Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Revised

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra a pilgrimage taken by the ordained and the blessed. This divine and once in a life time yatra holds significance for the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains which has great religious and cultural value. Raghukul Holidays offers the best Kailash Mansarovar tour package and have been helping pilgrims every year to successfully complete this yatra.

Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2015

Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Yatra to this beautiful and picturesque place taken by thousands of people from all over the world is an arduous one which involves trekking on a rugged terrain at a high altitude (19,500 feet) under harsh and cold conditions. Only a physically fit and healthy individual can embark on this pilgrimage. The pilgrims who have registered for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2015 have to take into account the following tips which will ensure a pleasant and safe journey.

Clothing Tips

• Warm thick and thin pullover one each
• 2 Warm pants
• Warm Windproof jacket
• 2 Long Thermal under pants
• 4 Full sleeve cotton T-Shirts
• 2 Thermal vest and warm full T-shirts
• Warm gloves

• Raincoat with hood, sun hat, Monkey cap
• Ankle high boots should be brought along to avoid any muscular sprain.
• Light tennis shoes, rubber sandal, 6 warm woolen socks and cotton socks, and extra shoe laces
• 1 Big towel and one small hand towel
• Toiletries which include washing solution, soap, etc.
• Paper tissue and plenty of handkerchief

*Wear a wind cheater over many thin clothes, instead of wearing one or two thick clothes

*Wear cotton and woolen socks to protect feet from cold

Personal Care Tips

• To protect your eyes from snow blindness wear sunglasses
• Dusting powder to keep feet dry as wet shoes can cause blisters.
• Protect hands and feet from the extreme weather as exposure to extremities can lead to high altitude pulmonary edema
• Intake of lots of water and fluids is necessary to energize your body
• To avoid sunburn apply sun cream or calamine lotion on exposed parts
• Give immediate treatment to cuts, skin ulcers and blisters
• To avoid numbness keep moving toes, facial muscles and fingers
• Stay close together to remain warm.
• Take food regularly as high altitudes tend to kill appetite and can also cause loose motion
• Don't sleep with the boots on as they may freeze. Keep them inside your sleeping bag during yatra nights
• Don't overexert.
• Avoid alcohol.

Other equipments

A porter will be provided for the yatris to carry the bulky luggage. You are required to carry a small back pack which will contain essentials like:

• snacks, water bottle filled with water, dry fruits
• small scissors, knife, safety pins,
• torch, waterproof matches, lighter,
• Camera, film, map

• First Aid Kid- Every Yatri is required to carry a first aid kit and has to contain the following items:

1. Antiseptic cream or wound disinfectants like iodine and any tube-squeeze cream

1. Foot care and Blister Treatment ointments
2. Thermometer
3. Moleskin, Band-aids, gauze pads, elastic bandages, adhesive strips and roll
4. Antibiotics, antidiarrheals like lomotil, Lozenges like Strepsils (in plenty)
5. Anti-inflammatory like Brufen, Avil, or general painkillers
6. Sunscreen oil, Antifungal ointment, Neosprine Powder and cream
7. ORS sachets like Electral, Vicks inhaler and vaporub, chap sticks

*Do not take antidiarrheals and antibiotics without consulting your doctors.

Safety Tips

• During an electric storm open space is much safer. One can even sit down on a non-conducting sheet to avert any mishap. Also ensure the following:
  • Do not use metallic objects or wireless aerials and do not point them as they can attract lightning.
  • Keep away from conical rock
  • Do not take shelter under a tree or remain on the top of hills if one has.
• Trekking should be done early in the morning
• Walk steady and always together with a companion
• Don't get separated from the group

Tips before the Trip

If you want to take up this journey, then the following suggestions will surely help to make your journey a memorable experience.

• Indulge daily in routine exercises like 30 minutes walking, jogging, stretching, aerobics which will keep you in shape for the arduous journey.
• Practice walking with trekking shoes on to make walking easier during the yatra.

