Everyone has to book their flights from Delhi to Kathmandu on 3rd July 2017 and return flight from Kathmandu to Delhi on either 10th July 2017 or 12th July 2017, depending on who is doing the Parikrama of Mt. Kailash.

All other internal flights (Kathmandu- Lhasa-Ali-Lhasa-Kathmandu) are Boeing Aircrafts (no propeller planes, for those concerned), the price of which is included in the package.

Yes the Indian mobile does work during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. You can either procure international roaming from your Indian service provider or buy a local SIM card from Lhasa, Tibet which will make you accessible throughout the Yatra.

Our journey will take us from 1300m/4300 ft above sea level in Kathmandu to 5700m/18,500ft above sea level at the Dolma La Pass on the 2nd day of the Parikrama of Mt. Kailash.
After our entry into Lhasa, Tibet we will be at 3800m/12,500ft for 2 days, 3 nights in order to lacclimatise. Thereafter we will climb to 4400m/14,500ft when we reach Ali and consequently 4600m/15,000ft when we are at and around Lake Manasarovar. Only those continuing to do the Parikrama will ascend to 5700m/18,700ft on the 2nd day of the Parikrama. Those returning from Lake Mansarovar will reach a maximum altitude of 4600 m/15,000ft above sea level.

Throughout the Yatra right from its beginning in Kathmandu until the time we return to Delhi, all the meals provided that are included in the cost of the Yatra will be pure vegetarian. Besides North and South Indian preparations, the menu will include a variety of continental and Chinese dishes as well. There will also be ‘satvik’ food available during the Yatra in case anyone prefers that. If you have special restrictions or requests with the meals or any kind of food allergies, please don’t hesitate to talk to us about it. We will be more than happy to accommodate. At any point should you feel the need to eat elsewhere, you are most welcome to do so.
It is advisable to carry snacks like dry fruit, chocolate, and other tidbits if you like to munch.

Yes, during the entire Yatra we will have free supply of mineral water. It is advised that you carry a personal thermos or water bottle for the trip which you can use for hot water if need be.

Yes, with improved power connection it is possible to charge your devices at most of the places we will halt. At some places where generators are used for power supply the owner may charge very nominal fees for charging your camera batteries.
It is recommended to carry battery packs.

Yes there is fairly good connectivity throughout the Yatra. You can get data on roaming from your local cell phone carrier and alternatively you can buy a local SIM card once you reach Lhasa that will give you data accessibility even during the Parikrama. You will be able to take photos on your phone and WhatsApp them immediately!

Any currency can be exchanged for Tibetan/Chinese Yuan at the airport. The current exchange rate is 1 Yuan = INR 9.42.
In Tibet and when we reach Lake Mansarovar, Chinese Yuan and U.S. dollars are accepted. Please be prepared with lower denominations in U.S. currency. Please don’t expect to get change for $100 there!
In order to pay the Sherpas or for any local purchases, you are required to have the local currency. Unused Yuan can be exchanged for currency of your choice at the airport while returning.
Please note: Nepal has banned the use of any Indian currency above Rs.100. New INR in denominations of 500 and 2000 are not accepted in Nepal.

The biggest challenge for anybody travelling to Kailash Mansarovar regardless of age or fitness level is the high altitude we will be at. Being at a high altitude implies a drastic reduction in the amount of oxygen available for us to breathe. This can induce Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Since the HariHarYatra does not involve any strenuous physical activity until Lake Mansarovar, being at an altitude of 15,000ft above sea level is the only real challenge for people returning in 8 days.

For those wanting to do the Parikrama of Mt. Kailash, being at the highest altitude of 18,500ft. during the second day of the Parikrama at the Dolma La Pass is definitely one of the biggest challenges. AMS is more likely at this altitude and the trek on the second day is extremely tough. Moreover we will be walking for 7-8hrs a day during the Parikrama, sometimes under adverse weather conditions (weather is unpredictable) and high altitude.

