Mt. Kailash Tour FAQ`s

May I have general info about travel to Mount Kailash?

If you are preparing for travel to Mount Kailash or Yatra, you are kindly requested to be fully aware that it is really demanding tour where we will be spending most of the time at high altitudes. At least two months of regular exercise is recommended such as running, swimming, hiking, etc which help accomplish your Kailash tour successfully. Moreover, you’d better cut alcoholic beverages and smoking and consult with your doctor about your health condition and personal prescriptions from your physician if required and First Aid Kit is important for the travel.

How fit do we need to be for this Mt. Kailash trip?

Travel to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is suitable for the average travelers who are physically and moderately fit and no previous experience is required. However, it is suggested that some physical fitness is essential such as swimming, running, and hiking and etc. It is very important to consult with your physician about your physical and health condition before you make a plan for the Mt. Kailash tour. Please bear in mind that while in Kora, you will be crossing above 5000m and trekking for about 7-8 hours.

What kind of accommodation do I get while in Kathmandu and in the tour?

We provide standard rooms in 3 to 4-star hotels with twin sharing bedrooms with breakfast included. However, the accommodation while on the tour is basic in guest houses. The guest houses are considered very basic and are of dormitory bedrooms, no attached bathroom, outside bathroom (acceptable), no shower facilities and etc. Although, some of the guest houses are pretty good these are fully booked most of the time.

On the other hand, we can send our Sherpa crew from Kathmandu who fixes tents and prepare food. We can accommodate you in the tent and serve food ourselves which is far better than staying at the local guest house.

What kind of food can I expect on the tour?

Well, if you are traveling with a stay at the guest house, our guide will help you find a good restaurant at reasonable price. The guest houses provide local food like MOMOs, noodles, or any Tibetan authentic cuisine. Dinners will be provided either in the hotel or restaurant. While on the road, lunch will be provided at any one of the Local Tibetan tea houses along the way. Expect to spend about 20 USD per day for meals with soft drinks. If you are vegetarian, please inform us earlier so that we can inform our guide or cook to prepare the same.

What mode of transport do we get?

HimalayanWindows is all about providing local insights, lifestyles as well we adventure. We use private vehicles for sightseeing such as Car, Hiace, Van, and Coaster in a city tour in Nepal (Please check out our vehicle service provider at HimalayanWindows Vehicle Services ) and For Mt. Kailash tour, we use the best Toyota 4WD, SUVs and comfortable coasters to drive across the Tibetan highland. These vehicles are completely comfortable and reliable and they make your journey as smooth as possible. For big groups, we also use supporting vehicles such as Mini Trucks, Vans and etc.

What is the best season touring Mt. Kailash?

The Best season for touring in Mt. Kailash is between April and October.

Route and Weather conditions in Mt. Kailash tour?

The classic route is from Kathmandu to Kodari via Friendship Highway to Tibet and split from Shegar to Saga and further to Mansarovar Lake. The climate of Tibetan terrain is dry, cold, dusty, and windy and night is colder than a day. Flooding rivers and landslides are common, especially in the Nepal portion. Unfortunately, the route to Mt. Kailash via Kodari border has been obstructed since an earthquake in April 2015. We believe it will re-open as soon as possible.  

Are there any other routes except Kathmandu -Kodari?

Yes, there are other borders except for Kodari Borders such as Lhasa, Hilsa Border, Rasuwa port (Recently open in 2017) and etc. Recently, Mt Kailash tour via Lhasa has been running regularly since Earthquake in Nepal and you also get an opportunity to travel central Tibet while joining this trip. 

When is the best season to travel to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar tour?

The best season to travel to Mount Kailash is between April to the end of September and the visit to central Tibet is from until November. The Extreme change in weather makes it unfavorable to travel to Everest Base Camp from early November to April, also during winter season roads can be closed due to heavy snowfall in eastern Tibet and especially at Mt Kailash and western Tibet.

What currency can be used in Tibet? Can I use a Credit Card or use ATMs during the trip?

