touchkailashindia FAQ's

We have realised that many yatris do not enough information about their yatra of lifetime and do not know what to expect in Tibet while their yatra. Therefore, we have prepared this document with the view that yatris will find it useful.

Yes, you must hold a 6 months valid passport to travel to Kailash Manasarovar Tour.

What are the various routes you can travel to Kailash Manasarovar Tour.

1. Different routes & packages for Kailash Manasarovar Tour:

Mount Kailash is accessible through varied routes. These routes are:

Kailash Manasarovar Package by Overland from Kathmandu- 13 days

Kailash Manasarovar Package by Road from Lhasa- 15 days

Kailash Manasarovar Package by Helicopter from Simikot- 12 days

Kailash Manasarovar Package by Flight via Ali- 7 days.

2. Most popular route for Kailash Manasarovar Package:-

 Amongst the varied routes available, which are the most commonly taken routes to the Mount Kailash?

The Kailash Manasarovar Package by Road from Kathmandu is the commonly taken route to Mount Kailash for 14 days.

The Kailash Manasarovar Package by Helicopter from Kathmandu is the other commonly taken route to Mount Kailash for 12 days.

The Kailash Manasarovar Package by Lhasa from Kathmandu is the other commonly taken route to Mount Kailash for 15 days.

The Kailash Manasarovar Package Via Lhasa via Ali from Kathmandu is the other commonly taken route to Mount Kailash for 7 days. This is also VIP Route.

3. Quickest route to travel to Kailash Manasarovar Package:-

  May I know the quickest route for travelling to the Mount Kailash?

The quickest route for travelling to the Mount Kailash is the Manasarovar Package by Flight via Ali.

1. Age restriction:-

Is there any age restriction for participating in the Kailash Manasarovar Trip?

: Yes there is age restriction or Kailash Manasarovar Package,, people between the age 14 to 70 years, It is to be noted that it is NOT officially permitted for people of 65 years of age and above to undertake Parikrama of Mount Kailash, but the same always rests at the sole discretion of the local authority and depend on the health of an individual. Mount Kailash Kora is usually an in-built part of the price for Kailash Package packages, but if not permitted by the authorities or health, it is under the authority of the guides to reject to take any such person for the Kora of Mount Kailash. No refund or compensation is available in lieu thereof.

2. Fitness:-

What kind of fitness is required to undertake the Kailash Manasarovar Trip?

For Kailash Manasarovar Trip in the remote land of Tibetan Autonomous Region(TAR), physical and mental fitness is very important. It is advisable to get a medical examination with your regular doctor before you plan to go on Mt. Kailash Manasarovar Package. Anyone suffering from back problems may find the long drives over bumpy roads difficult. People suffering from Asthma or any kind of dust allergy are forewarned that the amount of dust on the road necessitates wearing a mask. Also it is advisable not to take part in Kailash Manasarovar Package if the customer is suffering from Cardiac problem or stroke or Epilepsy. Apart from that, it is a good idea to prepare in advance with brisk walking, and some regimen of exercise and preferably yoga asanas and pranayama. Eventually, for most people the Kailash Parikrama is an act of faith and determination.

1. At boundaries of India and Nepal:-

What kind of accommodation can I expect at India & Nepal boundaries?

Except Hilsa and Simikot, we can afford the 3 to 4 star hotels at the boundaries. The facilities there are highly satisfactory.

2. At Tibet:-

 Can I know about the accommodation at Tibet?

The accommodation at Tibet is with both hotels and has a dormitory style. There can be some electricity issues in the accommodation there.

3. Toilets:-

 What types of toilet facilities are available on Kailash Manasarovar Package route?

During Kailash Manasarovar travel, it is obvious to face difficulties with finding good and clean toilets. The newly opened hotels at Taklakot, Saga, Darchen offer rooms with attached toilets, whereas most guest houses and hotels still offer common toilets, which are sometime not very clean. There is a mix of Indian as well as Western toilets at those places and one needs to be prepared for this. Travelers with knee problems, going on Kailash trip, must inform the guides in advance,of their requirements of Western toilets and the guides shall try to accommodate their need depending on the availability. During the Kora/Parikrama/circumambulation of Mount Kailash, there is no toilet facility and there is no other option except to use theopen- air toilets. Sometimes the toilets with dug-pit loos are provided.

