Kailash Mansarovar Tour

FAQs of Kailash Mansarovar Tour

• What is the best time to go on the Kailash Mansarovar tour?

  The best time is from April to October when the weather is mild, and the roads are easily accessible. We don't recommend going during the winter months, from November to March, as the extreme cold makes the trek more difficult. The optimal months are May, September, and October.

• How difficult is the Kailash Mansarovar Tour?

  The parikrama of Mount Kailash is a 53 km trek that takes 2-3 days to complete. The trail takes you up to 5000 m above sea level, so it can be challenging due to the high altitude and steep inclines. But the trek can be done by anyone with a moderate fitness level. Proper acclimatization to the altitude is vital before attempting the trek.

• What facilities are provided during the yatra?

  We provide comfortable transport for transfers, clean and hygienic vegetarian meals, and shared accommodation in guest houses with common washrooms and hot water supply. Oxygen, first-aid, and basic medical facilities are also available throughout the journey. A professional English-speaking guide is provided as well.

• What is the level of fitness required for this tour?

  Anyone with a moderate fitness level can complete this tour, as most of the walking is gradual. However, due to high altitude, even short walks can be demanding. As long as you are comfortable walking 5-6 km per day at 5000m altitude, you will be fine.

• Can senior citizens go on this tour?

  Yes, generally anyone between the ages of 15-65 years is permitted to go on this tour. We have had many enthusiastic senior citizens on our tours so far. Our team monitors the guest's health status to prevent incidents. However, it is extremely important to get proper medical screening done before the tour if you have any pre-existing conditions. Having a positive attitude also goes a long way!

• What kind of food is served on the tour?

  As the tour takes you through remote areas of Tibet, only vegetarian meals are available. You will be served plain but nutritious food such as Tsampa, Momo, Thukpa, fried rice, noodles, etc. Packed lunches will be provided during the day. Avoid eating uncooked vegetables and fruits or drinking unfiltered water during the tour. Hot beverages like tea and coffee are safe to consume.

• Is travel insurance mandatory to go on this tour?

  Yes, you must purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, high-altitude sickness, emergency evacuation, ambulance transportation, damage/loss of baggage, etc. Please carry your insurance documents with you during the tour.

• What distance is required for the Parikrama walk?

  The parikrama or kora (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash involves a walk of around 52 kilometres spread across 2-3 days. On average, you must walk anywhere between 5-15 kilometres per day depending on your fitness levels and trekking pace. The route takes you across elevations ranging from 15,000 feet to 19,000 feet above sea level. Do not rush, and take ample resting stops. Our experienced guides set the required pace as per individual capacity to ensure you can successfully and safely complete the parikrama. Let us know if you need more details.

• How can one obtain a group visa from Nepal to Tibet?

  Normally, we obtain a group visa through a government-licensed trekking agency, which then submits a proposal to the Tibetan agency. The Tibetan agency, in turn, puts forward the proposal to the local government along with all the required documents.

• What documents do we need for a Tibet visa?

  For the Tibet visa system, the process is quite intricate. When planning a trip to Tibet, it is necessary to engage with a local agency and guide in Nepal. The Chinese visa application form needs to be filled out online, providing detailed information such as personal data, family background, work details, earnings, business information, a passport-sized photo, a copy of the Nepal visa, passport copy, and confirmed hotel bookings in both Nepal and Tibet. The form must be filled out personally, and the signature should be valid with the accompanying passport.

• How much time is required, and what is the cost for this trip?

  Normally, we organize an 18-day tour plan from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. Due to the Chinese tour, we have to wait for 1 week in Kathmandu for visa processing. The price depends on the level of service, ranging from $3000 to $10000 for star-rated accommodations.

• How do we start the tour and trek – by overland or by flight?

