Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake Trek- 16 Days

The perfect time to visit Tibet is from April to October each year when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is breathtaking. The average temperature is higher than 10°C, and the oxygen content is higher than in other seasons. It is also popular for the tourist season in Tibet. Because of the high altitude in Tibet, the temperature is usually lower than in any other city in China during the same season; it’s a little harsh with thin air, strong ultraviolet rays, and distinct rainy and dry seasons.

Spring: The spring season begins in March and lasts through May The weather is starting to warm up, but the temperature remains cold as the ice melts, demanding the use of a long coat, a warm sweater, and a jacket. Tibetan spring, however, is still chilly, snowy, and icy due to the high altitude. The humid and warm airflow cannot reach the core area due to the blockade of the huge Himalayas Ranges.

Summer: From June until August, the summer season begins. It’s a peak tourism season in Tibet. Many festivities, such as the Ganden Thangka Festival, Shoton Festival, and Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, are held in Tibet during these three months, and you may still enjoy the cleanest view of the Mountains. T-shirts, long-sleeved coats, sunglasses, and sun protection are all required.

Autumn: Autumn begins in September and ends in October. During these two months, the weather is most pleasant, with plenty of sunshine during the day, and the scenery is particularly lovely. It would be fine to wear garments that are similar to those worn in the spring.

Winter: Winter begins in November and lasts until February. Because of the weather, fewer individuals prefer to travel to Tibet in winter, but it is less crowded and tour prices are lower than other months. You may still participate in the Tibetan New Year (between January and February) and the streets will be colorfully painted for this. Warm sweaters and down coats are required, and comfortable athletic shoes are strongly advised in all weather conditions.

Anyone planning a trip to Tibet (Mt. Kailash) should be aware of what altitude sickness is, what causes it, and how to cope with the symptoms of this possibly deadly illness. Altitude sickness is the most serious medical danger when visiting Tibet; an altitude of more than 3000 meters is considered high altitude. Tibet is a mountainous region with an average height of around 4000 meters. Most places where people can go and hike are higher than 3000 meters, therefore travelers should be aware of how to avoid altitude sickness. Mt. Kailash and Manasaravoar, Tibet should not be visited by someone with a serious heart condition. Before traveling, those with high or low blood pressure should visit a doctor.

Symptoms

• Increased breathing.
• Increased urination.
• Restless sleep.
• Periodic breathing at night because of altitude.
• Dehydration.
• Shortness of Breath.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Respiratory failure.
•  Cerebral edema.
• Coma.

There are, however several other precautions you may take to reduce your risk of getting hit by altitude sickness while traveling to Mt. Kailash and Mana Sarovar lake.

• As the air gets increasingly thin, an increase in elevation reduces oxygen levels, and in Tibet. Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and tobacco that decreases the body’s water content.
• The greatest remedy is to always stay hydrated. Instead of drinking cooled water, drink warm water.
• As possible don’t take the ceremonial bath in the cold Mana Sarovar lake, but if you take the ceremonial bath in the take make sure you cover your head warmly after the bath, else you might face health issues.
• Avoid sleeping pills to treat insomnia because they suppress breathing.
• Diamox is the most effective altitude sickness medication; however, you should consult with your physician to see whether it is advantageous.
• You should prepare yourself physically and mentally before traveling to Tibet.

Drinking-Water

Tibet has some of the world’s most abundant water resources. Tibet’s lakes, rivers, numerous fresh springs, and dozens of Himalayan glaciers serve as the main water sources for the entire South Asian region. Tibet’s high-altitude plateau is also the home to six of Asia’s longest rivers.

Despite having abundant water resources and serving as the primary source of water for billions of people in South Asia, Tibet’s drinking water remains a big issue. Lakes and rivers contain toxic water that should not be consumed directly. Because tap water is not treated, it can make you feel sick.

As a result, Tibetans drink boiled water or bottled mineral water. We recommend consuming boiled or bottled water even to brush your teeth and wash the fruits as well. Many mineral water companies in Tibet purify and filter natural glaciers using a unique technology that makes the water consumable without the need to boil it. Bottled Mineral water can be purchased at a low cost. It costs 3-4 yuan (60 cents) for 500ml of bottled water and 7-8 yuan (2$) for 1.5 liters.

Not to drink the water that has not been boiled or purified. Purifying tablets is not advised because Boiling kills bacteria more effectively than purifying tablets. Ultraviolet light /SteriPen is also a highly recommended means of purifying water, an expensive but one-time investment.

