It has been recommended that we carry at least $500 equivalent in Chinese currency during the Kailash trip. We will have at least two opportunities to exchange currency, first in Nepal and second at Chinese border.
Please see below for more information on Chinese currency: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renminbi Exchange rate on May 24th for 1 USD = 6.83 Chinese Yuan
During our stay in Nepal from 16th July to 19th July we can use Nepalese currency for any personal expenses. Please see below for details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepalese_rupee Exchange rate on May 24th for 1 USD = 73.55 Nepalese Rupees
The group going to Nikora after Kailash can exchange Indian currency at Kathmandu or Delhi
We are now a group of over 80 yatris (participants in this yatra or holy pilgrimage)!! Each and every one of us is responsible for preparing carefully and consciously, exercising our physical bodies in preparation for this arduous journey, and doing our practices. By so doing, we increase our chances of success and alsolighten the load on our beloved Ma and Bapuji.
Please read through this email completely, so that you know how to prepare for your journey.
What to pack in the 15lb knapsack that we will all need to have for the 3-day trek around Mt. Kailash:
The weather conditions are an important factor to consider. Gopal has done some research and found that the weather range will likely be as follows:
Probable range of weather: Good weather: Day Time: 50F - 68F Night Time:41F - 50F Bad weather: Day: 41F - 59F Night: 32F - 50F
We all need to think in terms of wearing layers on this trek. The days will likely be quite warm and we will need to peel down to shirtsleeve layer as we physically exert ourselves during the hottest times of day. But when the sun goes down, it will get cold and wool or heavy sweaters/fleece and waterproof parkas (This is monsoon season and there may be rain) are in order. You may wish to purchase a "3-in-1 parka" . These have within them a zipped in vest, inner jacket and outer waterproof parka. (Clearly, each individual knows how they must dress to feel comfortable at a particular temperature so this is a choice each of us will need to make on our own.) Many of the items listed below we will be wearing on our 3-day trek and not actually packing into the knapsack. Remember, this is a list of recommendations. It is not written in stone. Use your judgment and your own research to determine what your individual needs might be.
1) A pair of sturdy walking boots for Kailash Parikrama (i.e. 3-day walking around the mountain). The less bendable the sole, the better for your safety. 2) Pair of comfortable sneakers or comfortable walking shoes (to wear for the rest of the journey) 3) Woolen or heavy sweater or fleece jacket
4) Underwear layer - NOT cotton. Silk or "capelene 3" is best because it wicks perspiration (and dries quickly) and will keep us warmer when the sun goes down.
4) 2 pairs of light-weight and/or windproof pants and/or pair of light-weight waterproof pants (reminder - monsoon season - rain possible). (Note: I've chosen to purchase large size waterproof pants that I can slip on over my lightweight pants in the event of rain.)
5) Heavy woolen, fleece or other warm pants for the nights.
6) Sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck in the daytime and a wool hat for the nighttime.
7) Three pairs of "smartwool" or similar socks. Silk sock liners are good for keeping feet warm and dry.
8) Wool gloves.(Can purchase silk or other liners separately)
9) Fleece or other neck scarf
10) A cotton scarf/bandana to protect your mouth and nose from the dust on windy days.
11) Wind and sun protection cream and chap stick.
13) Toiletries - soap, toothbrush/toothpaste. Small, light travel towel. Hand wipes.(Showers will likely not be available during 3-day trek) Toilet paper.
14) Personal medication. (I always bring at least a week more than I need).
15) Plastic water bottle (steel / aluminum will get very cold).
16) Sunglasses
17) A silk or other type of sleeping bag liner (can buy a very lightweight type) to keep us warm and provide a layer between us and the blankets provided and/or a sleeping bag that weighs little.
18) Flashlight with spare batteries
19) Trekking poles (2).
20) Bathing suit (If you plan to take a dip in Lake Monsarovar!)
21) Your knapsack!
Sleeping bags or blankets will be provided for those who do not have their own. We have been told that parkas can be rented there.
Remember - the above pertains to the 3-day trek.
How to Pack: We can pack a regular suitcase with whatever we think we'll need for the entire journey. Pack comfortable travel clothes (punjabhis are good for women - if you own them), towel, a book and/or journal... There likely won't be many opportunities to wash clothes (although we can hand wash and hang things to dry).
