Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a spiritual journey that is undertaken by many devotees every year. This pilgrimage journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayan Mountains to reach the holy Lake Mansarovar and Sacred Mount Kailash. For Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, it is believed that completing this pilgrimage brings salvation and enlightenment. Mount Kailash is considered the home of Lord Shiva. This pilgrimage is not an easy one, but it is believed that undertaking it washes away all your sins and helps you attain salvation. Indian Pilgrims are the highest number of visitors to Mount Kailash due to their belief in Lord Shiva as the Mahadev and reside to God of all Gods.
This holy pilgrimage is a journey of a lifetime that requires a lot of preparation and planning. In this article, we will discuss everything that Indian pilgrims need to know about Kailash Yatra, including the best time to visit, the routes, permits, and other important information to make your journey reliable and satisfying.
Connect with Spirituality during Yatra
There are many ways to connect with spirituality that are more accessible and sustainable during Kailash Yatra. For example, practicing meditation, performing Homa and Prayers, or engaging in communal worship can provide more spiritual benefits. Pilgrims can focus their minds and connect with the divine.
Sharing experiences and insights with other pilgrims can help deepen one's understanding of the journey and foster a sense of community among pilgrims. However, after the rituals make sure you clean up all the excess elements and do not throw anything in the surroundings, and make a positive environmental impact.
Best Time for Kailash Yatra
The best time to undertake the Kailash Yatra is between May and September. During these months, the weather is mild, and the roads are accessible. During this period Kailash Yatra is opened for pilgrims by the Tibet (China) Government.
The months of June and July are particularly popular among pilgrims as they coincide with the Saga Dawa festival, which celebrates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. As Hinduism and Buddhism are co-related and believe the enlightenment most Hindu Pilgrims ought to access the Kailash with the festival.
However, the peak season for Kailash Yatra is from June to August, and during this time, the crowds are high, and the prices are also higher than usual. Learn more about the best time to visit Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Routes Available for Kailash Yatra
Indian pilgrims can take Kailash Yatra through several routes, this also depends on various factors. The Luxury, Exploration, Management, and it takes more to decide the route. Indian Pilgrims can take a yatra through an agency that will organize their yatra through Nepal Tibet Border which has three frontiers open for visitors which is through Rashuwagadhi-Kerung, Hilsa-Taklakot, and Lhasa Flyout.
There are two routes available through India for the Kailash Yatra - the Lipulekh Pass of the Nepal-India-Tibet Border and the Nathu La Pass. The Lipulekh Pass route is the most popular one, and it takes you through the scenic valleys of Uttarakhand and the high-altitude desert of Tibet. The Nathu La Pass route, on the other hand, takes you through Sikkim and is a newer route that was opened in 2015. You have to undertake this route with Indian Government.
Permits required to Enter Tibet
To undertake the Kailash Yatra, Indian pilgrims need to obtain several permits and documents. This also depends on how you are traveling. These also include a valid passport, and a visa for China, then you can proceed with the permit. There are four permits must for yatra: Tibet Travel Permit, Alien's Travel Permit, Military Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit
If you are traveling directly from India, you need an additional permit and validation. A permit from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs is required to travel to the Lipulekh Pass or the Nathu La Pass, depending on the route chosen which is known as Inner Line Permit. Additionally, pilgrims need to obtain a medical certificate stating that they are physically fit to undertake the journey. To learn about the permits required for Kailash Yatra in detail visit here.
Physical Preparation is a must for Pilgrims
Kailash Yatra is a strenuous journey that requires physical fitness and mental preparedness. Pilgrims are advised to start their physical training at least 2-3 months before the journey. They should engage in physical activities such as running, walking, and yoga to build stamina and endurance. Pilgrims with pre-existing medical conditions should consult their doctors before embarking on the journey.
Accommodation and Food during Kailash Yatra
During the Kailash Yatra, pilgrims stay in hotels, guesthouses, and tents depending on availability. Most of the time there will not be as expected Luxury as Kailash lies in a remote area. As you reach Mansarovar Lake, you will stay in a Guesthouse as a dormitory system and pilgrims need to share a room with other pilgrims. The food provided during the journey is basic, and the options are limited. Learn more about the accommodation services during Kailash Yatra here.
Pilgrims are advised to carry their own food supplies and water bottles to avoid any inconvenience. In addition, your Kailash operators will also make sure that you are provided with certain services. Some agencies provide cuisine services with the cook during the Yatra make sure you choose the right agency with the qualifying services and have a proper plan for the comfort of pilgrims.
Do's and Don'ts
Pilgrims are expected to follow certain criteria during the Kailash Yatra. They should dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes. They should also respect the local culture and traditions and refrain from littering or damaging the environment. Pilgrims are advised to carry a first aid kit, warm clothes, and comfortable shoes for the journey.
Carry all necessary documents, such as passports, permits, and medical certificates. Stay hydrated and carry enough water with you. Follow the instructions of your guide and respect the customs and traditions of the region. Practice good hygiene and carry hand sanitizer and other toiletries with you. Show reverence and respect for the natural surroundings and the local culture and disturbing wildlife or the local community is offensive behavior.
Safety Precautions
Pilgrims are advised to take certain safety precautions to ensure a safe journey. Kailash Yatra is a high-altitude journey that poses various risks and challenges. The high altitude can cause altitude sickness, and pilgrims need to take precautions to prevent it. It is advisable to acclimatize at lower altitudes for a few days before starting the trek.
Pilgrims can also carry medication for altitude sickness, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking any medication. Pilgrims should avoid alcohol and smoking and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. They should also carry necessary medicines and oxygen cylinders, as the journey involves traveling through high-altitude regions.
Additional Tips for Effective Journey
Undertaking the Kailash Yatra is not an easy task, and it requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start preparing for the journey at least six months in advance.
- Undertake a thorough medical check-up before embarking on the journey.
- Pack light and carry only the essentials.
- Stay hydrated and carry enough water with you.
- Respect the local culture and traditions.
- Follow the rules and regulations set by the authorities.
To learn more about how to take Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in detail visit here.
Conclusion
Undertaking the Kailash Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Indian pilgrims. The journey to Kailash involves a strenuous trek over high-altitude mountain passes, and pilgrims need to be physically fit and mentally prepared to undertake the journey. With the right preparation and precautions, the Kailash Yatra can be a truly unforgettable experience.
Kailash Yatra is a profound spiritual journey for Hindu pilgrims. By incorporating practices like meditation, chanting, puja, Satsang, and nature walks, pilgrims can deepen their connection with their faith and spirituality during the journey. Ultimately, the Kailash Yatra is an opportunity to connect with the divine and experience a sense of transcendence that can be life-changing.
