About Kailash Mansarovar

Kailash and Manasarovar, two venerated and sacred sites present in this almost unattainable pocket of pristine land in Tibet, are sites of awful spiritual significance stretching across Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Mount Kailash, as it is popularly known, is said to be the abode of lord Shiva and is regarded as the spiritual center of the universe, the ultimate quest of the men who seek enlightenment. It is a deity's residence and one who gazes at this gigantic, awe-inspiring, and towering 'Kailash' all but feels lost in the realms of veneration and faith.

Lake Manasarovar, the cleanest and most sacred freshwater lake just below Mount Kailash, is of great spiritual significance. Treated as a pond for spiritual purification, it is thought that this lake contains elements of purification. Hindu traditions state that a dip in Manasarovar eradicates the sins of the pilgrim; other traditions claim that Manasarovar contains the waters of eternal life.

To the pilgrims, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is not just a physical journey but a spiritual pilgrimage firmly rooted in one's symbolism as a path to self-purification, spiritual awakening, and union with divinity. Each step of this journey symbolizes the upholding of deep-rooted rituals, archaic traditions, and personal reflections. The world over, these pilgrims travel on this holy road to seek blessings, to pray for peace, and to complete a vow. The circumambulation of Mount Kailash, or Kailash Parikrama, is believed to wash the soul clean, enabling this Yatra experience to be borne in the spirit and to rise above the matrix of flesh and geography.

Why to do Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is far more than a simple pilgrimage; it is an unfathomably significant journey of transformation for innumerable faiths. Here are some reasons as to why this Yatra has become mandatory for devotees and seekers alike:

Significance in Spiritual Terms:

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra is a time-tested pilgrimage that ties one to their roots as a follower of either Hinduism or Buddhism, Jainism, or Bon. To the Hindus, a puja at Kailash and the Manasarovar Lake purifies the soul and washes away all sins that have been collected up to that time. It is said that going around the Kailash Parikrama would grant him spiritual freedom and blessings from Lord Shiva.

Unmatched Scenic Beauty:

This beautiful region has some of the most stunning open spaces, from the snow-covered peaks of Mount Kailash to the pristine waters of Lake Manasarovar. The silence and loneliness of this holy land make it possible for the pilgrim to commune with nature and in this experience deepen the spiritual events created by walking the holy grounds.

Personal Development:

The pilgrimage becomes a great metamorphosis, in that it does hold great potential as to physical hardship and the inward spiritual quality, which holds good to self-development. Plenty of travelers talk about the deep sense of spiritual awakening and peace after completing the whole journey.

Cultural Journey:

The Yatra would take you through Nepal and Tibet and enter your world into deep layers of rich culture and historical inheritance. You would find yourself interacting with many Tibetan communities and be able to learn and appreciate some key aspects of their traditions, as well as experience some unique rituals practiced in this region by Buddhists, Hindus, and Bön.

Best Season to Tour

The best seasons to do Kailash Manasarovar Yatra are during May and September. Here is why this time is ideal:

Weather Conditions: As for the weather, during this entire period, its fairly warm travel is made more manageable as daytime temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius; nights usually tend to be cool, but not as much compared with winter months.

Access to Routes: About 99% of hiking routes and highways to Kailash and Manasarover have become more accessible, having melted snow and reduced landslide risk. This time is favorable for smooth travel without much interference from the weather.

Festivals and Pilgrimages: The greatest part of the religious festivals celebrates during this same time, giving an additional spiritual dimension to your trip. For example, the Kailash Parikrama is taking place along a major spiritual event that would otherwise glorify the pilgrimage.

Difficulty Level of Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra shares a varying degree of difficulty owing to a plethora of reasons related to physical fitness, altitude, climate, and trekking experience. The main ones are as follows:

Altitude: An excursion involving heights beyond 5,000 meters, including the severe Dolma La Pass at an elevation of 5,630 meters, creates concerns of altitude sickness due to lack of proper acclimatization to thin air present at these higher altitudes.

Physical Demands: This ignominious trek requires a good degree of straining exertion, for the way is strewn with rocky leads, steep ascents, and rough terrain. The whole trek stretches for a day or more of continuous marching, thus demanding higher levels of physical exertion, particularly from elderly travelers or those not in the habit of going on treks.

Mental & Emotional Setbacks: Above the physical demands, the entire journey tests one's grit as the tempers are subjected to extremes of conditions, including bad weather, long travel days, and an air of solitude. For many, though, the spiritual rewards outweigh the hardships, and the Yatra is considered an experience of purification. 

Moderate to Advanced Difficulty: Given that the route is considered moderate to high in its difficulty level, a trekker with good health and fitness will tend to be quite fine, but age and conditions of health should always be given due consideration in planning.

Packing Essentials

Packing for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra requires careful consideration due to the high-altitude environment and the physical challenges of the trek. Here’s what you should pack:

Clothing

• Pair of Thermals

• Layered Clothing to accommodate changing temperatures

• Warm Jacket

• Windproof Gear

• Trekking Pants and Shoes

• Warm Hats, Gloves

• Woolen Scarf

Essential Gear

• Trekking Poles

• Backpack

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Sleeping Bags

Medical Kit

• Medication for altitude sickness

• Basic Painkillers

• Antiseptic Cream

• Bandage

• Hand Sanitizers

• Wet Wipes

Other Items

• Toiletries

• Snack

• Camera

• Water Bottle

• Water Purification tablet

• Mobile Phone with power bank

• Passport

• Permits Paper

• Travel Insurance