When we leave the hotel in Katmandu, we will leave our suitcases behind, along with all items we won't need for the journey to/from Mt. Kailash. We will be given duffel bags to use for the 10-day journey to the mountain and back. The duffel bags will be stored in jeeps/trucks in our convoy when we don't need access to them.
WE MUST BRING OUR OWN KNAPSACK/SHOULDER BAG to carry what we need for the 3-day trek around Mt. Kailash.
We will NOT have to carry these as we walk. Yaks will kindly lift our burden.
VALUABLES: DO NOT PACK ANY. There are many reports of theft in this region.
Passports, money, credit cards, traveler's checks, cameras.... should be kept with us at all times.
IMMUNIZATIONS - Please see your own physician or go to a Travel Medicine Clinic for information on this subject.
HERBS- We will have more information on the herbs that are recommended to take for high altitude travel in the days to come.
FLIGHTS - For U.S. group flight participants, we will have more information on the flight details in the days to come.
CURRENCY - We will have more information in the days to come.
Here are some useful U.S. websites that Gopal recommends:
The Adhik- extra month has begun today. Please try to do some extra practices as per your time and convenience. Any Vishnu i.e. Rama practices are recommended. Particularly those going to Mt. Kailash surely do extras. Atleast 11 malas daily of OM NAMAHA SHIVAYA along with extra Rama mantras are best.
An excellent time and opportunity to gain extra benefits and expedite the spiritual growth process.
We will arrange for everybody's Nepalese & Tibet/China visas, including the people traveling to Kathmandu on their own.
You will need to secure your own Indian visa if you are traveling on your own to Nikora. We are arranging the Indian visa for "group travelers" who are going to Nikora but NOT for independent travelers who are going to Nikora.
Please be advised that some experts are recommending that people planning to go on the Kailash trip
walk atleast 2 miles every day starting now in addition to longer weekend hikes. Otherwise, be prepared to hire a guide and a horse/Yak for the Parikrama portion of the trip. It could be pretty expensive to rent horses/Yaks. I will post additional information about the costs when it becomes available.
REMINDER - YOUR $3000 KAILASH CHECK (THE REMAINDER OF THE TOTAL COST OF $3500) AND YOUR DOCTOR'S NOTE ARE DUE BY APRIL 15TH. CHECKS MUST BE MADE OUT TO DYC AND MAILED TO JAYSHREE HANDEL.
FOR THOSE TRAVELING WITH THE DYC GROUP, SINGAPORE AIRLINE TICKETS HAVE BEEN RESERVED AND INFORMATION REGARDING PRICING AND PAYMENT DUE DATES WILL BE POSTED WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS. STAY TUNED....
This simple, plain-English handbook was written by the Medex team in order to provide easy access to important information for laypeople travelling to high altitude. It will tell you what you need to know about altitude sickness, frostbite, hypothermia, and much more. You can download a full copy from the medex website by clicking on one of the following links: http://www.altitude.org/travel.htm
The group will depart from Kathmandu, Nepal on Aug 1st for Vadodara(BDQ) via Delhi. We are booking our flights on Jet airways, flight time is 2:40pm, it will reach Vadodara at 7:40pm.
There is an earlier flight from Kathmanduvia Delhi at 9:30am which also reaches Vadodara at 7:40pm.
You can also reach Vadodara via Mumbai.
Ma & Bapuji will stay at Nikora upto Aug 6th. Please plan accordingly. You can depart from Ahmedabad which is nearer Nikora or from Mumbai. Mumbai is farther away but you can get there by train or by flying. More international flights go out of Mumbai than Ahmedabad.
Day 01:(Fri. 16 July) Arrive Kathmandu (1336m) & transfer to Hotel. Kailash briefing at 5:30 pm. Dinner at 8:00 pm. Overnight at Hyatt Regency. Day 02:(Sat. 17 July) KATHMANDU: Visit the Pashupatinath Temple for Pooja & half day sightseeing, Overnight in Hyatt Regency. Day 03:(Sun. 18 July) KATHMANDU: After Lunch packing arrangement for Kailash Yatra, Overnight in Hyatt Regency.
