IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Transcription

1 2016 Ubiquity University Mt. Kailash Kora IMPORTANT INFORMATION EMERGENCY CONTACT Travel delay to join the tour in Kathmandu: Tour leader Jeremy Ball will have his Australian iphone with him and will be able to pick up s and phone calls. Dial and you may also contact Transformational Tours office in Australia to have your the message relayed If separated from the group in Kathmandu or Lhasa: As well as Jeremy s Australian mobile we will provide you with the phone numbers of our hotels and our local guides mobile numbers on arrival. For family members and loved ones: There will be parts of the tour (around Kailash) that are very remote and outside of mobile reception. Please give your loved ones the Transformational Tours office number in Byron Bay, Australia to contact in case of an emergency at home. The information will be immediately relayed to the relevant guide / hotel for where the group is at that time. Transformational Tours (in Australia ) ARRIVAL INFORMATION Fly into Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal on Friday 5 August On arrival please obtain your Nepal double entry visa, clear immigration customs then collect your luggage and clear customs. On leaving the airport you will be greeted by our representative holding a Ubiquity University/Transformational Tours poster with your name on it. The driver will bring you directly to our hotel, approximately 20 minute drive. A tip of $USD1/2 or equivalent for the driver would appreciated. If for any reason the driver is not there (it has not happened yet) please contact our hotel (details below) or Jeremy Ball. International flights arrive into Tribhuvan airport at various times throughout the day, some late evening. Should your flight arrive late in the evening, or if Page 1

2 you have had a long travel time to get to Nepal or you just want to get in early and relax, we recommend you arrive a day or two early and have some extra time to unwind in Kathmandu (before flying to Tibet) and staying in our hotel excellently placed beside Bodhanath stupa. Whatever day you fly in we will arrange a driver to collect you. Please book additional nights through us. Additional nights are $USD150 single, $USD160 twin/double per night including breakfast and airport pick up. Hotel Tibet International, Boudha, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; Phone VISAS Please ensure your passport is valid until at least 10 February 2016 (6 months from date of entry to Tibet). Also please make two photocopies of the main page of your passport and of the visas when you have them, one to be carried by you (separate from your passport) and one to be carried by Jeremy Ball. Nepal Visa A tourist visa to enter Nepal is issued on arrival at Tribhuvan airport. Once you disembark your flight you will be ushered through to a hall where first a Nepal entry visa will be issued in your passport before you clear immigration. Obtain a 30-day DOUBLE entry with $USD40 paid in cash, to save time and money when we return from Tibet to Nepal later in the journey. Please ensure you have US Dollars before boarding your flight to Kathmandu. Tibet Visa Permits for entry to China and Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) will be obtained by our agent in Kathmandu. We will collect your passport on arrival at the Hotel and during the two day program in Kathmandu the visas will be issued in time for our flight to Lhasa, Tibet. If you may have been listed by the Chinese government for political activity in support of autonomy for Tibet, please let Jeremy know as soon as possible. Also please see the CHINESE SECURITY section below for the important warning about images of and literature about the Dalai Lama which are not to be anywhere in your luggage. Page 2