Generally, most of the hotels, lodges, guesthouses in Tibet have constantly heated pots of water for drinking and other purposes. You can get boiled water free of cost anywhere you stay so, bring a Reusable water bottle favorable for both hot and cold water. For Bottled water, our representative will provide you 2ltr of bottled mineral water per day throughout the entire trip.

Network service and Internet Facility

As network connectivity is required in any trip/vacation to any location to stay in touch with your loved ones. Here is some information regarding China’s network that you should be aware of and check before traveling to China.

About your phone

China has three major cellular service providers: China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom. To use these China’s networks during your trip, your phone must be compatible with these networks.  It’s possible that your phone will not work or support the Chinese network. So that, first you have to ensure that your phone work in China. To do so, you have to go to willmy.phonework.net and check whether or not your phone will work in China. There you will get information about whether or not your phone operates in China, as well as mobile frequencies and network compatibility. Contact the phone service provider if you are facing any difficulty regarding your phone frequency before traveling to China.

If your phone is compatible with the China network’s frequency. You can either request your phone’s service provider to activate the mobile roaming service Or you can buy a local China network sim card that works with your phone. Most of China’s network has a roaming agreement with the international network. So, once the roaming service is activated, simply turn on the roaming setting on your phone to connect to the local network. After that, you can use your sim card for international calls, texts, and internet access. We recommend purchasing a local sim card because making international calls from Tibet with your regular sim card is extremely expensive and also you won’t be able to use services like Gmail, Facebook, YouTube, and others that you might use in your home country.

If your phone does not operate on the Chinese network, ask your agency to rent you a phone in China with a Chinese sim card to use during your visit.

About China’s Sim Card

Purchasing a local SIM card in China before traveling to Tibet (Mt. Kailash), is highly recommended because it is much cheaper and time-saving than paying a large international roaming service bill. You can purchase a Sim card in any China airport, train station, or mobile vendor store.

The major cellular service provider of China is China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom. These networks have a good signal range up to Tibet’s Mt. Kailash. If you are buying a local sim card, here is some guidance that can help you to use these local Chinese sim cards.

1. Go to a mobile phone vendor and ask for a compatible sim card for your phone.
2. Tell the staff about the SIM card size and buy the SIM Card.

-Show your passport with a valid Chinese visa.

-Payment can be done by cash, bank, or WeChat pay.

3. Ask for the mobile package brochure and select a package from the list.
4. Purchase the data plan and register your phone number.
5. You can also ask them to top up your mobile by paying extra or you can simply do with WeChat pay.

For more information about the sim card go to ……. site.

Documents needed to buy a SIM card

• 1 passport size photo
• Passport with valid Chinese visa.

(Payment can be done by cash; bank card or WeChat pay.)

Note- Your phone must be unlocked to use China’s local Sim Card.

 Internet facility in Tibet

Although Tibet has developed later than other countries, every village in Tibet currently has Broadband internet connectivity with 4G coverage. You can use all 3G, 4G, and 5G network coverage throughout Tibet.  Wi-Fi is available in almost every hotel, lodge, and guesthouse in Tibet. However, beyond Mana Sarovar, Mt. Kailash Kora there is no internet due to the high altitude.

You can also hire a Pocket Wi-Fi to enjoy a steady internet connection. Pocket Wi-Fi, also known as a mobile hotspot/ MI-FI in China, is a portable wireless hotspot. It is cost-effective, as it includes 3G and 4G network access as well as limitless data usage. With this Pocket WI-FI, you get full internet access with unlimited data consumption everywhere in China.

Despite having access to the internet, you will not be able to use Google, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter in China without VPN. To do so, you must purchase a VPN package from the best VPN seller in China. Don’t purchase a VPN without checking whether it works or not in China.

Link-

Travel documents

• Travel insurance policy documents.
• Valid passport with Group Tourist Visa of China.
• Copies of passport.
• Passport- size photos.
• Yuan currency or US currency.
• Travel permits- Tibet Travel Permit, Alien Travel Permit, Foreign Affair Permit, Military Area Permit.

 Clothing

Tibet’s climate is one of a kind in the world. Although Tibet is known as the Land of Snow, the climate in Tibet is normally dry. Tibet, like other countries, has four seasons in a year as well as monsoon. However, we are traveling to Mt. Kailash and Mana Sarovar which is the low-temperature region of Tibet. So, you then have to prepare your clothes considering the destination, to which you are traveling.

