1

(Retail agent of Skylink Travel & Tours Ltd, ATOL 9839)

KAILASH MANSAROVAR VIA KEYRONG (OVERLAND) - 18 DAYS

DEPART: 17/05/2020, 07/06/2020, 06/09/2020 RETURN: 03/06/2020, 24/06/2020, 23/09/2020

Tour Highlights: 4 * or 5* Accommodation at Kathmandu Visit to Pashupatinath & Buddha Neelkanth All Vegetarian Meals Rudrabhishek in Kathmandu Surprise Gifts Early departure & stopover in india available

ADULT: from £2995 per person on twin / double / triple sharing basis

DAY 01: UK- KATHMANDU Depart UK to Kathmandu. (Dinner on flight) DAY 02: KATHMANDU ARRIVAL Arrival in Kathmandu. You will be met at the airport & transferred to Hotel. Evening tour briefing. (Dinner) DAY 03: KATHMANDU – CHANDRAGIRI HILLS & BHALESHWAR - KATHMANDU After early breakfast, Morning free for leisure. After Lunch, proceed to Chandragiri Hills. Visit Bhaleshwar Mahadev. After visit proceed back to hotel in Kathmandu. Overnight Stay in Kathmandu. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Note: If Cable car is not operating due to weather conditions, we will do Patan and Bhaktapur sightseeing instead. DAY 04: DOLESHWAR MAHADEV: After breakfast, proceed for Sightseeing tour of Doleshwor Mahadev. Dinner & Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

2

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) DAY 05: PASHUPATINATH DARSHAN AND HAVAN IN KATHMANDU Morning after breakfast, You will visit Pashupatinath temple, Guheshowri Mata temple, Budhanilkantha temple (Jal Narayan or Sesh Narayan) and Monkey temple, if time permits. Overnight in Kathmandu. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) DAY 06: DRIVE, KATHMANDU- SHYABRUBESHI Early morning, you will be setting off for Syabrubeshi. Syabrubeshi, a small town, borders with Kyirong county of Tibet/ China, situated about 170 km north of Kathmandu. This fascinating country drive takes approximately 8 hours to reach Syabrubeshi. Some 70 km part of the highway is very slender; so it can be a risky journey to drive fast. Lunch will be served on the way & overnight stay in guesthouse in Syabrubeshi. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight … - Kathmandu to Shyabrubeshi: 170 km | 8 hrs drive (approx.). - Elevation of Syabrubeshi: 1450 m. | 4756 ft. The road from Kathmandu to Tibet border is very rough road. DAY 07: CROSS THE BORDER THEN DRIVE TO

KYIRONG TOWN Morning after breakfast, drive to friendship bridge. The distance to drive is approximately 10 k.m. You will cross the friendship bridge and go through the immigration formalities and continue drive to Kyirong valley. It is 22 km driving distance from friendship bridge to Kyirong valley. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight at Keyirong - Shyabrubeshi to Border: 18 km | 45 minutes (approx.) - Border to Kyirong Gaun: 23 km | 1 hr - Elevation of Kyirong: 2600 m. | 8528 ft. DAY 08: DRIVE, KYIRONG TOWN TO SAGA The very first Tibetan town you will reach from Kyirong is Saga. Saga is situated at the bank of River Brahmaputra that origins in Kailash. From Kailash the river flows to Lhasa then it drops down to the plain of Assam crossing vast area of Arunchal Pradesh. Today, we stay overnight in Saga. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight … - Kyirong county to Saga: 154 km | 4 hrs drive (approx.). - Elevation of Saga: 4460 m. | 14628 fts.

3

DAY 09: SAGA REST Rest in Saga for acclimatization. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight … - Elevation of Saga: 4460 m. | 14628 fts. DAY 10: DRIVE FROM SAGA TO LAKE

