The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Guide for newbies: A Journey for the Soul

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra isn't just a trip; it's a spiritual journey to the home of Lord Shiva. It's a tough but life-changing experience that teaches you a lot about yourself and your faith. Here’s a simple guide to what you can expect.

Part 1: Getting Ready

You can’t just decide to go on this trip—you have to get ready for it, both in your body and mind.

1. Preparing Yourself:

Get Fit: You’ll need to be in good shape. Do things like walking, running, or working out to build your stamina.

Practice at High altitudes: This is super important. Walk or hike at high altitudes (like 12,000 to 15,000 feet) before the yatra. This helps your body get used to having less oxygen and prevents altitude sickness, which can cause headaches, vomiting, and trouble breathing. It trains your body for the high altitudes.

Get Mentally Strong : The journey is hard. You need to be ready to face problems and discomfort with a peaceful mind. It’s all about trusting in Lord Shiva, surrendering to his will.

Finances : One needs approximately 2.5 lacs- 3 lacs for this yatra.

2. How to Go:

Indian Government Trip: This is a 21-day trip run by the Indian government. You have to enter a lottery to get a spot and pass a fitness test. This is the best choice for any yatri. Though it seems tough and long, try to get into it. Also, Governments of some states offer to pay for the yatra. Like UP etc.,

Private Tour operators: You can also go with a private group.

There are several options on duration of the trip and routes you will be taking. The shorter one of 9 days is harder on the pocket and on the body. Your body is not used to high altitudes. And rapidly ascending to it is not such a good thing.

Aim for more of a 14 day over land trip, which gives you decent time to get acclimatized to the high altitudes (gradually increasing the altitude and more time spent at high altitudes is ideal ).

3. Money and What to Pack:

Cost: The trip costs about ₹2.5-3 lakhs. While the government yatra may be less. Closer to 2 lakhs. The flight cost from your hometown to delhi (government) or kathmandu is additional to this.

Cash: Make sure you have some Chinese Yuan and Nepalese Rupees with you. Which is better to get in india itself. Don’t wait to get it in Nepal or China.

You will have to carry about 2500 yuan ( 1Yuan =12.3 rupees. You may have to pay more like 12.8 or so). (1 Indian rupee = 1.6 nepal rupaiah.). If you want to hire a horse, then carry more. For ashtapad bus ride, it costs 500 yuan.

Nepalese don’t accept 200 or 500 or 2000 rupee notes. They only take indian rs. 100. This is a lesson we learnt the hard way. You can carry about 2000 nepali rupees for general expenses. (for 2 days or so)

If you intend to travel in nepal  and visit holy temples, It is better to plan before kailash yatra or as a separate trip. And carry more money accordingly.

Places to visit in nepal are - Janakpuri(birthplace of Maa sita), lumbini(birthplace of Gautama Buddha), muktinath (which are a bit far). Other places are in or near kathmandu and can be covered by you in 2 days or so.

What to Pack: You’ll need good hiking shoes, a walking stick, warm clothes, a jacket, and gloves. Don't forget a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. It’s also a good idea to bring a backpack for your daily stuff.

Part 2: The Journey Itself

The trip is full of amazing views and tough challenges.

1. The Path:

The journey from Nepal goes through places like Kathmandu, Tatopani, Saga, and Manasarovar.

Be ready for long drives and possible delays because of landslides on the roads.

2. The Trek Around Mount Kailash (Parikrama):

There are two parikramas (koras). One outer and other inner. Outer is challenging to most people. And most people do this parikrama.

Inner is tough and only very few people attempt it. 

The outer parikrama walk around Mount Kailash takes three days.

You can walk( carry own backpack or hire a porter - 1200 yuan), or ride a horse (costs more money - 3500 yuan or so)

Porters: It's a great idea to hire a porter. They will carry your backpack and help you along the way. They cost about 1200 Yuan. They will carry your oxygen cylinder, and backpack. Guide you.

Challenges: People get very tired and can fall. Some might even get sick with altitude sickness. There are stories of people getting injured, but they often get help from others on the trip.

"Touching Kailash": On the second day, you can do a side trip to touch the base of Mount Kailash, which is a two-kilometer walk each way. (charan sparsh)

3. Life on the Road:

Bathrooms: Don’t expect fancy bathrooms. At Lake Manasarovar, you have to go in the open. Most hotels are decent, except for Manasarovar. They don’t have any toilets at manasarovar.

Food: The food is basic, and you might miss your favorite meals from home.

Roads: The roads in Nepal are often in bad shape, and the bus rides can be bumpy. Chinese roads are good. You will often see vast empty areas in the tibet side of china.

Part 3: Stories from the Trail

Every pilgrim has a story. These stories show the true meaning of the yatra.

Accepting Limits: Some people, despite training hard, can't finish the trek. That is me. I felt very disappointed initially. But later realized, I saw everything except for the parikrama. I was o.k with it. This taught me to accept my limits and trust in the higher power. Some people do the first day of parikrama and return back, as they feel sick or not good, due to altitude.

Unexpected Problems: One person had to go back home because his mother passed away. Another lady had her flight canceled and no money or phone service, but she got help from others. Another lady’s oxygen levels fell and had to be airlifted to a lower elevation from Lake manasarovar.

Death: There are sad stories of people who couldn’t handle the altitude and passed away on the parikrama. Two, I heard from people on the trail. But for those who believe, it is said that Lord Shiva took their souls to his home, Kailash. (the ultimate!)

The recovery: Most people were coughing, have a fever etc., after the yatra. And the recovery will take a little time once you return home. But it is worth it!

Final Thoughts

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a journey that pushes you to your limits. It teaches you about surrender, courage, and faith. While the journey is difficult, the feeling of being in the presence of Lord Shiva and the beautiful scenery make it a truly unforgettable experience.