vegetable) as well fries noodles with veg, meat or eggs including local Thukpa, a noodle soup flavored as per your choice from veg, meat or just plain and simple. Or simple Dal / Bhat with mild vegetable curry Nepalese meals.

The highest spot of Holy Mt. Kailash and Manasarover Lake Journey


Crossing high Dolma-La Pass at 5,630 m / 18,471 feet high, on Parikrama, Circuit, and Kora in Tibetan.

Tibet Weather and climate, the Best time to visit.


Many people in the world think Tibet is a cold of arctic zone climate. 

But it is not always cold with freezing temperatures, depends upon the seasons of visit and the region of the visit.

Tibet with four main seasons, spring (March to May), summer (June to August), 

Autumn/fall (September to November), and winter begins from December to February months. Due to high altitude and thin air above 3,000 meters high, summer is warm with bright sun-lights of strong UV (Ultra Violets). 

Where travelers’ needs sun-glass, sunblock creams, wearing long sleeves shirts and trousers with a sun hat for the day. Morning and late afternoon can get colder and the wind chill factor adds more freezing temperatures, from mid-afternoon till dusk can get very windy.

Late spring and summer till mid-autumn of October will be the best time to travel, when most days are crystal clear. With blue sky for excellent views of snow-peaks and its amazing landscapes. Tibet gets very little rain as the southern monsoon heavy dark clouds blocked by the mountain range of the Himalayas. 

That is why Tibet a dry and arid country, but can get heavy snow during the winter and early spring seasons.

In late spring and summer temperatures can reach a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius with a minimum of 0 to 5 degrees. That is in the morning and nighttime as well in shades away from sun lights. September to November clear and sunny most of the days, can be very cold morning and in the late afternoon till night time.

But one can enjoy the bright starry night sky, and with full moon nights reflecting on snow mountains.

Health and Safety measures against AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).


For travel to Tibet, where all visitors must be in good sound health and most important getting acclimatized. Tibet is located at an average altitude of 3,000 meters high above sea level. No wonder it is known as the Roof Top of World, most areas of Tibet are arid with dry landscapes. With very little vegetation and forested areas, and yet the native have survived for thousands of years settled on this harsh terrain. 

With less air to breathe, if one is not careful adjusting with its environment and high altitude. Travelers require at least a minimum of two overnights, staying in the same place and heights of above 3,000 meters. 

One of the best ways for acclimatization is to climb higher and then rest and sleep in a low place. Actually, there is no medicine to avoid the AMS, except taking advice from your doctor and local guide or group leader.

Take things slowly, enough rest, and drinking much water, for slight headaches, one can take aspirin or paracetamol pills. To get relief from headaches and fever, some travelers take Diamox a brand name for Acetazolamide a "water pill" (diuretic). Used as preventive measures to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness, but it depends on how and where you take it. Best before entering Tibet or high altitude continues till the end, even though you feel better. Side effects are like nibbling of fingers makes you pee a lot, for travelers in doubt can buy portable oxygen. Available in town and cities big shops and stores in Tibet, where your local Tibetan guide will help you.

Information regarding altitude mountain sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), the worst symptom is HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema). 

This means water in the brain, similarly HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), a symptom of water in the lungs.

Travelers with the above symptoms should descend to the lower level with an accompanying guide, staff, and close friends or relatives. To reach back to Kathmandu or the nearest Tibetan city, towns with good hospitals.

AC power to charge our electronic devices and gadgets. 


In Kathmandu / Nepal capacity 609 MW in Integrated Power System, of 230 volts in A.C. single phase and 400 volts in three phases for general.

Electricity in Tibet / China is 230 volts AC, 50 cycles. We do have two pins & 3 pins power sockets, you better have two Pin travel plug adapter which will be useful to charge your batteries.

Time zone and currencies used in Tibet.


In the whole Tibet like in mainland China use Beijing Standard Time. Which is 8 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal Standard Time Zone. 

In Tibet use Chinese currency which is about the US $1 equals 6: 50 Chinese Renminbi Yuan, which is the official currency of the People's Republic of China, and translates to “people's money.

Trip Itinerary

Day

1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)

On the first arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Namaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub will pick you up from the airport. He will be displaying an NNTR sideboard outside the airport terminal. Transfer to the selected hotel. In the afternoon a pre-trip meeting will be held at our office. During this meeting, we will introduce your trekking and or tour leader/guide, where our guide/leader will brief you on Mt. Kailash and Manasarover Lake's journey. In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to chose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.