1. Food type:-

  What kind of food is served during the tour?

For breakfast, the traveler gets high energy and nutritious beverages like Complan, Bournvita, Horlicks along with tea/coffee. There is porridge/cornflakes and the menu alternates among pancakes, upma, pakodas and so many more. Lunch is generally packed and served at a scenic spot near some water source. It consists of a tetra pack (Frooti or like) or lime water with glucose, puri/chapatti & vegetables, tinned fruits/sweets and pickle. Dinner is at the campsite and the menu includes soup, cuisine varies among Indian, Chinese and European delicacies and a dessert. Water collected from streams near the campsite is boiled and hence safe for drinking.

 Do we get pure vegetarian food without onion?

During the entire trip of Kailash Manasarovar, food served by the hotels, guesthouses and our chef, is always vegetarian (Jain food) we can provide your group with food without onion and garlic.

2. Drinkable water:-

Do we get drinkable water on the trip to Kailash Manasarovar?

Yes, mineral water or filtered water are made available during the trip to Kailash Manasarovar. Also, there are shops where packed drinking water is available. You can get hot water upon request throughout the journey.

3. Hot water:-

 Will I get hot water for the bathing?

You may expect hot water for bathing purposes at Nepal. But you may not get the same in Tibet and other remote areas such as Hilsa and Lake Manasarovar.

1. Before you go:-

 How should I prepare myself for Kailash Manasarovar Package tour?

Both mental and physical fitness is required to complete the trip. Physical preparations include ANY or all of the following: walking 4-5 kms a day, Yoga, swimming, playing badminton, jogging, freehand exercise, climbing a 10/20-storey building etc. All this not only helps muscle development but also expands capacity of the lungs, which is vital in high altitudes due to lower levels of oxygen. This Package in which you can depend on Porters or ponies to take care of you. You can depend on your own reserves of strength and stamina. Mental preparation means being absolutely positive about wanting to complete the journey. Yoga helps a lot as it is high altitude region. A medical check-up is strongly recommended. Take your personal physician 's advice on your participation. If you consume alcohol or have the habit of smoking, it is advisable to quit it before your journey.

3. During the Package:-

How much walking is required on the Kailash Manasarovar tour package?

During the rainy season in Nepal (late June to Aug), there is a strong possibility of landslides en-route to the Tibet border. This stretch varies from 3-5 kms and may have to be walked, if required. After that, you will need to walk during the Parikrama, if you decide to undertake it. This is a 42-kms / 3 days trek done at an average altitude of 4575 meters. and the highest point is the Dolma La (Pass) at 15,010 ft. You must attempt walking the entire distance including the trek up the Dolma La, only if you are extremely fit physically. If you are reasonably fit, hire a pony (limited numbers available) for the 3-day Parikrama (the rate for this service is about Chinese Yuan 3360 for a Yak and a porter is 1000 Yuan). You may need the yak on the day 2 of the Parikrama on the ascent to Dolma La. But knowing the behavior of the yaks and the yak men, you should be prepared to walk on the first and last day of the Parikrama. On these 2 days, mostly the walks are over level ground (i.e. with no major ascents or descents). There will be a walking for approximately 8 hours per day. However, there is the option of not doing the Parikrama at all and staying behind at Darchen at your own cost. We can pick you up after the Kailash Parikrama.

1. Medical Checkup:-

What are the tests that I must go through before booking or undertaking the Kailash Package?

 Blood test, Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, ECG are some basic tests which are recommended. Depending on age or physical status of a person, we recommend that the traveler must get examined by the physician thoroughly. It is totally the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that he/she is fit to undertake this trip. Anytime during the trip if the person is found unfit to take further trip, he/she may be immediately off-loaded from the Kailash trip and sent back by offering no compensation in lieu thereof. All the additional services hired in that case will be completely on the traveler only.

2. Medicines:-

What kind of medicines should I carry along during the tour?