Winter (Dec-Jan-Feb)

During the winter, Tibet Mt Kailash and Mana Sarovar are completely covered in snow you need to bring warm clothes. In this season, the average temperature in the area will be between Max. -2° C and Min-20° C. For the wonderful winter trip to Mt Kailash and Mana Sarovar, you had to bring a thick sweater, jackets, warm shoes, a woolen cap, and sunglasses.

Spring (Mar-Apr-Feb)

It is the warmest season in Tibet. The average temperature of this season will be between Max. 5° C and Min-15° C. The best pick of clothing for this season includes sportswear, a thin sweater, and a jacket.

Summer (Jun-Jul-Aug)

It is Tibet’s hottest season. The sun’s heat is particularly hot this season. The average temperature of this season will be between Max. 15° C and Min 3° C. Long-sleeved shirts and pants and hats or caps are strongly suggested to prevent sunburn. Monsoon rain can have an impact on the weather throughout this season.

Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov)

This season’s weather is warm or chilly. It’s a fresh time. The average temperature of this season will be between Max. 13° C and Min-10° C. Comfy sportswear and the thin sweater are the best picks of clothing for this season.

Note- Although the day may be pleasant, the evenings in every season are normally cold in Tibet. During the night you must wear warm clothes. You must pack warmer clothes if you are traveling at a high altitude in any season.

Toiletries

• Wet Wipes and Tissue.
• Towels.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste,
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, body lotions.
• Deodorants.
• Shampoo and soap.

 Personal items and First Aid kit

• Reusable water bottle.
• Plug adapter, Charging appliance, Power bank, Batteries.
• Pocket knife.
• Travel wallet.

Accommodation

During our stay in Nepal, we will be staying in a star category hotel in Kathmandu and a basic hotel/lodge in Sybrubesi.

In Tibet (Kyirong, Saga, Paryang) we will stay in a standard hotel.

Beyond Mana Sarovar (Mana Sarovar, Darchen, Dhirapukh, Zuthul- phuk) we will accommodate in a basic communal dormitory/ hotel.

Meal

As this is a Pilgrims tour, during the trip we will provide you with 3-time vegetarian meal without onion and garlic.

Breakfast– Pancakes, Toast with Jam/ Butter/ Honey, Roti/Puri Tarkari, Aloo Paratha, Cornflakes, Oatmeal, Porridge, Muesli, Upma, Milk/ Coffee/ Butter Tea/ Horlicks.

Lunch (packed during trek)– Dal Bhat (Rice, Roti, veg curry, lentils, Salad, Pickles, Papad), Fruits, Veg Biryani, Veg Spaghetti, Veg Macaroni, Roti, Samosa, Sandwich, Thukpa etc. with Juice or Lime juice with glucose.

Dinner– From the menu served by the hotels, guesthouses, and campsite. The menu varied with Indian, Chinese, Tibetan, European cuisine, Soups and desert.

Besides these, there are a variety of other options of food. You can buy it from your pocket. During the trek, you will get only vegetarian-based food. Vegan/ Kosher/ Gluten-free food is also available but has to inform before traveling.

In a foreign land, language is the main concern everybody finds problematic. If a language barrier occurs, your trip can be spoiled. And Tibet is the place you cannot travel alone. You will require a local language-speaking guide who is also fluent in English. As well as you are traveling at a high altitude, we, therefore, give you a high experience and a certified local guide with good English proficiency and health assistance. They accompany you to keep your everyday schedule appropriately and systematically and will provide you treatment in case of any sickness during the journey All your activities are handled by our highly qualified and professional team. We have a skilled and trained team and guide. So, we hope for your respect and cooperation with them throughout the trip.

Visa fee and Procedure

Many kinds of visas exist in China. However, we are traveling to China to visit Mt. Kailash and Mana Sarovar Lake, a Chinese tourist visa(L-visa) or a Tourist Group Visa is required, valid for the entire duration of your stay in China. Either apply for an “L” Visa or Tourist Group Visa in your nearest Embassy of China.

Here is the fee structure of the “L” Visa of China.

Note- The validity of L-Visa is 30 days and the validity of L-visa for single entry or double entry is 90 days and 180 days respectively.

Here are the necessary documents needed to apply for an L- visa.