• To deal with altitude sickness and acclimatization refer to books and journals on trekking.

Follow these trips to enjoy the divine and splendid experience.

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Kailash Mansarovar Travel Tips

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a once in a lifetime experience. It is real blessing for an individual to embark on this wonderful journey to the spiritual centre of the four religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bonpo- the pre-Buddhist animistic religion. Raghukul Holidays has been successfully helping people to fulfill this journey of their lifetime. They suggest a few tips which will help for a smooth, wonderful and divine experience. 

Guidelines for the Yatris

Climatic condition: 

Kailash Manasarovar is generally warm during days and cool during nights. The summer season (May to November) is most ideal for the yatris to visit the place for meditation and to obtain blessings of the divine and also for meditation. The average temperature during this season is around 15°C which is very convenient for the yatris to visit the temple and nearby attractions and to have a dip in the holy waters.  The temperature can reach sub zero during winters (December to April).

Travel Tips

Visa & Documentation:

Visa is mandatory for all foreign nationals including Indians to enter Tibet. A valid passport is a prerequisite in order to obtain Chinese VISA. 

Details of your Full name, Date of Birth, Occupation, Nationality, Passport Number, date of issue and expiry of Passport should be furnished 30 days prior to the trip. 

Two passport size photographs

Please note the VISA is not stamped on your passport but a Group VISA will be issued on a separate piece of paper by the Chinese Embassy

Transportation:

From Kathmandu till Kodari Border, tourist bus or van will be provided for transportation based upon the group strength. In the event of any landslide, the best available mode of transport will be provided for which additional charges will be applicable.

The group will be transported from Friendship Bridge till Zhangmu (8 km) in the best available local vehicle. If the road gets washed away, the yatris will have to trek for about 2 hrs.

A 4500 C C Land Cruiser will be provided from Zhangmu onwards for 4 persons in each. 

The camping equipments and Sherpa staff members will be transported in a separate support truck.

 Yaks will be provided to carry the personal heavy baggage and camping gears during the Kailash Parikrama.

Throughout the trip English/ Tibetan speaking guide and few Nepali staffs will escort the group for the camping.

Accommodation: 

Most of the times one will be away from modern civilization as Kailash Mansarovar probably lie in the world's most remote part. It is very important to be well equipped and self contained. 

The group will have to stay overnight whenever required in trekking style camps which includes accommodation in sleeping bags, two men tents and mattress. 

Simple Guest house accommodation comprising of dormitory, common bathrooms and toilets will be provided wherever available. However, hot water will be provided in every room for refreshing and for drinking.

Use of candles inside the tents is strictly prohibited due to risk of fire accidents. Use of torch light is suggested inside the tents. 

Health specifications

The yatris to embark on this journey need to submit a health certificate attested by a reputed doctor confirming the fitness of the participant to travel in altitudes of 5700 meters.

The yatris will have to carry a first aid kit should containing the following items:  

Antiseptic cream or wound disinfectant like iodine 

Antifungal ointment and Neosporin Powder

Antibiotics, antidiarrheals, Lozenges like Strepsils (in plenty)

General painkillers or Anti-inflammatory like Brufen, Avil, Blister Treatment and Foot care ointments

Sunscreen oil, chap sticks and Cold cream

Thermometer

Band-aids, elastic bandages, adhesive roll and strips, gauze pads, moleskin

ORS sachets like Electral, Vicks vaporub and inhaler.

Please check with your doctors regarding antibiotics, antidiarrheals and other necessary medicines.

