How to prepare for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Guideline For Kailash Yatra 2014:-

Climatic conditions: 
From the border onward, the roads are plain. The high altitude Tibetan terrain is dry, cold, windy and dusty. Nights are pretty cold.

General preparation:
It’s important that you are in good  health. You should be able to walk properly. Carry some general medicines for fever, bodyache, cold, cough, dysentery, constipation, congestion, acidity, etc.

Clothing:
It would be a good idea to wear in layers. Essential for the trip are inner thermals, woolen socks, gloves & monkey cap, sweater, pants / jeans & shirts and a full body rain coat. Check with your operator.

The vehicles:
There are 2 types. The 3500 cc and the 4500 cc. Make sure your operator gives you the latter. They do have the power to cut across the rugged Tibetan plateau.

Travel in group:
I recommend traveling in packs of 4. Every vehicle will take 4 passengers and one Sherpa who sits behind. Being with your own group comes in handy.

The Parikrama:
Those who can’t foot it, have the option to hire the services of a pony or a yak. Make sure to let your operator know at least a day in advance. You may also need to hire the services of a porter.

Positive attitude:
The drive isn’t comfortable. It’s bumpy as bumpy can be. The vehicle air-conditioners won’t work (drivers refuse to turn them on); you can’t open the windows as the dust and chill become unbearable. I firmly believe that people with normal health can certainly make the trip and enjoy it too. There’s only one rule to follow – approach with a positive attitude. If you believe you can do it, then you will do it happily.

Kailash - Manasarovar Yatra Departure Dates

Dates have always been significant in Hindu celebrations, rituals and rites. For special events like yatra’s (pilgrimage) engender a special feeling of devotion and submission that one focuses on the desire to pay obeisance to the deity and gods. Lord Shiva as the god of dissolution in the Hindu trinity finds immense worship for many devotes. Many devotes desire to fulfill this spiritual journey, but at times the dates and important timing for the yatra go unnoticed. There are specific outlined dates for each mode of transportation (jeep, bus, helicopter tours) in the course of the yatra to facilitate the yatri’s (pilgrims) easy access and memory. With a variety of devotional activities lined up for the course of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra dates and schedules equip pilgrims with important information for safe and sure yatra’s.
    
Auspicious departure dates are aligned to coincide with important spiritual beliefs and Hindu Holy Scriptures.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Departure Dates 2014

Jeep

May-5, 9, 14, 21, 28;
June-1, 8, 18, 25;
July-7, 9, 16, 23, 30;
August-5, 9, 16, 23, 30;
September-4, 10










Volvo Bus                              
May-7, 9, 17, 24, 31;
June-5, 8, 14, 21, 28;
July-4, 7, 12, 19, 26;
August-2, 5, 13, 20, 27;
September-1, 4, 13

Helicopter
May-4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 20, 23, 27, 31
June-3, 7, 9, 15, 18, 24, 26, 30
September-5, 8, 12

Kailash – Manasarovar Pilgrimage

For a life of peace and blessing those who embark on this pilgrimage (Kailash Yatra) do accomplish one major belief, believe they are renewed and revived if they offer to do Kailash Yatra to Lord Shiva’s Abode. 
  
There are some necessary precautions on the body and spirit that are mandatory for a successful pilgrimage.

Precautions and Safety 

Health and Fitness
Important physical fitness and health is of the essence given the inhospitable and demanding nature of terrain on the body. It takes certified physically fit humans to endure the rigour of high mountain range trekking.

Altitude Acclimatization
Altitude often impacts the human body in many especially higher reaches and heights. For a successful Yatra pilgrims are required to acclimatize with change in altitude, weather and temperature fluctuations.

Limited Oxygen
Higher entails limited breathable oxygen, pilgrims have to make sure they adapt and can endure the changed weather pattern for safety and good health.

Clothing
In the event of cold weather the body drops temperature very fast and pilgrims are cautioned to carry warm and lighter clothing. The high altitude ranges are subject to weather fluctuations and changes on consistent basis.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra & Important Guidelines

Guidelines and Yatra Observations
Travel tires and wears one out. There are essential rules for kailash Yatra Pilgrims that are golden for smooth yatra passage and returning with divine blessings.

Summary Briefings
Any begins with knowledge on to potential risks and needed endeavor. Brief summary and orientations serve to give yatris a better knowledge of the conditions and activities ahead.
 
Personal Effects
Long treks, tiring walks and days of travel entail use of personal effects that cater for life sustenance like; high energy foods, water, clothing (for cold and warm conditions), medical kit and essential drugs. There are minute details for each phase of pilgrimage that will have important resourceful usage for both daily life as well life protecting gear.

Travel Documentation
There are important permissions to be received before and clearance to access these destinations. Though these generally are arranged, documents like passport and health records are necessary.

Health and Fitness Clearance Records
Difficulty in higher altitudes with poor health as limited air circulates can cause feeling of shortage of air, altitude sickness and nausea. Emphasis on acclimatization and complete compliance with medical records before yatra necessary.

Hygiene and Personal Safety
Higher exposure to extreme colds and dry conditions leads to possible conditions of sickness and disease. Hygiene guards against disease and deterioration of personal safety.

Miscellaneous
Tenacity and resolve are always important to meet challenges. Kailash Parikarama are considered among tough. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra embodies faith, desire of Lord Shiva devotees to connect deeply with the Hindu god of dissolution.