Important Guidelines for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra – Must Read

Every year, thousands of pilgrims undertake the 'yatra' which involves accommodation & trekking under inhospitable conditions. Holding significance for Hindus as the abode of Lord Shiva, it holds religious importance also for the Jains and the Buddhists as well as. There are several factors which makes it tough hence adequately experienced agency can organize it in an efficient way based on their past experiences. Here are our Top 3 challenges:

Permit & Visa compliances The yatra pass through Nepal & Tibet (an autonomous region of china). Tibet Travel Permit is difficult to get, and moreover, rules and regulation keeps changing very quickly from the competent Authority called “China India Pilgrimage Service Center (CIPSC)” without any prior notice sometime. Tibetan government provides special Tibet Permit just for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra not for other part of Tibet/China. Any delay in obtaining permit may delay for group departure hence arrival as well as. The visa & permit both get issued on strictly group basis means the entire group enter & exits together. Anyone if wants to exit early for any reason need to pay additional amount then & there in cash for group visa cancellation & re-issuance of modified visa.

Natural Calamities Being on high altitude & hilly terrain natural disaster can happen at any time, most importantly bad weather. This mostly affects Helicopter flights, and may have to cancel flights & people get struck on the route out of schedule. We keep close eye on weather changes & forecasts & re-plan the tour as per the options. Needless to say our priority is utmost safety of our guests while re-scheduling the yatra due to any natural calamity.

High Altitude & Trekking We need to be aware that we are travelling in a high altitude and moreover, trekking will be challenging because of difficult terrain, lack of Oxygen on high altitude, bone-chilling cold & unpredictable rain. Awareness about above risk factors and proper guidance can help to prevent or overcome any difficulties that may happen during the travel. From our past 4 years of experience, we have learned a lot regarding travelling to Kailash Mansarovar. We believe that one must be aware of these factors before planning/travelling to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, so that you can make best decision for yourself and make it a most memorable yatra of your life. Therefore, we are making this complete guidelines to share with you and give awareness of what to expect before making a vital decision. We hope that you will find this guideline document helpful. Please feel free to call or write us if still any of your questions/doubts left un-answered in our guidelines.

Hotel Information We prefer all the guest in a group to stay together with same category of rooms. This of course make easy for us to manage the group more efficiently, but our main goal is for you to get to know your fellow group members. Since you will be going for a long journey, everyone needs companion and support at all times. We have seen people who experience this divine spiritual journey together tend to be friends forever. The hotel is based on availability, therefore we have listed more than one hotel below:

NEPAL SIDE Helicopter Tour Kathmandu (Double Sharing): 3 Star/4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing): Hotel Lord Mirag Inn, Hotel Amadablam, Hotel Mahadev or Similar

3 Star/4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing): Hotel Lord Mirag Inn, Hotel Amadablam, Hotel Mahadev or Similar Nepalgunj (Double Sharing): Hotel Cygnett Inn Krishna, Hotel Kalpataru, Hotel Sneha or Similar

Hotel Cygnett Inn Krishna, Hotel Kalpataru, Hotel Sneha or Similar Simikot (Multiple Sharing): Mansarovar Lodge or Similar

Mansarovar Lodge or Similar Hilsa (Multiple Sharing): Mansarovar Lodge or Similar Overland Tour Kathmandu (Double Sharing): 3 Star/4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing): Hotel Lord Mirag Inn, Hotel Amadablam, Hotel Mahadev or Similar

3 Star/4 Star Hotels (Twin Sharing): Hotel Lord Mirag Inn, Hotel Amadablam, Hotel Mahadev or Similar Syabrubeshi (Double Sharing): Hotel Malla or Hotel Trekkers/Similar

TIBET SIDE Although the entire region is inhospitable but still unlike others, we provide Guest House at all places in Tibet side (no tents) for the same package cost. All Guest House will be based on sharing with Common Bath. Indian Style bathrooms are available at few locations. Kerung: Hotel Xsongde/Similar

Hotel Xsongde/Similar Dongba: Hotel Sisapangma/Similar

Hotel Sisapangma/Similar Taklakot: Hotel Himalayan/Similar

Hotel Himalayan/Similar Mansarovar Lake: Chu Gompa Guest House/Similar

Chu Gompa Guest House/Similar Darchan: Hotel Himalayan/Similar

Hotel Himalayan/Similar Derapuk: Basic Guest House on sharing basis

Basic Guest House on sharing basis Zuthulpuk: Basic Guest House on sharing basis Most of the places in Tibet are Guest House on sharing accommodation with basic facilities only.

