Kailash Mansarovar Yatra NRI Special

General Information

TEMPERATURE & WEATHER

Weather condition from May to September in Tibet can be expected to be dry and sunny with precipitant in July and August. Day time temperature can be as high as 22 degrees centigrade in Tibet. The average daily temperature will be 10 degrees, however the intense sun at high altitude can make it feel even hotter. At this time of year there is an incredible drop in temperature from early afternoon to evening time. Temperature at night-time will drop as low as 0 to -10 degrees centigrade at altitudes of 5000 meters, our highest camp during the PARIKRAMA.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

This is an environment related condition that can affect anyone who ascends too rapidly to high elevations without acclimatizing properly. Suggested to read any book on trekking which has a chapter on this and also consult your doctor.

CURRENCY

All major foreign currencies are accepted in Zhangmu bank in return for Yuen, the basic unit of Chinese currency. At present, USD 1 = 8 Yuen. Credit cards are not accepted. Antiques must be properly certified, otherwise they may be confiscated.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Still cameras, home video cameras are allowed into China.

CLOTHING

Clothing for both extremes of climate and temperature. While driving to KAILASH, it will be warm inside the vehicle and light clothing will be required. But as soon as you step out of the vehicle, warm clothing will be required to keep off the Tibetan Plateau. Evenings will be generally cold and warm clothing will be required.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you insure yourself against sickness, emergency rescue, accident, hospitalization, etc. We are neither liable nor responsible for any damages or extra expenses which may arise form mishaps or lass of their belongings during the pilgrimage.

RISK & LIABILITY

All arrangements within Tibet are solely at the discretion of the China Tibet Tourism Bureau (CTTB), A government organization, and we have no control over the quality of the vehicles or facilities. Shrestha Treks reserve the right to change itineraries without prior notice, depending on the weather and road condition.

Requirement

VISA & DOCUMENTATION

You must be in possession of a valid passport for at least 9 months. We will obtain your visa for Tibet, and will require the following information when making your reservation. Full name as it appears in your passport, passport number, and date of expire, place of issue, nationality, date of birth and occupation, four passport size photographs are also required. Additionally, you must allow a minimum of 10 full working days in Kathmandu for visa. Getting a visa for Tibet on an Indian passport is guaranteed once the tour is booked. Your passport should reach us not later than a month prior to your departure.

HEALTH CONDITIONS

All participants must provide health certificate given by a reputed doctor confirming that the participant is fit to travel at an altitude of above 5000 meters. We do ask you to bring along your own small first aid kit (available at Pharmacies). Some of the items we ask you to bring in the Kit are: Antiseptic cream or Wound Disinfectant, Iodine and tube-squeeze cream, Foot care and Blister Treatment, Band-Aids, adhesive roll & strips, gauze pads, moleskin. (Please bring ankle high boots to avoid muscle sprain). Gauze Pad- 3″, at least 6 pads, Gauze Roll: 2-3″ roll, Adhesive Tape 2″ roll, Ace Bandages for the Ankle, Elastic bandages 3″ roll, Water disinfectant tablets, Antibiotics: Triethoprim/ Sulfamethozazole-Bactrim Dsor septra DS-double strength (160mg / 800mg). Antidiarrheals-lomotil & pepto-bismol tablets and make sure you bring Charcoal tablets!!! Please see your doctor for more advice! Concerning antibiotics & antidiarrheal, Diamox-20 tables: Anti-inflammatory: Avail
Brufen or Mortin. Esprin / Tylenol or general painkillers. Strong sun screen oil, sill antibiotic cream! Antifungal ointment, Lozengen / Strepsils (plenty).

FITNESS

Please stat to get in shape NOW!!! A good 30 minute walk jogging daily, stretching and regular exercise should put you in a right shape (Concentrate on your heart & legs-Aerobics). Porters will be carrying the bulk of your equipment, but it is recommended that you bring a good day pack and are fit enough to carry sacks, filled water bottle, small scissors & knife waterproof matches, safety pins, thermometer, lighter, Dehydration salt (electoral) packets, Neosporin powder and cream, Heat balm for muscles/joint, Vicks inhaler/Vapourub, Chopsticks, Dry Fruit / snacks, camera film, map, jumper, sun hat, first aid kit, lightweight rain gear, extra cloth etc.

