How to Plan Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - Travel Tips & Guide

Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, located in the Tibetan Plateau, hold profound spiritual significance and natural beauty. Embarking on the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage yatra is a transformative journey that attracts thousands of pilgrims and adventure seekers annually. This comprehensive guide covers the best time to visit, how to reach the sacred sites, and essential tips to ensure a successful and enriching pilgrimage.

Best Time to Visit Kailash Mansarovar

The best time to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is influenced by weather conditions, accessibility, and personal preferences. The ideal seasons are spring, summer, and autumn, each offering unique experiences:

Spring (April to June)

• Weather: Pleasant, mild temperatures, clear skies.
• Advantages: Less crowded than summer, making it ideal for a tranquil pilgrimage.
• Nature: Blooming flora, adding to the scenic beauty.

Summer (July to August)

• Weather: Warm temperatures, occasional rain.
• Advantages: Peak tourist season with vibrant local festivals.
• Crowd: More visitors, which might affect those seeking solitude.

Autumn (September to October)

• Weather: Crisp air, clear skies, mild temperatures.
• Advantages: Similar to spring, with fewer tourists than summer.
• Scenery: Stunning autumn landscapes, providing a peaceful environment.

Winter (November to March) is generally not recommended due to extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and the closure of many routes.

How to Reach Kailash Mansarovar

There are several routes to Kailash Mansarovar, with varying degrees of accessibility and travel experiences. The main starting point for the Yatra is Kathmandu, Nepal.

From Kathmandu, Nepal

Rashuwagadhi Route (Currently Open)

• Route: Kathmandu → Dhunche → Rasuwagadhi → Kerung → Saga → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen → Mount Kailash
• Duration: Approximately 2 weeks
• Details: This is the only currently accessible route, offering a mix of road travel and acclimatization stops.

Tatopani-Kodari Route (Closed)

• Route: Kathmandu → Dhulikhel → Kodari → Zhangmu → Nyalam → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen → Mount Kailash
• Details: Closed due to damage from the 2015 earthquake and natural disasters.

Simikot Route (Closed)

• Route: Kathmandu → Simikot → Dharapori → Kermi → Hilsa → Garuda Valley → Kailash Kora → Darchen → Mansarovar → Saga → Lhasa
• Duration: 20 days
• Details: Previously a popular route, currently closed by Tibetan authorities.

From India

Darchula-Lipulekh Route (Under Construction)

• Route: Delhi → Pithoragarh → Darchula → Tawaghat → Gunji → Taklakot → Lake Mansarovar → Darchen → Mount Kailash
• Details: The only route via India, still under construction and awaiting travel approval from Tibetan authorities.

Transportation Modes

• Land Transport: From Kathmandu, travel to the Nepal-Tibet border via jeep or bus, then continue by bus within Tibet.
• Helicopter: Optionally, helicopter services are available from Kathmandu to the border for a quicker journey, depending on budget and preference.

Detailed Itinerary for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

A well-structured itinerary ensures a smooth and enriching experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary based on the currently accessible Rashuwagadhi route:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,429ft)

• Activities: Settle in, prepare documents, brief orientation.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

• Sites: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square.

Day 03: Drive to Nepal-Tibet Border at Rasuwa Ghadhi (1,800m/5,905ft)

• Travel Time: 6-7 hours.

Day 04: Acclimatization in Kerung (2,700m/8,858ft)

• Activities: Rest, short walks.

Day 05: Drive to Saga (4,600m/15,093ft)

• Travel Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 06: Drive to Manasarovar (4,590m/15,060ft)

• Travel Time: 8-9 hours.

Day 07: Travel to Darchen (4,700m/15,420ft)

• Travel Time: 4 hours.

Day 08: Parikrama to Dehara Puk (5,100m/16,732ft)

• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours.

Day 09: Optional Hike to Charansprash (5,500m/18,044ft)

• Hiking Time: 8-9 hours.

Day 10: Parikrama to Dolma-La Pass (5,650m/18,536ft)

• Hiking Time: 10-12 hours.
• Note: This is the most challenging day of the pilgrimage.

Day 11: Complete Parikrama, return to Saga

• Travel Time: 3 hours.