3 MONEY You will be using two currencies during the trip: Nepalese Rupee (NPR) while in Kathmandu $USD 1 ~ NPR 100 $USD 100 ~ NPR 10,000 $USD 500 ~ NPR 50,000 Chinese Yuan (CNY) while in Tibet $USD 1 ~ CNY 6.5 $USD 100 ~ CNY 650 $USD 500 ~ CNY 3,250 Nepalese and Chinese currency is difficult and expensive to obtain overseas, it can be withdrawn from ATMs and money exchangers inside each country. Additional Cash Required During the Pilgrimage: Anticipated expenditure will be $USD in Kathmandu and $USD in Tibet plus a tip kitty contribution of $USD250 per person. In total I estimate $USD This is with limited souvenirs so if you are a big shopper bring more, there will also be the opportunity to donate to make offerings at monasteries and to monks and lamas which I am sure many of you will give generously, please bring extra funds for this. Credit Cards: VISA and MASTERCARD are widely accepted in Kathmandu and Lhasa at the larger restaurants retail outlets. AMEX is seldom accepted. Cash: Most of the places you ll dine and shop will only accept cash. US, Australian, European and UK currencies are easily changed with US being the best, whilst Canadian and New Zealand less so and if so with poorer exchange rates. I recommend regardless of your home currency that you carry at least $USD500 cash from your home country, $USD250 to go to the tip kitty, $USD40 for Nepal VISA and $USD210 as a reserve. If you do not live in the United States you can obtain the $USD cash from your home bank or draw or change it at your home airport prior to departure. NOTE: In Asia banks do not accept US Dollars with even the slightest tear, therefore shopkeepers etc will not accept these notes as they are worthless. Ensure that the foreign currency you bring is in perfect order and carefully look after the notes that you bring. Bank or Travel Card: For the remainder of your expenditure you may draw from your bank card or travel card as long as it has VISA or MASTERCARD linking. ATMs will be available in Kathmandu and Lhasa only. Bring cards for two different accounts in case one does not work or gets swallowed. Remember to inform card issuing banks where you will be traveling to so they don t cut off your account. Of course you may choose to travel with enough cash to cover the whole journey, in which case bring $USD, $AUD, EURO or GBP. Page 3

4 Traveller s cheques are difficult to change and not recommended. Meals: all breakfasts, 10 lunches and 7 donors are included in the tour price. The other meals will be paid for by tour participants. Expect to spend $USD5-10 for a filling meal in a simple to moderate restaurant. TIPS A tip kitty of $USD250 cash will be collected from each tour member to be distributed to our guides, driver, cooks and porters during the tour and especially for the kora. Please ensure you bring $USD for the tip kitty as it is easiest for our staff to exchange and be sure that notes are in perfect condition. SECURITY Whilst Nepalese and Tibetans are generally very honest it pays to take sensible precautions with your valuables, as much from potential loss as pickpocketing. It is a good idea to have a waist wallet under your trousers and a neck wallet under your shirt and to split your bank cards and money between the two, so that if one goes missing you have a back up source of funds. Whilst in Kathmandu your passport will be handed over to our agent to process the visa for Tibet. Whilst in Tibet you will need to have your passport on you at all times (best is in the neck pouch) unless it is with our Tibetan guide for registration purposes, which will happen several times along the journey. Please make two copies of the main page of your passport and of visas, one to keep with you separate from your Passport and one to give to Jeremy Ball. It is prudent to travel with minimal jewelry to minimise loss, damage and theft. A cheap travel watch is a good idea. And to keep cameras securely, including hidden whilst not in use. CHINESE SECURITY - IMPORTANT! In China it is forbidden to carry an image of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. It is usual to have bags searched on entry and for Chinese security personal to leaf through books, read letters and even check images on digital cameras. If someone is found to have an image of the Dalai Lama, or literature deemed to be revolutionary, it is most likely they will be denied entry to the TAR and usually the whole group is turned back. In which case we will lose everything invested in the tour. If a similar issue arises once we are already in Tibet our tour could immediately be ended and us forced to return to Kathmandu. Page 4

