General Information:
Temperature and Weather
Weather conditions from May to September in Tibet, can be expected to be dry and sunny, with precipitants in July and August, day time temperatures can be as high as 22 degrees centigrade in Tibet. The average daily temperature will be 10 degrees centigrade, however, the intense sun at high altitude can, make it feel even hotter. At this time of year there is an incredible drop in temperature from early afternoon to evening time; temperature at night-time will drop as low as 0 to -10 degrees centigrade at altitudes of 5000 meters, highest camp during the PARIKRAMA.
Health Considerations
All yatris must provide health certificate given by a reputed doctor confirming that the participant is fit to travel in altitudes of 5700 meters.
Fitness
Please start to get in shape NOW!!! A good 30 minutes walk, jogging daily, stretching and regular exercise should put you in the right shape (Concentrate on your heart & legs - Aerobics). Porters will be carrying the bulk of your equipment, but it is recommended that you bring a good day pack and are fit enough to carry snacks, filled water bottle/small scissors and knife, waterproof matches, safety pins, Thermometer, Lighter, Dehydration salt (electral) packets, Neosprine Powder and cream. Heat balm for muscles/joints, Vicks inhaler/vapourub, Chapsticks. Dry Fruits/snacks, camera, Film, Map, Jumper, Sun Hat, First Aid Kit, Light weight Rain Gear, Extra Cloth etc.
Altitude Sickness
This is an environment related condition that can affect anyone who ascends too rapidly to high elevations without acclimatizing properly.
Suggested to read any book on trekking, which has a chapter on this, and also consult your doctor.
Responsibility
All arrangements within Tibet are solely at the discretion of the China Tibet Tourism Bureau (CTTB), a government Organization, and travel organizers have no control over the quality of the vehicles facilities.
Currency
All major foreign currencies and Tcs are accepted in Zhangmu Bank in return for Yuen, the basic unit of Chinese Currency. Yuen equals 10 Jiao and 1 Jiao equals 10 Fen. At present US$1 = 8 Yuen, Credit cards are not accepted. 1 Yuen = INRs. 6/- approximately.
It is recommended that you take the following items to make your journey more comfortable.
Clothing
Clothings for both extremes of climate and temperature. While driving to Kailash, it will be warm inside the vehicle and light clothing will be required, but as soon as you step out of the vehicle, warm clothing will be required to keep off the cold winds of the Tibetan Plateau. Evening will be generally cold and warm clothing will be required. It is recommended that you bring along the following clothings and accessories with you:
Transportation
Kathmandu to Kodari Private minibus is provided for the group. Border crossing from Kodari to Zhangmu (Tibet) will be on trucks, incase of landslide, approximately 30 mins ride. Throughout the journey in Tibet you will be traveling in 4 WD Japanese vehicles. A truck will be provided for luggage and all camping equipments and food supplies.
Staff
Highly experienced Sherpa staff will be responsible for all camping & cooking arrangements.
Oxygen
One oxygen cylinder with mask will be provided in each vehicle and during the PARIKRAMA. Please note that oxygen is to be used only in case of emergency.
Briefing and Orientation
There will be a briefing of the programme on the day of your arrival in Kathmandu. It is very important that all participants attend this briefing. Very informative and it is important to follow the instructions.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Nyalam, Saga and Darchen are in lodges. The rooms at these places are very basic without any modem amenities. During the rest of the journey twin sharing high altitude tents will be provided. No laundry services will be available throughout the trip. Single rooms are not guaranteed.
Food and Beverage
Organizers will provide vegetarian breakfast and dinner cooked by Sherpas at campsite, who will be taken from Kathmandu. You will be required to bring sufficient supplementary food like chocolates, biscuits, nuts, pickles, bhujias and your favorite tinned products to add variety to the meals. Lunch will be packed of light snacks.
Visas and Documentation
You must be in possession of valid passport for at least 9 months. Organizers will obtain your visa for Tibet and will require the following information’s when making your reservation. Full name as it appears in your passport, passport number, date of expiry, place of issue, nationality, date of birth and occupation. Two passport size photographs are also required. Additionally, you must allow a minimum of 10 full working days in Kathmandu for the visa. Getting a visa for Tibet on the Indian passport is guaranteed once the tour is booked. Passports should reach the organizers no later than 15 days prior to your departure.
Guide / Escort
Local English speaking guide will escort the group throughout the tour in Tibet.
Photography
Still cameras, home video cameras are allowed in Nepal Tibet, China. Camera and cam carder are not allowed in Pashupatinath temple in Katmandu.
Insurance
It is highly recommended that you insure yourself against sickness, EMERGENCY RESCUE, accident hospitalization, etc.. Organizers are not liable and responsible for any damages or extra expenses that may arise from mishaps and the loss of their belongings during the pilgrimage.
Communication
The last place to make any international calls is in Darchan, Tibet before you start Mt. Kailash parikrama. Katmandu, Zhangmu, Nyalam, Saga, Paryang and Darchan al have international calling facilities provided there is power. However, please be informed that it may be difficult at times to get the connection.