For everyone participating in the HariHar Yatra irrespective of whether they are doing the Parikrama or not, it is imperative that they be part of a regular exercise routine including walking or jogging for at least an hour 4-5 days a week. Daily Pranayama for 30 minutes is extremely helpful to prepare the lungs for high altitude.

Additionally, a regular cardio and strength training regime to build stamina is recommended for those doing the Parikrama. The high altitude resulting in low oxygen levels, paired with arduous treks for 7-8 hours daily requires the participants to have a certain level of fitness to sustain the journey. Please do not take it lightly- physical as well as mental preparation should start as soon as you register for the HariHar Yatra.

For those planning to perform the Parikrama of Mt.Kailash, it is important for you to get an ECG, and Echo, stress test and check hemoglobin as well as other levels in the blood before registering for the trip. Anyone with chronic illnesses, low or high BP, diabetes, joint pains etc. should consult with their physician before enrolling for this trip.

AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness is a result of lack of oxygen at heights of over 2500 mts above sea level. Even though a rapid ascent to high altitudes can result in the onset of AMS because of lack of acclimatisation time, sometimes even proper acclimatisation can cause AMS.
Nausea, breathlessness, headache, dizziness,Irritability and loss of appetite are common symptoms of AMS.
The one thing that really helps keep AMS at bay is WATER. It is imperative to stay very well hydrated while at high altitudes. Consumption of light foods with high carbohydrate content is also advisable. We found Gao-Yuan-An, a herbal Tibetan medicine is very effective for AMS. It comes in sachets and can be bought in Lhasa.

Yes, we will all be taking an over the counter, non-prescription drug called Diamox or Acetazolamide(250mg) everyday for the duration of our stay in Tibet. This pill is a blood thinner that helps our lungs maximise the absorption of oxygen at high attitudes. The usual dosage is 2 tabs daily. Kindly consult with your physician before taking this medicine. You will be doing so at your own risk.
**Caution: Travellers allergic to sulphur canNOT take Diamox. Kindly consult with your physician

While in Kathmandu & Lhasa, there are hospitals easily accessible for any medical concerns. Once we reach Mansarovar, the nearest hospital is in Taklakot which is a 5hr drive. There will be a car available 24hrs in case of an emergency. Sherpas travelling with us during the Parikrama are extremely knowledgeable and experienced to handle all kinds of altitude related challenges that travellers might experience.

We will be carrying Oxygen Cylinders, Oxygen Masks, Pressurized chambers called Gamow Bags (extremely helpful in relieving AMS), extra Diamox tablets, basic medical kit and some medical steroid syringes.

In case someone is not able to acclimatize at all, the person will be sent by car to lower heights.
**Oxygenated Pillows are available in Lhasa and are highly recommended.

The temperature in Lhasa will vary between 25 degrees Celsius in the day to -1 degree celsius at night. Near Lake Mansarovar and during the Parikrama, when we ascend to higher altitudes, the temperature will further drop but the dramatic temperature variation between day and night stays the same i.e. sunny during the day and very cold at night. Even though it is sunny during the day, it is extremely windy.

At high altitudes the air is thinner which means the UV rays are stronger. It is important to carry and wear sunscreen with SPF 30++. Inexpensive and non-metallic sunglasses are very important to carry. A wide brimmed hat with strings to tie under the chin (to prevent it from flying away in the strong wind) is also highly recommended for protection from the sun and wind.

Besides your regular insurance, it is important to buy special insurance for this trip. A recommended insurance is ‘IFFCOTOKIO- high altitude insurance’ which will cost approx INR 2000/3000.

Ofcourse! You are welcome to bring something for the lovely people of Tibet. We will meet Tibetan men, women and children during our entire trip, sometimes they are nomads too. Even the pony owner and porters during the Parikrama travel with their full family, including children and e dogs. For children you can bring fancy items like caps, notebooks, fancy stationery, picture books, small toys etc. For women you can bring imitation jewellery, make up kits, bindis, plastic Tiffin boxes, small purses, etc. For men you can bring caps, handkerchief, digital wristwatch, sunglasses, etc.