5 Therefore: Please leave all your images of the Dalai Lama at home (Chinese border security have been known to mistake images of other Lamas for the Dalai Lama). Please bring minimal books including guide books since we will have very little time to read especially whilst in Tibet. Books for reading on the international flight can be left in Kathmandu. Even with your journal / diary, it would be a good idea to have a blank one saved for Tibet so the border guards are not tempted to read your diary to check what you have written. And ensure you have no incriminating photos on your digital camera cards. Bring blank ones for Tibet and leave all others at home or in Kathmandu. It is almost certain that we will be observed by Chinese security whilst in Lhasa and Shigatse; followed, rooms tapped, perhaps rooms entered and journals read, phone calls definitely listened to. So it is very important that we do not have conversations that could get the group or even more importantly our guide in trouble. Consequences for guides are very severe. This continues when we get home: do not post on social media images or comments that could get or guides or drivers in hot water. We should even be cautious with our s. The Chinese secret service is well known for monitoring and accessing accounts. This will be discussed in more detail prior to departure and during our orientation meeting in Kathmandu. CLIMATE We will be in two distinct climate zones, the hills of the Kathmandu valley where the hot Indian plain meets the Himalayan foot hills and the high flat Tibetan Plateau, getting higher and starker as we head West from Lhasa to Kailash. Kathmandu Kathmandu sits in a flat valley at about 1400 metres (4,600 feet) above sea level, lower than most people expect. The foothills of the Himalayas, that we will see on a clear day, begin to rise at the edge of the valley but we will not travel there, the highest we will go whilst in Kathmandu, is to some temples and monasteries just under 2000 metres (6,500 feet). August is the end of summer and just coming out of the monsoon when almost all the year s rain falls. Daily temperatures will average C (66 82 F), relative humidity will be around 83% with rain expected on 2 out of 3 days. Page 5

6 Lhasa The temperature from Lhasa through to Kailash will be much the same, with average temperatures dropping slightly as we travel west to higher elevations but the sun often feeling hotter as we move higher in the sky. August is generally the hottest and rainiest month on the Tibetan plateau with average daily temperatures for Lhasa ranging 9 21 C (48 70 F), expect a lower relative humidity of 72% and rain 1 day in 3. And when it does rain in Lhasa it is less heavy than Kathmandu, an August average of 122mm versus 600mm for Kathmandu, most of the rain falling on the Southern side of the Himalayas. Weather on the kora and especially through the pass, at 5,800 metres above sea level and exposed, is a rule unto itself. We will come prepared for blizzards and hope for fine clear days. MEDICAL INFORMATION Letter of fitness: As our pilgrimage to Kailash is a robust journey, with travel at high altitude, a strenuous trek and other potential stresses to mind and body, we require that each pilgrim obtain a letter (specify credentials of author) that they are fit to travel to and trek at high altitude (for those not going through the high altitude Dolma La pass, the kora trek will of course be less physically strenuous). Please take this information as a guide only and consult your healthcare expert. Our team will carry a full first aid kit plus oxygen bottles and be trained in basic first aid. However, we are traveling to a very remote area and hospitals in Lhasa and Kathmandu are very basic by Western standards. We therefore recommend that you take medical precautions before you come and bring a basic first aid kit including pain and gastrointestinal medicines plus sterile needles and syringe (please pack in checked-in luggage). Medical insurance: We require that all tour members provide us with a cover note for a valid travel insurance policy including comprehensive medical repatriation, so that in the case of an emergency we can arrange for you to be flown overseas for hospital treatment where appropriate. Malaria: Whilst the Southern steamier parts of Nepal are endemic for Malaria, the higher altitude of Kathmandu is considered a very low risk, especially for tourists staying for short periods and in comfortable accommodation. Tibet s altitude is too high for mosquitos to live and therefore no risk of malaria. Page 6