Our tour executive will be carrying basic medicines, we request each participant who travel to Kailash Manasarovar Package to carry their own regular medicines along with doctor advised medicine to Kailash Manasarovar package.

3. Oxygen:-

What is the availability of medical Oxygen during Kailash Package?

During Kailash Package tour in Tibet and especially during the trekking, our crew does carry oxygen cylinders/oxygen pillow/portable oxygen bottles for emergency use. Small portable oxygen bottles are available easily in the Purang market and one can also carry the same for emergency use on his own expense.

4. Emergency support:-

What kind of emergency evacuation facilities are available?

During Kailash Package tour in the event of emergency we provide all possible and available emergency evacuation facilities such as ground ambulance, doctors, hospitalization etc. but the same is payable by the travelers only. We do not take any liability for payments of hospital bills, medicines, emergency evacuation transport, additional accommodation, food bills etc. One must carry adequate money to overcome such emergency situations.

1. Indian currency INR:-

Can I use the Indian Currency INR during the Kailash Manasarovar Package?

No, you cannot use the Indian Currency INR during the Kailash Manasarovar Package.

2. Nepalese currency NPR:-

Can I use the Nepalese currency NPR during the Kailash Manasarovar Package?

No, you cannot use the Nepalese currency NPR during the Kailash Manasarovar Package. You can use NPR only at Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Simikot, Hilsa.

3. Chinese currency YUAN:-

Is the Chinese currency YUAN used in the Kailash Manasarovar Package?

 Yes, the Chinese currency YUAN is solely used in the Kailash Manasarovar Package.

Which currency I must carry on my Kailash Package travel?

Indian rupees currency notes are widely accepted in all small and big establishments and shops in Nepal. When traveling to Tibet, one must carry Chinese Yuan only. The exchange rate of Chinese Yuan is approximately 01 Yuan = INR 11, which vary from bank to bank and the day of exchange. US Dollars are also accepted at some places but carrying Chinese Yuan for small payments is always better. Exchange is available at Kathmandu, Nepal and Taklakot (Purang), Tibet. To avoid inconvenience and high exchange rate. it is always advisable that you buy and bring Yuan before starting from home, if available.

3. Money Exchange:-

From where can I get my money exchanged?

 It is highly recommended for you to get the money exchanged to the Chinese currency YUAN from your home country itself.

1. Credit Card Payments:-

Do you accept Credit Card Payments for bookings?

 Yes, we accept Credit Card Payments for bookings along with the 3% extra (or as per bank norms) charges for the same.

2. Bank payments:-

 Do you accept Bank Payments for bookings?

 Yes, we accept bank payments by CHEQUE/NEFT/RTGS/IMPS.

Touch Kailash India

ACCOUNT NUMBER: - 3246201000373

CANARA BANK: - RT NAGAR BRANCH

IFSC CODE: - CNRB0003246

MICR: - 560015167

PAN NO- AAZFR9593G

3. Cash & cheques:-

Do you accept Cash and Cheques for bookings?

 Yes, we accept Cash and Cheques for bookings for Kailash Manasarovar Package. We request you to submit your Pancard copy at the time of booking . The amount can be remitted by cash or cheque or NEFT/IMPS/RTGS/Credit Card/Debit Card.

4. International Payments:-

How do you facilitate the International Payments for us?

 Yes, we receive the International Payments through Swift Transfer or Credit cards/Debit cards (3% deductible charges).

1. Passport:-

Is holding a passport necessary to undertake the trip to Kailash Manasarovar region?

Yes, pilgrims must have a valid passport with minimum 6 months validity from the time of travel , it is necessary for undertaking the Kailash Manasarovar Package.

What are all the documents I should carry for the Kailash Manasarovar Package?

Besides a valid passport, one must carry a voter’s ID card (Indian Nationals), 02-04 colored Passport sized photographs, Travel & Medical insurance, Doctor’s Medical Certificate. Copy of Kailash Package permits, and Group visa will be made available with the tour leaders/guides.

2. Restricted area permits:-

How can I attain the permits for the restricted areas?

 We arrange for all your permits for the restricted areas and for that we shall need your passport copies for applying the same one month prior to your departure date for the approval from China.