MANSASAROVAR (CHIU GOMPA) Early morning, you will depart from Saga to further destination, lake Manasarovar. After reaching Horchu (the east coast of Lake Manasarovar), you will change the Bus and commence making a circumambulation (parikrama) of the holy lake on Bus from clockwise direction. On the way, we will make a halt in an ideal spot (at the Bank) for holy dip & performing pooja & hawana. Evening reach Chiugompa and stay overnight in Guesthouse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight … - Saga to Lake Manasarovar: 470 km | 7 hrs drive (approx.). - Elevation of Lake Manasarovar: 4550 m. | 14924 fts. DAY 11: STAY IN LAKE MANASAROVAR Today, you can rest in lake Manasarovar. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight … - Elevation of Lake Manasarovar: 4550 m. | 14924 fts. DAY 12: MANSAROVAR- YAMA DWAR- DERAPHUK: ( 1ST DAY OF PARIKRAMA) Darchen is the gateway of trekking around mount Kailash. It is situated on the foothill of mount Kailash, below the south face. Asthapad is situated 4 km up in the mountain and Tarboche (Yama Dwar) is 7 km west from Darchen. A complete circumambulation of mount Kailash commences from this point and ends here. The total circumference of mount Kailash from Darchen to Darchen is 52 km. Darchen offers an array of accommodation-quality than any other places en route to Kailash. As usual, we will be ready to move on from Manasarovar to Tarboche (Yam Dwar) after breakfast. The drive takes about an hour as we have to make a brief halt in Darchen to process for local permit. Yam Dwar is the best vantage point that provides splendid views of south and west faces of mount Kailash. This is probably the best place to have a closed view. Those; who are not undertaking circumambulation trip are advised to visit Tarboche.

4

Tarboche is the place where our horse/s, yak/s and porter/s are gather and accompany us for trekking part. Those, who are participating for circumambulation, will move ahead to Deraphuk from this point and rest will return to Darchen and wait until the people return from parikrama. The complete trek around mount Kailash takes 3 days. The distance of first day’s trek (from Yama Dwara to Deraphuk) is about 10 km. only and it takes 5 to 7 hours approx. to cover the distance. The entire trail up to Deraphuk is reasonably flat with gentle ascend, however due to its extreme elevation, we may feel very exhausted, and need to have break on the way very frequently. The last legs of the journey is tough with rapid ascend. But, it is only for half an hour. Deraphuk stands at an elevation of 4920 m. The north face of mount Kailash is just a few thousands meters away from here. This is the only place to have a close view of north face. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight … - Tarboche (Yama Dwar) to Deraphuk: 10 km | 5 to 7 hours walk (approx.). - Elevation of Deraphuk: 4920 m. | 16138 fts. DAY 13: DERAPHUK-ZUTULPHUK: (2nd DAY OF PARIKRAMA) Today is the toughest & longest journey of this trip. We have to trek almost 22 km through rugged highland to reach Zutulphuk. Literally, we have to pack up our gear and set off from hotel at 5 a.m. Chinese time. Initially, it is an uphill trek from Deraphuk but after walking for an hour or so, the trail turns into mild ascend. Half of the trail passes through an elevation of 4900 m./16,000 ft. or above, so there is no wonder if we get suffered from breathlessness or headache. Though, we should try to keep our pace slow & steady. Please do not forget to carry water bottle, down jacket, raincoat and some dry fruits & chocolates with you. Everybody has different pace of walking. People might not be around when you them. So, you have to be self-dependent in basic things. After making an up hill trek for about 4 hours or so, we will reach to a high pass where we will find Tibetan prayers flags fluttering. This is called ‘Dolma La pass’ (5800 m.). This is the highest point that we will be crossing over during this divine trip. After making a gentle descend from the pass, we will find our self near a tine glacial lake. This is ‘Gauri Kunda’. From Gauri kunda, the trail leads us rapidly down through the area full of boulders and loose pebbles. Going down can be difficult and painful than coming up. If we have taken horse, we can’t even use it in this bit. After trekking down for another 1 & half hour or so from Gauri Kunda, we will eventually reach to the valley floor. From this point on, the trail is easy & flat. It is another 2 hours easy-walk to reach Zutulphuk from here. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight … - Deraphuk to Zutulphuk: 22 km | 9 hours (approx.) - Elevation of Zutulphuk: 4820 m. | 15810 fts. DAY 14: TREK, ZUTULPHUK TO TREK ENDING POINT, & DRIVE BACK TO MANSAROVAR - PARIKRAMA FINISHES Today is the last day of this divine circumambulation. Morning after breakfast, we pack up our gear and move on to Mansarovar. The entire trail is easy and flat. The trek takes about 3 hours to complete. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

