KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA/PILGRIMAGE 2014 With Swami Paramananda Saraswati From 3rd Aug to 19th August 2014

Swami Paramananda Saraswati

Mt Kailash

Swami Paramananda performing havan by Lake Manasarovar

Group Foto of Kailash Group 2012 Om Namah Shivaya I thought Lord Shiva had done with me by calling me a second time to him at his abode in Kailash & Mansarovar in 2012. We were a very close knit group of

24 who really enjoyed the whole yatra/pilgrimage together. We had daily satsangs on Jeevan Muktananda Lahiri of Adi Shankara till we reached Kailash. All of us completed the Outer Kora. Not only that 18 of the group went up till Ashtapad and out of that 8 of us did the Nandi Kora by the Lords Grace where we had to climb up to 21000 ft. It was all as if magical. All in all it was a wonderful experience for all of us. Just to share an incident with you all, when we were performing Havan ( fire sacrifice ) at Mansarovar lake, all we had was a piece of tree trunk for wood which the sherpas were cutting into pieces for the havan and at that time as if out of nowhere some people came and offered us sticks of sandal wood and wood of 8 or 10 different varieties. Not only that, after some time one lady came and offered absolutely pure ghee which she had made from the cream from the milk of her own cow. As if this was not enough after the whole havan was over, I was just sitting in meditation and a thought came - that Lord you provided everything for the havan, thank you very much I am very much grateful – how wonderful it will be if I could get some Bilva leaves to offer you! I shunned that impossible thought out of my mind and continued meditating. Lo & Behold, not even 30 second passed someone tapped on my shoulder and said, that “Swamiji I have brought some Bilva leave. I would like to offer them in the havan and you can also take some for offering”. And guess what! I had exactly 108 Bilva

leaves to offer in the havan which I did by taking the 108 names of the Lord. Well I guess the word has spread about our last trip and lot of would be aspirants who are inspired, or have been waiting for the right moment, or had been putting it off for some reason or the other, or want to do the pilgrimage again, have been again and again requesting me if I would take another group this year i.e 2014. Also the more important reason being that this year is that special year which comes in every 13 years cycle and doing a parikrama/kora/going around Kailash in this 13th year is equivalent to doing 12 parikrama's, so it is said and believed by most of the devout Buddhists as well as Hindus. Few of our 2012 group are planning to come again. Lord Shiva made it possible for me in 2002 which was the 13th year and yet again he is organising so that I can be with him. Oh What Grace! Well to all the people who have asked me and others who are interested, and those who want to come again, I have one thing to say and that is we need minimum 15 pax to make this viable which I don't think would be a problem and maximum to 25 pax only. The registration will be finalised only after the initial deposit is received which will have to be deposited by end of Feb 2014.

We plan to be at Mansarovar on the 10th Aug 2014 which is the full moon day. So we all will have to reach Katmandu NEPAL on the 3rd Aug 2014 and conclude on 18th Aug, so we fly out on the 19th Aug 2014. Note: There are a few who want to visit Lhasa which is the capital of Tibet, for them it is possible to do that after the yatra and they will drive from mansarovar to Lhasa instead of Katmandu and after sight seeing for 2 days, they will fly back to Katmandu on the 23rd Aug and fly out of Katmandu on the 24th Aug 2014 . We are also keeping an option of going to Muktinath which we will have to do before the yatra commences i.e before 3rd Aug. Note: We may try to get flight on the the same airline out of melbourne so that we all fly out together. I am working on that. If you are not clear about something, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me by email or mobile given below. please contact me at swamiparmananda@yahoo.com or Mobile: +61- 410698650 in Melbourne, Australia. love...........Paramananda Also check out our photos from our Trip to Kailash in

