Program Guide

Useful Tips For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

A trip to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is a challenging affair and one must prepare well in advance for a successful and safe visit. We have listed below some useful information for travellers going on Kailash Yatra in future and we hope it will help them to know many important facts about this trip.

Weather conditions near Kailash Mansarovar:

Mentioning the weather conditions of Tibet, it is known to be the one that keeps on changing from day time to the night time in each and every season. The months starting from May till September experience dry as well as sunny weather conditions and literally, Tibet does not have that much harsh climate which have always thought of. Talking about the preferable months to pay a visit here, they are May, June and September.

Health Considerations for Kailash Yatra:

In order to prove that you are mentally and physically fit to be a part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you have to arrange a health Mount Kailash Parvat certificate from a reputed doctor which shall clearly state that you are fine for travelling to high altitudes. Also, it is highly recommended for you to carry a personal medical kit and also the required medication along with you for emergency use during the trek. This kit shall include antiseptic, bandages, painkillers or some antibiotics. Have a look at some most required things in detail:
Gauze Pads: Approx. 6 pads
Gauze Rolls: 2 – 3 rolls
Adhesive tape Rolls
Acne Bandages, Elastic Bandages, Plasters
Water disinfectant tablets, Antibiotics with doctors recommendation
Cold and flu tablets, Throat lozenges
Aspirin or Paracetamol for pain and fever
Multivitamins

Fitness for Kailash Mansarovar Travel:

Due to Tibet being located at a higher elevation, there stands a need for the travellers to be fit and able to survive in the tough weather conditions during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The trek involves a lot of walking and climbing on the mountains too, thus you are suggested to indulge in a fitness exercise before the commencement of your journey so that your body is not the victim of sudden climatic changes in Tibet.

Altitude Sickness during Kailash Yatra:

Majority of the travellers who are a participant in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra experience altitude sickness but the effect varies from one person to another, since some have a highly strong effect while the others have less or negligible effect. It is said that those who are physically fit and have the will to fight against the high altitude of this trek have a less effect of altitude sickness. Some symptoms of altitude sickness are breathlessness, poor sleeping patterns, discomfort etc.

Tips to prevent acute mountain sickness during Kailash Yatra:

  • The Yatris are highly recommended to drink a good amount of water in order to prevent themselves from excessive dehydration as well as from the prevalent harsh weather conditions there.

  • You must consume the food that is rich in carbohydrates and is also immensely healthy.

  • No need for the Yatris to push themselves when they are tired during the trek, short breaks in between must be facilitated.

  • Do not consume alcohol or smoke cigarette during the trek in order to avoid dehydration.

  • Also, avoid cold while being indulged in the tour or before its commencement.

Currency Guidelines for Kailash Mansarovar travel:

The most commonly accepted currency in Tibet and during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the Chinese Yuan, however US Dollars are also most prominently accepted in majority of the areas. But, in order to have a convenient and hassle free trip, we suggest you to get your country’s currency exchanged into Chinese Yuan during the tour. For the same purpose, you can seek assistance from the Bank of China. Some of the places here accept Credit cards but these are not quite easily spotted and also ATMs are not easily located here.

Transportation during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:

Despite of Tibet being the most inhospitable regions of the world, a good number of people have started visiting this place and thus, there exists a need for the improvement in the transportation system of Tibet also the same is under progress. With the development of varied modes of transport to access this place such as air, rail and road, there is a huge change in the transportation scenario here. The Yatris can experience the mesmerizing views during the whole journey which might not be visible while travelling through airplanes or helicopters. Also, travelling through road shall assist the travellers in acclimatizing with the environment and weather conditions there.

Buses, Jeeps, hitchhike and the bicycles are available for travelling locally within the regions of Tibet.

Oxygen during Mansarovar Yatra and Mt. Kailash Trekking:

Do not forget to carry an oxygen bag along with you while travelling to Tibet since it is considered to be a highly necessary equipment. This is required due to the high elevation of this place and also at the time of Mount Kailash’s Parikrama. But, we suggest that the visitors must make use of the oxygen bags only at the time of emergencies.

Accommodation Style during Kailash Yatra:

One might spot a good number of hotels, lodges and guest houses in the varied regions during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, however the facilities of the same might be somewhat inferior as compared to the other hotels available in the other parts of the world. Also, talking about the highest quality of hotels here, they are nothing more than the 4 stars. The guesthouses are available in the remote areas and that too at the affordable prices.

However, during the trek one is recommended to carry tent, camping equipment as well as some sleeping bags since the accommodation facilities are not at all guaranteed in the areas located at a higher elevation.

Food and Beverage for Kailash Yatra pilgrims:

Since, the tourism is continually increasing in Tibet many restaurants and food eating hubs are available in Tibet. One might find a good variety of Indian, Nepalese, Tibetan as well as the western delicacies. The food is available here at affordable prices.

Travel Permits to visit Kailash Mansarovar region:

Few documents are required by the foreign travellers for travelling to Tibet and these are:

  • Chinese Visa Tibet Entry Permit
  • Travel Permit

Each and every foreign visitor who is entering Tibet must be having a passport with the validity of at least six months. There stands a need for the Chinese Visa to be valid in order to enter Tibet from China. Those having the tourists’ visa are allowed to be a part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. For those who are entering Tibet and that too from Nepal either through friendship highway or by air is required to carry along a separate visa that must be from Kathmandu’s Chinese embassy and valid for Tibet.

Guides / Escort for Kailash Yatra:

Tibet has many local guides who know how to converse in English and are also aware about the tourists’ places here.

Photography during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:

Tibet has a plethora of scenic views from the mountains, lakes as well as the sunrise and sunset. Thus, this place is really perfect for photography. However, the visitors must keep in mind that the photography here must not be done without seeking the permission from the concerned authority there. Avoid clicking photographs during prayers. Also, the varied monasteries there might charge a small amount for clicking the photos there. Also, keep in mind that the lens of your camera must be taken special care of since the weather conditions at higher elevation might be harmful for the lens.

Insurance guidelines for Kailash Yatra:

Purchase your insurance coverage and that too from the country of origin with an intention of protecting and insuring yourself from the accidents, emergencies as well as the sickness.

Communication facilities near Kailash Mansarovar:

During your Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, there might be the existence of varied regions where there is no connectivity and network, also the facility of communication equipment would be unavailable. The last place comprising of the facilities for international calls is Darchen. However, you can seek help from hotels to make calls at your home or office.

General Considerations when Packing for Kailash Yatra:

Since, you would be carrying your luggage at many places on your own, thus it is recommended for you to keep your luggage light. Since, the airlines baggage allowance is approximately 20 kg, the visitors have to keep in mind that they carry the luggage keeping the same weight allowance in mind. You must carry ID card, backpack, waist pack, cold proof clothes, water proof clothes, woollen clothes, caps, gloves, scarf’s, general medicines, torch and packaged ready food along with you for the tour.