5

- Overnigh in Mansarovar - Zutulphuk to Mansarovar: | DAY 15: MANSAROVAR TO SAGA Return back to Saga. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Overnight … - Mansarovar to Saga: 390 km | 8 hours (approx.). - Elevation of Saga: 4460 m. | 14625 fts. DAY 16: SAGA – KYIRONG – SYABRUBESHI- KATHMANDU After breakfast, we drive down to the border; cross the bridge then drive to Syabrubeshi. - Overnight … (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) - Saga to Kyirong: 157 km | 4 hrs (approx.). - Kyirong bridge to Syabrubeshi- 18 km | 45 minutes Syabrubeshi to Kathmandu; 170 kms/ 7-8 hours DAY 17: KATHMANDU Free day in Kathmandu. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) DAY 18: KATHMANDU- UK: After breakfast. Drop to the airport to catch your return flight back to home. (Breakfast) Package Include:- International economy class air ticket FOR KATHMANDU ONLY: Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotel in standard room on twin / double /

triple sharing basis Accommodation in Guest Houses / Tents / Lodges in Tibet and other part on Multi sharing basis (in

Tented accommodation, Dining and Toilet Tents will be on Multi sharing basis) Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Permit to Travel in Kailash Area and Chinese Visa Fee (For British Passport holders only) Services of Tour Manager (for Group Only) / Local Representative services Tibet part by non a/c bus

Package Does Not Include:- Nepal Visa (Available on arrival at Kathmandu airport) Travel insurance Tips £30 per person Single Supplement £295 Kathmandu part only) Evacuation Cost by helicopter or Overland Extra cost in the event of landslide for hiring Porterage or additional transportation

6

Expenses of personal nature. Pony or Porter for Kailash Parikrama Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or other place, if arrive early in case of evacuation Medical and other expenses in case of emergency and evacuation Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle mal-

functions, political disturbances, weather conditions, natural calamities, etc Please Note: This Itinerary is for guidance purpose only and can be changed during Yatra due to circumstances OPTIONAL TOURS: Halesi Mahadev from Kathmandu £950 per adult - based on minimum 4 paying adults The Halesi-Maratika Caves (also the Haleshi Mahadev temple) are located next to the village of Mahadevasthan, in the Khotang District of eastern Nepal, 3,100 ft. – 4,734 ft. above sea level. The cave and temple are about 185 km south west of Mount Everest. The temple is a venerated pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The caves are called the Halesi Mahadev Temple by Hindus who associate them with Mahadeva, a form of Shiva; Lumbini by Flight from Kathmandu - 2 days £375 per adult - based on minimum 4 paying adults Day 1: Kathmandu to Lumbini: Take flight from Kathmandu airport to Lumbini, Pickup and proceed to visit Mayadevi Temple, Bodhi Tree, Ashoka Pillar and Monastery of different countries. Later transfer to Hotel. Check in at hotel. Overnight stay. Day 2: Lumbini - Kathmandu: After breakfast, check out from hote land trnasfer to airport for flight back to Kathmandu Janakpur by Flight from Kathmandu - 2 days £375 per adult - based on minimum 4 paying adults Day 1: Kathmandu - Janakpur Take flight from Kathmandu airport to Janakpur. Pickup and proceed to visit Dhanusha Dham. Later transfer to hotel. Check in at hotel. Overnight stay. Day 2: Janakpur - Kathmandu Early morning visit Janki Temple and Ram-Sita Vivah Mandap. Later check out from hotel and transfer to airport for flight back to Kathmandu. Kathmandu Panoramic Sightseeing by Helicopter £150 per adult - based on minimum 4 paying adults Proceed for Panoramic sightseeing of Kathmandu valley by Helicopter. Enjoy breath taking views of the Valley and sites.

7

Things provided by Skylink: (Free of Charge)

1. Shoulder Bag 2. Holdall 3. Cap 4. Walking Stick 5. Water Bottle 6. Rudraksh Mala 7. Sphatik Shivling 8. Down Jacket on returnable basis 9. Poncho

Baggage allowance: International flights give more baggage allowance but during yatra, limited baggage allowance is allowed so follow the rules of allowed baggage allowance by us.

Private group

KAILASH MANSAROVAR BY KEYRONG - 18 DAYS (PRIVATE – MINIMUM 8 PAX)

Adult: from £3395 per adult YOUR OWN DATES FROM MID MAY TILL MID JUNE & WHOLE OF SEPTEMBER

Booking Conditions 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 CANCELLATION BY YOU

1) Our normal cancellation charges apply as a percentage of the total holiday cost. If you cancel the holiday, we will require notice in writing for any cancellation:

60 days or more before departure Loss of deposit only 59 to 28 days before departure 50% 27 to 14 days before departure 80% 13 to the day of departure 100%

8

No show 100% CANCELLATION BY US

2 a) If we cancel the tour at any point due to force majeure or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, no refund and compensation will be made unless the tour is cancelled before 60 days of departure. However, in some circumstances we may be able to offer a full or part refund to our customers where we obtain a refund from our suppliers. Therefore, it is customer’s liability to have a comprehensive travel insurance to recover all charges incurred either before starting or during the tour. Force Majeure or unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control include but not limited to political unrest, natural calamities, act of God,

terrorism, war or threat of war, civil strife, industrial dispute including air traffic control disputes, terrorist activity and its consequences, natural and nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics & pandemics, unavoidable technical problems with transport, closure or congestion of airports or ports and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned control.

