The word Kailash Mansarovar itself is enough to awaken the inner desire of any pilgrim and the adventurer in all of us. Mount Kailash is located in the remote area of Tibet, in the Trans-Himalayan Region, is the home of Lord Shiva, Lake Mansarovar is said to possess tremendous spiritual energy, pilgrims from all over the world, great seekers of this spiritual energy, make this pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar to connect both. There are different ways to do the pilgrimage, but I recommend taking the 14-day Yatra by road, as this allows pilgrims to truly connect with the changing landscapes and experience the spiritualism of the journey.
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The Mystical Allure: Why Kailash Mansarovar?
Mount Kailash holds immense significance for Hindus; it is seen as the cosmic axis, the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the source of four of the major Asian rivers. Buddhists see the mountain as the home of Demchog (Chakrasamvara), a furious deity; beside it, Lake Mansarovar is linked with Maya, the mother of Buddha. Jains view it as the site where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdeva, attained nirvana. This deep spiritual meaning combined with unmatched beauty makes the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra a trip of a lifetime.
The 14-Day Road Expedition: An Overview
A standard 14-day program for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra usually starts in Kathmandu, Nepal. After acclimatization and spiritual preparations in Kathmandu (visiting Pashupatinath Temple and Budhanilkantha, etc.), it is an overland travel program to the Nepal-Tibet border at Kyirong (Kerung).
The drive through the Himalayan ruggedness is an adventure in itself and provides amazing views while gradually elevating to the higher parts of the earth. The stops on the Tibetan side usually are Saga (for acclimatization) before visiting the majestic Lake Mansarovar, where we see pilgrims take holy dips and perform puja, and often complete a circumambulation of the sacred lake (parikrama) by vehicle.
The real highlight is the Mount Kailash Kora (parikrama) which is the circumambulation of the holy mountain that is typically undertaken as a strenuous, 52-kilometer trek typically spread across 3 days, taking the pilgrims through valleys and over the challenging Dolma La Pass (5,630 m or 18,471 ft), as well as significant religious sites such as Dirapuk and Zutulpuk. The North Face of Kailash from Dirapuk is stunning and the image will always remain in your mind. After finishing the Kora, the return would follow the same route back to Kathmandu.
Best Time to Embark
Typically, the best time to take the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by road is between May and October. There is a good chance of a milder environment and passable roads (as most of the snow and ice would have melted). While July and August are technically part of the monsoon season, the rains can often be infrequent and accompanied by a unique mistiness. Some pilgrims also like to do Kailash Kora in “Horse Year” (the next is 2026) and Mansarovar Kora in “Goat Year” (2027) as these are considered particularly auspicious years in Tibetan belief.
Challenges and Preparations
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is extremely difficult because of its high altitude and hostile terrain of the Tibetan Plateau. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is also taken very seriously, so acclimatizing is necessary. The extended hours spent on the road, often for days, can be exhausting since roads are often one-way and winding.
Also, expect limited basic accommodation and medical facilities in the back country.
Preparation is key:
Physical Fitness: Engage in cardiovascular exercises, brisk walking, jogging, and strength training (squats, lunges) for several months prior.
Medical Check-up: Consult your doctor for a thorough medical examination, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. Discuss altitude sickness medication with your physician.
Acclimatization: Choose an itinerary that includes sufficient acclimatization days at higher altitudes. Listen to your body and avoid overexertion.
Packing Essentials:
Clothing: Layered clothing is crucial due to varying temperatures. Include thermal wear, fleece jackets, a good quality down jacket, and waterproof/windproof outer layers.
Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential, along with extra pairs of wool/synthetic socks.
Medical Kit: Carry personal medications, a comprehensive first-aid kit with pain relievers, antibiotics, blister treatment, and altitude sickness medication.
Essentials: Sunglasses with UV protection, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, headlamp with extra batteries, a good quality sleeping bag, dry bags, and a water purification method.
Spiritual Items: Prayer beads, incense, a small idol (optional), and a container for Mansarovar water.
Permits and Visa: Indian passport holders require a Chinese Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit, which are typically arranged by authorized tour operators. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
Cost and Logistics
The price of a 14-day Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by road for Indian Passport holders can be between approximately INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,50,000 per person in 2023, depending on the specific tour operator, group size, and what services are included. This typically includes visa and permit fees, transportation (AC coaches/jeeps), accommodation (mostly basic guesthouses on Tibetan side), vegetarian meals; and services for guides and support staff (cooks, porters/yak men for the Kora). It is important to remember to carry cash for personal expenses, pony/porter charges during Kora, and in case of any emergencies.
A Journey of Inner Exploration
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by road is, above and beyond an unmissable physical challenge as well as a logistical challenge, an incredible journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. There are long distances of solitude yet to be traversed, profound astonishment at the sight of Mount Kailash, innumerable vast open landscapes, and the lake of Mansarovar itself in its beauty and tranquility that invites inward reflection and peaceful contemplation. Adi Kailash Mansarovar is an experience beyond expression that leaves the pilgrim with overwhelming peace, faith, and life changing memories.
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