• The “L” Visa/Tourist visa Application Form (Complete online, signed, and printed).
• An original passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the duration of the visa you’ve requested, as well as two blank pages (amendments and endorsement pages not included).
• Photocopy of your passport’s information page.
• At least 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself. (Background color: black, white, or red).
• Itinerary of valid round trip vehicle confirmation.
• Proof of accommodation in China during your stay.
• Proof of your current residence. (Documents can be a copy of your Citizenship/ government ID or driver’s license, or a utility bill).
• Copy of your travel record.
• Invitation letter from a governmental agency or individual agency in China.
• Heath declaration form, as well as photocopy of both sides of your COVID-19 Vaccination Card.
• Minor travelers under the age of 18, should submit a copy of their birth certificate, copy of both parents’ passports or diver licenses, proof of current residency, a notarized letter of consent from both parents.

Fee structure for ‘Tourist Group Visa’ of China.

Here are the necessary documents needed to apply for an L- visa.

• Visa notification Form any head office of the China Travel Services (CTS), China International Travel Services (CITS), or China Youth Travel Services (CYTS), or Chinese National tourist Bureau, or any Chinese Provincial Tourist Bureau.
• Completed Tourist Group Visa Application Form in Triplicate (If there is any blank left on the name list, draw a straight line from the left corner down to the right corner in blue or black ink).
• Original passports of all appearing members in the Tourist Group Visa Form, arranged in a consistent order with at least 6 months validity beyond the duration of the visa you’ve requested, as well as two blank pages (amendments and endorsement pages not included).
• Photocopy of all members’ passport information page.

Note- Though this Chinese Group Visa is cheaper than an “L” visa, we don’t recommend this Tourist Group Visa of China because all the members must arrive, stay together and depart together, as the visa is issued to the entire group. Change in the itinerary of one member will invalidate the visa of the entire group and a new visa need to issue for the rest of the group for departure. So, it is better to obtain a Tourist visa/ L visa.

For more information about visas, click this link www.visacentral.com

Entry permits and Requirements

Every visitor to Tibet except Tibetan and Chinese requires a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP), popularly known as Tibet Entry Permit or Tibet Visa. TTP is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, so it must be obtained via. an authorized local Tibet agency in China.

Additionally, we will be traveling to Mt. Kailash and Mansavorar which is the most popular scared tourist destination in Tibet, you will require an additional permit: Alien’s Travel Permit popularly known as PSB permit issued by Public Security Bureau, Foreign Affair Permit issued by Foreign Affairs Office and Military Area Permit issued by Military Office in Lhasa.

Here is the cost of the permits for foreign travelers.

1. Tibet Travel Permit

Tibet travel permit is one of the necessary permit documents you require along with a passport with a valid China visa before flying on the flight to Tibet or crossing the immigration point at Kyirong. You won’t be even able to book a flight to Tibet, without a Tibet visa.

Since the Tibet Travel Permit cannot be delivered outside the mainland of China, you won’t be able to pass through the immigration point at Kyirong, Tibet without the original Tibet Travel Permit. So, during your stop at a Kyirong, our agent will provide you, your Tibet Travel Permit at the Kyirong immigration point.

2. Alien Travel Permit

3. Foreign Affair Permit

4. Military Area Permit

Documents required to get Permits.

Tibet Travel Permit

• Photo image of your passport information page with a 6-month valid date.
• Photo image of your passport Chinese Visa page.
• If traveling from Nepal, fill up a form from the Chinese Embassy.

(Send through email or any other social media to your travel consultant.)

Alien Travel Permit/ Foreign Affair Permit/ Military Area Permit

• Original copy of Tibet Travel Permit.
• Original copy of Passport with valid China Visa.
• Original copy of your Tour guide’s certificate.
• Copy of Tour itinerary.

Note– The procedure for applying for a China visa and a Tibet permit is very complicated. So, you may let any authorized travel agency like us to apply for your China visa and Tibet permits.

We, Jugal holidays Pvt. Ltd is an authorized agency to provide Tibet permits so, to apply for or need any assistance for the permit and visa, please contact us.

Before visiting any nation, it is recommended that you have travel insurance. Although China is a safe destination to visit. Travel insurance is required for the protection of both your body and your belongings. There is no specific China travel insurance plan.  If you go to any insurance company to get travel insurance, they will present you with a variety of packages (Flight insurance, health insurance, medical coverage insurance), each with a different amount of coverage. There are plenty of risks that could spoil your trip. Some of them are-

• Any expense caused due to weather or any reason.
• Misplaced or stolen baggage or any other valuable property.
• Hospital/ medical and emergency rescue expenses due to any road traffic accident or high-altitude accident.

As a result, you must carefully select your travel insurance that covers the above threats. The price of the insurance plan you choose is determined by the destination, means of transportation, length of your trip, the age of the travelers, and the things you choose to be covered.