Additional Costs Ashtapad Visit (Must be paid directly to Chinese Guide and Travel in 4 person group) extra cost around INR 1500 Per Person.

Age Limit Age limit is 70 years old but we are able to get Tibet Permit for people above 75 years also in the past. However, we cannot guarantee that permit will be issued. Also we need health certificate for above 70 years old Yatri.

Trip Insurance Personal travel insurance is not included in the trip price. It is a condition of booking a trip with Global Connect Hospitality and your own responsibility to ensure that you are adequately insured for the full duration of the trip in respect of illness, injury, emergency coverage, death, loss of baggage and personal items and cancellation and curtailment. Global Connect Hospitality does not arrange any insurance. Please consult your local insurance company. Many health insurance companies does not cover while traveling to high altitude. So make sure you are covered above 5000 meters altitude, since Kailash Mountain base is higher than that. Nowadays, there are hospitals available at Tibet if in case of emergency. You may check with agent such as Trawelltag Assist

Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Visa Process The most important & complicated task in planning Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is getting Permit & Visa on-time. Be assure, it’s our responsibility and you do not need to worry about. Here is the workflow of the process: Step 1. For a Group Tour, we will apply for Tibet Permit for which we will use your passport copies that you have sent us earlier while booking. Please note that Tibet Authority does not gives us fixed date to approve the Permit. However, usually it takes 15-20 days prior to the yatra. Step 2. As soon as we get the Tibet Travel Permit approved, we will let you know. For Indian Passport Holder: We will ask you to send your original passport to our Delhi Office. We will collect all group's passport and apply for Visa at once since it is a Group Paper Visa. To get the Group Paper Visa, it usually takes 3-4 days (working days). For Non-Indian Passport Holder: We will apply for Chinese Visa when you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal. It takes 3-4 working days at Chinese Embassy at Kathmandu to process the visa. Step 3. For Indian Passport Holder Only: Once the Visa is approved, we will send you the Passport back to you at Nepalgunj/Hilsa. Therefore, since it takes time, we suggest our Yatris to book as early as possible, so that your yatra can be begin in your desired departure date. IMPORTANT: Sometimes we may NOT have enough time to send you passports after getting Visa. In such case, we will give you passport in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj. Indian Nationals does not need Passport to come to Kathmandu or Nepalgunj since you do not need Nepalese Visa. You just need to carry Voter ID Card in original. For Foreigners (other than Indian passport holders), they can get their Nepali Visa upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport. I already have Chinese Visa stamped in my passport, do I need Visa again? If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal, you must get your Tibet group visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. Whether you already have a Chinese visa or not, a Tibet group visa is compulsory for all tourists entering Tibet from Nepal.

Cancellation Policy It is our most important aim that you enjoy your holiday and that we earn your trust. However, we are not responsible for any cancellation due to any industrial disputes, Technical failure of any type of transport we use, loss of earnings, late arrivals or force majeure, or any items beyond our control. Any time after booking, if you wish to cancel your trip, you must notify Global Connect Hospitality in writing. Once we receive your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following: Cancellation takes place in before 101 days prior to your departure date, your 100% payment will be refunded within 15 working days from the day of cancellation request.

Cancellation takes place in between 100 days to 30 days prior to your departure date, your payment will be refunded except the non-refundable deposit of INR 9999/USD 150 within 15 working days from the day of cancellation request. .

Cancellation takes place in between 29 day to 11 days prior to your departure date, your payment will be refunded except the cancellation charges of INR 35000/USD 500 within 15 working days from the day of cancellation request.

Cancellation takes place in between 10 days to 2 days prior to your departure date, your payment will be refunded except the cancellation charges of INR 75000/USD 1100 within 15 working days from the day of cancellation request.

Cancellation takes place in within 2 days prior to your departure date, 100% of amount will be charged at cancellation charges hence no refund.

Preparation before Arrival to Kathmandu, Nepal Money in Kathmandu & Tibet / Personal Expenses Indian Rupees are not accepted in Tibet. We will exchange the amount to Yuan (Chinese Currency) for you upon your arrival. You must let us know upon Kathmandu/Nepalgunj arrival on the first day so that we can proceed immediately.



It is suggested to carry minimum CNY (Chinese Yuan) 3,000 extra money for any emergency.



In Tibet only CNY (Chinese Yuan) is acceptable. You may easily exchange USD or INR to CNY in Kathmandu OR in Kodari (Nepal-Tibet Border).



Most of the Yatri exchange their money in Nepal-Tibet border.