  Normally, there are two ways to reach Tibet: overland and by flight. The overland routes include Hilsa border, Tatopani border, and (Kerung) Rasuwagadi border. Currently, we use only the Rasuwagadi border for entry and exit. As for the flight option, the Kathmandu to Lhasa flight is still closed due to the pandemic. Presently, we use Kathmandu to Timure by helicopter for the journey and return.

• Can solo trekkers easily obtain a visa?

  No, solo trekkers cannot obtain a visa. To secure a visa, they need a minimum group size of 5 people with foreign passports.

• What is the meaning of Manasarovar and Rakshas Lake?

  "Manasarovar" means "Lake of Consciousness" in Sanskrit, and it is a sacred freshwater lake in Tibet, associated with Hindu and Buddhist mythology. "Rakshas" in Rakshas Lake means "demon" in Sanskrit, and it is considered a darker lake, contrasting with the spiritually significant Manasarovar, both located near Mount Kailash.

• What is the meaning of Lhasa, and how can we reach Lhasa?

  "Lhasa" means "place of the gods" in Tibetan. Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is reachable by air, train, or road. Major airports and a railway link provide access, and road journeys offer scenic routes, making Lhasa accessible for travelers.

• Where is Mount Kailash located, and how famous is it?

  Mount Kailash is in the Kailash Range of the Himalayas in Tibet, China. It is extremely famous for its religious and spiritual significance, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, attracting pilgrims and trekkers globally.

• Are you familiar with the 'Samudra Manthan' story, and is it related to Kailash?

  Yes, the 'Samudra Manthan' or churning of the ocean is a Hindu mythological story. While it doesn't directly relate to Mount Kailash, the mountain is often associated with Lord Shiva, a key figure in the story. Kailash's significance lies in its spiritual connections across various religious traditions.

• Why do Buddhists, Hindus, and followers of other religions revere Mount Kailash?

  Mount Kailash is revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and other religions for its spiritual significance as the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism, a sacred site in Buddhism, and a symbol of divine power and enlightenment, drawing pilgrims seeking blessings and transcendence.

• What physical and mental conditions are required for this trek?

  Normally, when preparing for higher altitudes, we require sufficient physical strength and daily exercise for at least 6 months before the tour. Additionally, mental preparation is also necessary for the journey.

• What equipment do we need during this trek?

  We need all the necessary trekking equipment for this trek and tour.

• How high is Mount Kailash Base Camp and Mount Kailash?

  Mount Kailash Base Camp is approximately 15,092 feet (4,600 meters) above sea level. Mount Kailash, a sacred peak in the Himalayas, stands at 22,028 feet (6,714 meters), attracting pilgrims and trekkers for its spiritual significance and stunning scenery.

• Why is the Tibetan plateau referred to as a mountain desert plateau?

  The Tibetan Plateau is labeled a "mountain desert plateau" due to its high elevation, arid climate, and extensive mountainous terrain. Its rain shadow effect, caused by the Himalayas, results in limited precipitation, creating a harsh and desert-like environment.

• What types of weather are found in Tibet, and why do Tibetan people only bathe three times in their entire life?

  In Tibet, it is a northern Himalayan region with consistently cold weather. In the old Tibetan culture, people bathed only on three significant occasions: when they were born, when they got married, and when they died. This practice originated from the remoteness and cold climate of Tibet, where people didn't easily have access to clothes and showers. Due to their dependence on animals and lack of education, they traditionally bathed just three times in their lives.

• Do we need assistance from a Nepali organizer to travel to Tibet?

  Yes, without help, we cannot enter the border. That's why we always need assistance.

• How old is Lhasa city, and why is it called the 'Golden City of the World'?

  Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is over 1,300 years old. It earned the title "Golden City of the World" due to the grandeur of its historical architecture, including the iconic Potala Palace, and its cultural significance as a center of Tibetan Buddhism.

• How difficult is Charan Sparsha and Dolma-la pass, and what is their altitude?

  Charan Sparsha is situated at an altitude of 5300m above sea level, making it challenging to reach. The Dolma-La pass is also very difficult due to the lower oxygen levels, with an altitude of 5650m above sea level.