7 Vaccinations: Toilets and sanitation in general are a lot lower in quality in Kathmandu and Lhasa than in Western countries and in the remote areas on the way to Lhasa some of the toilets will be horrific. Refuse is also poorly discarded so the risk of hepatitis and tetanus is higher than back home. In Tibetan rural areas wild and semi wild dogs run amok not only causing loss of sleep at night but also spreading rabies, therefore it is recommended that your inoculation for rabies is also up to date. Gut / digestion: Cooking sanitation has greatly improved in Kathmandu and Tibet and most of the places we will eat will have good standard kitchens. On the kora we will be bringing our own cooks to ensure cleanliness. However we will eat at some very basic places and coming into contact with some germs is unavoidable. Some simple recommended precautions are as follows: Bring toilet paper / tissues and keep in your pocket at all times Bring dry wash / hand sanitiser and use after the toilet even if there is a basin to wash hands (tap water will not be clean) Use the hand sanitiser before each meal Only drink filtered or bottled water Only eat uncooked fruit and salads at restaurants where our guides tell us Only eat meat at verified restaurants. (it is common for Tibetans, who normally love meat, to abstain from meat during pilgrimage) Prior to the pilgrimage boost your gut flora by taking plenty of friendly bacteria and bring capsicum tablets or similar to support digestion Altitude: We breathe in oxygen from the atmosphere and our body transfers it into the red blood cells which transport it throughout the body to produce energy in all of our cells. At sea level oxygen makes up about 20% of the air, being a relatively heavy gas as we rise in altitude the density of oxygen in the air reduces. Altitude in metres Alt. in feet % of Oxygen Location % sea level % Kathmandu % Lhasa % North Face % Dolma La Page 7

8 As you can see from this chart, Lhasa has about 1/3 less oxygen in the air than most of us are used to and the high Dolma La pass about half. More important is the highest place we will sleep: the North Face has just under half but by the time we reach there we will have mountain lungs. As you can imagine it takes the body some time to regulate its systems to accommodate the different levels of oxygen. The good news is that between metres, once the body has adjusted it actually runs at its healthiest. The World Health Organisation (WHO) studied health at different altitudes and found that between metres the body runs better, due to the level of oxygen in the body it naturally goes from acid to alkaline yielding a stronger immune system and all round better health. Above 5000 metres the oxygen level gets too low and the body begins to slowly deteriorate. Once you have acclimatised you will almost certainly feel healthier and able to testify to the WHO report but to do so requires a gradual process. Even Tibetans who have lived in the West need to acclimatise before returning to their mountain villages. Important factors for acclimatisation are: Be well rested before flying to altitude (hence 3 nights in Kathmandu) Complete rest your first day (we insist on room rest the first day in Lhasa) Sip plenty of water (your body uses more water to metabolise the lower levels of oxygen and the high altitude air is drier) Avoid diuretics like black tea, coffee, coca cola etc Take the first 3 days easy, slowly extended yourself each day (we remain in Lhasa for 4 days, slowly increasing the exertion level) Only raise sleeping level maximum of 500 metres per day thereafter Remain calm. Sleeping and eating a lot is good too. Having lead many pilgrimages to altitude in the Himalaya s, Andes and Africa I can attest to the success if this method. Precautions: Bottled oxygen will be on hand throughout our time in Tibet should someone suffer from altitude sickness. If symptoms are mild we will not use oxygen as this slows down acclimatisation. It will be used in a medium severity case. In the unlikely event of severe symptoms we will at first opportunity take the patient to a lower altitude or evacuate. There is an altitude sickness hospital in Lhasa. In guiding hundreds if people to altitude I have not come close to needing to do this. All those that followed the guidelines adjusted quickly and well. Page 8