The currency used in Tibet is Chinese Currency, Yuan and also other currencies like USD, EURO, and POUND are accepted in Tibet. However, we recommend you exchange your money into Yuan before you travel to Tibet. If you are entering via Kathmandu, exchange your money at any money Exchange in Kathmandu. Or, If you are entering from mainland China, you can also exchange or use ATMs in Lhasa. As you are traveling to distance and remote region of Tibet, finding ATMs or Banks is very difficult so that it is suggested to bring CASH with you to cover all the expenses. Please consult with your travel agent how much should you bring for the trip as it depends on your package of the trip.

What essential things to be brought for Mt. Kailash Mansarovar tour?

Clothing: Choosing a cloth is an essential factor for traveling to high altitude regions. As you will be traveling above 5000 meters and climate could be harsh at any time. While traveling to Mount Kailash tour, as soon as you come out from your vehicle, warm clothing will necessarily be required. We have listed some of the important clothing and accessories which are highly recommended to carry while traveling to Tibet.

Down Jacket (Also you can rent in Kathmandu)

• Thick and warm pullover
• Think and warm pullover
• Warm trousers or pants
• Light but warm loose cotton pants
• Cotton full-sleeved T-Shirts
• Wind and waterproof Jacket
• Thermal underwears
• Thermal full t-shirts or vest
• Rain Coat
• Waterproof sporty light shoes and light rubber sandal
• Warm woolen socks (5-6 pairs)
• Cotton or silk scarf
• Gloves, Hat, Soft Tissue papers, Towels and Washing kits

Medical Supplies and Toiletries

We recommend you buy some Diamox (250mg) or consult with your doctor, You can use if you feel uncomfortable due to altitude sickness. Apart from this, you can bring throat lozenges, nasal decongestant, Aspirin, cold and flu tablets, Multivitamins, Diarrhea tablets, iodine, Motion sickness Tablets, and water purifying tablets. First Aid Kit with Compression Bandages, Small Scissors, Tweezers, Band-Aids and etc. And do not forget to bring your other medication prescribed by the physician. And bring a camera with good quality in order to keep you memorized of your travel for a lifetime.

What sort of services and equipment will be provided if we are with Full Board packaged trip?

• Tent (two men), Foam Mattress
• Dining Tents, Table and Stools
• Toilet Tent
• Kitchen Tents, Equipment
• Official Guide
• Food, Cook, and Helpers
• Porters (Yaks to carry your luggage while doing Kora)
• Vehicles (Either Jeep or Mini Bus)
• Supporting Truck for more than 4 Pax
• Oxygen Cylinder with Mask in every Vehicle
• Duffle bag for your cloth and Equipment

Note: These sorts of services and equipment are provided only if you are in a group of four or more with Full Board Package.

What kind of insurance needed for the Kailash tour?

HimalayanWindows suggests every Kailash tour traveler needs to have the complete Insurance policy from your home country. This complete insurance must cover for tour cancellation, travel disturbance or delays, Emergency Medical support and evacuation, medical expenses, lost of baggage and etc.

How do I process for my Mt Kailash Mansarovar tour?

In order to book or confirm your Mt. Kailash Mansarovar tour, if you will be requested to fill-up the form of HimalayanWindows with at least 30% of the total cost as an advance deposit (Refundable). Please check our Terms and Conditions for more details.

What Document Do I need for Visa and Permit application?

Here are the lists of the document that you need to send while making a booking with HimalayanWindows:

• Passport copy (Color Scanned with clear details of Name, DOB, DOE, Nationality, Place of issue)
• Your Occupation like banker, doctor, actor, etc
• Passport-sized photograph
• Complete the form of booking
• Advance refundable deposit

How to avoid altitude sickness on Tibet Mt. Kailash Mansarovar tour?

• Do not exhaust yourself and take complete rest if you feel any symptoms
• Bring prescribed medication and Diamox  before starting the trip to Mount Kailash
• Stay away from alcoholic beverage, smoking and taking sleeping tablets in the high altitude
• Take high-carbohydrate foods such as rice, pasta, cereal and drink plenty of water (3 liters a day)
• Use Oxygen to relieve symptoms
• If nothing else works, immediately return to the area of lower elevation or inform your guide to implement urgent rescue arrangements.