Day

2

Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu Valley and Obtain Tibet Visa / Permit (1,400m/4,600ft)

A free day in Kathmandu, for Hindu followers can visit the holy Pashupatinath Temple and other places of religious and historical interest. Similarly, visitors for this journey can enjoy a tour around Kathmandu UNESCO's famous World Heritage Sites. The rest of the day preparing for the Kailash journey which is about 850 km and 530 miles single way to reach South West Tibet on the foot of Mt. Kailash.

On this day we will Visit the Following Places:

Swambhunath Stupa/Monkey temple:

Is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The Swayambhunath consists of a stupa and a variety of shrines and temples. A Tibetan monastery, museum, and library are more recent additions. And we can see the 360-degree view of Kathmandu valley. This will be a good way to start your day with

Pashupatinath Temple:

 Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important and significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world. Located on the bank of the Holy  Bagmati River near the airport. The major temple is strictly for Hindus only even though you are not allowed to go inside the main temple you can clearly see the temple and the activities from the other bank of the river. 

Boudhanath Stupa: 

Another UNESCO World Heritage site;  Boudhanath another holiest site of Kathmandu valley. It was built in the 5th century with pairs of eyes in all 4 directions keeping an eternal watch over the people and their doings.

Patan durbar square:

City of Fine Arts Patan; The ancient royal palace of Patan faces on to magnificent Durbar Square. This concentrated mass of temples is perhaps the most visually stunning display of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal. The historic monument which describes the oldest architecture of Nepal is Patan durbar square, Temple construction in the square went into overdrive during the Malla period (14th to 18th centuries),

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

After finished sightseeing in Patan on the way to your hotel, our driver will drop you at Kathmandu Durbar Square (only if you are staying at Thamel) from where you can walk back to Thamel through the narrow and oldest open street market of Asan. In Kathmandu durbar square you can see the following: 

  • - Pagoda style temples which were made twelve to eighteen centuries
  • - An ancient royal palace with a museum
  • - Kashthamandap (which named to the city as Kathmandu)
  • - Living Goddess Kumari
  • - Black Bhairava (God of death)

Day

3

Drive to Kyirong / Guirong Town (2,890m/9,410ft)

Our holy Journey to Mt Kailash and Mansarovar Lake starts today. after the good breakfast ready for an interesting drive towards the northwest of Kathmandu past farm villages and towns facing scenery of rolling green hills with farm terraces, and snowcapped peaks. 

After driving within a warm area then reach cooler hills to enter Dhunche at 1,950 meters high, the headquarter town of Rasuwa district around Langtang Himal, populated by Tamang the ethnic tribes of Rasuwa area, and other Himalayan high hills. From Dhunche we drive through Syabrubesi on a newly built road that links the Nepal / Tibet border near Rasuwagadhi (1, 800 m / 15 km / 1 hour from Syabrubesi), here received by our Tibetan counterpart guide and drivers, after completing immigration & custom formalities on both sides frontier post of Nepal, and then walk into Tibet past Rasuwagadhi, and continue short drive further to Kyirong county with a first overnight stop in Tibet, accommodation at local guest-house or on camping basis.

Day

4

Rest and Acclimatization day in Kyirong (2,890m/9,410ft)

Much necessary to have a rest day at this height for acclimatization, before heading higher altitude, a perfect place for short walks and hike our next day's drive takes you above 4,500 meters and much higher over the passes. Rest of the day enjoy the north face views of Ganesh and Langtang Himal peaks in the south direction that borders Nepal and Tibet.

Day

5

Drive to Saga Town (4,400m/14,435ft)

After a pleasant stop at Kyirong, having breakfast morning drive leads on river gorge and then enter a wide-open area on reaching world highest and largest plateau within Tibet. A great wild windswept landscapes of arid and dry air due to sparse vegetation, the drive continues where the road of Nylam / Zhangmu joins near Paigut-Tsho's huge salt lake. From here drive leads up to cross over a small pass to reach near Brahmaputra River / Yarlung Tsangpo. Drive over a newly built nice bridge that connects to Saga town for the overnight stop, a moderate size town located on the route to Mt. Kailash and towards Lhasa via Larze and Shigatse cities. 

