Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2023
Premium Luxury Standards
28 August - 11 September, 2023
Kerung Land Route Yatra
wanderingmahesh.blogspot.com/2023/03/kailash-manasarovar-yatra-2023.htmlYatra Outline
Date Day Via Kerung Land route
28 Aug/Mon 1 Kathmandu arrival *
29 Aug/Tue 2 Kathmandu temple visit
30 Aug/Wed 3 Drive to Kerung Border #
31 Aug/Thu 4 Cross border. Stay in Kerung
1 Sep/Fri 5 Kerung acclimatization day
2 Sep/Sat 6 Kerung - Saga drive
3 Sep/Sun 7 Saga-Manasarovar drive
4 Sep/Mon 8 Manasarovar - Darchen drive
5 Sep/Tue 9 Darchen-Dirapuk Hike
6 Sep/Wed 10 Dirapuk-Zutulpuk Hike
7 Sep/Thu 11 Zutulpuk-Darchen. Saga drive
8 Sep/Fri 12 Saga-Kerung drive
9 Sep/Sat 13 Cross border, drive to Kathmandu
10 Sep/Sun 14 KTM temple visit
11 Sep/Mon 15 Airport drop
* All Non-Indian Passsort holders to arrive on 27th August for visa work
# Helicopter ride from Kathmandu to Kerung border avaialble at $300/one way
Highlights of the Yatra
Stay at Comfortable 5 and 4 star hotels and best guesthouses during the entire trip
Best Sherpa team, Transportation, Food and Accommodation possible during the yatra
Visiting the famed Shiva Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu for Impressive Evening Aarti – Fire Worship
Visiting Boudhanath – the largest Stupa in the world
Visit to various Buddhist Monasteries in Manasarovar and the Kailash area.
Holy Dip in Manasarovar Lake
Ceremonial Havan – Fire Ceremony at the holy bank of Manasarovar, with Mantras.
Ashtapad visit for Prostrations to the Holy Mountain. (If permitted)
Visit to the Tibetan Flag area in Tarboche, at the foot of the Sky Burial Ground, where the famous Saga Dawa festival in honor of Lord’s Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated
Yama Dwar – The entrance door to the Valley of the Gods presided by the Lord of Death
Darshan, sight of all the faces of Kailash during Parikrama, with Ganesha, Nandi and the Holy Aum with the Serpent hood on the top of the holy mountain
Visiting Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the Yatra, dedicated to Goddess Tara
Darshan of Gauri Kund related to the story of birth of Lord Ganesha
Visiting the famous Caves of Miracles related to Milarepa at Zutulpuk
Yoga, Satsang/spiritual discourse, and Kirtan/chanting during the Yatra on a daily basis
Land route via Kerung
All Foreign passport holders arrival date:
(Day 1F) 27 Aug/Sun: Kathmandu. Arrival date for all Foreign Passport holders (other than Indian). I will be there to receive you! Hand over the passport to the staff of the travel agent by 3pm of 27th August so that Visa and Permit papers can be completed in time. On 28th August morning the tour operator will apply for your group Tibet visa, with your passports, at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. It takes three working days to process visa so this is important otherwise you will miss your trip. Overnight stay in a 5 star hotel is included.
All Indian passport holders arrival date:
(Day 1) 28Aug/Mon: Katmandu (1300 m/4300 ft.) Arrival date for all Indian Passport holders. All Indian passport holders should plan to reach by 2 pm. Evening Orientation meet to discuss the trip plans and preparations. Duffel bags, down jackets, etc. will be distributed on this day. Overnight in a 5 star hotel.
(Day 2) 29Aug/Tue: Katmandu. Morning Yoga session to learn the special techniques of handling high altitude situations for a trouble free pilgrimage. After breakfast, we set out for a guided tour of Kathmandu's holy sites, including Boudhanath and Jal Narayana Temple before heading back to the hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening visit to the Shiva temple for evening fire ceremony (Aarti), which is the most spectacular event at the temple. Overnight in a 5 star hotel.
(Day 3) 30Aug/Wed: Kathmandu to Syabru Besi. Early morning depature with packed breakfast. 6-7 hours mountain-drive to reach the last big village on Nepal side at the Tibetan border. Overnight in a 3 star hotel. Option of taking a helicopter ride to border is available at $300 per pilgrim.
(Day 4) 31Aug/Thu: Cross the border. After Customs and Immigration cross over to Tibet and 3 hour drive to arrive at Kerung town and enjoy a relaxed evening. Overnight in a 4 star hotel.
(Day 5) 1Sep/Fri: Kerung Rest day. Easy relaxed acclimatization hikes and rest. Overnight in a 4 star hotel.