2 b) We reserve the right to cancel your holiday for any reason. However, we will not cancel your holiday unless it is for a reason outside our control, for instance, minimum numbers required for a group which is 20. If we have to cancel your holiday except of clause 2a), we will offer you: - an alternative travel arrangement of equivalent or of very closely similar standard and price, or if available travel arrangements are of a less value than difference in price will be refunded; or a full refund of all monies will be paid.

2 c) If flight ticket has been issued earlier as per customer request than flight cancellation charges will be applicable under any circumstances (including clause 2a & 2b) Amount of cancellation charges will be informed to the customer at the time of cancellation.

2 d) If a client has paid by credit card, credit card charges are non-refundable under any circumstances.

2 e) If we have to cancel the tour due to any reason other than clause 2a, we will pay compensation as per follows:

60 days or more before departure Nil 59 to 28 days before departure £5 27 to 14 days before departure £7 13 to the day of departure £10 No show Nil

3) The application should be submitted at least 60 days before the provisional date of departure. Skylink will confirm your booking within 15 days of your application. Any amendment required after booking must be informed to Skylink in writing only.

4) As yatra contains visiting High altitude areas, Customer must consult their GP and get advice before booking travel to high altitude area. This is passenger’s own responsibility to disclose correct medical condition information to us.

5) When the booking is made the following details must be enclosed: Fully Filled Booking Form (Full name as in passport, Date of birth, Nationality, Sex, Occupation and other details as mentioned in the booking form), Coloured Passport Copy, Visa Document (if applicable). Deposit is required along with booking form. Deposit is Non-Refundable.

6) 100% money should be paid before 60 days of the commencement of the tour.

7) This is religious pilgrimage at high altitude and some of the services would be very basic.

8) Tour Manager’s service will be available for Minimum 20 paying adults.

9) During the tour, the tour manager’s decision would be final

10) Single traveller has the option to choose as a single supplement or can share with other single travellers on their own discretion and Skylink has no responsibility but just act as an introducer to both travellers.(if any available or wish so)

11) We are not responsible for your luggage, personal money or belongings. We advise that if lockers are available in the hotel please use them. Do not have a luxury or expensive items with you whilst you are on holiday.

12) Tour Itinerary can be changed without prior notice, before or during the trip, due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control such as Political Unrest, Natural Calamities or changes of any circumstances etc. Further charges can be applicable for alternate arrangements and will be borne by Client. If client denies to pay and cancel the tour and make alternate arrangement on their own, NO REFUND will be given for unused part and NO COMPENSATION will be given.

13) This is the passenger's responsibility to have proper travel insurance up to 6000 metres including evacuation at high altitude in case of any emergency. NO TRAVEL WITHOUT COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE. The passenger must provide us a copy of travel insurance before a start of the tour.

14) This yatra is based on special permit being provided by Chinese authorities and permit can be provided or refused before or after arrival in Kathmandu. Usually, Permit is applied 4-5 weeks in advance of proposed date of travel and If a permit is refused or not granted by Chinese authorities for any reasons or entry to Tibet is refused beyond our control then Skylink Travel & Tours Ltd. Is not liable for that and charges will be applicable and if any refund is applicable then the amount will be informed to the client after any deductions.

15) I accept and agree all risks associated with the journey and further agree to abide by the terms and conditions of Skylink Travel & Tours Ltd., as described here and its brochures and publication. In The event of illness, accident, weather, political unrest, flight cancellations due to reasons beyond our control, change in the airport or airlines taxes, cancellation of helicopter flight and other factors beyond their control, I will not hold Skylink Travel & Tours Ltd., its agents associate or employees responsible or liable for damages or any loss of income. I understand and

I travel at my own risk. PLEASE READ OUR GENERAL INFORMATION BEFORE BOOKING.