Overnight in a nice guest house, lodge, or hotels with time to browse around the town of Saga.

Day

6

Drive to Lake Manasarover (4,590m/15,060ft)

From Saga starting early morning as possible to cover a long distance to reach the western end of Manasarover Lake. As the drive begins head towards a high pass and then descend to a long stretch within vast wide Tibetan plains. Enjoy grand views of distant Himalayan peaks that border with western Nepal. 

Drive leads past villages and towns including temporary camps of nomads and yak herders’ to reach Paryang, a windswept town. Possible lunch stop and then continue to drive to cross over Myam-la Pass at 5, 150 m, with chances of spotting some wildlife like mountain antelope, and a herd of Kang the wild Ass, as drive, heads down to reach near the eastern side of Lake Manasarover close to a small town of Horpa facing first views of Mt. Kailash towards the northwest direction.

Drive from here on the vast Barakha plain of Ngari area of Far South West Tibet to reach our overnight halt at the west side of holy Manasarover Lake, near an old monastery of Chu Gompa. Staying in a local simple lodge and guest-house in peak times can get crowded with Indian pilgrims.

Day

7

Rest, Explore, and Acclimatization day at Mansarover (4,590m/15,060ft)

Rest day for proper acclimatization as well for worship and puja, for Hindu devotees. Where one can enjoy a walk on the shore of Lake Manasarover, facing close views of Mt. Kailash and Gurla Mandhata mountain range at 7,694 m. 

The Hindu belief is that Manasarover floats beneath the shadow of holy Kailash as the lake formed in the mind of Gods like the word ‘Manas’ origin from ancient Sanskrit language. An option for few hours Parikrama or circuit of Lake Manasarover taking a four-wheel drive for a complete circuit of 110 k.m distance.

The best time to circle Manasarover, in late autumn and early spring when the streams and rivers that join the lake are low.

Day

8

Drive to Taboche past Darchen (4,575m/15,010 ft), and trek to Dhiraphuk (5,050m/16,568ft)

Enjoying a perfect rest at Lake Manasarover, morning our actual journey starts for a short drive to the base of holy Mt. Kailash, as drive heads near Darchen town a large settlement, with many hotels and guesthouses, a busy small town with pilgrims on auspicious time for kora and Parikrama for all religion pilgrims. 

Darchen situated Mt. Kailash South Face, where most holy walk/kora starts and ends, but our kora begins with a drive little further west of Darchen to reach wide-open field at Taboche, one of the holy spot for Tibetan Buddhist a place marked with many prayer flags, and a tall wooden flag pole, changed every year on the day of Saga Dawa, the holy time a birth anniversary of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha.

From here enjoy views of Mt. Kailash West Face, as our walk begins on dry plains with small streams of sparse small bushes. As route slowly climbs to reach at Dhiraphuk Gompa for an overnight stop in a simple lodge. 

Facing Mt. Kailash stunning North Face, Dhiraphuk with few guest house and lodge and camping space stands a small monastery where saint Millerepa of 11th Century meditate.

Day

9

Trek to Zutul-Puk via Dolma-la Pass (5, 630m/18,471ft)

Today our last toughest day walks, from Dhiraphuk with a slow gradual walk for a short hour, from a small wooden bridge that separates route of inner and outer Kora or circuit, where our trail leads on the outer one of Parikrama and then climb higher on well define a path, marked with a stone cairn, and religious symbols and the offering made by Tibetan pilgrims.

As the walk proceeds with a steep climb of last hour to reach at high Dolma-La, the hardest spot, feel great standing on top 5, 630 m high facing close views of Kailash North and East Face. A holy place festooned with prayer flags and offerings by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, enjoying views and feeling glad on reaching the highest point. Then long descend takes you to Lamchu Valley the eastern side of Mt. Kailash past Gauri Kund, a holy glacial pond named after Lord Shiva consort.

On reaching the valley floor, the rest of the walk is easy on a gradual wide path to reach an overnight stop at a small settlement in Zutul-Puk, with few shops and a simple lodge with a cave, where Millerepa meditated. Visitors can see the trace of his holy footprints on the ceiling of the large cave. The word Zutul-Puk means a place with a cave.