(Day 6) 2Sep/Sat: Kerung to Saga About 120km/hr drive through amazing landscape of Tibetan Himalaya. Overnight in a 4 star hotel.
(Day 7) 3Sep/Sun: Saga to Manasarovar (4600 m/15000 ft. Drive 480 km/300 mi). After yoga and breakfast in Saga we start our journey towards Mt Kailash. By late afternoon the drive through the green pastures, sand dunes, and massive valleys gives way to the first sighting of Mt Kailash and blue waters of the majestic Lake Manasarovar. We will drive around the lake. Lake Manasarovar is considered the holiest of all of Tibet's many lakes. According to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, the four great rivers of the Indian sub-continent (the Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ganges (Karnali), and Indus (Sindhu) all flow from its shores. This day offers a wonderful opportunity to visit the great lake and take in the spectacular views of Mt. Gurula Mandhata (7694m) to the south and Kailash (6638m) to the north. From there we will visit the Trugo monastery before heading to the Chiu monastery for an overnight stay. A short acclimatization hike to Chiu Monastery will allow the body to adjust further, and also help see the beauty of this small worship-place and a panoramic view of the Kailash region. Overnight in a guesthouse.
(Day 8) 4Sep/Mon: Manasarovar to Darchen (4600 m/15000 ft. Drive 40 km/25 mi) - In the morning, the tour staff will set up private bathing tent on the shores of Lake Manasarovar for the traditional sacred bath most pilgrims perform before Parikrama/Kora/circumambulation of the holy mountain. Once so cleansed, we will perform the Fire Ceremony with Mantra Chants. Later, we head north towards Darchen, a village considered the base camp for Kailash. Overnight in a 4 star hotel.
(Day 9) 5Sep/Tue: Darchen to Diraphuk (5080 m/16700 ft. Hike 13 km/8 mi). Our first day of hike around Kailash begins at Tarbuche/Yama Dwar area. As we make our way along the route we pass numerous chortens (stupas) as well as the sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddas. We will walk through the Yama Dwar – the Gate of the God of Death to start the Parikrama. We will also take in wonderful views of cascading creeks, streaming waterfalls and the mighty west face of Kailash. We will pass the Chukku monastery and arrive at the Dirapuk monastery about six hours later, where we will stay in the Kailasha Hotel. A short hike to see the awe inspiring north face of Kailash will be done after some rest and snacks. Overnight in a 4 star hotel.
(Day 10) 6Sep/Wed: Diraphuk to Zhutul puk (4820 m/15800 ft. Hike 22 km/14 mi) The hardest day of the pilgrimage is also the holiest. We will cross Shivasthali - a rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns draped with the clothes left as offerings by the Tibetan pilgrims. Further hiking ascends up to Dolma-La pass (5700 m/18700 ft) and a marvelous sight of the emerald colored lake Gaurikunda. After a short break at the top of the pass to put prayer flags, we will head down the steep trail to our eventual campsite at Zhutul puk monastery (4820 m), site of the ‘Cave of Miracles’ where the greatest Tibetan yogi Milarerpa meditated and developed the powers of flying. Along the way we will be having wonderful sights of high peaks, streams, waterfalls, expansive valley, and mountain caves. Overnight in a guesthouse.
(Day 11) 7Sep/Thu: Zhutul puk to Saga (Hike 10 km/6 mi. Drive 480 km/300 mi). On the last day of our Kailash parikrama, a four hour gentle downhill walk along the East River brings us to where it emerges onto the plains of Barga, where our bus will pick us up. After quick lunch at Darchen we will drive back to Saga. Overnight in a 4 star hotel.
(Day12) 8Sep/Fri: Saga to Kerung. 7 hours drive. Last stop on Tibet side. Overnight in a 4 star hotel.
(Day 13) 9Sep/Sat: Cross border, drive to Kathmandu Early start. After customs/immigration we return back to Kathmandu by late afternoon. Overnight in a 5 star hotel.
(Day 14) 10Sep/Sun: Kathmandu temples Rest or explore the beautiful Patan Durbar Square in the morning. Stay in a 5 star hotel and enjoy the evening farewell dinner.
(Day 15) 11Sep/Mon: Transfer to airport for flight back home. Check-out time is 11am. Late check-out may incur additional charges as applicable at the hotel.