KAILASH GENERAL INFORMATION

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 when 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;

9

1. Down Jacket – one (Provided by us on returnable basis) 2. Warm thick pullover – One 3. Warm thin pullover – One 4. Light loose cotton pants or waterproof trousers - Two 5. Warm windproof jacket – One 6. Cotton full sleeve T-Shirts – Three 7. Thermal under pants/long – Two 8. Thermal vest / warm full sleeve T-Shirts – Two 9. Rain Gear-Your raincoat or Poncho should be roomy and have a water proof hood. – One 10. Waterproof hiking or trekking shoes with rubber sole for better grip. 11. Light tennis shoes or light rubber sandals (FOR KATHMANDU, POKHARA & JANAKPUR) 12. Warm woolen socks- Six pairs 13. Large cotton or silk scarf or muffler -One 14. Leather warm gloves. 15. Soft paper tissue and Wet Wipes - Plenty 16. Monkey cap or Balaclava cap and Sun lotion - one each 17. Towels (one big, one small) 18. Knee Caps: to keep knees warm in cold weather 19. Dust Masks 20. Bed sheet, Air Pillow 21. Dry Shampoo 22. Dry Fruit 23. Rehydrated Powder or sachets

Accessories

1. Personal First Aid Kit, Torch with extra batteries Set of Sun Glasses, Sun Hat, Water bottle- Binoculars recommended, Mobile phone and charger, Pocket knife, chap stick, Moisturizers, Money pouch/belt etc.,

2. Walking stick and Water bottle, Holdall, Shoulder bag Will be provided by us

PREPARATION AND PRECAUTIONS FOR KAILASH- MANSAROVAR YATRA

1) All yatris should start walking a minimum of 5km (3 miles) a day, at least 2-3 months before of their yatra begins. Start with normal, increase to brisk walk and practice walking up hill.

2) Preferably 1 month prior to your yatra have 1 glass of warm water every day in the morning after brush & 1 glass warm water before going to sleep at night. This will help you digest warm water 24 hours during kailash yatra and even help to clear the working system of your body and reduce old cough and cold which can create problems for breathing in high altitudes.

3) Once you reach Simikot, Yatri can take Diamox tablet half in the morning and half at night after food, this will help to reduce altitude sickness. If at all you get loose motion, please do not stop taking Diamox. You may take diahorea tablets with Diamox to reduce the effect. This problem will be there for couple of days. All yatris will have the altitude sickness to a lesser degree or more depending on their health. All yatris must drink 3 to 4 litres of water every day to avoid dehydration. This medicine is just a recommendation from Skylink and is the choice of each individual to take or not.

4) On your yatra, during sleep, please do not cover your mouth with the blanket as you may end up with hi-breathing.

5) Wherever you stay at night in Tibet make sure there is ample air circulation in the room. Due to the lack of oxygen you may feel breathing is heavy.

6) Have as much liquid as possible (3 – 4 litres), which will stop you becoming dehydrated.

10

7) Please avoid glucose powder in water as it may cause cough in the chest which can again create hi-breathing. Instead of glucose please have energy drinks.

8) During yatra always cover your body properly especially your forehead/chest/ears to protect from chill wind. This can help you to keep stamina at high altitudes.

9) In Tibet because of high altitude every yatri may get a headache. To reduce this problem, you can have an energy drink which gives you quick energy and reduces headache (Not for Diabetic). Red Bull drink is available in cans from the local shops in Tibet.

10) On your way to Kailash/Mansarovar you won’t find bathrooms in your rooms. At certain places, public baths (shower) facilities are available (at a cost) but the advice will be NOT to use these for the simple reason that as soon as you are out of these places you may catch cold and you may end up with more problems before reaching Mansarovar (which is at a very high altitude). Local people do not have bath for long period (as we have heard they have a quick shower/bath once a year), but they are still fit and fine. In our experience whoever takes bath or shower, gets ill easily, well before they reach Mansarovar. When coming back from Kailash you can take hot shower (if time permits), at these places, as coming down to low altitude you might have less problem.

11) Pranayam: long breath in and long breath out every day for 10 minutes and 3 times in a day will help you to acclimatize.

12) At high altitudes you may not feel you want to eat lunch or dinner. If that is the case, then you should take plenty of liquid food to keep your energy high and body fit to make the Parikrama.

13) In Tibet don't run, don't walk fast, don't carry heavy luggage for long periods and don't talk loudly.

14) While on parikrama please don't carry so much luggage and while walking avoid talking. If you feel restless or breathing heavy while walking, please rest for at least ten minutes and do pranayam. You will feel better after 15 minutes and then start walking again. Please do not force yourself unnecessarily.