Day 04:(Mon. 19 July) KATHMANDU - NYLAM. (3900m)127kms, early morning start for the Kodari (border) after immigration formalities at the Nepal side you will drive further to Zhangmu. Here also there will be immigration formalities at the Chinese side. From Zhangmu drive further to Nylam for 2 and 1/2 hours. Overnight in Guest House. Day 05:(Tue. 20 July) NYLAM. Rest day for acclimatization. Overnight in Guest House. Day 06:(Wed.21 July) NYLAM - SAGA. (4640m).230 Kms/144miles. Drive to Saga for approx. 09 hours. Overnight in Guest House.
Day 07: (Th. 22 July) SAGA - PARYANG. (4540m).230 Kms. Drive to Paryang for approx. 9 hours. Overnight in Guest House. Day 08:(Fri. 23 July) PARYANG – MANASAROVAR (4700m/15400ft). 240 Kms. Drive to Manasarovar for approx. 7 hours. Overnight in guest house/Tent at Mansarovar. Day 09:(Sat. 24 July) REST DAY IN MANASAROVAR. Offer morning prayers. On this day after lunch you will drive around Manasarovar Lake for 3 - 4 hours for the Parikrama during which you will also visit the CHU GOMPA. Overnight in guest house/Tent at Mansarovar. Day 10:(Sun. 25 July- Guru Purnima): Puja and rest day. Overnight in guest house/Tent at Mansarovar.
Day 11:(Mon. 26 July) MANASAROVAR -ASTAPATH - DIRAPUK. Drive to Astapath for 2 hours. Then trek to Dirapuk for approx. 5 hours.Overnight in Tented Camp (or Guest House if rooms are available). Day 12:(Tue. 27 July) DIRAPUK - ZUTULPUK. Continue Parikarma over Dolma Pass [5650m/18800ft] to Zuthul Puk which might take approx. 8 hrs. walk.Overnight in tented camp (or Guest House if rooms are available). Day 13:(Wed. 28 July) ZUTULPUK – DARCHEN - MANASAROVAR (4700m) Kora ends near Darchen which will take approx, 5 hours walk. Overnight in guest house/Tent at Mansarovar. Day 14:(Th. 29 July) MANASAROVAR - SAGA (4640m). Drive to Saga for app 9 hours. Overnight in Guest house Day 15: (Fri. 30 July) SAGA – NYLAM (3900m). Drive to Nylam for app 9 hour Overnight in Guest House. Day 16: (Sat. 31 July) NYLAM – KATHMANDU. 127 Kms. downhill to Friendship Bridge where transportation waits for the final leg of journey to Kathmandu.Overnight in Hotel Hyatt Regency Day 17: (Sun 1 Aug) FINALDEPARTURE. Transfer to airport for departure. Arrive in US on Tuesday, Aug. 3rd, 10:55am - JFK group; Aug 2nd, 8:30pm - SFO group
The US group departures:
- San Francisco(SFO)group will depart on Wednesday, JULY 14th at 2:05pm from San Francisco International Airport.
- East Coast(JFK)group departs on Wednesday, JULY 14th at 9:25pm from JFK International Airport.
Arrival into Kathmandu:
- Both East coast and West coast groups arrive in Kathmandu on Friday, July 16th at 12:05pm
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Departure from Nepal:
- US groups (not going to Nikora) will depart from Kathmandu on Sunday, August 1st at 1:05pm and arrive in US on Monday August 2nd. JFK group arrives at 10:55am. SFO
group arrives at 8:30pm
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- US group going to Nikora will also depart from Kathmandu on Sunday, August 1st.
We will post details of local Indian portion of the travel shortly.
Ma & Bapuji will stay in Nikora upto Friday, August 6th.
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1) A pair of walking boots for Kailash Parikrama
2) Pair of sport-shoes
3) Woolen pullovers and sweaters
4) Pair of light weight trousers
5) Windproof trousers
6) Sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck
7) Pair of woolen gloves with lining are best
8) Two pairs of thin and two pairs of thick woolen socks
9) Toilet items
10)Camera
11)Towel
12)Soap
13)A book
14)Sunglasses
15)Flashlight with spare batteries
16)Personal medical supplies
17)Wind and sun protection cream and chap sticks
18)A cotton scarf to protect your mouth and nose from the dust.
The majority of people registered for the Kailash trip will be flying as part of our DYC group, from either the East Coast or the West Coast of the US. We have already negotiated a group rate with Singapore Airlines and will let you all know the details of the flights and costs once they are finalized. This message is relevant to everyone planning for this extraordinary trip but it is particularly important for those of you who plan to purchase your own tickets and meet the group in Katmandu. Please hold off purchasing your own plane tickets to/from Katmandu for the time being and read the information in this message.
