General Information for Mt. Kailash Yatra

Temperature and Weather : Weather conditions from May to September inTibet, can be expected to be dry and sunny, with precipitants in July and August, day time temperatures can be as high as 22 degrees centigrade in Tibet. The average daily temperature will be 10 degrees centigrade, however, the intense sun at high altitude can, make it feel even hotter. 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 degree centigrade at altitudes of 5000 meters, our highest camp during the PARIKRAMA.

Health Considerations : All participants must provide health certificate given by a reputed doctor confirming that the participant is fit to travel in altitudes of 5700 meters. We do ask you to bring along your own small first aid kit are Antiseptic cream, 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 Pads: 3", atleast 6 pads, -Gauze roll: 2-3 rolls Adhesive Tape 2 roll. Ace Bandages for the Ankle. Elastic bandages 3 roll. WAter disinfectant tablets.
Antibiotics: Please see your doctor for more advice concerning antibiotics Antidiaheals - Lomotil & Pepto - Bismol tablets and make sure you bring Charcoal tablets. Anti - Inflamatories: Avil, Brufen or Mortin. Asprin / Tylenol or general painkillers. Strong sun screen oil, skin antibiotic cream / Antifungal Ointment Lozenges / Strepsils (plenty).

Fitness : Start to get in shape NOW!!! A good 30 minutes walk, jogging daily, stretching and regular exercise should put you in the 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 snacks, filled water bottle/vapoutub, Chapstics. Dry Fruits/snacks, camera, Film, Map, Jumper, Sun Hat, First Aid Kit, Lightweight Rain Gear, Extra Cloth etc.

Altitude Sickness : This is an environment related condition that can effect 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.

Responsibility : 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 facilities. The principal operator based at Nepal reserves the right to change itineraries without prior notice, depending on the weather and road condition, who is also solely responsible for performing of the yatra. Travel Times (India) P. Ltd. is only a booking agent at Tamilnadu.

Currency : All major foreign currencies and Tcs are accepted in Zhangmu Bank in return for Yuen, the basic unit of Chinese Currency. Yuen equals 10 Jiao and 1 Jiao equals 10 Fen. At present US$1 = 8 Yuen, Credit cards are not accepted. 1 Yuen - INRs. 8/- approximately. Antiques must be properly certified, Otherwise they may be confiscated.

We recommend that yoy bring the following items to make your journey more comfortable.

Clothing : Clothings 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 along the following clothings and accessories with you:

Down Jacket - One (Available on Rent)
Warm thick pullover - One
Warm thin pullover - One
Warm pants - Two
Light loose cotton pants - Two
Warm windproof jacket - One
Cotton full sleeve T-Shirts - Four
Thermal under pants/long - Two
Thermal vest / Warm full T-Shirts - Two
Rain coat with hood / Poncho (should be roomy) - One
"Broken - in" pair of ankle high walking boots & one extra shoe laces.
Light tennis shoes & light rubber sandal
Warm woolen socks - Six
Large cotton or silk scarf - One
Warm gloves
Soft paper tissue and handkerchiefs - Plenty
Monkey cap and Sun heat - One Each
Towels (One big, One samll)
Washing kit.

Accessories : Personal First Aid Kit, Toilet Kit, Nail Clipper, Scisors, Flash Light with extra batteries (3 Set), Sun Glasses, Sun Hat, Woolen Gloves, Water bottles-unbreakable (Min 2 ltrs capacity) Note book, Pen, Pencils, Camera and Film. Binoculars recommended, Sewing kit, Buttons, Cigarette lighter, towel, bags (a few of each size strong) dustmasks, strong sun cream and chapstick, Moisturizers, Money pouch / belts etc. Water purification tablets. Walking stick - Can be purchased in Kathmandu. Washing kit.

You will be provide : 2 Men Tent, Foam Mattresses. Sleeping Bag. Dinning Tents & Table and Stools. Toilet Tents, Kitchen Tents, Equipment, Food. Guide, Cook, Helpers. Porters / Yaks tp carry luggage / camping equipments during the Parikrama. 4WD Vehicles with Drivers. Equipment Truck with driver. Oxygen cylinder with Masks in every Vehicle. Kit Bag for your cloth and Equipment

Transportation : Kathmandu to Kodari Private minibus will be provided for the group. Border crossing from Kodari to Zhangmu (TIbet) will be on trucks, incase of landslide, approximately 30 mins ride. Throughout the journey in Tibet you will be travelling in 4 WD Japanese vehicles. A truck will be provided for luggage and all camping equipments and food supplies.

Staff : Our experienced Sherpa staff will be responsible for all camping & cooking arrangements.

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

Briefing and Orientation : There will be a briefing of the programme on the day of your arrival in Kathmandu. It is very important that all participants attend this briefing.

Accommodation : Accommodation in Nyalam and in Darchen lodges. The room at these places are very basic without any modern amentities. During the rest of the journey twin sharing high altitude tents will be provided. While camping we shall be providing all tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and camping equipent required for the trip, except for personal clothing. No laundry services will be available throught the trip. Single room cannot be guaranteed.

Food and Beverage : We will be providing vegetarian breakfast and dinner cooked by our Sherpas at campsite, who will be taken from Kathmandu. You will be required to bring sufficient supplimentary food like chocolates, biscuits, nuts, pickles, bhujias and your favorite tinned products to add variety to the meals. Lunch will be packed of light snacks.

Visas and Documentation : YOu must be in possession of valid passport for at least 6 months. We will obtain your visa for Tibet and will require the following information's when making your reservation. Full name as it appears in your passport, passport number, date of expiry, place of issue, natoionality, date of birth and occupation. Two passport size photographs are also required. Additionally, you must allow a minimum of 10 full working day in Kathmandu for the visa. Getting a visa for Tibet on the Indian passport is guaranteed once the tour is booked. Your passports should reach us not later than 15 days priorto your departure.

Guide / Escort : Local English speaking guide will escort the group throught the tour in Tibet.

Insurance : We recommend that you insure yourself against sickness, EMERGENCY RESCUE, accident hospitalization, etc., We are not liable and responsible for any damages or extra expenses that may arise from mishaps and the loss of their belongings during the pilgrimage.

Communnication : The last place to make any international calls is in Darchan, 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, then please contact us at the hotel address in Kathmandu.