15) Before going for a bath/dip in the holy Lake Mansarovar please have some dry food, nuts or dried fruits and then take 1 paracetamol tablet. Then go for bath/dip in Mansarovar. As the water in the lake will be very cold, please do NOT stay in the water unnecessarily for longer period (max will be 2-3 minutes).

16) Please carry enough and necessary items in your shoulder bag so that you can easily find the items you require. Most of the time you will only carry some dried foods, sweets and your essential medication for parikrama.

17) Please feel free to talk with Nepali staff for health precautions or if you are in doubt to do Parikrama. Our staff and Sherpas’ are well trained and very experienced for Tibet area and Parikrama.

18) Keep your mind calm and don't get angry necessarily or unnecessarily with any one, as high anger may cause headache in high altitude.

19) As the water contains oxygen, please drink as much water as possible as mentioned above to avoid dehydration and to a greater extent to avoid headache and any sickness. I would recommend drinking lots of water from NOW.

THE ABOVE RECOMMENDED FOOD AND DRINKS ARE FOR NON DIABETICS. IF YOU ARE DIABETIC THEN PLEASE USE ALTERNATE FOOD OR DRINKS SUITABLE FOR DIABETIC.

Transportation and immigration during Kailash Yatra

Kathmandu to Nepalganj and Nepalganj to Simikot by small plane (Plane change at Nepalganj) and then short helicopter ride from Simikot to Hilsa (border of Nepal and Tibet). There is no permanent immigration check post yet on Tibet side. The group can only cross border to Tibet once immigration officer arrives at border from Taklakot and checks permit and passports. Main Immigration is done at Taklakot. From Tibet border to Taklakot and Mansarovar is by bus or van. While on trek, during the Parikrama, we provide Yaks to carry the camping & your personal heavy gear. Rules of immigration or customs can be changed any time by Chinese authorities before or during the yatra and we have no control over these changes. Due to these changes, sometimes it can affect tour itinerary as well. There is all possibility that whole group or persons might not fly together in small planes due to off schedule which can regularly happen because of unforeseen circumstances.

11

Travel Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Accommodation: Accommodation is good in Kathmandu,Pokahra and Lhasa and twin/triple rooms are available in Kathmandu, Lhasa, Pokhara and Jankakpur only and rest will be very simple with a room on quad or more occupancy with common bathrooms and toilets wherever available. However, hot water will be provided for refreshing and drinking. Triple room can be one double bed and extra bed or mattress. Tented and guest house accommodation can be multi sharing. The condition of the beds and bed-sheets can be very basic during the yatra beyond Kathmandu and might be dirty. That’s why we recommend taking your own bedsheet and air-pillow. As yatra depends upon weather and other conditions and then sometimes we have to rearrange the accommodation at the last minute because of replanning of the tour which can happen due to weather or any other conditions beyond our control and one must accept the available accommodation without any objection. Food: The food will be supplied from our side while camping - breakfast, lunch & dinner with occasional tea break. The food will be very simple as per the clients’ taste. All meals provided will be vegetarian. There is no restaurant type sitting for food in Tibet. Clothing & Accessories: Depending upon the season, during June, July, August till September, day time will be pleasant and quite warm with about 15-20 degrees Celsius. Afternoon time 1-4 pm can be windy. The morning and evening will be chilly between minus 2 to 0 degree Celsius. We recommend the clothing suggested above. Guide/ Escort: A Tibetan/ English speaking guide will escort the group including few Nepali staff for the camping. Photography: Tibet gets very bright sunlight due to thin air, so photographs can have a glare. We recommend you to take advice from the photographic shop or from Google. Taking photographs inside the monastery will be charged as per Monastery rule. Please ask your guide before taking photographs inside the monastery. Do not take photos of any security personnel or establishment. Medicine: We suggest you bring your own first aid kit with adequate medication regarding altitude sickness, nausea, dehydration and some pain killers. Insurance: We highly recommend all clients to be insured against Medical, accidents & necessary emergency evacuation, if needed. We suggest that clients insure themselves against a Comprehensive claim policy which should also include Helicopter Evacuation up to 6000 metres, if necessary. SOME ANNUAL MULTI TRIP INSURANCES DO NOT COVER UP TO 6000 METRES. Please note that our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour Package does not include any emergency rescue or evacuation expenses. Any Emergency arrangement other than regular straight forward tour itinerary service should be borne by the client themselves. Physical Fitness: Before booking for this trip with us, clients should be in sound good health. It’s client’s own responsibility to get medical advice, if he/she is fit for this yatra. Preparation for this trip, we advise 3-4 miles of morning or evening walk or jogging & also Pranayam (Breathing in & Breathing out exercise regularly 10-15 minutes at least 3 months in advance) Visa & Documentation: Clients must be in possession of at least nine months valid passport to obtain visa. We will require the following details of your passport at the time of booking the trip - Full Name as in Passport, Nationality, Date of issue & expiry of Passport, Passport No, Date of Birth & Occupation, coloured copy of the passport & one recent coloured passport size photograph. Tibet permit will be arranged by us and is included in the package price. Nepal visa can be obtained either from Nepal Embassy or on arrival in Kathmandu (Visa fee approximately £40 or $50 per person). When you land at Kathmandu airport, you will fill the entry form and visa form which can be obtained at the airport. One must fill 30 days or one month multi entry visa required in the form. One does not need Indian visa if not staying in India. We apply Tibet permit in advance and then apply for Chinese visa once group arrive in Kathmandu. The rules of visa can be changed anytime by Chinese authorities before or during yatra and it might affect the yatra and might cost extra to the client. Passport copy and photos: One should carry two coloured passport copies and 4 passport size photographs for Chinese visa and emergency.