9 Diamox: Diamox is a drug in tablet form that assists the body in metabolising oxygen. I have found from personal experience diamox works very well, with only mild side effects (tingling in extremities, lighter sleep and peeing more). If you follow the guidelines for acclimatisation above you shouldn't require this. However, if altitude is a big concern for you it can take a weight off your mind. If you decide to take diamox you need to continue taking it until you return to the altitude you began taking it, e.g. take diamox in Kathmandu before flying to Lhasa and continue until leave Tibet; be sure to bring enough diamox to last 21 days. Diamox can be obtained by prescription from your doctor or over the counter in Kathmandu. If you plan to take diamox please speak to your doctor to check that it is suitable for you and does not react with any other medication you may be taking. RECOMMENDED READING Tibet s Sacred Mountain: The Extraordinary Pilgrimage to Mount Kailas by Russell Johnson and Kerry Morgan The Mount Kailash Trek: Tibet s Sacred Mountain and Western Tibet by Sian Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons The Power Places of Central Tibet: The Pilgrim s Guide by Keith Dowman My Land, My People by Dalai Lama XIV A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life by Santideva, translated by V.A. Wallace and Alan Wallace INVESTMENT - PILGRIMAGE LOGISTICS FEE & TUITION We consider the following to be your investment, and the return on your investment to be a transformational learning experience: LOGISTICS FEE The primary pilgrimage logistics fee is $USD 6,950 for twin or double accommodation throughout, net of bank / PayPal transfer fees. Double Occupancy roommate: If you do not have a traveling partner and would like to twin share a twin room we will allocate the next single person of the same gender as your room mate, if we are unable to find you a room mate you will be liable for the single supplement cost. Page 9

10 A single supplement option is possible for an additional $USD 750. The single supplement guarantees single rooms for our 11 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (5 nights), Lhasa (4), Shigatse (1) and Gyantse (1). During the kora and in remoter areas our accommodation will be simple shared rooms with several beds in each, with men and women in separate rooms. ACADEMIC CREDIT Ubiquity University graduate students can receive academic credit through the Wisdom School of Graduate Studies. There will be the Wisdom School s USD $200 per credit Tuition (same as charged for Independent Studies). You may choose to earn either 4 or 8 credits, and should contact Dean of Students Judith Yost to discuss reading and writing requirements in each case. Register on the Mt. Kailash Syllabus and pay Logistics Fee on the Logistics cover page. Ubiquity University Undergraduate students register on the Mt. Coolish syllabus. If seeking academic credit at the BA level please contact Director of Admissions Constantina Clark about Registration and tuition options. Non-Students or Auditors register on the Mt. Kailash syllabus and pay on the Logistics cover page. INCLUDED Airport pick up on arrival at Kathmandu airport for start of the tour All visas and permits for entry to Tibet Autonomous Region and Kailash Flight Kathmandu to Lhasa Kailash Trekking Permit Emergency oxygen in vehicles and on kora Entrance fees to all sites included in the itinerary Meals stipulated on the itinerary, 40 in total: all breakfasts ~ 23, lunches ~ 10, dinners ~ 7. Page 10

11 23 nights accommodation as per the itinerary: Kathmandu 5 nights in 4 star hotel; Lhasa 4 nights in 3 star hotel; Gyantse 1 night in 2 star hotel; Shigatse 1 night in 3 star hotel; Saga, Darchen, Manasarovar and Tingri 8 nights in simple accommodation, kora 4 nights in tea houses / tents all twin share unless single supplement is paid) (if not completing kora 2 nights in tents replaced by simple accommodation in Darchen.) Transport in Kathmandu and Lhasa by air-conditioned bus Tents and sleeping matt for the kora Yaks to carry luggage for kora Expert local guides in Kathmandu, Tibet and for Kailash Kora Spiritual teaching and guidance from Jim Garrison and Andrew Harvey Tour accompanied by Jeremy Ball of Transformational Tours throughout NOT INCLUDED International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal Nepal double entry visa Airport transfer to Kathmandu airport at end of the tour Tips for guides, drivers, cooks and porters ($USD250 collected per pilgrim for kitty) Meals not stipulated in the itinerary (12 lunches and 17 dinners) Casual tips to hotel porters and restaurant staff Entrance fees to places not mentioned in the itinerary Personal travel insurance to include medical repatriation Personal trekking equipment Personal expenditure on drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc Extra nights accommodation in Kathmandu at the start or end of the tour Unexpected expenditure in the event of forced change of travel plans Page 11

12 INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM YOU Transformational Tours requires colour scans or good quality colour photographs of the following: Doctors letter, stating fitness for the journey Travel insurance cover note Passport information page International flight itinerary Plus: Completed tour release (completed online) Page 12