Few journeys in the world transform the soul and make an impactful impression on the hearts of people, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a divine way to begin your journey. For centuries, many pilgrims and devotees from across the globe have walked the rugged trails of the Himalayas to catch a glimpse of Mount Kailash— the majestic peak considered the abode of Lord Shiva —and besides these hills, the crystal-clear lake called Mansarovar lies. The purity and serenity of this lake cleanse the soul and make one feel lighter and liberated.
For a first-time traveler, this yatra is not only a travel destination that includes trekking through mountains, but it’s a spiritual journey that molds you into more positivity and spirituality. If you’re planning for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, this blog will help you with everything you need to know about the significance of Great Kailash, the physical challenges, and the unforgettable experiences. Everything is listed in this blog. Read on to know more:
The Challenges of Visiting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
While planning to travel for the first time, the challenges that you will face during your journey to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are as follows:
- Weather
The weather in Kailash changes rapidly from cold and heavy snowfall to sudden rainfall that triggers landslides. You also need to prepare for this situation while planning your trip to this holy place. Keep in mind that a good backpack will be a savior for you in this journey. - Basic Facilities
The available facilities are basic, such as staying in tents and small guest rooms, during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. There is no luxurious stay available here, as it’s a sacred place. And also, basic food is available here for the pilgrims and devotees to enjoy their journey. Nothing fancy, just like pure home-cooked food.
Kailash Mansarovar Tour Packages& Routes in India
Tour packages vary according to the comfort and availability of facilities, as different modes of transportation are available for the visitor. And the cost of these packages varies and changes according to that. If you choose to fly by plane or helicopter, the expenses will be a bit higher compared to on-road travel. And therefore, to understand the concept better, there are three options available here, as you are planning to travel for the first time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
1. Nepal-Based Route
While travelling from Nepal, the journey begins with a flight to Silikot, followed by travel to Hilsa, onward to Takalakot, and ultimately reaching Kailash Mansarovar. The other option is to take a flight from Delhi to Kathmandu and from there take a car or taxi to cross the Nepal-China border. Reach the Gyirong Port from Kathmandu, crossing Tibet, and in a drive in few hours, you will reach your dream destination.
2. Aerial Darshan
You can choose the Helicopter Darshan for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as it is easy for older people, and the travel will not leave the person exhausted. Comparetively, this route is more expensive than the others. For aerial darshan, Devotees travel from their city to Lucknow or Dehradun and from there to Nepal. From Nepalgunj, the chartered plane will take the devotees for aerial darshan to Kailash Mansarovar Lake, and the view from the clouds to the beautiful snow-peaked hills of Mt. Kailash is fascinating and breathtaking. For this yatra, you need to check and collect all the essential documents before getting into that helicopter, as the absence of any of the important documents will lead to inconvenience in your journey.
3. On-Road Route
The government of India has introduced two legal routes to complete the Great Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for the devotees and travellers.
One is the LipuLekh Pass in Uttarakhand that fills your journey with adventure and thrill, as it includes challenges and excitement at every step. It does include trekking as you experience a different feel at every step. For the travel maniacs who have been truly looking for so long or waiting for the Kailash Mansarovar Trek on their bucket list, this is the best option to choose.
Days Taken in this Journey: 13 days
Second is the NathuLa Pass in Sikkim, which offers a nice on-route journey for every age group, as there is no trekking available here, and the ongoing journey for all age groups will be with ease and comfort. If you’re looking for an easy route without any hassle, this option is for you.
Days Taken in this Journey: 22-23 days
Tips to Learn for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Before planning the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it’s important to note that it’s situated at the peak of the Himalayas, and to survive that chilling environment, keep everything fixed, whether it will be the documentation or permit, or medical essentials. Keeping everything checked will later not give any kind of inconvenience in your journey, and you can enjoy this spiritual experience without any hassle. Remember these quick guidelines :
- Physical Fitness
A person who is travelling for the very first time, keep this thing in mind that physical fitness is very important while visiting Kailash Mansarovar. As per the sources, the oxygen level was very low as it is located at such a high altitude. Practice breathing exercises like meditation and pranayama will help you to avoid any health complications during the journey. - Pack your Bags Smartly
The weather conditions at Kailash will change. Ironically, you need to prepare for that before planning your trip, and having a nice backup plan will be a smart move to tackle all the situations. A pack of medicines, warm clothes, trekking shoes, and a portable oxygen cylinder will be a great move to make your journey easy and comfortable. Whether you’re planning to travel in summer or winter, keep warm clothes always in your bags without a single thought. - Emergency Contacts
It is very important to keep emergency contacts handy as local guides, medical contacts, etc, for a first-time traveler. Keeping in mind that you’re at a new place, this will help you on a nice and successful spiritual journey. Also, behave kindly and humbly with people, as this will help you to know more about the culture of this holy land.
Best Time to Visit Kailash Mannsarovar Yatra
The best time to visit the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is usually in mid-June to mid-July and mid-September to mid-October. It’s easy and handy for you to travel. Kailash Masarovar’s summer season is not so cold, and you will not face any discomfort while travelling to this holy place. Ideally, June and July are the most pleasant times to decide on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Visa and Passport Requirements for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- You need a visa and a passport for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This is because Kailash Manasarovar is located in Tibet, and the place is governed by the Chinese government. To travel via the Ministry of External Affairs route(MEA), following these guidelines was mandatory. You can book the yatra on the official government site, or you can book through a travel agency. It’s totally up to you. But all the necessary formalities of the visa process will be done by the agency.
- This is a stapled visa that is issued for devotees and pilgrims. It will help the visitors to visit the Kailash region only. This visa will not permit travelling to other parts of China.
- Only travel agents are permitted for the visa process, and individuals cannot apply for the visa.
- You can apply for the visa at the embassy, and the permit issued by the Nepalese government has a stamp on it, while compared to the Chinese visa doesn’t have any stamp. Choose according to your preferences.
Places to Visit Near Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage
- Tirathapuri
Tirthapuri is the place where the Buddhist Guru Rinpoche meditated with his companion, Yeshe Tsogyal, in the Vajravarahi Cave. This place is also famous for its old monastery and hot springs. Pilgrims came here to attain peace and to do meditation. The depth of Buddhist culture and beliefs is also portrayed in this place, and the people believe that taking a dip in this hot spring would remove all the negativity and purify their souls. - Om Parvat
Om Paravat is located in Uttarakhand near the border of India, Nepal, and Tibet. The snow-peaked hills at this solace naturally formed the structure of a sacred Hindu symbol “(ॐ).” It’s a holy symbol and a Sanskrit word that relates to yoga and meditation, and many people also believe that it connects them with the divine Lord Shiva. The presence of the Almighty is clearly visible and felt here in the atmosphere. Also, practicing Yoga and making yourself active is one of the great aspects of improving while travelling here. If you’re into fitness or practicing meditation, this place is a must-visit. - Rakshas Tal
Rakshas Tal is also one of the known places in Kailash. This lake is surrounded by many stories, and it is famous for its mysterious reputation. If you’re a person who is really into visiting the unhidden and mysterious places, this one is for you. People called it a “ lake of demons” as it was believed that it was filled with the strong presence of demons’ power and energy.
Conclusion
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the ultimate path to attain peace and to purify our souls, also to get connected with Lord Shiva. The atmosphere and the landscape of this beautiful serenity will make you speechless, and the whole journey will be a memorable part of your coming life. Just keep everything well managed, from tickets to visa and all essential back-ups, as travelling without a plan will lead to inconvenience in your journey. And this trip will make a positive impact to start your travel journey.