During Tour

BRIEFING & ORIENTATION

There will be a briefing on the programmed on the next day of your arrival in Kathmandu. It is very important that all participants attend this briefing.

GUIDE/ESCORT

Local English speaking guide will escort the group throughout the tour in Tibet. Our highly experienced Sherpa staff will be responsible for all camping & cooking arrangements.

OXYGEN

One Oxygen cylinder with mask will be provided in each vehicle and during the PARIKRAMA. Please note that oxygen is to be used only in case of emergency.

TRANSPORTATION

Kathmandu to Kodari, private minibus will be provided for the group. Throughout the journey in Tibet you will be travelling in 4WD Japanese vehicles. A truck will be provided for luggage and all camping equipment’s and food supplies.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation in Nyalam and Darchen will be in lodges. The rooms at these places are very basic without any modern amenities. During rest of the journey, twin sharing high
altitude tents will be provided. While camping, we shall be providing all tent mattresses, sleeping bags and camping equipment required for the trop, except for Personal clothing. There will be no laundry services throughout the trip. Single room cannot be guaranteed.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

We will be providing vegetarian breakfast and dinner cooked by our Sherpas, who will be taken from Kathmandu. You will be required to bring sufficient Supplementary food like chocolates, biscuits, nuts, pickles & your favorite tinned products to add variety to the meals. Lunch will be packed with light snacks.

COMMUNICATION

The last place to make any international call is in Saga, Tibet. However, please be informed that it may be difficult at times to get the connection. if any urgent messages has to be sent to any of the participants, please contact our office.

Preparation

Health

The high altitude Tibetan terrain is dry, cold and windy. Diurnal variations are large. Nights are cold and windy. Heavy snow falls; torrential rains and strong icy winds are common features – any time. Flooding rivers and landslides are frequent. The altitude averages above 3500 meters. The route covers much high altitude passes. Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude induces certain illness generally not encountered over the plains (Mountain Sickness). Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness (malaise), high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, sex and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping doses and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. Descending to lower altitude is the best but this may not be possible always. REST is the best alternative. Some of the symptoms indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments. Therefore the golden rule is to deliberately slow down all activities

• Rest
• Relax – Do not exert; Do not be excited.
• Reduce talking
• Walk slowly – adopt one third of your normal speed & space.
• Keep your load light.
• Walk 15 minutes and rest for five minutes.
• Light weight warm clothing’s and boots / ked would help reducing strain and burden.
• Never let you into boredom – boredom inducts fatigue, mental abrasions and exhaustion.
• Do not exercise.
• Breathe slowly (never fast).
• Whenever you feel uncomfortable, just stop: rest and relax.
• Ignore the sudden outbursts of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments.
• Observe silence with a smile.
• Remember – never go too high too fast.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol – drugs or intoxicants.
• Consume plenty of liquids; never proceed with an empty stomach.

Expedition experts advise that beyond 3500 meters ascent or climbing must be restricted to 300 to 400 meters at a stretch. Most people, however they say would experience minimum symptoms, if given longer time to ascend. This must be borne in mind during Parikrama around Kailash. Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over-clothed than under protected. Enroute, avoid taking a bath or drinking water from lakes, streams or rivers as your system is not conditioned for this. Since the dry cold wind tends to make the nose dry (bleeding sometime) keep your nose smooth by applying Vaseline. Keep your feet dry – never let it get wet. Keep your boots / ked inside tents to keep them dry. Wearing cotton and wool socks in combination would be the best. Face, feet and hands must be well protected. Consult your DOCTOR to assess the state of your health to function safely within your limitations. Learn the DO’S and don’t from his advice. In addition to the personal prescriptions by your physician, a First Aid Kit is essential for the travel.

Request your Doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the following:

In addition to the medicines, your First Aid Kit must contain the following: