Guidelines for Kailash and Muktinath Yatra Version Date :10-April-2019

Kailash Yatra

The darshan of Mount Kailash and its parikrama (Pradakshina / Girivalam) is the goal of Kailash Yatra. We also complete a parikrama of Lake Mansarovar by bus. The other opportunity for darshans in the Kailash yatra include a trek to Charan Sparsh glacier in front of Kailash North Face, darshan of Dolma Shakthipeet and Gowri Kund.  In addition those taking the Helicopter batch can visit the Bagishwari  Shakthipeeth Temple in Nepalganj.

Pujas
Each batch of Shankar Treks to Kailash will be accompanied by a Priest  who will conduct  the pujas and rituals in  a detailed manner. During the yatra  daily bhajans will be conducted in  the dormitory rooms in groups of 10 and 15.  The following formal pujas  with ‘Sankalpa’ of all group members will  be performed : A Rudra-abhishek  puja at Chiu Gompa in Manasarovar and Mrityunjaya Japa at Yamadwar before start of the Kailash parikrama.  Yatris are requested to bring along Vishnu / Lalitha Sahasranama books to join the bhajans.

The Kailash Yata is a Spiritual quest and a Pilgrimage and not a vacation. The Temple visits, Darshan and Pujas are the main objectives of the yatra.  If required, other arrangements and schedule of the yatra will be altered,  to ensure that the  main objectives are achieved and  yatris are expected to cooperate with the same.  

Muktinath Yatra
At Muktinath, our goal is to visit Lord Muktinath temple and take bath in the 108 streams around the temple. There are additional temples in its vicinity like Jwala Mukhi etc. which too we will visit. On the journey between Kathmandu to Pokhara  we visit Devi Manokamana temple after riding the highest cable car ride in Asia. This is the most prominent devi temple in Nepal.  In Muktinath Yatra, a visit to cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara is also included.

Kathmandu

Lord Pashupathinath: We will visit the Pashupathinath temple in Kathmandu before starting Muktinath Yatra.  In the temple we have darshan of Lord Pashupathinath, Kala Bhairava and visit a 525 Shivalinga circuit. 

Buda-Neelakanda (also called Jala-Narayana) temple where Lord Vishnu is in a sleeping pose on Adisesha in a pond. We will visit this temple before departure  from Kathmandu.

Pokhara

As part of Muktinath Yatra we visit Barahi temple, Kedareshwar and Guptheshwar temples in Pokhara.  The Barahi temple is in the middle of the Phewa lake, Kedareshwar is on the lake shore and Guptheshwar is in a tunnel behind a waterfall. 

Airline Ticketing

Kailash Yatris will  travel from their hometown to Lucknow by flight.  After Kailash Yatra, those returning home will be dropped at Lucknow airport to catch their return flight. Those also taking Muktinath Yatra will be dropped in Kathmandu airport at the end of both yatras. 

Delays in getting China permits and inclement weather enroute Kailash can cause changes in travel schedule. To avoid the anxiety of ticket cancellations and date changes, Shankar Treks has advised all yatris to purchase their return journey ticket only after reaching Nepalganj after Kailash yatra. Yatris may also book their return journey with buffer days.

Breakfast service is not included in most  airlines. Hence, yatris are advised to carry non-liquid food items like Poori,  Mixed rice etc. to consume in the flight or at airports.  The flight tickets for travel within Nepal and Helicopter for Simikot-Hilsa segments will be done exclusively by Shankar treks and is  included in the  tour costs.

Travel Arrangements
Your pickup vehicle in Lucknow  airport for transfer  to Nepalganj will be a van or minibus based on the group size. Travel from Nepalganj to Simikot will be by scheduled flights. We will use Helicopters for travel between Simikot to Hilsa and return. After Kailash yatra, those returning home will travel from Nepalganj to Lucknow  airport by Jeep / Toyota Innova.

Those taking the Muktinath yatra will travel by flight from Nepalganj  to Kathmandu. We will use a mini-bus for  travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return.  The trip from Pokhara to Johmsom and return will be by flights.  From Johmsom airport to Muktinath temple and back we will travel by Jeeps.   The local sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara as also the transfers from various airports to hotels etc. will  be on mini-bus.

Stay Arrangements

In Nepalganj, we will stay at Hotel Cygnett or similar. In Simikot it will be Manasarovar Hotel or similar.   In Taklakot and Darchen we will stay in Hotel Himalaya or similar.  Stay in Hilsa and in Manasarovar will be in dormitories and 4 to 8 yatris will be assigned in a room with cots and beds.  Similar accommodation in permanent buildings (no tents) will be provided  all halts  during parikrama times.  