Due to a recent flight cancellation by Singapore Airlines, we may have to slightly alter the travel schedule. New date to fly out of the USA is July 19th, 2010. Our return flights from Nepal to USA will also be moved ahead by three days. Our previous return date was scheduled for Aug 2nd now it will be Aug. 5th. We will stay overnight on Aug 4th in Singapore on our return flight.
We are working as fast as possible to resolve these issues and will publish the revised schedule on the Kailash blog, at http://dhyanisdisciples.blogspot.com/. Please check the blog frequently from this point on because we will be uploading new information as it becomes available.
On another note: There is an important new Indian travel restriction. Travelers to India are no longer going to be permitted to enter, leave, and re-enter India as they have in the past. There must now be a two-month period between entering/leaving India and then re-entering India. What this means is that it will not be possible to plan to arrive in India ahead of the group, then go to Katmandu and complete the Kailash trip, and then return to India for more travel/visiting in India.
If you are planning to visit India around Kailash trip please read the new regulations. In a nutshell, if you have a travel visa (T visa) then you will need a gap of two months between two consecutive visits to India. More here:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4620.html
Please see below some comments by Lou on how to break into a new pair of hiking boots:
"Firstly, it takes 30 miles of walking to break in a new pair of hiking boots. It would be a good idea to do that before going on a trip like this one. Second, if people plan to purchase their equipment in the USA it should be noted that many things are seasonal. That is, you can buy things like down parkas between October and January after that is is hard to find many items because the shops move on to selling spring time items. Third, there are ways to find good buys online rather than paying full price in stores. Hope you find this info useful."
Critical questions to ask before making the decision:
Question: How much will it cost?
Answer: Roundtrip cost from Nepal-Mansarover-Nepal will be $3,500. This includes Guru Purnima puja at Mansarover. Airfares to and from Nepal are NOT included. For disciples residing in USA, we are working with Singapore Airlines to arrange for a group travel rate. We will provide you with that group code. You may book your flight with Singapore Airlines if you reside in the USA. Rough estimate for roundtrip airfare from JFK Airport on the East Coast and San Francisco Airport on the West Coast of USA to Katmandu, Nepal may be $1,600 and $1,400 respectively. If you are located in Europe or any other country, you will need to arrange for your own air travel to and from Katmandu, Nepal. If you are planning to visit India while you are in the region either before or after the yatra, please note that the above quotes do not cover those costs. The quotes above are strictly for the Mt. Kailash trip.
Question: How did we arrive at the $3,500 trip cost?
Answer: $3,500 is a rough estimate based on information passed on to us by the Indian travel agent. Any unforeseen increase in cost e.g. if the Chinese government decides to increase the visa cost etc will be passed on to the trip participants.
Question: What travel documentation do I need for this trip?
Answer: We will be traveling to two or three countries, Nepal, China and probably India, if you decide on a private trip to Nikora or sight-seeing in India. This means you will need travel visas to all three countries. Please e-mail or fax Jayshree a scanned copy of the first and last, inside page of your passport by January 15th, 2010 to get started with visa process. One important thing to do right away is to check and make sure your passport is valid for six months beyond the proposed date of departure from your home country. In other words, your passport should be valid till January 31st, 2011.
Important Note: You will not have to get your own visas. All visas for trip participants will be obtained by our travel agent in India through the use of the scanned passport pages that you provide to Jayshree
Question: How difficult is the trip?
Answer: This is an arduous trip. Devotion and faith in Guru is a necessary pre-condition but please make sure you understand the strenuous nature of this journey before making a commitment. Taking advice from your doctor and having a good financial situation should be a mandatory part of your decision-making process. You are responsible for your decision. A letter from your physician stating that you are healthy enough to make this arduous trip is required for taking part in this journey. This letter is of utmost importance, especially for people with heart, lungs and blood diseases. We will provide further details regarding altitude heights, how much walking is involved, temperatures etc on this blog
The Chinese government has stopped issuing visas to people aged 70 years or older so if you are in that age group you cannot join this trip.
Question: What is the time schedule?
