Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - Holiest Journey of Lifetime

  
Mount Kailash is the most scared and holiest place and has religious significance in three religions: Hindu, Jains and Buddhists. Mount Kailash standing tall at 22000 feet is the abode of Lord Shiva and his family surrounded by beautiful landscape. It is also stipulated that plenty of mountaineers have tried to climb Mt. Kailash but each one of them have failed, reason for the same is still unknown and a mystery.

                                              Mt. KAILASH YATRA DESCRIPTION

It is believed that one should not miss the chance to visit Mt. Kailash as it is a life changing spiritual journey which is experience by only a thousand of pilgrims every year considering the harsh and unpredictable climate and altitude. It is believed that a visit to this holy place bring good fortune and washes of all the mortal sins of the being. This yatra is completely called as Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.                                   

 It is a difficult trek of Mt. Kailash parikarma due to its higher altitude which takes at least 3 days to be completed. There are two phase of Mt. Kailash yatra- The first one is a divine dip in the holy Lake Mansarovar and Second Parikarma or Kora of Mt. Kailash. The yatra is taken either via land or through helicopter ride. The nature of travel i.e. whether it would be overland or helicopter is advisable by the China authorities. The yatra commence almost every year starting in the month of May till September.  The person who is about to take the yatra has to be physically fit without having any health issues so, that all the formalities of visa are completed without any difficulties

                                                 Mt. KAILASH YATRA ITINERARY

The itinerary for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra depends upon the nature of travel. Most people prefer the helicopter as it takes only 11 days via Kathmandu (01 day of sightseeing at Kathmandu) and 10 days via Nepalganj in comparison to the overland tour of 13-14 days. There is a common passage which one takes for Kailash Manasarovar yatra.                        

The yatra starts from Simikot flying by helicopter to Hilsa and then a drive of 30kms to Taklakot (3900m). Next day from Taklakot we drive a distance of 78kms to reach Holy Mansarovar Lake (4500m). Following day, we take the ritual dip in the Holy Lake Mansarovar and proceed further to Darchen (4560) after a drive of 30kms.

The subsequent day is marked as our first day of Kora/Parikarma from Darchen to Dirapuk (4750m) - a trek of 18kms kms which taken around 4-5 hours via Yamadwar - It is said to be the gateway to the holy mountain.                                                                                                                 

After completing our first day of Kora, the next day i.e. the second and most difficult day of kora begins from Dirapuk to Zuthulpuk (4850m) i.e. 22kms and 8-10 hours of trek via Dolma La Pass through Gaurikund - also known as Lake of Compassion. The coming day is the last day of our parikarma and the end to the holiest journey of our life. Today, the pilgrims will trek from Zuthulpuk for 8kms and after that jeeps/land cruisers will take you to Darchen via Mansarovar parikarma to Taklakot. This embarks the end of our parikarma.

                                       SIGNIFICANCE OF LAKE MANSAROVAR



The word Mansarovar is a Sanskrit word, which is a combination of two words 'Manas' meaning mind and ‘Sarovar’ meaning lake. It is the highest fresh water lake in the world at 4590 meters above mean sea level.  According to Hinduism, this lake was created in the mind of Lord Brahma after which it manifested on Earth. Lake Mansarovar holds a religious significance in three religions i.e. Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. It is believed that taking a dip and drinking the water of this holy lake cleansed one from all the mortal sins.

It is wise for those who have not yet experienced the holiest journey of Kailash Mansarovar yatra to give it a try once in your lifetime as it is eternal ecstasy!

      

Preparation for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (Medical and Physical planning) - 2025 experience of our Guide Lakhpat Sherpa

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has its own significance and sanctity because of the spiritual association; in spite of the unpredictable harsh conditions several thousand enjoy the pilgrimage on this route. The region is located 18000 plus feet above sea level. With our experience we are saying in every group/overall about 50% of the yatris are affected by altitude sickness and nausea. Our small outline and a brief experience could help the pilgrims in better preparing for the yatra since it is a combination of high climb on foot (trekking) and by transport (long drives and uphill tough terrains with huge mountains all around). Here the Group experience Nature managed i.e., unpredictable extreme climate from snowing to frozen atmosphere, with sunlight, harsh wind and even rain are experienced simultaneously, and there is no greenery around. Pilgrim must be optimistic and should plan in advance to combat with the yatra natural shades and our body management system.

 Getting Prepared:

·   Check for a proper acclimatization and minimum relaxation and stoppage so that we are less affected and tour is best planned by a tour operator.

·   We must plan a judicious baggage with appropriate shoes and warm clothes (thermals, sweaters), socks, cap and Jackets.

·   To combat the extreme climate our body must be adjusted so we must start with the morning and evening walk for one hour (wearing proper shoes)  and try Pranayam (under the guidance of trainer). It is advisable to do this 4-6mnths before the yatra in order to set the body system and meticulously combat the tough terrain.

·   Blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride, urea and creatinine, Blood Pressure and ECG must be checked 6 months prior to your trip so that remedy could be devised and yatra could be planned.

·   Develop the habit of taking Multivitamins and these days after checking with the doctor Vitamin D is also essential; Evion 400 & Calcium tablets 180 days minimum prior to your tour. Although there is no such guideline still we suggest so that yatra is conducted peacefully and enjoyed thoroughly with full attention on the mesmerism created by the almighty all around and mission is succeeded well.

·   Pilgrims with the ailments like Asthma or breathing problems, heart problem and high blood pressure, recent injuries, sugar are advised to avoid the yatra until they are fit or guided by the Doctor.

