ç Om Namah Shivaya SHREE AMARNATH YATRA 2019 Karnali Excursions, Nepal 1 Fixed Departure Date: 28 June-7 July, 2019

Transcription

1 ç Om Namah Shivaya Karnali Excursions Amarnath Yatra 2019 SHREE AMARNATH YATRA 2019 (The Journey to Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram) Fixed Departure Date: 28 June-7 July, 2019 Karnali Excursions, Nepal 1

2 Yatra Overview: The Holy Amarnath Cave of Kashmir is amongst the most holy shrines in Sanatan Dharma. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cave shrine is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir at elevation of above 3,658m/12,000 feet. The Amarnath Cave shrine is claimed to have a history of over 5,000 years, and its legends are part of the Hindu Puranic Tradition. Inside the main Amarnath Cave is found the Amarnath Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva. This naturally formed Ice Lingam grows in size during the months of May through August. During this time, pious people come from around the world for the annual pilgrimage and festival of the Amarnath Lingam. The Amarnath Lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival. According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, Mother Parvati. Within the cave are also two other ice formations that represent Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha. This is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus about 400,000 people visit during the 45-day season coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shravan. Devotees generally take the Pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam, and cover the journey in four to five days. There are two alternate routes to the Amarnath Cave Shrine, the longer and more traditional path from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. For devotees who are unable to make the Pilgrimage on foot, horses and travel assistance are available. Arrangements to ease the journey for the elderly and infirm are available along the Pilgrimage route, provided by charitable organizations. Since Karnali Excursions is one of the first tour agencies in Nepal/India to offer pilgrimages to Amarnath since long time, we have developed a strong, well-organized and spiritually fulfilling experience for those who join us for this holy Yatra. 2

3 Yatra Highlights Darshan of highly revered Amarnath. Pilgrimage at Ma Vaishnodevi and Shiva Khodi in Jammu. Sightseeing in Srinagar including Shankaracharya Temple, Kashmir. Houseboats stay at Dal Lake. Trip Features: Total Duration: 9 nights/10 days Max. Elevation: 3,888m Tour Grading: Moderate to Strenuous Best season: June to July Accommodation: Tourist standard hotel, except basic tented camp in the cave area/panchtarni Tour starts/ends: In Delhi, India 3

4 Day-to-day detailed itinerary: Day 1 (28 June 2019): Arrive at Delhi Airport and transfer to hotel. One of Karnali representatives will receive at the airport and arrange immediate transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hotel Jaypee Sidhartha or similar ones on full board basis. Day 2 (29 June 2019): Fly to Jammu and Drive to Katra. After having breakfast, we will fly to Jammu and drive to Katra. We will spend overnight in K.C. Residency or similar one on full board basis. Day 3 (30 June 2019): Vaishnodevi Darshan. Katra is the base point of Mata Vaishnodevi. Vaishnodevi is 14 km uphill trek from Katra. Doli and horses are available for the trek. We will spend overnight in K.C. Residency or similar one on full board basis. Day 4 (01 July 2019): Day excursion to Shiv Khodi. After having breakfast, we will drive to Ransoo (80 km) and then we will trek to Shiv 4

5 Khori Gufa (4 km). We will return to Katra after visiting Shiv Khori Gufa. We will spend overnight in K.C. Residency or similar one on full board basis. Day 5 (02 July 2019): Fly to Srinagar and transfer to hotel. We will fly to Srinagar and drive to hotel. Today will be our Medical Certificate obtaining day. We will also do a sightseeing tour if time permits. We will spend overnight in Hotel Grand Mahal or similar one. Day 6 (03 July 2019): Morning Sightseeing in Srinagar and Drive to Sonmarg. In the morning, we will do a guided sightseeing in Srinagar and then drive to Sonmarg. We will spend overnight in Thajwass Hotel or similar one. Day 7 (04 July 2019): Drive to Baltal and fly to Panchtarni. We will drive to Baltal and then fly to Panchtarni. It is 6 km uphill trek to Shree Amarnath jee Gufa. We will spend overnight below Gufa in the tented camp or return to Panchtarni if time and situation permits. Day 8 (05 July 2019): Trek downhill to Panchtarni and fly back to Baltal. First of all, we will trek downhill to Panchtarni and then fly to Baltal. It is 3 hours scenic drive to Srinagar and then we will ease at leisure. We will spend overnight at Mahjong Houseboat or similar one. Day 09 (06 July 2019): Fly to Delhi transfer to hotel. We will fly to Delhi and drive to hotel. We will spend overnight at Jaypee Sidharth Hotel or similar one. Day 10 (07 July 2019): Trip concludes and depart for onward journey. Karnali Excursions will provide a vehicle for your airport drop. Yatra Cost: USD 2199:00/person for the entire Yatra Single Supplementary: USD 299:00 5

6 The cost includes: The cost does not includes: Return economy class Delhi, Jammu & Srinagar- Delhi flight fares. Baltal-Panchtarni-Baltal helicopter ride Airport transfers and sightseeing by coach as per tour program in India. Highly experienced, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly tour leader and support crew members from Nepal. Twin sharing accommodation in tourist standard hotels. Pure vegetarian meals during the trip. All present applicable government taxes. Visa Fee for India. Pure personal nature expenses, e. g. tips to guide, driver and support staffs, telephone bills, laundry, alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks and etc. Medical checkup charges. Travel, medical and emergency evacuation charges. Porter, Ponies or Doli charges. Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle malfunctions, flight cancellations, political disturbances and etc. 6