In Kathmandu our stay will be in premium hotels like Mirage Lords or Marshyangdi. In Pokhara your stay will be in Hotel Kantipur or similar.   Stay in these hotels will be in Luxury twin sharing rooms  and all meals are included. The rooms will usually have kettles for hot water and you can prepare instant tea / coffee per your convenience. 

Baths and Toilets in Tibet

Most  Tibet  hotels  will only offer shared bath with running water. Toilets will be of Indian style and yatris should plan appropriately. During Kailash Parikrama and at Mansarovar where closed toilets are not available the sherpas will setup toilet tents which will be of very basic nature but offering privacy.  In comparison most yatris will prefer to use the open toilets.

Food :  Healthy full course vegetarian meals will be provided during the stay in Nepal.  In Tibet vegetarian tiffins and meals will be prepared by competent Sherpa staff.  The menu will be a combination of south Indian items like upma, pongal, plain rice and sambar and north Indian items like dal, sabji,  roti etc.  Coffee, tea & bournvita will be served during breakfast and in the evenings.  A  hot soup will also be served before dinner.

Water :  Mineral  water will be supplied in  jerry cans for drinking purposes. Due to logistical and pollution reasons we do not supply water in plastic bottles. Sterilised water will be used for cooking and coffee.  Hot water will be made  available  in Tibetan Flasks in dormitory rooms as also anytime from the kitchen.  Warm water will be available in plastic drums for brushing, face wash &  cleaning during yatra.

Permits and Passports
Each group of  Kailash yatra needs to obtain a permit from Tibet Travel Authority in Lhasa,   to visit the Kailash area.  It takes up to 4 weeks to obtain this permit and hence the bookings for a yatra close one month before the travel date. We also need a week’s time to obtain Group Visa from China Consulate at New Delhi.

Yatris need to provide a photocopy or scan of their passports at the time of booking. We will collect original passports at least 15 days prior to travel to apply for China visa.  The passports will be returned to yatris only before we cross the  China border in Hilsa.  Yatris are advised to carry their Voter Card  for travel from Lucknow to Nepalganj. Further Yatris should book flight tickets as per their name in Voter card only.

Foreign Exchange :  The unit of currency in Tibet, China is CNY (Yuan). It is very expensive to buy Yuans  after you enter Tibet.  Hence,  we advise yatris to complete the forex purchase  prior to start of yatra to avoid  handling  currency  in crowded places like border crossings etc.

Yatris are free to obtain  Chinese currency from any authorized vendor in India. Shankar Treks will procure Chinese yuans from Axis bank for our tour expenses and  the same will  be made available to yatris from our office in Bangalore on current exchange rates. Excess yuans can be returned to us at the end of the yatra and we will  use it for the next batch. We cannot exchange currency during the tour as our tour managers will not be carrying  surplus currency  for safety reasons.

Budget : The Kailash  and Muktinath yatras booked by Shankar Treks includes all regular facilities  starting from  Lucknow  airport  like  stay, travel and food.  Each yatri is advised to carry at least 3000 CNY (Chinese Yuans) for expenses in Tibet like hiring a horse, porter etc.  Yatris who are confident of doing the parikrama on foot need to carry CNY 500 only. In addition yatris are advised to carry Rs 15,000 for purchases and discretionary expenses.

Weather : Most Kailash yatra batches of  Shankar Treks are scheduled only from late May  to  mid September. The weather in Tibet will be pleasant and temperatures will be in the range of 14 degrees Celsius in early June to 25 degrees in end August. Rains are common in late July in  Kailash area and we usually avoid scheduling our yatra in this time.  Even during other times the mountain weather can  be unpredictable.

Clothing : Yatris must wear warm clothing throughout the travel and stay in Tibet. Thermals must always be worn as also the ears and forehead covered with monkey caps. Shoes with socks should be worn at all times and gloves as per need.  A quality down jacket will be provided on returnable basis and  is an essential  item  to wear both during the parikrama  and for protection from cold winds.

Fitness : The biggest challenge in Kailash yatra is the adjustment to high altitude and lower availability of oxygen in the air. It is important that you  take deep breaths as also slow down your movements. Yatris should  prepare by doing 20  pranayamas (deep breathing exercise)  in the mornings and evenings starting at least a month prior to your yatra.  It is also useful to include a walk of  at least  2 kilometers a day.   Please do not experiment with your fitness during the yatra.  You should stay well within your body’s limitations; do not run or shout in excitement. Speak softly and only when essential. Silence is Golden.