Other equipments

Porter will be provided for the yatris to carry the bulky luggage. You can carry a small back pack which will contain: 

Water bottle filled with water, snacks, dry fruits

Knife, Small scissors, safety pins 

Torch, waterproof matches, lighter

Map, Camera, film

Clothing

Although it will be warm inside the vehicle but you will begin to experience the cold winds of the Tibetan Plateau once you step out. Suggested clothing includes:

Warm thin and thick pullover one each, Warm Windproof jacket

2 Warm pants 

4 Full sleeve cotton T-Shirts

2 Long Thermal under pants, Thermal vest and warm full T-shirts

Warm gloves, Monkey Cap, Raincoat with hood, Sun hat

Ankle high boots to avoid any muscular sprain

Rubber sandal, Light tennis shoes, 6 warm woolen socks, and extra shoe laces

1 Big towel and one small hand towel

Toiletries with washing solution, soap, etc.

Plenty of handkerchief and Paper tissue

Tips during the Trip

Don’t point metallic objects upwards during electric storms as they can attract lightning. Also, keep away from conical rocks and don't take shelter under a tree or on the top of hills. Open space is the safest and one can also sit down on a non-conducting sheet etc.

The shoes should be kept inside the sleeping bag during yatra nights, otherwise they may freeze.

Avoid exposure of hands and feet to extremities as it can lead to high altitude pulmonary edema.

Your body needs a lot of energy so consume lot of water and fluids

Good sunglasses need to be worn to protect eyes from snow blindness

Keep fingers, facial muscles and toes moving

Trekking should begin early in the morning

Always walk with a companion and do not get separated from the group

Eat appropriately 

Overexertion and consumption of alcohol to be avoided

If you want to travel to Kailash Manasarovar, then the following suggestions before the trip will surely help to make your journey a memorable experience.

Follow some routine exercises daily like walking (30 minutes), jogging, stretching, aerobics which will put you in the right shape.

Read books on trekking which will help you to deal with altitude sickness and acclimatize properly 

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Kailash Mansarovar story

Truly blessed is one who gets a call from within to visit the place where philosophers, holy sages and even Gods got submerged in a blissful trance. A visit to the most sacred “Theerta Sthaan” – The Kailash Manasarovar is truly a divine experience for all devotees.  The place itself radiates spiritual energy and if your mind is at peace the entire experience will be enthralling and blissful. Only the ordained can embark on a holy and spiritual yatra to Kailash Manasarovar. 

This place is significantly important for four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon. There are many interesting facts and stories associated with this divine place which will throw light on why one is blessed to take up the Kailash Manasarovar yatra.

Facts about the Kailash Manasarovar 

Mount Kailash also known as Gang Rinpoche by the Tibetans is a peak in the Kailas Range or Gangdise mountains which is a part of the Transhimalaya in Tibet. This sacred and holy place is revered by the Buddhists, Hindus and Jains.   Kailash in Sanskrit means ‘crystal’. The Tibetan name signifies 'Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain'. 

Significance of Kailash Manasarovar

The Kailash Manasarovar has a great religious significance in the four religions- Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon.

Hinduism

The Hindus believe that Lord Shiva resides with his wife Parvati in this legendary mountain. He sits in a perpetual state of meditation. In Hinduism, the Kailash Mountain is also synonymous with his power symbol ‘Om’. The Vishnu Purana, states that the four faces of the mountain are made up of crystal, gold, lapis lazuli/sapphire and ruby. The Kalpa Viruksha tree (the celestial tree) is also believed to adorn the slope. 

The mountain is linked with the history of the Ramayana. In order to revive the dead and injured soldiers of Prince Rama who were fighting the Rakshasa army of Ravana in Lanka, the mighty monkey ally of Rama, Hanuman was sent to fetch the ‘Sanjeevani’ medicinal herb which restores life from Mt. Kailas. Unable to recognize the plant, Lord Hanuman picked up the mountain and brought to Lanka. Once the herbs were collected, it is said that Hanuman intending to restore it to its original place, tossed the mountain back in the direction of the Himalayan range. But, as it was tossed from a great distance, it landed lopsidedly and some of the snow dropped into Tibet and it is now called Tise (Mt. Kailas). 

Jainism

The Jains refer to the mountain as Meru Parvat or Sumeru. It is here that the first Jain Tirthankara or leader, Rishabhadeva attained ‘Nirvana/Moksha’ meaning liberation or enlightenment.