Day 12: Return to Kathmandu via Kerung

• Travel Time: 11-12 hours.

Day 13: Contingency Day

• Activities: Rest, explore Kathmandu, buffer for any delays.

Day 14: Departure

• Activities: Fly back home.

Preparation Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Physical Preparation

• Exercise Routine: Engage in cardio, strength, and flexibility training 3-6 months prior.
• Endurance Building: Regular hiking or trekking to build stamina.
• Health Check-up: Ensure you are fit for high-altitude trekking.

Acclimatization

• Gradual Ascent: Ascend slowly to adapt to high altitudes.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Mental Preparation

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice to enhance your spiritual experience.

Packing Essentials:

• Clothing: Warm layers, extra socks, gloves, windproof and waterproof attire.
• Accessories: Sunglasses, hats, headlamps, trekking poles.
• Gear: Quality hiking boots, trekking bag.
• Documents: Travel permits, identification, first aid kit, medicines, toiletries.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation

• Hotels: Comfortable hotels in Kathmandu, Kerung, Darchen, and Saga.
• Guesthouses: Basic but comfortable accommodations near Kailash.

Food

• Personal Chefs: For Indian pilgrims preferring vegetarian meals.
• Local Cuisine: Options like tsampa, thenthuk, Tibetan bread, and thukpa.
• Dietary Preferences: Catered by staff chefs.

Kailash Kora (Circumambulation)

Significance:

• Spiritual Importance: Enhances one's spiritual journey and is believed to pave the path to liberation.
• Distance: Approximately 52 km (32 miles), taking about 3 days.

Route

• Starting Point: Yam Dwar at the base of Mount Kailash.
• Terrain: Challenging rocky terrain with steep trails.

Rituals:

• Activities: Rituals, prayers, and chanting during the Kora.

Permit Procedures

Steps

• Presence in Nepal: Required for 3 working days.
• Passport Submission: Provide a copy to the travel operator.
• Biometrics: Presence at the Chinese embassy for biometrics on the first day.
• Permit and Visa: Travel operator processes and collects the permit and visa.

Important Notes

• Operator Involvement: Permits can only be obtained through travel operators.
• Document Validity: Ensure all documents are valid and up-to-date.

Essential Guidelines

Do’s:

• Preparation: Both mental and physical.
• Documents: Carry all necessary travel documents.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Dress and behave respectfully.
• Hydration and Warm Clothing: Vital for high-altitude conditions.
• Follow Guidelines: Adhere to instructions from guides and local authorities.

Don’ts:

• Altitude Sickness: Avoid risks by acclimatizing properly.
• Disrespectful Activities: Maintain reverence at sacred sites.
• Tradition and Customs: Respect local traditions and customs.
• Environmental Responsibility: Avoid reckless waste disposal.
• Intoxicants: Refrain from consuming alcohol or other substances at holy sites.

FAQs

Kailash Kora Difficulty

• Level: Moderate; suitable for those in good health.
• Assistance: Ponies available for the elderly or unwell.

Bathing in Mansarovar

• Current Status: Prohibited by Tibetan authorities.

Using Ponies

• Purpose: Mainly for carrying goods and assisting those unfit for trekking.
• Availability: For ascending the Kora trail, not for descent due to safety reasons.

Choosing the Best Kailash Tour Operator

Key Considerations

• Experience and Expertise: Ensure the operator has a proven track record.
• Itinerary and Services: Comprehensive and well-organized itinerary with all necessary services.
• Safety Measures: Prioritize operators with robust safety protocols.
• Reviews: Positive feedback from previous clients.
• Local Knowledge: Operators with deep understanding of the region and cultural nuances.

Embarking on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more than a pilgrimage; it's a journey of spiritual enlightenment and personal growth. Proper preparation, understanding the routes, and respecting the cultural and spiritual essence of the region will ensure a fulfilling and transformative experience. Whether you seek solace, spiritual rejuvenation, or adventure, the journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar promises to be a remarkable and life-changing endeavor.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Report this Page

Created on May 16th 2024 23:45. Viewed 47 times.

Share on APSense

Comments