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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is considered to be the most sacred and spiritual pilgrimage site in the world for followers of Hindu, Jain, Buddhist and Bon religions. Situated on the remote and high snowy plateau of Tibet, this region is not only famous for its religious beliefs but also attracts tourists and adventurous travelers from all over the world due to its amazing and mysterious geographical formations. Mount Kailash located here is considered to be the center of the universe, on whose peak there is always a sheet of snow. The sacred Mansarovar Lake located nearby gives the feeling of milky purity with blue and clear water, while right next to it lies Rakshas Tal which is known for its brackish water and contrasting characteristics. During this entire journey, travelers have to face the harshest and most beautiful forms of nature. Icy winds, high mountain passes and huge mountains spread everywhere make this journey an experience of life which is difficult to describe in words.
Major routes of travel and selection process
There are mainly two official routes used for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India, which are operated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The first route passes through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and the second route passes through Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The Lipulekh route is very popular among trekking lovers and travelers seeking traditional adventure, although it involves a lot of walking. On the other hand, the route via Nathu La Pass allows most of the route to be covered by vehicle, making it a little more accessible for the elderly or those with limited mobility. Additionally, the journey through Nepal is also facilitated through private tour operators via Kathmandu and Simkot-Hilsa. Every year lakhs of people apply for this journey, but keeping in mind the difficult conditions of high altitude areas, only a limited number of batches of passengers are sent under security and administrative rules.
Registration Process and Documents Required
For Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is mandatory to register online every year at the appointed time through the official government portal. At the time of registration, the applicant must hold a General Indian Passport with a validity period of at least six months. The application process involves filling correct personal details, uploading scanned copy of passport and color photograph of prescribed size. After completion of the government selection process, the selected passengers have to undergo a stringent and mandatory medical examination in Delhi. In this medical test, blood pressure, heart fitness (ECG/TMT), lung function and oxygen level in the blood are closely examined. Only after being declared medically fit, the process of Chinese Group Tourist Visa and Tibet Travel Permit is proceeded by the Ministry of External Affairs. If any error or false information is found in the paperwork, the application is immediately canceled.
Health and physical preparation at high altitude
Being situated at an altitude of more than 15,000 feet above sea level, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is considered extremely challenging physically. Oxygen levels reduce at high altitudes, due to which travelers may sometimes have to face Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). To avoid this, regular cardio exercise, brisk walk, pranayam and yoga asanas should be started at least a month before the start of the journey. During the journey, it is very important to take adequate rest at every stop to adapt the body to the changing weather and less oxygen. Apart from this, never forget to carry adequate amount of warm clothes, thermal wear, waterproof jacket, trekking boots, high-altitude medicines and an essential medical kit. Drinking adequate amount of water during the journey and protecting the body from dehydration is also the biggest mantra to stay safe on this difficult path.