Wondering how to plan for the Kailash Mansarovar trip. This article is the perfect place to check out.
In India, there are very few symbols in the Indian classical history and cultural amalgam, which stood for centuries holding an allure for millions around every corner of this nation. We shall now see how you should plan right for a journey to a truly mesmerizing place like
Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake.
Kailash Mansarovar represents that ancient mythos which is a standing remnant of a great tradition and the source of a long history. It is one of the most revered holy sites, not just for Hindus, but for followers of other faiths, such as Jains, Buddhists and even the ancient Bon religion.
Planning for Kailash Mansarovar Trip
Before knowing about the details of the Kailash Mansarovar tour, some interesting facts that pilgrims believe firmly are that one Kora in other words one circuit around Mount Kailash Mansarovar cleanses sins of this lifetime whereas 108 Koras break the cycle of rebirth and assures one of nirvana or Moksha at death.
Pilgrims also believe that rinsing one’s body in the water of Lake Mansarovar will clean one’s annoyances.
Where is Kailash Mansarovar located?
Situated in the Nagari region of Western Tibet at 22, 028 ft Mount Kailash stands in isolation as one of the highest peaks in the world. For Hindus, Kailash is where Lord Shiva resides, an intimidating character with a plethora of mythologies and traditions devoted to him.
Thus imparted onto this place, is a religious sacrosanct matched by only a few. Circumambulating the mountain is a holy practice desired by many devotees across the region.
Near Mount Kailash, lies another revered holy site for Hindus, the Mansarovar Lake. The lake lies at a height of 15,000 ft. and pilgrims across the region take part in an arduous journey to reach the holy lake.
Yama Dwar against Mt.Kailash.
The lake is said to have originated from the mind of Brahma, the Creator himself. Devotees believe that drinking from the lake shall lead to all of their sins washing away, thus attaining an incarnation within your physical body with a refreshed soul.
Pilgrims have to endure through some of the harshest conditions on this planet, with an ascent up to 18,600 ft as part of the pilgrimage to Mt.Kailash. Many travellers go with faith in their minds and many just want to get enthralled in one of the most gorgeous scenic locations in the Himalayan range.
Booking a tour to visit Mt.Kailash
Many private tour operators carry out a Kailas Parikrama tour and even the Government of India organises a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for devotees nationwide. People travel largely in the months of May to September.
The climate is the most tolerable during this time for a tour which was only possible due to a special agreement between the Indian and the Chinese government in 1981.
Due to political reasons, the journey is only possible by land in the region of Tibet and pilgrims have to go through all sorts of security check-ins by the Chinese Army personnel.
Dr Milind Chitley, who has completed the Kailash Parikrama 23 times, has few cautious words to those with an intent to take this journey. “This is a place with very little infrastructure and absence of any comforting facility, which means you should come prepared on every level.”
A Suggested Kailash Mansarovar trip itinerary
The suggested route to reach Mount Kailash is from Lhasa city which is 1300 kilometers from Mount Kailash. Renting a car to Kailash from Lhasa is most opted by the tourists. The highways between Lhasa and Mount Kailash are in good condition and the journey will be stress-free.
Most travellers prefer to go by road to enjoy the spectacular views on the way.
The serene views of Yamdrok Lake, Mount Everest Base Camp, Gangdise Mountains and so on will make Manasarovar Yatra indelible.
Basecamp at Darchen
If you are a person with no time, then it’s better to book a flight from Lhasa Gonggar Airport to Ali Kunsha Airport as this is the fastest way to reach Mount Kailash.
Darchen Town in Burang County is the only town and base for visiting both Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar and it is about 200 kilometers from the Ali Kunsha Airport.
During this tour, you can visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Yamdrok Lake, Gauri Kund, Gyantse monastery and Kumbum stupa, Mount Everest, Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, and much more.
For those who are eager to complete Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 6 days, they can have a Kailash tour by helicopter from Nepalgunj. This is the shortest way to accomplish this divine journey.
Kailash Mansarovar trip costs
Kailash Yatra is not cheap. A 15-day Kailash tour via Tibet would usually cost around $2,500 per person on average. This amount will cover most of the essential things that you need, including meals, tour transfer services, hotels, travel insurance, etc.
The plane ticket takes a large portion of the amount when travelling through Yatra packages.
If you are a solo traveller, you can expect a higher cost for your trip. However, a small-group tour or overland tour is always a good option to save money. Moreover, you should choose your type of travel according to the duration and budget.
Travelling during peak season is undoubtedly more expensive than visiting during the off-season.
Kailash Mansarovar yatra trip planning and guide
Our journey begins at Kathmandu, a city easily accessible by a variety of means. This is where you get off to reach the border of Nepal and Tibet and then you shall travel towards Zangmu. Next, you will pass through the town of Nyalam in a vehicle and then drive to another town, Saga.