Buddhism

According to Buddhism, Mount Kailash is the abode of the enlightened soul ‘Buddha’ who represents supreme bliss. For Buddhists it is the place of Chakrasamvara or Demchog. They also believe it to be the navel of the universe. 

Bon

In Bon religion which is similar to Buddhism it is considered to be the home of the Sky goddess ‘Sipaimen’. It is believed that this is a mystical region and the Swastika Mountain is the seat of all spiritual power. 

It is also believed that Guru Nanak meditated here. 

The mountain lies near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal and is the Kailash-Manasarovar region is the source of the Holy Rivers like Indus, Tsangpo/Brahmaputra, Karnali and Sutletj.

Manasarovar

The Manasarovar Lake is considered to be the source of all creations. Manas means ‘mind of Lord Brahma’ and according to the Hindu mythology, Brahma the Swayambu created this lake for meditation. In Sanskrit the lake is called "Manasa sarovaram", which is a combination of the words ‘Manasa’ i.e. mind and ‘sarovaram’ meaning lake. It is also supposed to be the summer abode of the sacred Hamsa goose which represents beauty and wisdom. Situated at a height of 4560m the lake is amongst the highest fresh water body in the world. It is also believed that between 3 to 5 am which is referred to as ‘Brahmamuhurtha’, the Gods come to bathe every morning in this lake. The lake is believed to contain the essence of all the Vedas. It is also the place of holy ceremonial bath wherein oblations are offered to the ancestors.  

Buddhists believed that Queen Maya was given a bath by the Gods in this lake before she gave birth to Lord Buddha.

Raghukul holidays has been taking many yatris on a pilgrimage to this divine place which is a once in a life time rewarding and blissful experience. One is sure to achieve inner-peace and good fortune by the holy ritual of ‘Parikrama’ or circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot and prostrating full-length. The Holy Scriptures state that one who takes a holy dip in the Manasarovar and carries single set of parikrama around the mountain is said to wash away sins of a lifetime and 108 such parikramas will help in achieving Nirvana or Moksha i.e., salvation(no rebirth). 

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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra - A spiritual experience!

Blessed are those who get the opportunity to traverse through a spiritual and divine experience while embarking on the journey of their lifetime- ‘The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra’. The journey to Kailash Mansarovar has been a life-changing experience for millions of pilgrims across the globe. Every year thousands of pilgrims experience of being in the most divine and spiritual spots in the world revered by people from different religions of the world. Since time immemorial, many pilgrims have been visiting this spiritual destination of Mount Kailash and the holy emerald lake, Lake Mansarovar.
Raghukul Holidays, one of the best tour organizers in Pune, have been helping many individuals to seek the blessings of the divine. Through this Yatra many individuals have the opportunity of feeling oneness with the divine and also a sense of self-realization. The journey to this isolated, beautiful and fascinating spiritual spot completely helps to transcend one’s soul and provide the most blissful and soulful experience of their lifetime.

Mount Kailash a magnificent and majestic mountain is located in the Southwestern corner of Tibet. This 21,779 feet tall beautiful mountain, is a part of the Himalayan mountain ranges and is the source of four mighty and sacred rivers of Asia- Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra and Sutlej. This mystical and magical spot has been drawing people from different religions due to its divinity. The Hindus consider it to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati and the true manifestation of heaven. For the Buddhists this sacred mountain, the home of the Buddha Demchok, symbolizes supreme harmony. The Jains refer to the mountain as Ashtapad and it is here that the creator of their faith, Rishabhadeva attained enlightenment. The Bons consider it to be the spiritual seat of power.  The 3 day Kailash sacred walks or the parikrama starts from the Yam Dwar where one experiences immortality. After completion of circumambulation of the mountain the soul gets cleansed and is liberated from your sins.

