KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA

An imposing 21,778-feet tall, the magnificent and majestic Mount Kailash is more than just a mountain. It’s a legend. Kailash is not just one of the highest parts of the world and the source of four mighty rivers of Asia — the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej, Ganges and the Indus. But more than anything, the journey to Kailash Mansarovar yatra is a life-changing experience

The magical and mystical spot has been drawing people to its divine presence for various reasons. Here’s why you should not miss the chance to be a part of the Kailash Manasarovar yatra.

The Kailash Parvat or Mount Kailash along with the holy Manasarovar lake is deeply integral to the heart of spiritual Asia, capturing the imagination of human beings since time immemorial.
According to Hindu legend, the lake was first created in the mind of the Lord Brahma. Hence, in Sanskrit it is called Manasarovar, which is a combination of the words ‘Manas’ (mind) and ‘Sarovar’ (lake).
Hindus also believe Mt. Kailash to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the holy centre of the earth and the manifestation of heaven itself.

Every year, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is conducted in batches via different routes for a select number of people. After careful medical examination and getting yourself acclimatized to the extreme conditions are people picked for this trek of a lifetime.

Clothing

Yatris often wear multiple sweaters, T-shirt and pant besides thermal jacket, scarf, several pairs of socks while performing the parikrama. Rain coat, hat and monkey cap are also required for the yatra.

Altitude sickness

Discomfort, uneasiness, breathlessness, poor sleeping patterns or limited capacity for physical exertion are some of the main symptoms of altitude sickness. It is caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude and commonly occurs above 2,400 metres (8,000 feet).

Tips to prevent mountain sickness during kailash mansarovar yatra:

•   Drinking plenty of water is a must as it will prevent dehydration.
•   Eat light food rich in carbohydrates.
•   When tired, do not push yourself to climb further and take breaks in between.
•   Avoid alcohol and smoking during travel to avoid dehydration.

Advisory:

The kailash mansarovar yatra involves trekking at high altitudes of up to 19,500 feet, under inhospitable conditions, including extreme cold and rugged terrain, and may prove hazardous for those who are not physically and medically fit.The Government of India shall not be responsible in any manner for any loss of life or injury to a Yatri, or any loss or damage to property of a Yatri due to any natural calamity or due to any other reason. Pilgrims undertake the Yatra purely at their own volition, cost, risk and consequences.

Selection process for kailash mansarovar yatra:

There are certain criteria for someone to be selected for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. One needs to be an Indian citizen with a valid Indian passport of at least months. One also needs to be physically fit without any major health ailments and a BMI of 25 or less. People below the age of 18 and above 70 cannot apply for the yatra.

Once you submit your application, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) selects people via a computerized process. But given the nature of the yatra, only those who are physically fit should apply. An applicant suffering from medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, etc. will most likely get rejected as they aren’t deemed fit to undertake the trek.

The people who are selected are informed three to four weekns prior to the scheduled departure. Selected yatris are required to assemble in New Delhi 3-4 days before the commencement of the yatra.After medical test they are permitted for kailash mansarovar yatra.