7 Essential Information: 1. Must bring Documents: The most recent and valid passport 4 passport size colour photos 2 photo copies of the most recent and valid passport Cash-less travel and medical insurance policy 2. Flight Details Please send us your flight details as soon as you book your flights. If there are any last minute changes, please notify us immediately by . This is very important as we need to arrange for your airport pickup at Delhi. Please look for Karnali Excursions sign board as you come out from the airport. 3. Passport and India Visa Related Matters: All foreign passport holders require valid Indian visa to travel in India. It is advised to get Indian visa at home by contacting to the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. Indian Passport holders or OCI card holder do not require Visa in India. You must be in possession of a current passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond Feb Remaining Balance and Currency Related Matters: Remaining Balance: The remaining balance to be paid in cash in USD only. Please be informed that unfortunately, Karnali Excursions cannot accept any personal cheques. 5. Additional Funds: It is advised to bring approximately USD 700 OR GBP 500 per person for your personal use during Yatra (to hire a horse, Doli and porter during Yatra, phone calls, bottled and canned drinks, bottled mineral water, to buy souvenirs and etc.). 6. Mandatory Travel Insurance: Everyone must carry a travel insurance, which should cover Emergency Rescue (both by Air and ground), repatriation and medical expenses. Please bring two hard copies of your insurance. When you come to Delhi please handover one copy to our representative in Delhi and keep the 2nd copy with you. 7. Preparation, Health and Medical Related Matters: Although most of the journey will be done by vehicles; it is important that one 7

8 needs to remain in relatively good health. If you have any chronic health conditions, please consult your doctor prior to embarking on this journey. Health Certificate is the mandatory for the Yatra. We will send you the Health Certificate from once you book the Yatra. This has to be filled up by your doctor. In addition to this, there will be further health checkups at Srinagar (as mentioned in Day 05) as Yatra progresses. Medical facilities are available throughout the journey. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. will carry a First Aid Medical Kit and equipment for treating high altitude sickness. Please get some hiking practice and develop a habit of drinking plenty of water. This habit will be extremely helpful to keep you in good health and shape during the Yatra. Stay mentally positive and physically healthy to enjoy the Yatra. Recommended First Aid Medical Kit: Band aids small & big, cotton balls, antibiotic ointment, common cold and cough remedies, allergy care etc. Make sure to carry all the medications that you are taking regularly. Also, get an advice from the doctor about taking your regular medications and being on high altitude. 8. Karnali Staffs: Karnali Excursions recruits well- trained, responsible, and highly competent staffs who have successfully led several trips all over in India, Tibet and Nepal. Each trip is staffed with an experienced and knowledgeable team leader who speaks English and Hindi. Karnali staffs will certainly ensure a pleasant and smooth journey for the group. Karnali Excursions is committed to providing the best and most reliable service for each group for the Journey of a Lifetime. 9. Risk and Liability Karnali Excursions always puts its every effort to ensure that your journey is smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, please be reminded that all programs in India are strictly conducted under the rules and regulations of the Indian Government. Therefore, neither Karnali Excursions nor its Indian Agent shall be held responsible for any changes in the itinerary that might occur due to unavoidable circumstances, including, government restrictions, landslides, road blockades, flooding, snowfall, political disturbances, flight cancellations, illnesses or accidents. Any additional costs that may occur as a result of such circumstances; must be taken care of by the Yatris. 10. Yatra Logistic and Communication Related Matters: Karnali Excursions will arrange a vehicle and representative for airport pickup and transfers. Please provide your flight details so that can make all necessary arrangements accordingly. A reasonable sized duffel bag will be provided to all our participating Yatris at the time of briefing in the evening of arrival day. 8

9 Since you will travel with this duffel bag and daypack, you need to transfer all your stuffs from suitcase into duffel bag. Please remember your duffel bag number. Your suitcase will be stored at the hotel in Delhi until you return from the Yatra. You are advised to keep some snacks and minimal supplies in your daypack for your personal use because your duffel bag will travel separately along with the support truck. WIFI and internet facility is available in Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar. Local SIM Card could be bought in Delhi airport. You are welcome to use home based cell phone, but make sure that India is in roaming coverage area. However, not in all areas during the Amarnath Yatra have good communication facilities, for example: - from Panchtarni to Amarnath Cave. Please bring the adaptor for volts for charging any electrical devices. 11. Important Preparation Tips for a Successful and Memorable Yatra: Get some hiking and breathing practices. Develop habit of drinking plenty of water (at least 3 litres a day). Stay mentally focused and physically healthy for a memorable Journey of a lifetime See you in the Himalayas soon... 9

10 World-wide contact details of Karnali Excursions Head Office, Nepal Hira Dhamala P. O. Box: 5778, Durbar Marg, Ktm, Nepal Office: / Mobile: karnaliexcursions@gmail.com North America 1. Sarla Dave (USA) 4440 E Hartford Avenue, Phoenix AZ Home: (Call anytime) Mobile: sarladave1@aol.com 2. Harish Patel (USA) Home: (Call anytime) Mobile: Sridevi Gayathri Ramesh (Canada) grdiyers.karnali@gmail UK 1. Savi Meghani Home: Mobile: (Call anytime) savi_meghani@hotmail.co.uk 2. Vanita Hirani Home: (Tues-Fri, Call after 4:30 PM) Mobile: vanitahirani@hotmail.com UAE & Middle East Vaishali Thakker Mobile: journeywithvaishali@gmail.com Australia Pushpa Raghwani Mobile: (Week days, after 5.00 PM, Weekend, anytime) 64pushpa@gmail.com 10