Guide to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra: Routes, Tips, and Preparation

The goodness of nature in the form of beauty interlinking with sacredness is all about the holy Mount Kailash Tour along with the pristine lake Mansarovar. The tour to Mount Kailash for many people is not just a journey but a symbol of inner peace and satisfaction of both, mind and heart. Mount Kailash, located in Tibet, has been worshiped by people since ancient times, especially Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of Bon each having their own religious significance. Every year thousands undertake the yatra(pilgrimage) to Mount Kailash and the holy Lake Mansarovar, without any doubt, this is one of the most difficult but rewarding treks that anybody can ever go through.

This text will highlight the routes, the basic information, and the preparations needed for a successful yatra of Mount Kailash Mansarovar:

Table of Contents

Overview

The Mountain Kailash has a height of over 6,638 meters. It is referred to as the ‘center of the Universe’. This mountain is considered as the home of Lord Shiva in the faith of Hinduism. In the Buddhist faith, it is known as Demchok, a very influential figure. It is the place of enlightenment for the first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva in Jain faith. Mount Kailash is a holy figure in the Bon which is the native religion to the region of Tibet. Around the corner of this sacred mountain lies Lake Mansarovar, it is reputed as the highest freshwater lake on earth, which offers beautiful views and has profound religious beliefs all over the world.

The Mount Kailash Tour is not just about going on a mountain trek or a regular journey to watch a beautiful lake. It is about reaching out to something beyond this materialistic existence of human existence. The experience is physically exhausting as it is spiritually uplifting owing to the high altitude and rough terrain. There are a couple of essential arrangements that need to be done before you undertake this holy trip including but not limited to studying used routes, organizing your equipment and working your body to the required elevation.

Most Popular Routes to Reach Mount Kailash and Mansarovar:

The right route for the tour depends on several factors, mainly including your location, travel preferences, choices and physical(health) condition. Below are the most commonly chosen routes:

a. Via Kathmandu, Nepal :

The trip is an inland route from Kathmandu to the Tibetan border. In the Journey We can view the picturesque Tibetan Plateau, the views are incredible and remarks as a great start of the journey through the Tibetan landscapes.

Route Details: Starting from Kathmandu – Kodari – Nyalam – Saga – Darchen (Mount Kailash Base Camp)
Travel Duration: In an approx. of 15–20 days, including time for Adjustments and the circumambulation (Kora) of Mount Kailash.
Some Tips for Travelers: You have to stay a few days in Kathmandu, to be familiar with the increasing Altitude if you are especially from the lower altitude regions willing to travel. Adjustment to the altitude is an important tip for every traveler.

b. Via Lhasa, Tibet :

If you are somewhere around Tibet, another beautiful route is through Lhasa. Flying to Lhasa allows travelers to experience Tibetan culture and historical landmarks, some of them are the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, most people tend to visit these holy places before starting the overland journey to Mount Kailash.
Route Details: The route starts from Lhasa – Shigatse – Saga – Darchen
Travel Duration: The duration is Approximately 15-20 days, that includes sightseeing and adjustment time in Lhasa.
Some Tips for Travelers: You have to Stay at least 3 days in Lhasa to adjust to the high altitude. Depending on your physical health, this is crucial for reducing the risk of altitude sickness later in the journey. Making sure all your travel documents and permits are organized through a good travel agency specializing in Tibet tours.

c. Lipulekh Pass : Indian Border Route

This is one of the most sought-after venues by the Indian devotees. The Lipulekh pass remains quite feasible for Indians as it is located on the outer borders of India.This tour is conducted by India in collaboration with the Buddhist region of Tibet. This journey begins in India, passes through Uttarakhand and then crosses the Lipulekh Pass into Tibet. Though this route is shorter in distance, it necessitates a lot of walking where mountains are involved, making it appropriate only for those who are fit enough and ready for the undertaking.

Route Details: The journey starts at New Delhi – Kathgodam – Dharchula – Lipulekh Pass – Taklakot – Darchen
Travel Duration: Duration of travel is around 15 days, including trekking and adjustments to every traveler.
Some tips for Travelers: This is a physically demanding route, the pilgrims need to have a high level of fitness.Make sure all necessary permits from Indian authorities are in order well in advance.