Emergencies : The Kailash yatra involves travel to high altitudes with rarified oxygen levels. It is a severe challenge even to healthy persons.  Yatris must be aware of the health risks  in undertaking this yatra and furnish a letter from a qualified doctor certifying their fitness to undertake the yatra. 

In spite of the best planning and care  some yatris develop problems. In most cases the problem is with acclimatization.  While a little bit of uneasiness and fatigue is common to all yatris, if the condition persists beyond 4 days into the yatra, further  progress is not advisable. In such cases yatris must openly bring this to the immediate attention of the tour manager.  Typically they will be administered oxygen and transported to lower altitudes.  Shankar Treks has advised all yatris to be accompanied by a Yatra partner (spouse, other relative, friend  etc.)  and the partner will be entrusted the custody of the yatri while returning to Nepal.   In Emergency situations the Chinese guide and Tour manager will take all decisions and these are binding on the yatris.

Parikrama Arrangements

On parikrama days breakfast will be provided at hotel (in Darchen / Dirapuk) and packed lunch (typically samosa, sandwich, fruit drink, apple and  chocolate) will be given to yatris. These should be carried in a shoulder bag along with  one set of dress, a few nutrition items, camera and items for brushing, face wash etc.  The main luggage bag will remain in the base camp in the truck.

Yatris will make independent decisions on engaging a horse / porter for parikrama. They will convey this to the Chinese guide in Mansarovar so that suitable bookings can be made in advance.  The rates for such facilities will be notified by the Chinese guide based on availability and demand.  Shankar Treks will not directly handle the horse / porter bookings and will only  ensure that adequate facilities are available for all yatris.

Yatra Kits

The following items are provide complimentary in a Yatra kit. A duffel bag, shoulder bag, cap, pouch & rain coat. These will  be given to the yatris one week  prior to  yatra.

Phone / Contacting Home

Hotels in Nepal will usually offer wifi and you can stay connected with your family. You can also get a Nepal SIM card. It will cost Rs 500 including recharge for talk-time and data.  

For phone calls in Tibet you can get a China Mobile SIM card upon arrival in Taklakot. You may also choose to obtain a prepaid Matrix card or enable international roaming on your Airtel number. These have both direct calling and internet access. Mobile signals  are available intermittently throughout the yatra including during parikrama. 
To call India number from abroad prefix 0091
To call Nepal number from India prefix   00977
To call China number from India prefix   0086

Government Subsidy

A subsidy of Rs 30,000 is available from Government of Karnataka for all yatris whose residential address as per passport is in Karnataka.  The government will notify when the applications will be accepted (usually during October) and give a two month time period to submit the same.  The application form is available online and in Shankar Treks office. The filled up application form should be submitted to Muzrai department accompanied by photocopies of Tibet permit and China Group visa. Shankar treks will provide all these documents, relevant to your batch, in time for you to submit your subsidy application.

Tour Cancellations
Kailash Yatra : We typically apply for Tibet permit one month before your travel date. In case you cancel One-Month prior to start date we will provide FULL REFUND of the yatra amount paid by you. 

Once the Tibet permit is applied the  China authorities will deduct US $350 for any cancellation. Hence for cancellations made within one month of yatra start date Rs 25,000 will be non refundable. Further US $70 is paid to obtain a China Visa in New Delhi. Hence for cancellations within a week of start date, an additional Rs 5,000 will be deducted. If flight tickets are already purchased then actual cancellation fees will be charged to yatris.

Muktinath Yatra : If Muktinath yatra is cancelled by the yatri after ticketing in Nepal is completed, we will deduct Rs 3,000 towards flight cancellations in Nepal.

The trip to Muktinath passes through snow mountains of Annapurna range  and is  dependent on weather conditions and subject to delays and cancellations. In case of persistent delays,  yatris will be offered travel from Pokhara to Johmsom and back by Jeeps.  In such cases the difference between airfare and Jeep charges @ Rs 3000 per segment will be refunded to yatris. 

General  Behavior

Shankar Treks invites only the spiritually inclined to participate in this yatra.  Your behaviour should contribute to the harmony and religious attitude in the group. When traveling in high altitudes many factors will  be less than optimum; your health will be poor, you will face lack of appetite, lack of sleep etc. It is normal to feel irritated very easily. Please maintain your cool and remind yourself of the main objectives of the yatra – don’t let minor issues take undue priority.