Luggage: Luggage should be kept at minimum and only essential luggage should be carried. We will provide holdall for Kailash yatra to carry the luggage and you can bring along your own shoulder bag if you want to. Holdall provided is not waterproof, so one should pack it with some sort of polythene cover inside. Your main luggage would be left in Kathmandu hotel. One medium size suitcase (26-28 inches) and one hand luggage is allowed to take to Kathmandu (avoid trolley bag). Maximum baggage allowance of check in bag is 20 kilos and hand luggage upto 5 kilos. Baggage allowance for helicopter trip is 10 kilos check in and 5 kilos hand luggage. People who are stopping in India must follow this allowance. For Muktinath and Kailash trip, your main suitcase can be left in Kathmandu, but it must be locked all the times.

12

Personal belongings: One must take care of personal belongings and should leave any unattended luggage always locked even inside the hotel room. Please don’t leave any valuables inside the luggage. Please don’t carry any expensive gold or diamond items from home. Skylink or its partners do not take any responsibility of any personal belongings. Altitude Sickness: Acute mountain sickness is a frequent problem in the Himalayan region. The altitude of the peaks and trails between them are among the highest on earth. Acclimatization to altitude takes time. The body undergoes a number of physiological changes some of which are immediate like increased pulse rate & respiratory rate. Others appear more slowly over a period of weeks like the change in acid base balance and production of extra red blood cells. Headache, Nausea, Dysentry and Dehydration is common. This is passenger’s own responsibility to find themselves if he/she is fit enough to do this yatra at high altitude and Its passenger’s own responsibility to get medical advice, if required about this yatra before booking. We will not be held responsible for any kind of damages or loss of income if one falls ill due to Altitude sickness. Oxygen: We provide oxygen in emergency only. Try to avoid oxygen intake. Medical Help: Very Basic Medical help is available in Taklakot and Darchen. If one has been advised not to go higher when fallen ill, then must follow medical advice. Emergency Evacuation: If one falls ill then emergency evacuation depends upon the place of fallen ill either by road or in extreme case by helicopter from nearest Nepal/Tibet border. When emergency evacuation is done by helicopter, the helicopter in Nepal is not an Air ambulance. Proper medical facilities are available in Kathmandu only. Emergency Exit Permit: In case of emergency, evacuation depends where you are being evacuated from. Original Tibet permit needs to be changed with emergency exit permit which is payable by the client on the spot. Now it’s at the discretion of Chinese authorities to give exit permit to evacuee only or to any accomplice as well. It also takes time to rearrange emergency exit permit. This can affect emergency evacuation and its beyond our control. Exchange of Currency: Nepal accepts Indian rupees, but not in 500 and 2000 Rs. Denomination. It’s illegal to carry 500 or 2000 Rs. Notes in Nepal. Chinese currency is Yuan. It’s advisable to carry about Rs. 5000 and Chinese Yuan 5500. We recommend to get Yuan from your country of residence. Extra Expenses: For personal spending and for Pony/Porter and in case of evacuation which will be borne by the client. For example: Road transport to the border, any type of medical expenses including hospital stay, extra night hotel and so on. If someone gets evacuated and returns early to Kathmandu then extra night hotel charges will be applicable and one must pay all the expenses in Kathmandu. These can be reimbursed by relevant insurance company. Eligible for Yatra: Anyone from the age of 18-65/70 is eligible for this yatra as long as they are physically fit and can travel without providing medical certificate. Everyone must fill our health form and if we see anything negative then we could ask for a GP or consultant certificate. Minimum age for this yatra is 18. One who has history of heart ailment, asthma, Angina should avoid this yatra. Pony/Porter hire: We recommend hiring both pony and porter. Pony and porter can’t be shared. Pony will be available to go on the top of Dolmala Pass, but will not bring one down. They can be booked only after Talkakot WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER PONY HIRE OR HOW PONY HANDLERS OR PORTERS BEHAVE. THEY ARE LOCAL NOMAD PEOPLE AND HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH OR CUSTOMER SERVICE. PONY AND PORTER BOOKED LOCALLY BY TIBETAN GUIDE. Kailash parikrama gets covered over three days. Sometime if parikrama is done for a day then still client will be charged for full three days, this is local rule set by Tibetans. Pony hire or porter hire is entirely client’s own choice. Our team in Tibet only provide assistance for pony/porter hire and we can’t be held responsible if you are not satisfied with pony handler/porter services. Pony/porter service is available on supply/demand. If there are more groups and less pony/porter available then sometimes you might not get this service even if you have booked and paid one day earlier or on same day. These things are beyond our control.