Any un-used CNY may be re-exchanged in Kathmandu. Tentative Currency Exchange Rate 1 US $ : 6.0 Yuan (Chinese Currency)

1 Yuan: Rs.11 (Indian Currency)

1 US $ : Rs.71/-(Indian Currency) (Credit cards are not accepted in TIBET)

Things to Carry General Considerations when Packing: Keep the weight of your luggage to a minimum. Baggage allowance on most international flights is 15-20 Kg. Most people tend to bring more clothes than they do actually need. You will only need one change of clothes for Kathmandu/Nepalgunj. On trek it is important to dress in layers. When it is hot you will only be wearing a base layer, when it gets colder you can add to this until you are wearing most of your clothes! It is advisable to carry your stuff in a duffel bag rather than suitcase or other normal bags. What kind of items to carry while travelling? You have to take warm clothes like sweater, trousers, thermo-coat, cap, trekking shoes, high-neck, gloves etc. We recommend that you bring the following items to make your journey more comfortable 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 cold winds of the Tibetan Plateau. Evening will be generally cold and warm clothing will be required. We recommend that you bring the following clothing and accessories with you: Clothing Towel / Washing Kit - 1/1

Warm Thick Pullover – 1

Wind Proof Jacket/Rain Coat-1

Pants-4/ Monkey Cap and Sun Heat

Cotton Full Sleeve T-Shirts - 2

Thermal Under paints/Long - 2

Thermal Vest/Warm Full T-Shirt - 2/2

Trekking Shoes/Light Tennis Shoes and Light Rubber Sandal - 1/1

Warm Woolen Shocks - 5

Warm Gloves - 1

Large Cotton or Silk Scarf - 1 Accessories Torch Light With Extra Batteries

Sun Glass/Sun Hat

Water Bottle (2Ltr. Capacity)

Strong Sun Cream

Moisturizer Cream

Lip Balm

Tooth paste and brush

Hand Sanitizer FIRST AID MEDICAL KITS We highly recommend you to consult your own doctor before you start the trip and bring the Medications as per his/her advice. However, following items are worth full to bring: Diamox – 20 tablets *paracetamol (crocin)

Pain killer

Eye drops for burning eyes *multivitamin pills

Muscle relaxant *antibiotic

Motion sickness and high altitude sickness medicine

sickness medicine Vicks vaporub *water purification tablets

FREE Gifts from Global Connect Hospitality Global Connect Hospitality will provide Jacket, Duffle bag and backpack where in Jacket is returnable.

Who will Travel with Us from Global Connect Hospitality? Our Sherpa team, Nepali guide and Cook will be with you at all the time at Tibet.

During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra / Tibet Side Vehicles / Transportation Nepal Side: We will provide a decent transportation by AC Small Car/Bus.

Tibet Side: We provide Luxury AC Coach.

Meals / Food We will provide you breakfast, lunch, dinner (vegetarian), cooked by our professional and trained cook. We will provide you delicious pure vegetarian Indian meals during the entire trip. Some of the food are: Daal, Chawal, Roti, Sabji, Papad, Khichadi, Fruits, Juice, mineral water, Coffee, Tea, Milk, Cornflakes, Kheer etc as per the availability. We still recommend you to bring sufficient supplementary food like chocolates, biscuits, Nuts, Bhujhya and your tinned products to add varieties to the meal.

Asthapad / Nandi Parvat Visit Asthapad: Is Asthapad included in our Yatra? No for Overland Package. Yes, for Helicopter Package. For Asthapad Visit, it is controlled by the Chinese Government and sometimes may not allow to enter due to safety reasons. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the Asthapat Visit. You have pay little extra to visit Asthapad, Nandi Parvat which is about INR 1500-2500 only.

Parikrama: Inner & Outer What is difference between Inner Parikrama & Outer Parikrama? The regular Overland and Helicopter is actually only outer Parikrama which is easy to complete. However, for Inner Parikrama, it takes longer and it is quite challenging. Please make sure you are healthy enough to do the Inner Parikrama. We do not recommend it for anyone above 60 years old unless they are solid health conditions. Please contact us for detail itinerary and departure date for Inner Parikrama. How much do I have to walk during Parikrama? What about Horse? If you cannot or do not want to go for Kailash Parikrama by foot then you can hire a horse and horseman for 3 days by paying extra (around INR 20,000-25,00) per person which you have to pay to directly to Chinese Guide. We cannot take the Horse Payment as we cannot guarantee. This rate may vary during travel time, hence there is no rate available. Also availability of horse is not guaranteed. Even you hire a horse, you have to walk at least 2-3 hours Can I choose not to complete Parikrama? Yes, you can choose not to go for Parikrama at all. Darchen is the base camp. If some of you do not want to go Parikrama then they have to stay at Darchen until everyone returns. We will provide accommodation guest house and foods for those not going for Parikrama. Global Connect Hospitality staff will be there to arrange accommodation and meals.