Every evening (before dinner) we will spend  time to discuss the next day's program. Please ask your questions only at that time so the entire group can be answered in one go. The tour manager is normally busy coordinating with the Chinese authorities, the sherpas and the offices in India and Nepal.  Don't ask for details which are not of  immediate importance.  Typical questions to avoid are, ‘what will happen if weather is bad’, ‘will we get horse’ etc.  When you have a real need the most appropriate arrangement will certainly be made. Frequently, if you delay your question you will realize it is not important enough. 

Nepali Sherpas and Tibetan Porters
Be courteous to the Sherpa staff and porters.  Be appreciative of the efforts they put in at the tough terrain and weather to make your tour successful.  If you are polite you will get much better co-operation and service from them.

Tibet Drivers and Guides
The Tibet drivers and guides are extremely competent, professional and  proud of their identity.  Do not make fun of their language or culture. Do not discuss China politics.  If you maintain a friendly demeanor with your staff your yatra will be very enjoyable.

Discipline
Yatris must cooperate with the tour manager and Chinese guide. It is very important to obey the rules at the border crossings as also the instructions of Chinese army staff at check posts.  The Tibet authorities are very strict and do not hesitate to arrest or cancel a yatri’s permit. Consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited once we are in Yatra. Smoking should be avoided or done without disturbance to others. Abusive language will not be condoned. If after sufficient warnings the behavior repeats, the yatri will be expelled from the group and no refund claims will be entertained.

Packing Instructions
Pack all Kailash items in the Duffel Bag (Big Luggage Bag). Keep valuables, cash and extra set dresses in hand luggage (either shoulder bag or a stroller suitcase). During Kailash Yatra the extra items can be left in the hotel in Nepalganj and can be picked up later on your way back. During Muktinath yatra, you can leave the big (Kailash) bag in Kathmandu hotel. 

Please pack your bag with minimum luggage as it needs to  be  loaded into small flights and helicopters. Please keep valuables, passport etc only in your shoulder bag.  Typically, the sherpas will pickup and unload the big duffel bag from your rooms every time we travel.

Luggage Allowance
Airlines will allow only 15 kgs of Check-in Luggage and 7 kgs limit for Hand Luggage. Only the ‘Numbered’ Big Luggage (Duffle Bag) and Shoulder Bag (Yatra kit bags) will be allowed in Kailash Yatra.  Suitcases will not be loaded into trucks or carried across Tibet Border

Tour Contact
Update your family regularly during your yatra. In China ‘WeChat’ works better than WhatsApp. Hence install the same on your phone. Please leave a copy of your tour itinerary and tickets at home so that your family is aware of your arrival timings.  We have minimum staff in our Bangalore office and will not have information on daily progress of each yatra batch. Further please limit your phone calls to our office between 8 am and 8 pm only.

Wish you a Happy Kailash and Muktinath Yatra

A minimum packing list is enclosed. Bring extra items as appropriate

Puja Items :

• Sloka and bhajan books
• Honey, ghee ( small quantity) for Rudrabhishek and Bilva leaves

Dresses :

• 3 Sets for Muktinath
• 4 Sets for Kailash Yatra
• 1 Clean Set for return journey to India

Winter Items :

• Sweaters : 2 Full Sleeve
• Thermals – Minimum One set of Top and Bottoms.
• Down Jacket – given at Nepalgunj on returnable basis
• Gloves and Monkey Cap: Two sets
• Socks and Inners : Minimum 8 sets

Trekking Items :

• Torch Light  & 500 ml flask for warm water
• Shoes  with good grip and ankle support.
• Sunglasses (only for those doing 2nd day Parikrama)
• Power Bank (please keep in Hand luggage only during flight)
• International Travel Adapter (Multi Pin Power plug}

Medicines :

• Nutrition : Please bring glucose and vitamin tablets
• Regular Medicines : as per your routine and doctor advice
• Medical shops and Indian medicines are NOT available in Tibet.

Miscellaneous :

• Snacks in hand luggage in case meals are delayed
• Dry fruits for pooja and trekking time
• Spare set of spectacles
• Dust Mask available in medical shops

Yatra Kit (These Items are provided complimentary for Kailash Yatra)

Shoulder Bag

Duffel Bag

Cap, Pouch and Rain Coat