Note: The plan is subject to change within the dates indicated, depending on visa processing time for non-Indian Passport holders, in Kathmandu
Investment
Yatra type Passport type Total cost Adv Balance
Land route Indian Rs.2,15,000 Rs.50,000 Rs.1,65,000
Non-Indian $2,800 $800 $2,000
Visa costs are based on passport nationality by China side
All $ costs are in USD
All Rs. costs are in INR
Your advance deposit will confirm your initial booking
Please send your passport bio page scan and one passport size photo in color with neutral backdrop for group visa processing
Balance amount has to be paid one month before the yatra
Any additional taxes like GST/TCS has to be borne by the pilgrim
Cost Includes
Airport pick-up at Kathmandu by AC vehicles
Accommodation in Kathmandu at a 5 star hotel (Gokarna Resort or Hyatt) on twin sharing basis
All meals in Nepal on group plan basis
Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Budha-Nilkantha by AC vehicles
Comfortable luxury bus from Kathmandu to Tibet border
Helicopter trip from Kathmandu to the border also available at $300 per person one way (cost is subject to change)
Comfortable luxury AC bus on Tibet side for entire journey.
Tibet side: accommodation in 4/3 star hotel wherever possible, and best guesthouses
Pure vegetarian meals (B, L, D) prepared by our sherpa team on daily basis
Mineral water for entire journey
English speaking Tibetan and Nepali guide
Nepalese Sherpa/Cook to help with logistics and food.
Oxygen tank in bus and basic first-aid kit.
Medical oxygen tank during parikrama of Kailash.
Tibet visa fee.
Alien's Travel Permit.
Foreign Affairs Permit
Restricted Areas Permit
Kailash Conservation Area Permit
All conservations area entry fees
Duffle bag (15-20 kg capacity)
Backpack/daypack (3 kg capacity)
Sun cap
Waist pouch
Airport drop-off at Kathmandu by AC vehicles
Cost Excludes
Your International flight to Kathmandu
All beverages other than supplied at meals
Nepal visa for Non-Indians
Travel Insurance
Medical expenses if admitted to local hospital
Visa cancellation charges and transportation charges, if leaving Tibet early
Emergency evacuation expenses.
Porter and Pony for Kailash Parikrama
Tips to guides, staff, bell boys and drivers
Any emergency expenses due to extra days stay due to weather or other factors beyond our control
Entrance fee to temples and monuments if applicable
Additional Cost Estimates
The cost of Pony (optional) for 3 days parikrama is between $ 300 to 350
The cost of Porter (optional) for 3 days parikrama is between $ 100 to 150
Tips to Drivers (mandatory), suggested minimum, $ 25/Rs.2000
Tips to staff (mandatory), suggested minimum, $ 25/Rs.2000
Cancellation policy
The initial deposit is refundable with Rs.1200/$15 deduction till 15th July 2023
All refund bank transfer/transaction charges to be borne by the pilgrim
After 15th July 2023 the advance deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable
The cancellation policy of the tour operator will be applicable after the final payment is made one month before the yatra
Note
All pilgrims with Non-Indian passport should reach Kathmandu on Sunday 27th August by 3pm and deposit their Passport with the tour operator for their Tibet visa processing in Kathmandu. China has started doing biometrics and interviews for non-Indian passport holders in Kathmandu, so this may change our plans a bit, but our total days remain the same. Failure to deposit your passport by this deadline may lead to cancellation with no refunds. Your hotel stay is included from Sun 27th Aug. You can get your Nepal visa on arrival at the airport itself. Keep few passport size photos handy.
All Indian passport holders have to send their passport to a Delhi address (to be shared later) by 16th August. Your visa will be processed in Delhi. As of today, June 30th, China has not started giving visas to Indian Passport holders, but we hope it will change by 15th July.
Indians should travel to Kathmandu using their Voter's ID if their passports are not returned back on time for flight to Kathmandu (other IDs are not accepted for flight from India to Nepal). If you don't have Voter ID then get it soon!
Nepal is visa free for Indians
The itinerary is final from my side, but is subject to change if there is any issue with visa, border controls, advisory from the Tibetan Travel Agency etc. I've started taking bookings for this yatra. Max group size plan is 50, and booking is on first-come-first-serve basis.
Useful link:
1. For the significance, challenge, and preparation of Kailash Yatra check the link: Kailash Yatra Info
2. For a wonderful audio-video presentation on Kailash Yatra click: Kailash Yatra Webinar
Swami Mahesh is the first Indian Yogi to conduct Yoga programs on all the seven continents in the world. He is leading the Kailash Yatra since 2007 and has completed twelve successful Yatra. He always has an international group, and keeps high quality standards for hotels, food, vehicles, and accompanying sherpa team. He always personally accompanies his pilgrim group and guides them in daily Yoga, Spiritual discourse, Kirtan, Mantra Chants and Puja. His team is equipped with Oximeter, BP monitor, first aid kit, and medical grade oxygen during the trip. His story telling helps people to understand the significance of the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage from mythological, historical and traditional viewpoints. His personal care keeps the pilgrims inspired and motivated to complete this challenging Yatra with full satisfaction and joy.
To book fill the form: KM 2023 form
For cost and other details email to: 108swamim(@)gmail.com
Replace (@) with @ when sending your email