Day

10

Trek near Darchen and drive to Saga Town (4,400m/14,435ft)

Start early morning with short walks of few hours and a long drive to Saga town, on the last day of holy circuit, kora or Parikrama, walk for few hours on a broad valley past many Mani prayer walls, and then reach a narrow gorge close to Karnali River that flows to West of Nepal. The route turns west near Darchen on the last leg of the Parikrama, ending with a dramatic exit from the river valley onto the plain, walk passes mani walls decorated with carved yak skulls. 

A short walk where our four-wheel drive and drivers will be waiting for a long exciting drive to reach Saga on the same route, arriving in the town of Saga by late dinner time and then retire to your rooms after a most exciting day.

Day

11

Drive to Kyirong Town (2,890m/9,410ft)

After a long day's drive of the previous day, morning with leisure time for breakfast and then continue our journey in Tibet to reach Kyirong County, where a drive leads at the end of vast Tibetan plateau. After a scenic drive reaches Kyirong by late afternoon as well for the last overnight stop in Tibet.

Day

12

Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,600ft)

Morning as per Chinese Beijing time which is 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal standard time, depart from Kyirong for a short drive to the border post for exit visa formalities, and the bid farewell to our loyal and humble Tibetan guide and drivers, as a short walk, leads to Nepal side of the frontier at Rasuwagadhi, for immigration and visa checking. From here on Nepalese vehicle with a drive towards the green forest area. Then reaching at Syabrubesi village with a climb on a winding road to Dhunche town for Lunch. 

From Dhunche we drive back to Kathmandu with a long winding downhill ride to the warmer area of Trisuli bazaar and continue to drive passing many farm villages and towns to reach Kathmandu.

In the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey to Holy mt. Kailash and mansoraver Lake, the farewell dinner will be served in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances, Where you can test and fill our Nepali Culture and we will also provide the tour Certificate of your wonderful journey with us.

Day

13

International departure for homeward bound

On your last day in Nepal the country of Himalayan wonders and colorful cultures, as per your time for international departures, our Namaste Nepal staff transfer you to the airport for flight back home or to the next port of call, after an amazing adventure and experience on Mt. Kailash and Manasarover Lake Journey.


Inclusions

What is included?

  • All necessary Tibet Travel and Trekking permit
  • All the entrance tickets of the monasteries, National Parks, and Eco bus during the trip in Tibet
  • All Airport hotel transfer by private tourist vehicle 
  • Private Tourist Vehicle from Kathmandu to Rashuwagadi (Tibet Nepal Border) to Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation in Tibet as per the itinerary.
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • 4-star accommodation on twin sharing basis with a BB plan in Kathmandu and Best available guesthouses/lodge in Tibet
  • An experienced English speaking Tibetan local tour guide
  • For the group of 10+ people, we assign Nepalese group escort/Leader throughout the tour from Kathmandu to Kathmandu
  • Necessary support crew member like a cook, Support Staff/Helpers
  • Yak and Yak man during Kailash Kora
  • Big oxygen bottle in Vehicle
  • All necessary government and service charge

What isn't included?

  • Nepal visas fee (Lowest available is for a 15 days visa costing $30/person)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Lunch And Dinners during the whole tour
  • Extra porter/support staff charges
  • Extra night accommodating(if in the case early return from the tour then the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, personal drinks, battery charge, bottle or boiling water, hot shower, wifi and or internet, etc)
  • Tips for guide, porters, and Drivers.

Complimentary

    • Down jacket and seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after completion of the trip).
    • Namaste Nepal’s duffle  bag (to be returned after completion of the trip)
    • Namaste Nepal’s  T-shirt
    • Trekking map
    • A self-sufficient medical first aid kit containing vital medications.
    • Tour Certificate
    • Oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check AMS symptoms)
    • hand sanitizer and face mask

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we get a Tibet visa from home or at Kathmandu?

For all Tibet tours as well as Kailash overland journey, requires a minimum of a month booking, with full passport details to obtain Tibet entry visa in the Chinese Embassy at Kathmandu, Nepal.

 Tibet entry visa and permits, only available from Kathmandu if you are entering Tibet from Nepal. For people booking as an ex-Kathmandu minimum of a week to book for the trip, where an actual passport required a day before trip departure to Tibet to get a visa.

 The visa will be on official paper with a name list of the group, authorized and stamped by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, with two visa sheets one for entry and as well for exit/departure from Tibet. 