Altitude Sickness

High altitude: 5000ft to 11500 ft

Very high altitude: 11500ft to 18000ft

The way altitude increase , atmospheric pressure decreases where the percentage of Oxygen remains at certain level ; the pressure of the oxygen is slow ; oxygen is thinner; and this leads to altitude sickness, usually most of the pilgrims could climb around 1500-200 m in a day, without any hastle whereas 50% of Pilgrims develop issues  when they touch 3000m. The distance climbs (gaining height), high altitude and rest and improper acclimatization and poor preparation before the yatra (walk etc. as guided above) are the factors and reasons of  Altitude sickness.

High Altitude illness include the following  

1. Acute Mountain sickness

2. High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)

3. High altitude cerebral edema (HACE)

The observant reasons vary from individual to individual, most important is persistent headache Burning or watery eyes, giddiness, dryness in nose and hard to breath, Nose bleeding, and sleep disorder are seen. Fatigue is most easily seen and felt. Gastrointestinal symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, distension of abdomen and nausea.

Threat to life can be observed with the conditions like HAPE the real symptoms are breathlessness when you are at ease or resting, cyanosis (blue tinge in finger tips), persistent coughing, fever and giddiness.

HACE common symptom is irritability lethargy, difficulty in walking (gait impairment), drowsiness, mental status altered, coma and these kinds of conditions oxygen is given to the patient, and sending back to the plains and lower altitude is the only option.  Steroids do help under the guidance of the physician.

Medicines required:

1. Acetazolamide (Diamox)

2. For pain relief – Hifenac (aciclofinac sodium).

3. Anti allergics  – Deslor/Allegra 120

4. Antiemitics – ondansetron - tablet and  injections

5. Anti - diarrhoeal

6. Glucose, ORS, Paracetamol

7. High blood pressure medicines

8. Nasal spray-saline - otrivin

9. Antibiotics are to be carried by doctor’s advice

10.   Sunscreen with SPF 50

 Diamox tablet 250mg minimum should be taken to combat altitude sickness at least once daily from the day we start gaining height and should be better taken in the morning and should be continued unless we return the base. The side affect of this medicine is tingliness affect so we must consume optimum water and combine with multivitamin so that tour is healthy with enough substitutes.

Finally with our experience we say if yatra is meticulously planned with enough of medical care and walk we could enjoy best of the Yatra in full swings and optimum so preparation and is essential and minimum baggage and body temperature consistency is essential. It is essential first you take care of yourselves and be observant of your co yatris so that immediate medical aid could be extended and we conclude the yatra successfully.

(NTP Team leader and Guide experience Lakhpat Sherpa (2015) Kailash Mansarovar Yatra)

Kailash Mansarover 2025 – A visit to the spiritual and holy land of Shiva

Reasons to Visit Kailash Mansarover:

Kailash Mansarover Yatra 2025 has importance among-st the Hindu Pilgrims by virtue of Kailash (a mythological truth) being considered as the Holy land and the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shiva is considered as the Lord who destroys the sins and pave way to the Holy and calm life for the mankind, so for the attainment of solace and clear off its sins mankind find solace by visiting the holy land of Shiva. The Mansarover Lake in proximity holds in-numeral energy with its several attainments and mainly considered as source of several rivers at India and China with several tributaries passing to the various parts of the world. Most important it holds the spiritual power to wash away all our sickness, internal conflict, reverse aging and guide mankind to lead a truthful way of life. Going to Kailash in 2016 after so many turmoil’s like earthquake, bomb blast,  massacres and tremors in the world and threat to mankind with environmental pollution's and reduction of internal strength above all the greed to achieve more and more. A visit would guide the mankind to lead a simple life with no competition and achieve all desirable for the routine life.

Location of Kailash Mansarovara Yatra

Mount Kailash and the Holy lake of Mansarover are located in the Tibet (China) the Himalayan Range of Trans Himalayas. The Mountain has spiritual sanctity among-st Hindus, Jains and Buddhist. Whereas the holy lake of Mansarover with immortal power to wash away all the sins and curse of mankind lies in proximity “The Lake is considered as source of livelihood for the mankind by becoming source of water for the world”.

 

Way to reach Kailash Mansarovara Yatra

Journey to Kailash mansarover can be achieved via Nepal and India or even through the Lhasa since these regions have international airports and there after proceed through road or internal flights/helicopters connecting the region. After reaching the Tibetan belt we clear our Immigration's (Visa and Permits are procured in advance) and enjoy the circumnavigate journey to the region with several magic’s and mythological truths.

Lake Manasarovar, Human Beliefs and Myth

Lake Mansarover holds significance with the Spiritual and Holy Kailash Mansarover Yatra – There is a belief that one holy dip in the Lake abstain mankind from the sins 100 years according to the Hindu Religion. Location of Mansarover (Mapas Yumtso) is strategically located in the South of Kailash and at same of place there are one more Lake Rakshas Tal (Lhanag Tso). These are the highest bodies of water with fresh and pure water. Lake Mansarover is located at the height of 4558 mts. Just 15 metres above Rakshas Tal. Both the lakes are at the distance of 10 km.

 There is a belief once two golden fishes living in the lake started fighting when one started defeating and started running towards Rakshas Tal by digging the ground and thereafter Ganga Chu Channel was formed. The channel converts the salty water of Rakshas Tal to sweet water. Among st these 2 lakes Lake Mansarover holds spiritual significance among-st Hindus and Buddhist. Hindus believe that this lake evolved out of the mental image of Lord Brahma where the Buddhist believe queen Maya took holy bath here before giving birth to Lord Buddha.