A Complete Guide to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra & Mount Kailash

This is probably one of the most surreal pilgrimage experiences that you will ever have in a lifetime and should definitely be taken up at least once. Deemed for being one of the remotest and equally holy pilgrimage of the home of Shiva in Mount Kailash this place displays an unparalleled spiritual vibe amidst the majestic beauty of the untouched Himalayas. For the duration of June to September the yatra commences and takes 22 days for one person to complete it. Making your way through the stark landscape will feel like you are walking in your dream and the presence of Mansarovar lake just adds on to the beauty of this place. Located on a whopping altitude of 19,500 feet above sea level and covered in white snow to as far as the eyes can see, the place is not only significant for Hindus but it is also equally relevant for Jains as well as Buddhists. While taking the trip every Yatri should follow some essential guidelines since it is one of the most difficult pilgrimages to cover.

Kailash Parvat (Mountain)

Religious Significance

This is probably one of the most sacred mountain ranges in India and can only be accessed via a treacherous hiking journey. The unique shape of the mountain has always attracted a throng of devotees from all over the world and its sides are believed to point out to all the cardinal directions. In the Hindu and Buddhist cosmology this unique mountain is an earthly manifestation for the spiritual centre of the universe known as Mount Semeru. It is believed that the tip of the mountain top is from where the cosmos rotates. Hindu devotees believe that this mountain is the throne of the supreme lord Shiva and in Buddhism the mountain hosts some of the greatest god of meditation called Demchong representing the ultimate bliss. As per the Jain community the high altitude glacial lake of Mansarovar has been associated with Lord Shree Rishabhdev and the Ashtapad Mountain has been found out to be located close to Mount Kailash – where he and his disciples are said to have attained nirvana.

Importance of Manasarovar Lake

This is one of the most stunning high altitude freshwater lakes in Tibet autonomous region China which is fed by the Kailash mountain ranges. set against the majestic backdrop of the holy mount Kailash the lake is extremely highly revered by the believers of Buddhism, Bon, Hinduism and Jainism. The name is a combination of two Sanskrit words meaning lake of intelligence. According to beliefs the lake was created for the first time inside the mind of lord brahma after which it manifested itself in the earthly realm. Bathing in this lake is believed to cleanse all the sins. The lake holds immense importance due to the fact that it is considered to be the source for 4 great rivers of Asia known as Brahmaputra, Ghaghara, Sindhu and Sutlej making it one of the prime pilgrimage destinations ever since time immemorial.

Manasarovar Lake

Best Time to Visit

Being situated on such a high altitude and in such a remote location that travelling here should be a carefully planned itinerary. The best time to Mount Kailash is when the weather is slightly better during the summer season between mid – may and mid – July. The weather during this time remains pleasant, comfortable and stable including the visibility which is absolutely clear. However even during this time the climate remains very cold and freezing with the temperature dropping below zero at night. The pilgrimage for Kailash yatra can also be done during the post monsoon season of mid-September and early October when the roads and trails are cleared of mud and snow. the best time would be during the summer months and the greenery would come alive and the water would appear to be extremely clear and display clear wide blue skies creating the perfect opportunity for spiritualism and natural beauty.

Trekking Route for Kailash Mansarovar

The overall trekking journey for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage can be divided into three stages or phases which are as follows:

Stage 1 – Darchen to Dira Puk monastery which is 6 hours of journey where you will be covering around 20 kms of hardy hilly terrain. The ascent will be of 200 metres and will require you to be in the best of your health condition.

Stage 2 – Dira Puk monastery to Dzultripuk monastery will comprise for the 2^nd leg of your journey. This will be a journey of 7 to 8 hours covering around 18 kms and reaching for over around 600 metres.

Stage 3 – Dzultripuk monastery to Darchen comprises of the stage 3 circuit part of Kailash Yatra. This takes 3 to 4 hours to cover and requires you to hike for 14 km while simultaneously ascending 150 metres.

Detailed Trekking Experience

Generally, the pilgrimage starts from the western edge of Darchen and just 4 kms onwards from here the trail takes you upwards over the south western end of the east – west ridge. The cairn present here is heavily adorned and decked with a number of prayer flags marking the very first views of the mount Kailash’s lapis lazuli face. It truly is a wonderful experience complete with impeccable and pure Himalayan beauty.

After crossing a number of prayer walls and ruined chortens the trail leads up to a small bridge that pan across the lha chu. This particular bridge falls at a walking distance of about 3 hours from Darchen and is located directly below Chuku monastery. During the peak pilgrim seasons this place is lined with tents selling food, snacks and water.

Starting from the Chuku Bridge there are other alternative walking trails along the eastern and western banks of the river. No matter which route you take it will take you 3 hours to reach Dira Puk monastery. The road leading along the eastern bank is the route that is normally taken by pilgrims in general. You can choose to go by the western trail where campsites are set up on the grassy landscape. Yes, you may spend the night in monastery.