3. Visa:-

Where do I need to apply for China visa to go to Kailash Manasarovar trekking trip?

  As per the latest rules, after receiving necessary permits, Indian nationals must apply for visa at China embassy in Delhi only and NRIs and Foreign passport holders must apply at China Embassy in Kathmandu only. The rules of the authorities keep changing and are beyond our control, hence it is advisable to keep yourself updated on the same. You may further consult with our Kailash Manasarovar Package advisor by calling them or writing them an email.

 If I have a Chinese visa already, do I still need to apply for visa?

Yes, even if you have a Chinese visa on your passport you need to present your original passport to designated Chinese Embassy in order to get approved in Group visa. Failing to do so may not let you undertake Kailash Package tour.

4. Insurance:-

 Do I need Insurance for Kailash Manasarovar Package tour?

Yes, it is strictly advised to get yourself completely insured for any medical emergency evacuation, delay or cancelation of the trip etc. Emergency evacuation charges on this trip are sometimes very high and insurance for Kailash Manasarovar trip plays a vital role here when needed. While buying insurance, ensure that the same is valid for the specific trip and route. For more information you can also contact Kailash Package consultants at our office.

1. Best time to go:-

 What is the best time to go on the tour to Kailash Manasarovar?

While tours operate from May to September in that region, please check the fixed day tours and itinerary for details on dates. The Tibet plateau is a dry region and rain/precipitation is very little, so any month between May-September is good except for August when you can expect heavy rainfall in Tibet. Although, weather-wise, May and September will be colder. However, June-Sep, is the rainy season in Nepal and on the road to the border, landslides do take place and might require a 5-6 km walk on extreme cases. Weather in Tibet is very uncertain.

2. Climate and Temperature:-

 What is the climate and temperature during the Kailash Manasarovar Package?

There is dry and cool climate in Kailash Manasarovar and the summers are from May to August but are considered pleasant as compared to other areas. The Lake Manasarovar freezes during the wintertime, however, Mount Kailash is always snow-covered. The temperature here stays at around 4 degrees Celsius but can also fall as low as -14 degrees Celsius.

3. Clothing & Accessories:-

 What sort of clothing and accessories is suggested for the Trip?

As the Kailash Manasarovar is at high altitude, the climate is cold, so it is recommended that you have warm clothes with you. Thermo coat, monkey cap, comfortable shoes, masks, walking sticks, sunscreen lotions, sunglasses are also recommended accessories for the trip.

1. Online booking:-

 I am looking forward to being a part of the Kailash Manasarovar Package; can I make the booking online?

: Yes, you can do the booking for being a part of the Kailash Manasarovar Package online

2. Registration Form:-

Do I need to fill any registration form to book my Kailash tour and from where can I get its link?

: Yes, you need to fill up the registration form, in case you are looking forward to booking your Kailash tour. CLICK HERE to get the registration form.

3. Confirmations:-

 How can I ensure that my booking has been confirmed from your side?

As soon as you are done with the payment procedure of the Kailash Package, you will receive a confirmation mail from us, accompanied by the payment receipt.

How many people in each group?

There will one Sherpa for every 8 persons. Our group size is minimum 17 person for Helicopter and 25 for Overland tour. The group size can reach 35 – 50 members but can be even more during Full moon trips.

 Can we have our own Departure Date and Group?

Yes, you can pick your own departure date if your group has more than 17 persons in a group for Helicopter package and 25 persons for Overland Package and 17 for Lhasa package and 7 for Lhasa via Ali package.

1. Outer Parikrama:-

What is Outer Parikrama & how many days it takes to complete.

The outer kora normally takes 3 days. Parikrama/kora/circumambulation of holy Mount Kailash, which leads through Dhiraphuk Gompa via Dolmala pass and Zuthulpuk Gompa.

Day 1 of Parikrama Darchen (4,560m) - Dhiraphuk Monastery (5,210m) -8 km trek

Day 2 of Parikrama Dhiraphuk Monastery (5,210m) - Dolma-la Pass (5,630 meters) - Zuthulpuk Monastery (4,790m) – 22km trek

Day 3 Zuthulpuk Monastery (4,790m) - Darchen (4,560m) – 12 kms trek

2. Inner Parikrama:-

 What is the time duration and distance to complete the Inner Parikrama of Mount Kailash?