Mobile Phone in Tibet Mobile Phone: How to keep in touch with our friend & family during the trip? sim card doesn't work at Tibet side but there will be shops at the phone center on the way to Kailash Yatra. You can take your mobile with you and buy a sim card there to call your family and relatives. You can also activate international roaming to get in touch with your family and friends. You can also find Wi-Fi facility in the hotels in different locations.

Full Moon Departure What ‘s special about Full-Moon departure? There are several reasons why Yatris choose Full-Moon: In Tibet all the Festivals happens during Full Moon (especially Saga Dawa Full Moon Festival: the holiest day in Tibetan Buddhism)

Full-Moon in Mansarovar: Many Yatris prefer doing puja during the Full Moon (Purnima)

Many want to see beautiful view of full moon over Mount Kailash

Highest Altitude during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will take us from 130m to 5700meters. The lowest point will be Nepalgunj/Kathmandu, our starting point at 130m, and the highest point will be Dolma La Pass, on the second day of our Parikrama around Mt. Kailash, at approximately 5700m height. After our entry into Tibet we will be at 3800m for a day for acclimatization, then climb to 4400m, then 4600 around Lake Manasarovar. On second day of the Parikrama around Kailash we will be at almost 5000m. Around 10 days of our time in Tibet will be at an altitude above 4000m. Altitude Sickness As guests are traveling over high territory, Guest are likely to experience symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite, nausea, exhaustion, sleeplessness, breathlessness etc.) until their body adjusts to the elevation. This can take a couple of days or more depending on an individual. Because of this itinerary has been made to stay at the place above 9000ft for at least 3 nights before moving on to the higher altitudes.

FAQ Drinking Water Yes, during the entire Yatra we will provide you free supply of Mineral Water. What kind of food? During the yatra we serve pure veg meal. Is Internet connection available in Tibet? Yes! There is Wi-Fi connection available in Nepalgunj, Taklakot, Darchen etc. Can I book a pony for one day Parikrama only? No. The rule of the Pony owner and Porter Union there is clear that Pony and/or Porter can be hired for full three days and not partial trip. Also the money has to be paid in advance and no refund is possible if you return back in two days’ time instead of doing the full three days Parikrama. However, sometimes it is possible to get a pony/porter for just one day during Parikrama; the price will be exorbitant though. Temperature / Weather The temperature variation will be between -5 to 25 degrees Celsius. At night it gets chilling cold. During the day, if the Sun is out, it gets around 20 to 25 degrees. During driving days, it gets very stuffy inside the vehicle as the windows have to be kept closed due to dust. However outside it may be very cold and windy. So while you are inside vehicle during driving days keep your down jacket handy when you step out of the car. Inside the vehicle you may need to take off your warm clothes. Dip in the Holy Mansarovar lake No, as per the authorities they don’t allow anyone to take dip inside the holy Mansarovar Lake however they allow to take bath with bucket in the bank of Lake. Collect water from the holy lake If anybody wishes to collect the water himself/herself, then on our return trip after parikrama when we stop at the holy lake you can do so.

SPECIAL NOTES: We are reputed Company to sending Yatris to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Sometimes, situation may arise due to lack of our control at Tibet Side or Natural Disasters. One need to understand that Tibet is a rural area with very limited facilities. Therefore, you cannot expect any luxury services. Moreover, Tibet is an Autonomous Region which requires special travel permit. The Official Rules and Laws at Tibet can change at any time as per our past experiences. Global Connect Hospitality is always up to date with the information and therefore, we reserve rights to change anything so that we can strictly follow the law. Global Connect Hospitality has the right to change the itinerary in the event of adverse weather condition or any unforeseen reason. The group will be required to follow the itinerary strictly. The entire Group will enter & exit together as per schedule. Therefore, we strongly advise to follow our itinerary and arrive as per the Arrival Date above which will help you to overcome any delays. The Tour Operator or its partners shall not be liable for any such delays which are out of our control.

Risks & Liability: Global Connect Hospitality team and its associates will put every effort to make your journey smooth and pleasant. However, all the tours in Tibet are conduct strictly under the rules & regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Therefore, Global Connect Hospitality and its counterpart shall not be responsible for any change and alteration in the program due to unavoidable circumstances such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snow, political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrival, delay issue of permit and visa, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurred thereof shall be borne by the clients on the spot.