Suggestions for taking a trip to Kailash Mansarovar: An In-Depth Guide

What are some valuable suggestions for taking a trip to Kailash Mansarovar?

If you are planning a trip to Kailash Mansarovar, then expect it to be a life-changing experience. Mount Kailash is not just a mountain, it is a lot more than that. Believed by the Hindus to be the abode of Lord Shiva, it is a place that is holy, sacred and highly revered. The majestic landscape is not the only attraction of the Yatra because this is a trip that is more than just a journey.

People sharing their Kailash Mansarovar Yatra’s personal experiences talk about how the journey is not just about the outside world, but about one’s inner journey as well. The spiritual connotations of the Kailash Yatra is based on Hindu mythology which believes that doing a ‘parikrama’ of Mount Kailash is going to wash away all the sins a person may have committed in past lives. It is also believed that those who make this Yatra will be able to go to heaven after death. The afterlife is something most devout Hindus believe in and going to heaven is a desire they have in their hearts. Here are a few valuable tips and suggestions for anyone planning to go on the Yatra of a lifetime.

• Go to the doctor: Anyone planning to embark on this journey should do so after taking express permission from the doctor. The journey will elevate one to high altitudes because Mount Kailash itself stands tall at 22,000 feet. As such, ensuring that one has the doctor’s permission and advice to do it is the best course of action. This is especially true for children and older people who wish to make the pilgrimage. If you choose to go by the MEA-conducted route, there will be a paid medical check-up by the applicant but if one chooses a private tour operator, one will need to submit a physical fitness certificate from any MBBS doctor on his letterhead. 
• Basic medicines to be kept handy: If you have medications you have to take, make sure you carry them because availability in the region is next to impossible. Even if you are not on medications, it is extremely important to carry basic medications for vomiting, headaches, fever, dehydration and body ache. It's also integral to carry medicines which you are already taking for any existing condition as you will not find medicines there that are recommended by Indian doctors. It’s essential that you have enough medicines to last you for a few extra days in case the trip gets extended due to adverse weather conditions. 
• Patients of asthma: People who suffer from bouts of asthma or any other breathing problem should not go on the pilgrimage, as that is what the people’s personal experiences have suggested who have visited Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It would be dangerous for asthmatic patients to go because the high altitudes and harsh climatic conditions can worsen their condition.
• Good quality bag: It is extremely important to invest in a good quality bag for this pilgrimage because you will need to pack quite a bit of stuff. A bag that is up for rough usage is the best. Buy a duffel bag that can carry all that you need. If you choose Trip To Temples, you will be given water-proof, light-weight, tough backpack and duffle bag. Duffle bags would be carried by our ‘’sherpas’’ and the backpack by the pilgrim. 
• Lukewarm water: A good idea would be to drink lukewarm water before the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for the simple reason that you will have to drink lukewarm water throughout the trip because of the cold climatic weather of the region.
• Regarding clothes: It is important to carry the right clothes for the Yatra. It is best to wear a few thin pieces of clothing instead of one or two thick ones. This is going to make movement easier and quicker. You can expect quite a bit of wind so it is crucial that you carry a windcheater. The private tour operator you choose will give you an exact list of things you need to carry and kailash mansarovar yatra packing list. 
• Regarding shoes and socks: People sharing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra personal experiences have suggested that good quality jogging shoes should be your first preference and it is important that you break into them before the pilgrimage. New shoes are a no-no because they can cause problems. During the journey, make sure that the shoes are kept inside the sleeping bag to prevent them from freezing. Wear two socks for the best results: one in cotton and one woolen. Carry at least 4 to 5 pairs each of woolen and cotton socks. Try to keep the feet as dry as possible at all times. It is a good idea to use a dusting powder to achieve this.
• Water and food items: If you are traveling with a private operator, you will not have to worry about food and meals. However, it is always a good idea to carry your own water and a few food items in times of emergency. Carry high-energy food items like chocolates, sweets, cookies and dry fruits. 
• Taking care of the skin: It is important to take care of the skin during the pilgrimage. The weather is dry and cold and it can prove to be hell for the skin. Carry a good moisturizer as well as sunscreen and calamine. All these will protect you from sunburn as well as the harsh weather.

• Walk steady: It is important not to walk too fast when you are trekking. Also, it is crucial that you keep a calm and peaceful mind during the whole trip because that is when you will be able to appreciate the real greatness of the Kailash Yatra.