2012 @ www.swami-paramananda.net Itinerary: August  2014  (  4  Star  Package  )  03: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Eve - Visit Pashupatinath temple for "Aarati" 04: Early morning take Mountain flight and drive to Kurintar to visit Manakamana temple by cable car. 05: After Breakfast - Detail briefing on Kailash Mansarover Yatra. PM – Free for preparation & Shopping 06: Drive from Kathmandu to Nyalamu 175kms 9hrs. 07: Rest at Nyalamu for acclimatization. 08: Drive to Dongba. Stay at Guesthouse / Tent. 09: Drive to Hor Que (east shore of lake Manasarovar). Stay at Guesthouse /Tent. 10: Full moon day. Free for Pooja, Homa, etc. Stay at Guesthouse /Tent. 11: Drive to Darchen taking “parikrama” of Lake Manasarovar. Stay at Guesthouse. 12: Drive to Sersang Valley and start parikrama (Kora) of Kailash on foot. Arrive Diraphuk. Stay at Guesthouse/tented camp. 13: Cross Dolma La and arrive Zutulphuk. Stay at Guesthouse/tented camp. 14: End parikrama and drive to Darchen. Stay at Guesthouse. 15: Drive to Sherlung Gompa (subject to road condition and permit from local authority) and start Nandi "parikrama". Return to Darchen. Stay at Guesthouse.

16: Drive to Dongba. Stay at Guesthouse. 17: Drive from Nyalamu. Stay at Guesthouse. 18: Drive from Nyalamu to Kathmandu. Stay at hotel. 19:  Transfer  to  airport  for  departure  flight.    OR  -­‐  BY  DAYS   Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel. in the evening visit Pashupatinath Temple. Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing, Early morning Mt Everest Flight, Visit to Manakamana Devi Temple and back to hotel. Day 03: After Breakfast – Detailed briefing on Kailash / Manasarovar PM – Free for preparation & Shopping Day 04: Kathmandu to Nyalam 175 km : 9/10hrs drive Before picking up early in the morning from the hotel guests must have the breakfast. Entire crew will assist the group to ease the journey and tour will be started on following the way that leads out of valley only short stop at Dhulikhel for fuel. Before reaching border Kodari Arniko highway will follow different river banks called Sunkoshi and Bhotekoshi that last eventually at the border where is lunch spot and our liaison will process some immigration formalities then tour will continue after crossing Friendship Bridge and few hours driving we will be stopped at Nyalam 3,750m first night of the tour. Day 05: Nyalam: Stay at Nyalam for acclimatization. 3,750m This day is spared for acclimatization which is inevitably obligatory to the clients for further tour. Guest will be acclimatizing on an elevation of 3,750m to fit the remainder of the trip. Our Sherpa guide will decide on after examining the physical strength of the guests whether he/she is fit or not if really not who seemed doubtfully unfit there would be no chance of any objections and no apologize for except renouncing the tour. This would only be the best idea for either parties means Guests and hosts. Day 06: Nyalam to Saga/Dongba: 241 km : 8/9 hrs drive Tour continues gradually climbing up the road at the height of 5,124m locally called La Lulung shortly descends towards western Tibet. Despite difficulty in driving a mighty view of Shisha Pangma 8,012m is spectacular if weather is clear. Additional attractive phenomenal facts are the geographical, cultural, and social diversities, cultural are exceptional case in the modern context of this world. On the route the Bhramaputra River one of the major rivers that flows on the almost deserted land of Tibet irrigating its banks and supplying the drinking waters to those creatures that settles and roves in the propinquity of the river.