• Normally, during the Kora, depending on your time, we need a personal porter and horse for 3 to 4 days. What is the cost for this service?

  Depending on your physical condition and the duration of the trek, the cost for the porter and horse will vary. According to our itinerary, the cost for a 3 nights 4 days porter and horse service will be 5100 Chinese Yuan.

• What are the Chinese rules for entering and exiting Tibet?

  China has different rules for various entry points. When we enter the border, they biometrically scan us with our original permit, visa, and passport. Normally, we must exit from the same place we entered. In case of emergency, we seek assistance from a Chinese guide.

• What is the tipping rule for Tibetan drivers, guides, porters, and horsemen?

  Normally, we hire porters and horsemen for 3 to 4 days, and during that time, they expect to receive 20 to 50 Chinese Yuan per day. They anticipate this money for their food and accommodation. For the Tibet tour guide and driver, the cost depends on the group size, ranging from 200 to 300 Chinese Yuan per person.

• What type of accommodation do we get during the Kora time?

  During the Kora time and Manasarovar Lake time, we stay in simple tea houses where food is prepared by our own staff. There are limited varieties available for the high-altitude tour.

• Why are Tibetan places like Lhasa, Manasarovar, Tirthapuri, Charan Sparsha, Dolma-la pass, and Kailash Base Camp considered spiritual?

  These Tibetan places hold spiritual significance due to their association with Buddhism and Hinduism. Lhasa is the center of Tibetan Buddhism, Manasarovar is a sacred lake, Tirthapuri is linked to Guru Rinpoche, Charan Sparsha is a pilgrimage site, Dolma-la pass is on the Kailash pilgrimage, and Kailash Base Camp is near the sacred Mount Kailash. These locations attract pilgrims seeking enlightenment and divine connection.

• How can we exchange dollars or rupees for Chinese Yuan (Renminbi)?

  Normally, we can change money in Kathmandu at a money exchanger. Sometimes, if we did not change money in Kathmandu and cannot easily get Chinese Yuan (UN), we exchange it in Kerung or Lhasa with the help of a Tibetan guide.

• During the tour and trek, do we experience altitude sickness?

  Normally, we start our treks and tours from Kathmandu (1300m) to Kerung (2800m), Sanga (4000m), (Manasarovar Lake) 4600m, Darchen (4800m), Dirapuk (5000m), and Dolma-La Pass (5600m). At these high altitudes, starting from 3000m, we may experience altitude sickness. During that time, we follow the guidelines and take primary medication.

• What are the emergency possibilities we have, and do we carry our own oxygen cylinder with us at all times during the tour and trek?

  In any emergency cases, every local area has an ambulance, which we can use to reach a hospital. Ambulance services have different prices set by the government. All the time, when we start from Kerung and before leaving Kerung, we have our own oxygen cylinder.

• What types of people live in Tibet, and what is their lifestyle like?

  All Bon Buddhist people live in this area, leading a very simple lifestyle. Everybody depends on farming, and they have yaks as domestic animals. The Chinese occupied Tibet 57 years ago. Now, the Tibetan people's lifestyle has changed, and they can easily work for money, obtaining everything they need. They have a good lifestyle.

• How do Tibetan people access education and health facilities?

  Every village has a primary school, and each district has a headquarters, university, and hospital. Therefore, it is easy for them to access education and health facilities.

• How remote is Tibet, and what types of animals and birds can we expect to see during the tour and trek?

  It was very remote 20-30 years ago, but nowadays, every place has a beautiful highway. In Tibet, the very famous animals are wild yak and wild donkey. Domestic animals like dogs, cows, goats, sheep, cats, yaks, and nyaks are seen during the tour. In terms of birds, we can see crows and Tibetan snow cocks.

• Why can't we take pictures at Chinese police checkpoints, and why are police with us all the time during the tour and trek?