Yatris Selection Procedure

This pilgrimage route will take you across some of the most arduous hilly tracts of terrain so every pilgrim is required to be in tip top physical health. Only people who are capable of enduring the high-altitude trekking journey and do exercise on a regular basis will definitely be eligible to apply. The applicants should not suffer from medical conditions like diabetes, high BP problems, epilepsy, asthma, heart disease etc. the Yatris after applying, will be selected by MEA through a completely computerized selection procedure. Everybody who will get selected will be informed regarding their selection in a batch 3 to 4 weeks prior their scheduled date of departure. All the Yatris who will be informed of their inclusion in the pilgrimage will be reaching Delhi 3 to 4 days before the departure day for the yatra. These selected Yatris will be made to undergo and pass 2 different sets of medical tests. These tests will judge if you are fit for high altitude trekking. These tests will be done in Gunji post 5 days of the Yatra when the Yatris are done with 3,500 metres of ascent. Any Yatri who will be deemed medically unfit at the Gunji centre will not be allowed to continue their yatra.

Important Travel Documents

You will be required to start off your all the permits for acquiring the Tibet permits around 20 days prior to the commencement of the yatra. All the travel related documents depend largely on where you plant on visiting Mount Kailash. In case you decide to go on the journey via Lhasa, then a Tibet permit is needed to enter the Tibetan region. The travel agent will get alien’s travel permit and military permit along with foreign affairs permit and frontier pass in you are visiting mount Kailash from Burang County.

If you are starting your trip from Kathmandu then in addition to the above-mentioned documents you will be required to have a china group visa in order to enter Tibet. You will be needed to keep aside 3 whole days in Kathmandu in order to get your processing for group visa sanctioned along with your original passport.

Places to Visit around Kailash Mansarovar

Yam Dwar

Situated in Tibet on an elevation of around 15,500 feet above sea level and at a distance of around 15 kms from Darchen, the name yam Dwar can be literally translated into the gateway of the god of death. This Dwar also marks the starting point for the circumambulation of the holy mount Kailash. It has a spiritual reason behind it which means – in order to visit Shiva’s home one must pass through this Dwar or doorway.

Om Parvat

Situated in close proximity to the Adi Kailash Mountain in the district of Darchula – Nepal, this Parvat our mountain is another sacred holy spot for devout Hindus. The snow dispositioning on top of this mountain forms what seems to be a natural OM shape. Another interesting fact about this peak is the fact that it looks astonishingly similar to that of mount Kailash in Tibet.

Rakshas Tal

Located towards the western end of Mansarovar Lake is the lake of the demon or Rakshas Tal. It is believed that once this Tal was a part of the adjoining side of Mansarovar which is clear due to the presence of a small water channel connecting them called Ganga Chu. Covering an overall area of 70 sq km. the river Sutlej emerges from the north western tip of this lake. The lake is named after Ravan the demon king who is believed to have performed penance here.

Saptarishi Caves

Situated right under the southern face of mount Kailash in the extreme end of Nandi inner Parikrama lies this grand iconic cave of Saptarishis and is undoubtedly a tough location to reach. The inside wall of this cave is decorated in Tibetan styled designs and it can be seen from the Nandi mountain which resembles Nandi. From Darchen this cave is located at a distance of 11 kms.

Accommodation for mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar

There are two stoppage points i.e. at Dirapuk and dzultripuk moasteries where you will be receiving the most basic level of accommodation. Remember that these places are located in extremely high altitudes so do not expect the level of comfort you get in hotels on the plains. It is also recommended for you to carry your own sleeping bags. You can even pitch your own tents en route which is a very safe and money saving option. You can keep your bags in Kathmandu from where ever you may choose to commence the trip. The campsites available for accommodation purposes comes with washroom, hot/cold water services and heaters to make the stay as comfortable as possible.

Food Availability

Being a holy place every food that is served here is pure vegetarian. This includes dal, Chawal, Roti, Papd, Khichdi, Fruits, Juice, Tea, Coffee, Milk, Bread, Cornflakes and more. The foods served here aim at energizing the Yatris for their journey. It is advised for the pilgrims to stock up on their own snacks like dry fruits, biscuits, chocolates etc to boost your energy. Also remember to keep yourself hydrated, carry a water bottle which you can easily refill at the drinking water spouts in the eateries. A very cost effective and eco-friendly way of travelling.

Valuable Suggestions for Kailash Mansarovar Trip

Tak the advice of your family doctor and get his diagnosis on whether you will be able to go on this trip or not. Carry along with you all your prescribed medicines which will come in handy. Make sure to carry along all the basic medicines like nausea, dehydration, vomiting, altitude sickness, fever etc.
Keep yourself in shape by indulging in at least half an hour of exercise or some active aerobics activities. You can even practice pranayama prior to the commencement of the yatra. The point is to make the treacherous and testing journey as comfortable and as easy as possible.
While on the journey remember not to pace up and make sure you walk gradually and without exerting yourself too much. Remember that this will be a very difficult trekking journey and don’t underestimate it. It is much tougher than any other pilgrimage you may have done in the past. So don’t rush while walking to the abode of the lord.
On the 2^nd day of your trip you will be reaching the maximum height at Dolmala Pass where the oxygen content in the air is extremely thin so it is recommended for you to not stop there for more than 5 minutes. Remember no matter how tired you are do not drink the water from the rivers or streams that line the trail.
Once you are settled inside the tents remember to be properly zipped inside with all your luggage securely kept inside. Remember to pitch your tents in such a way that it is not touching the outer surface of another tent since in case it rains it will make your tent also wetter.