Answer: All trip participants will arrive at Katmandu by 19th of July, 2010 and depart from Katmandu on 2nd August, 2010. This means US travelers fly out of JFK/SFO airports on 17th July and arrive back in USA on the 3rd of August, 2010 if you are not staying on to travel to Nikora, India. Please see this blog for detailed itinerary
Question: Can I fly on different dates from the rest of the group?
Answer: Yes, but you will need to make those arrangements yourself. You have to be at Katmandu on 19th of July, 2010 to be able to join the rest of the group and similarly on the return trip depart with the group on 2nd Aug, 2010 from Katmandu. If you plan your own itinerary then you might not be able to take advantage of the discounted group airfares which will translate into higher costs for you.
Question: How should I prepare physically for this trip?
Answer: Please consult your doctor before starting a training regime. We will be at high altitudes. Make sure you treat and recover fully from any acute existing medical conditions - especially dental conditions. You should also look into personal travel medical insurance.
Question: Who should be contacted if I have more questions about the trip?
Answer: Jayshree is the registrar for this event, her e-mail address is janahandel@yahoo.com
Question: I have decided to go on this trip and celebrate 2010 Guru Purnima at Mansarovar/Kailash with Ma and Bapuji. What is the next step?
Answer: Please let Jayshree know about your decision. Her e-mail address is janahandel@yahoo.com
Payment timelines are:
1. Aninitial non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your place with the group when you register. Registration deadline is 15th January, 2010. This initial deposit of $500 will be deducted from the total trip cost of $3,500. Please also e-mail a scanned copy of first and last page of your passport by this date to Jayshree at janahandel@yahoo.com or fax a copy to 925.706.9642
2. Payment of $3,000 is due in full by 15th April, 2010 along a letter from your physician attesting to the fact that you are healthy enough to make this arduous trip
Checks should be written to "DYC". The mailing address is:
Jayshree Handel, P.O Box 4161, Antioch, CA 94531.
Please call Jayshree at 860.306.5316 if you wish to use your credit card.
Question: How do I keep up to date with all the new information regarding the Kailash trip?
Answer: We will post new updates on this blog. Please bookmark this site on your web browser.
Question: What personal belongings should I take with me for this trip?
Answer: A pair of walking boots for Kailash Parikrama, another pair of sport-shoes, woolen pullovers and sweaters, a pair of light weight trousers, windproof trousers, a sun hat with a wide brim to cover the face and neck, a pair of woolen gloves with lining are best, two pairs of thin and two pairs of thick woolen socks, toilet items, camera, towel, soap, a book, sunglasses, flashlight with spare batteries, personal medical supplies, wind and sun protection cream and chap sticks as well as a cotton scarf to protect your mouth and nose from the dust. There is a weight limit of 6.8kgs (15lbs) on personal baggage for the pilgrimage portion of the trip. Please check this blog for updates
Question: Should I bring a small bag just for the pilgrimage portion of the trip?
Answer: Yes, a small bag not weighing more than 15 lbs should be brought for the pilgrimage portion of the trip
Question: What services does $3,500 cover?
Answer: 2 nights shared accommodation at a Hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast & dinner included. In Tibet (note: China visa covers Tibet) accommodation will be provided in Guest Houses on full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) basis. Accommodations can be either on twin sharing basis, double, triple or dormitory basis. This depends entirely on the availability of the rooms in the Guest Houses on that particular time and date. The trip cost will remain the same if you get either accommodation. We request that you be flexible regarding this.
The trip cost covers: Transportation in 4 Wheel Drive Land Cruiser, 4 persons in one Land Cruiser, excluding driver and guide, supporting truck for carrying Nepali staff such as cook, Sherpa, helper etc. All trekking equipments, such as 2-person sleeping tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, shower tents, sleeping mattresses, camp chairs and tables, all kitchen utensils and food supplies, Gamow bags ( which are used in case anyone suffers from altitude sickness ) and portable oxygen cylinders. All sightseeing tours with English- speaking Tibetan guide, Yak and Yak driver for client's luggage portage during the Parikarma, permits are also included. Down Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented.
SERVICES EXCLUDED:Mineral water, soft drinks, laundry, telephone calls & all expenses of personal nature, out-of-pocket expenses,Travel and Health Insurance, emergency evacuation, extra charges for hiring porters and other vehicles in between in case of landslides and other natural calamities.
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