Do people get altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)?

Normally, some people get a slight headache having rest for a while it will soon fade, drinking enough fluid like water, helps to acclimatize from the symptoms of AMS or altitude sickness. Chances are small, that you get severe AMS, as we have set the itinerary days with enough time having rest day for acclimatization on route to Mt. Kailash. Our flexible program itinerary helps and supports proper acclimatization before reaching a much higher altitude after spending time in Kyirong as well drive high passes and then heading low for overnight stops. 

Some people take the Diamox pill for safety measures and precaution, which you can carry as per your doctor and guide advice. 

Tibet with an average height of 3,500 m, where you have to take things slow with enough rest, drinking much fluid like safe drinking water, green tea, or soup will help to overcome the symptoms.  

What are the time zone and currencies used in Tibet?

In the whole of Tibet, like in mainland China use Beijing Standard Time. Which is 8 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal Standard Time Zone.

In Tibet use Chinese currency which is about the US $1 equals 6: 50 Chinese Renminbi Yuan, which is the official currency of the People's Republic of China, and translates to “people's money. 

What are the standard of hotel and food in Tibet?

A journey to Mt. Kailash takes you to remote areas of Tibet, where facilities of the Western standard of tourist class hotels are not available, only in few places like Kyirong and Saga town. Most of the places with very simple and basic lodges or guest-house, where travelers need to understand, that you are traveling around the harsh and highest country in the world. Where clients have to be in a positive attitude due to the nature of the destination to Mt. Kailash within the wildest country of the world. 

The food in Lode and hotels in Saga are standard, for larger groups a set of buffet meals of variation from continental, Chinese, and Tibetan as well for breakfast.

But while staying on the Kailash circuit or Parikrama the Guest-House, accommodation is simple and basic but clean, with simple Tibetan and Chinese food including Nepalese meals are available. 

The food like dumpling /momo (normally of Yak, pork meats or vegetable) as well fries noodles with veg, meat or eggs including local Thukpa, a noodle soup flavored as per your choice from veg, meat or just plain and simple. Or simple Dal / Bhat with mild vegetable curry Nepalese meals.

Can we bring snacks and soft drinks on the trip?

It is wise to bring small snacks and refreshing drinks, especially for long drives and walks around Mt. Kailash. Best to carry chocolate, dry snacks or dried fruits as well biscuits or cookies and soft drinks or hot in good warm thermos/flask.

AC power to charge our electronic device and gadgets.

In Kathmandu / Nepal capacity 609 MW in Integrated Power System, of 230 volts in A.C. single phase and 400 volts in three phases for general. 

Electricity in Tibet / China is 230 volts AC, 50 cycles. We do have two pins & 3 pins power sockets, you better have two Pin travel plug adapter which will be useful to charge your batteries.

How many people on this tour?

Depending upon the time of booking and holiday duration of some people, we do have set departure dates in all our tours, for Tibet minimum of 3-4 people and a maximum of more than 10 people in the group. 

The larger group much better as the tour cost will be slightly lower in a small group, we also organize and run this tour for a minimum of 2-3 person also, a special rate to cover all tour package.

What are the weather like in Tibet at a good time of the year?

Around whole areas of Tibet, the weather is fine and clear most of the season, as the land with high altitude gets much sun for long hours, although cold morning and from late afternoon till night time. Can get very windy especially on the drive from Saga onwards during afternoon time till late 4 p.m.

Chances of snowfall sometimes around high passes and altitude wise, do get light rain around monsoon time of June to mid-September, but the mostly dry and arid country as weather-wise. Does not get heavy rain like in southern countries of the Himalayas range.

Do we need sunblock/sunscreen cream?

As Tibet is located at a high altitude during day time the sun is strong with UV rays, where travelers need strong sunblock cream to be safe from Ultra Violet lights, as well as wearing sun-hat, sunglass, and long sleeve shirts.

Can I depart for Lhasa after the Kailash journey?

Yes, but you need to inform us on booking, as all customers will be on a group visa for Tibet, after completing the main tour of Mt. Kailash, it is possible to drive from Saga town to reach Lhasa taking more than two days with stops either in Larze or at Shigatse the second biggest city after Lhasa. 

Where your name or other interested people who wish to part from the group for Lhasa and onward journey needs to cancel the name from the group visa, which adds to additional cost for another separate visa.

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