Parikrama: Parikrama of Mansarovar is 85kms. And is covered by bus. Kailash’s outer Parikrama is 52km. And takes about 3 days. You cross highest point on second day of Parikrama which is Dolmala pass, at a height of 18600 feet. ONE MUST NOT INSIST DOING PARIKRAMA IF ONE HAS BEEN ADVISED AGAINST DOING IT. WHO WILL DO PARIKRAMA, DECISION WILL BE TAKEN ONLY AT MANSAROVAR. Kailash Parikrama depends on Weather Conditions. If weather condition is not suitable to do parikrama, it will be advised at the same time and all passengers must abide the same for safety reason. We strongly advise to follow the same. Personal Equipment Check-List: You need at least 3 pair of change of your clothing for this trip. Shorts, skirt or

13

lightweight trousers are ideal in the heat of the day along with T-shirt for plain areas of Nepal, long sleeved cotton shirts and sun hat. During the evening and the higher altitudes warm clothing will be needed, breeches or tracksuit. Well fitting, comfortable waterproof hiking boots are preferred over training shoes for the actual trekking and clothing will be required for both extremes of climate, for hot sun when trekking through the lower foothills to freezing temperatures at night when camping.

General Considerations when Packing: Keep the weight and bulk down to a minimum. Baggage allowance on most international flights is 20 Kg. Most people tend to bring more clothes than they actually need. You will only need one change of clothes for Kathmandu. 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! YATRA IS NOT RECOMMENDED WEARING SARI. Punjabi Suits and track suits are recommended.

Personal Medical Kit: We suggest that you bring the following:- Elasticated knee and /or ankle support if you experience strain these joints Blister dressings, e.g. moleskin, compeed, spenco dressings Nasal Decongestant, Throat lozenges Anti -diarrhoea - Immodium or similar Cold and flu suppressant, Aspirin or Paracetamol. Rehydrate powder - useful for adding to your water bottle and for fluid replacing purposes. Small pair of scissors, Thermometer, Muscle relaxant, any special medicines you require

Tibet Travel Tips

Time difference: Although Tibet has several different time zones, the Chinese government has decided that China, with Tibet as autonomous area, only has one time zone. The time difference with the UK is + 7hrs. In the winter it's + an extra hour.

Voltage: Tibet has the same voltage as China, 220V. There are often several different types of electrical sockets, such as European, British and American wall sockets. Just to be on the safe side, you'll need a universal electrical plug for your Tibet trip.

Hygiene and Cleanliness: Hygeine and cleanliness is less than basic in Tibet, so don’t compare hygiene or cleanliness in guest houses, hotels or eating places with other parts of the world. If you are concerned about hygiene, then think twice before booking this yatra. Using a public bathroom during your Tibet trip will be quite a memorable experience. The bad news is the hygiene is usually quite poor and there's no privacy. Even if there is a door on the toilet, Tibetans usually leave it open. One of our Tibet travel tips for all travelers is.... bring along your own toilet paper or tissues! It also doesn't hurt to have some anti-bacterial soap towels and disinfectant with you.

Our Staff: Due to nature of this yatra, our staff works most of the time against odds and we request our clients to be considerate and should be cooperative if any changes have done during the yatra.