The eternal jade blue Manasarovar Lake created by Lord Brahma lies 20 kilometers away from Mount Kailash and is considered to be the epitome of purity. This sacred lake considered by Buddhists to be the place where Queen Maya conceived Lord Buddha,  is believed to have healing properties and has the power to wash away one’s sins of a lifetime. An individual can experience a sudden surge of energy within themselves, the reason for which is unknown. During Brahma Muhurta (between 3 and 5 am) it is believed that the Gods descend to bathe in the lake.  One gets transformed into a state of tranquility, peace and bliss while meditating in the surreal and peaceful surroundings of this beautiful pristine lake.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sojourn to this roof of the world is truly an intense spiritual experience. Every single yatri despite the arduous and trying journey undergo an enlightening transformation which is beyond words. This rewarding experience cannot be described but needs to be felt.
This mystical and magical spot has been drawing people from across the world. Come be a part of this beautiful and enlightening journey with Raghukul Holidays. We have a team of highly skilled, dedicated and trained volunteers who will help you to take upon this memorable journey with ease and comfort. All our fellow travelers who have embarked on this spiritual journey have returned from this trip with a positive transformation. Get a chance to have a peek into your own self through this wondrous and incredible experience.

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Interesting Places to visit at Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Important and Interesting Places to visit at Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is truly a divine, ultimate and ethereal experience for the blessed pilgrims!

Every year thousands of pilgrims make a pilgrimage embark on the most divine and enthralling experience of their life time- the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. For centuries, several people have been following this tradition of visiting the holy place. It is a common belief among several religions that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual which will wash away the sins of a life time and will also bring good fortune. The circumambulation by Hindus and Buddhists is done in a clockwise direction while the followers of the Bon and Jain religions circumambulate the Kailash Mountain in an anti-clockwise direction. 

According to the religious belief, the year of horse is considered to be the most sacred and right time to make the Mt.Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage. This holy site is believed to have been initially opened in the year of horse (happens once in every twelve years) for pilgrims. 2014 is also the year of the horse and many pilgrims are expected to visit this holy place.

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is a peak situated on the Gangdise Mountains which is a part of the Himalayas in Tibet. The mountain is located near the source of some of the largest rivers in Asia which include the Indus, Sutlej which is a prime tributary of the Indus, Brahmaputra and the Karnali River (which is a tributary of the Ganges River). The mountain is nestled between the two lakes Lake Rakshas Tal and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. Mount Kailash is considered to be the most venerated revered as a sacred mountain by a number of faiths and cults like Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Bon. The Hindus consider it as the abode of Lord Shiva, because its unusual contours of black granite looks like a Shivalinga. It is also considered as the ultimate destination of the holy centre and the souls of the world. The Tibetan Buddhists consider Mount Kailash to be the abode of the Buddha Demchok who is the symbol of supreme harmony. According to Jainism it is the place where the creator of their religion Rishabhadeva attained salvation. The Bons consider it as the abode of the sky goddess Sipaimen.

According to the Puranas the four faces of the mountain are believed to be made of precious stones: crystal, gold, ruby and lapis lazuli. 

Many monk, yogis, monks and pilgrims from across the globe have undergone severe hardships to reach this abode of gods. In Hinduism a pilgrimage to Kailash is considered as the ultimate Yatra and the road to heaven. Climbing up the Mount Kailash is not allowed. Milarepa, a Tibetan Buddhist yogi who belonged to 11th century is the only person to have ever scaled the sacred mountain.

Kailash Parikrama

The most difficult part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is the Kailash. The pilgrims show reverence to the mountain by circumambulating it as it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati. 

The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km or 32 miles long and the walk (circumambulation) around the mountain is known Kora or Parikrama. It takes normally three days and includes difficult tasks which include scaling trails that are steep, trekking rough terrain, cross beautiful streams, to jump from one boulder to another boulder and traversing a pass situated at an altitude of 19,200 feet. The Parikrama might take more days depending on the tempo of the pilgrim’s movement. It is believed that he who completes 108 such Parikramas is assured enlightenment. 