Lake Mansarovar is the origin of this river and the scenic environment could be a source of relief to everyone's exhaustation that leads towards another overnight staying destination a modern developing city Saga. Day 07: Saga/Dongba to Hor Que 4,558 m : Road crossing with wondrous valleys, several clean watered rivers, amazing yaks and sheep pasturages, occasional rushing of unexpected nomads, traders on the route tour continues towards the ultimate destination Kailash. A number of marvelous landscapes, snow-capped mountain peaks, sand dunes, and a typical geographical composition on the Tibet land that makes the tour worthwhile. Lake Manasarovar is one of the holiest lakes among others located in the land of Tibet. By following the cosmological concept of Hinduism and Buddhism on four prominent rivers named Brahmaputra, Sutlej, Ganga and Indus it is described the source that is originated with this Lake is proved to be true. You can realize the truth as these rivers starts from this Lake. You can see the astounding face of Mount. Gurula Mandhata 7,728m, Trugo Monastery and Chiu Monastery. Day 08: FULL MOON DAY – Free for Pooja, Homa, etc. Day 09: Manasarovar Lake to Darchen 4,575m 141 km : Early morning manasarovar Kora by Jeep and drive to Darchen. 5/6hrs drive. Rest Day Free day at Darchen by exploring the wonders of the valley of several gods. This is also considered to be another acclimatizing day if again anyone seemed physically unfit for circumambulation Mount Kailash. There will be other options in doing inner circumambulation by a devotional offering to Ausatparvat and Nandi and hiking up to Saptarishi Caves that would be a real acclimatization for further adventure. No other alternatives for those clients who proved to be incapable for continuing tour except keep waiting at Darchen until the arrival of rest members. Day 10: Drive to Sersang Valley and start Parikrama to Dirapuk 4909m: 15km 7/8 hrs After a short drive from Darchen about 4km ending at Tarpuche from where the hiking starts for an encirclement of Holy Mount Kailash. This is the first day of hiking and an opportunity of enjoying the stupas (chortens) and sky burial site of the 84 Mahasiddas. Besides this several rivulets forcibly flowing of white water petering out beautiful cascades, a stunning view of Holy Mount Kailash itself, in the route Chukku Monastery and ultimately day ends at Dirapuk Monastery. This is The first night camping spot. Day 11: Dirapuk to Zutulpuk Monastery18 km 6/7 hrs Day will be counted as hardest one of the tour by crossing of rocky and rockeries trails that ascends to Dolma~La Pass 5,630m. Before crossing this pass there is another important holy place should not be avoided known as Gauri Kunda. After a nice break at the top of the pass we will head down the steep trail to our eventual campsite at Zutulpuk Monastery 4,790m near the cave of miracles where Milarepa

meditated. Day 12: Zutulphuk to Darchen : Ending day of the circumambulation that will last approximately three-hour walk brings back to Darchen. Day 13: Drive to Sherlung Gompa ( subject to road conditions and permit from local authorities ) Start “Nandi Parikrama”. Return to Darchen. Stay at Guesthouse. Day 14: Drive to Saga. Stay at Guesthouse. Day 15: Saga to Nyalam 241km 8/9 hrs drive. Day 16: Nyalam to Kathmandu Nepal/China border and handed over to the Nepalese crew continue driving Back to Kathmandu and drop at hotel. Day 17: Transfer to Airport for departure Cost: US $ 3100 Per person or equivalent in Rupees Book your place by depositing AUD$1000 in National Ausralia Bank or INR 60000 in Hdfc Bank into the a/c given below & please email me the receipt & in description & write your name so we know from whom the monies have come. Bank: National Australia Bank Name: Navin Bhujang BSB No: 083-266 Account No: 56-030-6980 For people living in India, they can deposit a Cash/NEFT into the Bank Account given below: (And Please inform by phone or email me the copy of receipt) Name: Navin Bhujang Bank: HDFC Bank IFSC: HDFC0000328 Account No: 03281010001099

Cost includes: Airport pick up and drop - accommodation in Kathmandu ( 4 stars level tourist standard hotel ) on full Board basis - 1 day full sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley. - Tibet permit and visa, Travel permit - All accommodations in guesthouses and tent during tour. Support trucks, - One Tibetan English Speaking Guide, - Wages, insurance for Nepalese staffs, - Kitchen, camping equipment, - Oxygen cylinder. - Full board vegetarian food during Tibet tour. - Mineral water (Saga-Kathmandu from camping place). - Monastery and sightseeing entrance fees. - Yak and yak men during Kora - Border to Kathmandu transportation (tourist bus). -Gamobag - Expenses for Swami Paramananda - 1 Sherpa for every 4 pax Cost excludes: Travel Insurance, - Medical and emergency rescue charge, - Nepal Re-entry visa fee, - Personal expenses, - Unpredictable circumstance that hinders the tour such as road blockade by landslides, heavy raining, snow falling which causes delay. All Expenses during such condition should be covered by member, - Horse and Horseman for kailash kora US$200 approx & Porters. Rescue cost (in cases of emergency extra cost for Land cruiser rescue and helicopter Rescue) - Tipping for whole crews. - USD $ 150 extra for Inner Kora / Nandi Parikrama IMPORTANT PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION Clothing: Casual wears and comfortable walking shoes are the rule of Tibet . Be sure to bring warm clothing as nights and early mornings can be quite chilly to down right cold. Indian Pilgrims strictly no Sari. Bring all the film, medicine, cosmetics, personal toilet items etc. that you will need from home as these are difficult if not impossible to obtain on the way. A small first aid kit is also a good idea. Also quite useful is a route map, to know where you are going and have been each day. What to take: Winter wear: Gore-Tex material, though expensive, is highly recommended. Down jacket, raincoat or windbreakers, thermal under wears, Jackets, warm trousers & woolen shirts (cotton will also do), warm sweaters, woolen gloves,