  China has a monopoly system for the military and police force, and they explicitly state that certain items should be avoided when entering certain points. This is due to security threats, which is why taking photos is not allowed.

• Do we carry any books or photos of the Dalai Lama with us?

  Carrying any kind of religious pictures, photos, books, or political books related to the Dalai Lama is not allowed.

• During the Kora time, if it is snowing, how do we cross the way, and is it safe to pass?

  If, during the Kora time in April, May, June, and July, heavy snow occurs depending on the weather, Tibetan Yaks open the way. During the downhill, it is not possible to ride a horse, and we have to walk down. In case of emergencies, one of our staff members will assist you in descending. Sometimes, if there is significant heavy snow, it may not be possible to pass, and it is not safe to do so.

• During the tour on the Nepal side and Tibet side, what kind of ground transportation and flights do we use?

  On the Nepal side, depending on the group size and distance, we use private cars, hiace, coasters, and helicopters. On the Tibet side, we have 28-seater tourist buses, vans (12-seater), trucks, and cars.

• In Manasarovar Lake, is it possible to bathe or swim, and how do we bathe with water in the lake?

  Five years ago, it was permissible to bathe inside the Manasarovar Lake. However, due to an increasing number of visitors causing pollution, the Tibetan local government has prohibited bathing and swimming. Presently, we use our own shower tent and kitchen tent, filling buckets and boiling water for bathing.

• Do we set up tents and stay overnight at Manasarovar during the nighttime?

  Yes, we set up the tent and spend our night because we can witness the early morning star with the likeness of Lord Shiva's face, as described in the Shiva Purana scriptures.

• Is it possible to perform "hovan" in Manasarovar, and where can we obtain the materials for "hovan"?

  Yes, it is possible. Normally, we carry our own "hovan" materials from Kathmandu, which are arranged by the Nepal tour agency or guide.

• What are the rules for tipping Nepali guides and staff?

  We have a specific rule for our own staff. In your package, you should tip the staff 10-12%.

• Is a helicopter tour possible in Tibet?

  No, it is not possible. Only VIPs and local government officials are allowed.

• What views can we see during the Nepal and Tibet tour?

  During the flight from Kathmandu to Timure, on the right-hand side, we can witness Langtang Lirung and Dorje Lakpa, while on the left-hand side, Ganesh Himal and Paldor Himal come into view. Upon entering Tibet, the Tibetan mountain range and Shisapangma become visible.

• What kind of activities are possible during the six days of Nepal visa time?

  During that time, we engage in various activities. Firstly, we process our visa forms and check them. Following that, we undertake regular sightseeing, including Pashupati Darshan, Pashupati Aarati, Shankaracharya Math Rudraavhishek. City sightseeing encompasses visits to Boudhanath Stupa, Budhanilkantha, Swyambhunath Stupa, Doleswor (Head of Kedarnath), and all the Durbar squares in Kathmandu. Further activities include Manakamana Darshan, Muktinath and Damodar Kunda helicopter tours, Gosainkunda Helicopter tour, Everest area mountain flight, and finally, the guide will conduct a trip briefing.

• Why RP Adventures is Different then others?

  RP Adventures offers an exclusive and high-end trekking experience with its expensive packages. The allure lies in the luxurious accommodations, highly qualified and experienced guides with excellent educational and medical training, ensuring a safe and enriching journey. Private ground transportation adds to the comfort, while the option of helicopter sharing for aerial transport, especially in remote areas, enhances the adventure. The commitment to quality services and safety justifies the elevated cost, providing clients with a truly premium and unforgettable trekking and tour experience.

• Do you have an another package (budget) ?

  Yes, we offer budget packages for trekking that allow you to choose your own meals. While the trekking routes and permits remain the same, the level of service, including accommodations, food, and guide/porters, varies based on your budget. You can opt for accommodation ranging from 2-star to 5-star hotels, providing flexibility and affordability for your trekking adventure.