Yam Dwar

The Yam Dwar which means the “gateway of the God of Death Yama” is situated in Tarboche which is approximately 30 minutes drive from Darchen. It is also known as Shorten Kang Nye meaning two legged Stupa in Tibet and marks the initial point of circumambulation of Mount Kailash. 

Ashtapad

Ashtapad in Sanskrit means Eight steps where Ashta means ‘Eight’ and Pada means ‘Steps’. It is situated at the bottom of Mount Kailash at a height of 17000 ft. The Ashtapad is considered as a holy place by the Hindus and Buddhists. It is equally revered by the Jains as it is the place where “Shri Adinath Bhagwan” the first of the 24 Jain Tirthankara had attained Nirvana or salvation at this place. 

Lake Mansarovar

The sacred lake of Mansarovar or Mapham Yutso( Tibetan name) creates an enchanting and beautiful backdrop to Mount Kailash with its crystal clear blue water near the shores and a deep emerald green colour at the center. It spans an area of 350 sq km and is situated at an altitude of 4556 meters. This beautiful lake of the Gods is considered to be the highest fresh water lake in the world and the lake is 300 feet deep. In the northern side of the Lake Mansarovar lies Mount Kailash and in the southern side lies the mountain Gurla Mandhata. The Rakshas Tal lies in the western side of the lake. According to Hinduism this beautiful lake got its name Mansarovar (Manas-mind, Sarovar-Lake) as it is believed to have originated in the mind of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. It is also believed to be haven of the celestial swan or Hamsa considered wise and sacred. The lake has a great significance for the Buddhists as they consider it to be the place where Queen Maya conceived Lord Buddha. It is also believed that Lord Buddha meditated near this lake. There are many monasteries situated near the lake. The most prominent is the Chiu Gompa Monastery. Pilgrims come to take ceremonial bath in the lake. The devotees believe that those who take a holy dip in this lake will be purified from all sins committed over even a hundred lifetimes.

Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund also known as the Lake of Compassion is another major place to visit at Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This holy place is associated with a number of legendary tales and mythological stories. In the steep descent of the Dolma Pass lies this wonderful lake at an altitude of 5608 meters. In Shiva Puran, Gauri Kund is popularly known as Parvati Sarovar as it is the place where Goddess Parvati gave birth to her son Ganesha. One day Parvati was taking bath in the Kund and had asked Ganesha to guard the entrance and not let anyone inside. But, when Shiva came to the place to meet Parvati, Ganesha stopped him at the door as per his mother’s instructions. Lord Shiva angered by this severed Ganesha’s head. Parvati was heartbroken and insisted that Ganesha be brought back to existence. Lord Shiva sent his army and found the head of an elephant which was then placed on the severed portion. Thus, Ganesha was revived and Goddess Parvati got back her beloved son. The reflection of the Chhota Kailash peak falls on the surface of this lake.

Rakshas Tal

Near the west of Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash lies the Lake Rakshas Tal and is connected with Lake Mansarovar by Ganga Chhu a natural channel. The total area of the lake is 70 sq km and it is located at an altitude of 4,752 meters. From the north-western tip of the lake originates the River Sutlej. Rakshas Tal or the ‘lake of the rakshasa’ is also believed to be the abode of the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, Ravana. Lake Mansarovar is round in shape and in Buddhism it is considered as the symbol of brightness while the crescent shaped Lake Rakshas Tal is associated with darkness. In sharp contrast to the fresh water Lake Mansarovar, the water of Lake Rakshas Tal is salty. It is strictly not allowed to take a dip or drink the water of Lake Rakshas Tal as it does not nurture any fish or aquatic plants and is considered as toxic by the local Tibetan dwellers. It includes four islands namely: Dosharba, the Dola, Lachato and Topserma or Dose. The local inhabitants visit the island only during the winter season and mainly use it as winter pastures for yaks.

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