sun hat, comfortable shoes, light leather boots in case of snow, woolen balaclava ('monkey cap') & scarf/dust mask to protect your eyes & nose from dust. Bring with you: Snacks along the way. Chocolates, dry fruit, toffees, glucose; 'namkeen' etc. Strong water bottle & water purifying tablets. Personal medical kit and Diamox tablet (for high altitude). Sun glasses (to protect your eyes from UV, which is especially strong in high altitudes). Sun block or sun screen lotion, wet tissues (Fresh-ones are excellent to wipe off the dust), clothes-line/clips, needle & thread, deo-spray (handy for smelly boots/feet and for a round of spray in the toilet tent!), toilet paper, torch & spare batteries, daypack (small shoulder bag), Camera & films, Binocular. Health: This is one of the toughest high altitude road journeys on earth. You Must be physically fit - no two ways about that. Generally patients with asthma & heart problems have a problem acclimatizing to high altitudes. In your interests it is essential you should be examined by your doctor to know about your health condition and your ability to cope up with the rigors of high altitude travel for days in 'no road' conditions, extreme cold, dust, trekking to an altitude of 19500ft during the Parikrama, etc. Altitude Sickness: As you are traveling over high terrain, you are likely to experience symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, loss of appetite, nausea, exhaustion, sleeplessness, breathlessness etc.) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take a couple of days or more depending on an individual. For this reason alone, we have made it mandatory to stay 1 nights at Nyelam (12000ft) before moving on to the higher altitudes. Drink plenty of water, be calm, and do not exercise. Do not drink alcohol or smoke prior to and during the tour. We also recommend you carry a strip of diamox tablets. Do consult your physician on the dosage. We provide Gamow bag (a special equipment to prevent sickness from high altitude) on this tour . Currency: The unit of Chinese currency is Yuan. USD 1 = 6 Yuan. Or AUD 1 = 5 Yuan approx; Money can be exchanged at Bank of China at Zhangmu or from the locals at Zhangmu or Kodari. Exchange all your remaining Yuan at the end of the trip at Zhangmu itself before re-entering Nepal. Its better to carry USD

dollar in cash as we wont have time for encashing travelers cheques or wait for banks to open. Risks & Liability: Tour Organisers. and its associates will put every effort to make your journey smooth and pleasant. However, all the tours in Tibet are conduct strictly under the rules & regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Therefore, Tour Operators. and its counterpart shall not be responsible for any change and alteration in the program due to unavoidable circumstances such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snow, political unrest, and cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurred thereof shall be borne by the clients on the spot. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY & NOTE: MEDICAL 1. If anyone is sick and is not able to proceed with the pilgrimage, no refunds will be given as we have to pay in advance and all other emergency costs they will have to bear personally. 2. Please get yourself inoculated and vaccinated for Tuberculosis and Malaria & Hepatitis. Contact your local doctor to advise you. 3. Everyone must arrive before or on the date specified & If anyone has not arrived, then the whole group will continue on the pilgrimage without that person concerned. 4. Everyone will have to bear the cost of accommodation

if they choose to stay in Katmandu for a few more days for other activities before or after. 5. For People outside India they can Transfer(Wire Transfer) directly into the Bank Account: Name: Navin Bhujang Bank: National Australia Bank BSB No: 083-266 Account No: 56-030-6980 *****************NOTE******************* Please inform me by email or phone once you have initiated the transfer. 6. For people living in India, they can deposit as Cash/NEFT into the Bank Account given below: (And Please inform by phone or email me the copy of receipt) Name: Navin Bhujang Bank: HDFC Bank IFSC: HDFC0000328 Account No: 03281010001099 ******************************************* LETS HAVE A GREAT PILGRIMAGE TO KAILASH MANSAROVAR AGAIN !!! Om Namah Shivaya...............Swami Paramananda Saraswati Email: swamiparmananda@yahoo.com Website: www.swami-paramananda.net Mobile: +61 0410 698 650

 Our  Group  at  Dolmala  Pass  on  the  2nd  day  at  18900  feet  above  sea  level