Some of the Preparations Necessary for Successful Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Tour

Needless to say, not just the itinerary but perfect preparation for the tour is important too. Because of the location of the tour high above sea level and miles from any cities, some mental as well as physical planning is needed.

a. Fitness and simple acclimatization

The altitude of both Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar is greater than 5000m (16400feets). There is very little oxygen at such heights which may lead to altitude sickness. So, physical preparation is a must. It is best to develop a habit of doing aerobic exercises, trekking and weight lifting about 3 months prior to the journey.

Adjustment is also important. It may be appropriate to rest for 2-3 days at other high places like Kathmandu before reaching the trekking location to reduce the stress on oxygen deficiency. Move slowly and do not overexert yourself for the first couple of days and hydrate yourself fully. Serious symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness, among others should not be ignored; one can even consider getting altitude sickness pills like Diamox.

b. Packing the Right Stuff:

The climate at high mountain altitudes is erratic and the tracks can be treacherous. Weather formations can’t be predicted with certainty; thus, every piece of traveling gear must be properly organized and planned beforehand.

Clothing and Footwear: It is very important to pack thermal layers, rain jackets, woolen hats, gloves, including anything that protects you from extreme cold.The temperatures drop, mostly at night. A good pair of waterproof trekking boots with ankle support is a must for the rugged paths and rocky terrain.
Medical Supplies: A kit of primary first-aid, altitude sickness medication, and personal medicines are a must. It is also good to have antiseptic creams, band-aids, and other health supplies.
Miscellaneous Items: Sunglasses, sunscreen (the sun is extremely strong at high altitudes), snacks for energy, water bottles, and temples offer spiritual things.

Source: https://www.exploreinnepal.com/mount-kailash-tour-from-nepal/

c. Permits and Documentation:

Permits are needed for entering the premises of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar as they qualify as a part of Tibet. The tourists must get a Chinese Visa and a Travel Permit which is usually arranged by the agencies to be able to access Tibet. Passengers coming from India via the Lipulekh Pass must present their permits granted by the Indian government, too. The border would be smoother if you had all your papers ready weeks before your trip.

Practical Tips for a Safe and Successful Tour:

There are some extra points to be added that can make your trip safer:

Hydration and Diet: The high altitude may drain water from the body of the person. For this reason, the recommendation is to drink a minimum of 3-4 liters of water each day. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided since they can make your sickness worse if caught by altitude sickness. Eating light yet nutritious food makes it easier to retain energy.
Respect Local Traditions: Mount Kailash is a holy place, so, one should not forget about this. Local people should be treated nicely, and religious practices should be followed without violating their dress code. Don’t throw the trash around as it is essential to conserve the nature of the area.
Travel in Groups: Always travel in groups if you are looking forward to traveling to Mount Kailash. Solo traveling is not preferred. Your risk of being stranded gets higher.
The Right Time to visit: Due to the vast landscape of Kailash Mountain and weather conditions, not all months are suitable for traveling. May- September is the perfect time for this trip. The weather during this time tends to be on the cooler side, the roads are usually safe to travel. The winter season is harsh when the temperatures can get extremely low, furthermore, the area may be closed to travel as well.

Spiritual and Scenic Experiences During the Tour

The holy Mount Kailash tour isn’t only about the destination you reach; it is mostly about a memorable journey. The “Kora” (or circumambulation or a round taken by pilgrims) around Mount Kailash is the main part of the travel, which involves a 52-kilometer trek that many believe cleanses one’s karma. The trek includes the high-altitude Dolma La Pass.The journey is difficult but gives the trekkers extraordinary views of the snow-capped peaks and makes them feel the spiritual energy present in the place. Most pilgrims complete the “Kora” in three days, although some finish the route in one day as a sign of devotion and endurance.

Lake Mansarovar with its pristine lake is another highlight of the journey, the most holy water. The pilgrims typically do a dip, believing it to be a cleanser of sins and a purifier of the soul. The serene and untroubled nature around the lake offers a perfect place for meditation and gratitude, the moment when Mount Kailash’s reflection on the water is seen, every moment of the trek will feel worth it.

Conclusion:

The Mount Kailash journey uplifts us spiritually, it is packed with adventure, and a wonderful experience with the surroundings. Whether you are in search of spirituality, a physical challenge, or just a visit to one of the most sacred places in the world, this yatra will prove to be a life-changing one for you in a very profound way. The trip can be started safely if one exercises utmost prudence, makes the right preparations, and treats the place with great reverence and sanctity. The journey itself is the foremost reason to travel. The journey is a dual process that involves transformation on the spiritual and physical planes and reaching the goal. The Mount Kailash tour isn’t solely about the destination; it also is about a journey that will be memorable.

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