It takes approximately one day for the devotee/pilgrim, to complete the Inner Parikrama of Mount Kailash and it encompasses 34 km. On the other hand, the Inner Kora of Mount Kailash includes (apart from the normal kora) visit and Parikrama of Nandi Parvat, Ashtapad, Atma Linga etc. The inner kora is comparatively very tough and is performed usually one or two times every year, depending on weather. However, July & August is considered to be the most suitable time for Inner kora of Mount Kailash.

3. Spiritual Significance:-

What is the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash?

Mount Kailash is considered to be the most ardently followed pilgrimage hub. It is known to be the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva by the Hindus and is also associated with different beliefs from people belonging to different religions.

1. Our experience:-

How much experience do you carry in handling the pilgrims for Kailash Package?

 Our team carries an experience of more than a decade i.e. 14 years in handling the pilgrims for Kailash Package. We have built a foundation of knowledge and expertise in this sector. We have been successful in leading incredible tours suited to our client's need.

We work as per the desires & expectations of our clients. Our clients continuously trusting us is a testimony to their indefinable holiday memories with us.

We truly understand what each traveler wants and work closely with them to craft customized tours closely aligning to their travel needs.

2. Our customer feedbacks:-

 Can I speak to someone who has already traveled with you for feedbacks?

: Yes, we find immense pleasure to provide you with the reference information of the devotees who have already traveled with us, so that you can have the considerable feedback from them. Kindly write to us on info@touchkailashindia.com for customer contact details.

1. Mobile Network:-

 Does my India Mobile work during Kailash Manasarovar Tour Package?

Yes, the Indian mobile does work during the Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake Package (except the day of Mount Kailash Parikrama), but kindly opt for international roaming facility from your network provider.

2. Internet:-

Can I expect any Internet facility during the Kailash Manasarovar Package?

Internet services work during the Kailash Manasarovar Package if you opt for data along with your international roaming packing and also internet service is available in some hotels during your stay in Nepal & Tibet region.

3. Electricity:-

Is the electricity availability sufficient for everyone during the trek to the holy Mount Kailash?

The electricity is available in most of the places in Nepal and Tibet during the tour. But in some places like Hilsa, Manasarovar and during the stay while doing Parikrama, electricity will be available only Via generator upto specific timing.

1. Nepalese tour guides:-

Will I get Nepalese Tour Guides for accompanying me during the Kailash Manasarovar Package?

: There will be one Nepali Guide as well as the Sherpas along with one Tibetan Escort present for accompanying you during the Kailash Manasarovar Package.

2. Tibetan tour guides:-

Will I get Tibetan Tour Guides for accompanying me during the Kailash Manasarovar Package?

During the Kailash Manasarovar Package, you will be facilitated with one Nepali Guide as well as the Sherpa’s along with one Tibetan Escort who will be accompanying you during the whole Kailash Manasarovar Package.

Some tips:

Try and make friends with the Tibetan guide and driver. They may appear stand-offish initially but are warm and simple people. Smal gifts like Hindi movie cassettes, dark glasses, a cap/hat etc. go a long way in overcoming language barriers and establishing rapport.

The first two to three days are particularly tough, as you get used to the rigors of the journey and acclimatize to the sudden change of altitude. This can cause breathlessness, lethargy, drowsiness, nausea, lack of appetite, sleeplessness, headache, irritation, anger, lack of judgment. Drink plenty of water (4-5 litres a day), remain calm and quiet, avoid petty arguments, rest as much as possible, eat properly at mealtimes. Talk to the helpful and caring staff and inform them of any difficulties, take one tablet of Diamox at Kathmandu the night before leaving for Tibet as well as on the 2nd and 3rd nights, or even longer. Alternatively, take half tablet in the morning and half in the evening.

If you can't do the Parikrama, say so. Don't take the altitude lightly. Many people decide at Darchen that they cannot undertake the Parikrama and act accordingly. We will make alternate arrangements for you to stay back at Darchen (at extra cost.