This is where you shall pass through “Lalung La”, your first high altitude pass. Here, you may also get an awe-inspiring sight of Mt. Shishapangma, the 14th highest peak in the world.
The drive to Paryang is particularly memorable with Tibetan wildlife that keeps you looking around.
Your next stop is Chui Gompa and crossing the Mayumala pass will be a big moment for itself, because now you will reach the next high rise plateau to get your first glimpse of the Lake and the mountain at the same time. Before you know it, you should be at the shores of the Mansarovar Lake, where many will take their time to take a dip and carry out various rituals.
Planning for Kailash Mansarovar trip.
A drive to Darchen is next, as this place acts as a base of the Kailash Parikrama. The cold may get severe at this point onwards, so keep in mind to buy a proper jacket for Kailash in Mumbai city before you start the journey.
Travellers can drive up to a site popularly known as the Yama Dwar, an auspicious site for many acting as a gateway to the heavenly realm. The next leg of the journey is either by foot, a pony or on a Yak.
From the Sersung monastery, the entire Parikrama lasts for 3 days as the pilgrim travels through uneven terrain and high altitude. At the end of the third day, you should finish your Parikrama to reach Darchen. This is where pilgrims bid adieu to a holy site they have long desired to be at for years and start their return journey back to the Saga town.
Basecamp at Darchen: Few precautions
Travelling through the harsh terrain of Tibet is not an easy task. This is why strict guidelines are imposed when health is a factor. People with health issues such as cardiac problems and uncontrolled BP, asthma are often discouraged from taking up this journey.
Among this bunch of high-risk individuals, people suffering from obesity are also included. A person must be physically fit to travel for long hours in a high altitude environment which creates a low oxygen issue, thus dangerously jeopardizing a person’s life.
What to pack for Kailash Mansarovar Trip in the winter?
It is better to be prepared than worry while travelling. So have a look at this checklist and minimize your packaging during this amazing trip.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Checklist
- Wind-proof jacket with parka 1 no.
- Sweaters 2 full sleeve 1 half sleeve
- Balaclava (Monkey cap) 1 no.
- Woollen and leather gloves 1 pair each
- Woollen/cotton long johns 2 pairs
- Woollen socks 4 pairs
- Cotton socks 4 pairs
- Jeans/Pants 3 nos.
- Shorts 2 nos.
- Full sleeve Shirts/T-shirt 6 nos.
Source: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: 2011 Guide book for Yatris (Annexure C)
Check out Kosha’s winter wear collection here!
Outerwear like puffer jackets, parkas or a coat
Wind and Waterproof Puffer or Parka Jackets are the best to carry during this journey.
Kosha’s Puffer Jackets are lightweight in design, power-packed with features, it promises to be your ideal travel partner as it keeps you warm and comfortable.
Kosha’s Parka Jackets are slightly long and insulated and come in both zip and button closure. Designed with a snow shield and poly-fleece lining, this jacket comes in handy in both snow, wind, and rain.
Kosha’s Fleece Lined Puffer Jacket has a reversible feature with a detachable hood and it is made of insulated fabric to keep you warm and stylish in snow, wind, and rain.
Check the Fleece-lined puffer jacket for men here
Check the Fleece-lined puffer jacket for women here
Sweaters and Pullovers
Layers are the best way to stay warm when trekking around Mount Kailash, and you should take three separate layers of clothing. Add colour to your travel clothing by carrying some mid layer sweaters made of supima cotton which is superior Pima cotton and keep yourself warm yet stylish.
Don’t forget to check out Kosha’s Commuter Collection of hoodies that equip you to travel hassle-free with 6 zipper pockets of varying sizes to keep your gadgets or accessories accessible easily for you.
It can double up as a mid-layer on top of a base layer or below a shell layer for 12°C and below. They can also be used as stylish Sweatshirts with hoods or worn with a thermal shirt to lounge in or work out.
Check the Kosha’s sweater for men
Check the Kosha’s sweater for women
Base layers
The unique product to keep you warm in cold and cool in hot places is the thermals. Thermals especially made of merino and bamboo fibers exhibit this thermal regulating property and gives you flexibility to wear in all types of temperatures.
The base layer thermals keep your body dry due to its moisture wicking property.
Check out Kosha’s base layers for men here
Check out Kosha’s base layers for women here
Woolen bottoms – Snow Pants
Carry waterproof pants with high vents and gaiters at the hem so that snow or rain don’t enter inside. Also, look for snow pants with many pockets to carry your essentials with easy accessibility.
Waterproof Ski Pants
Snow pants are very important for hiking or trekking as it covers maximum exposed skin by wearing full-length trousers instead of shorts and gives protection from all extremities and insect bites to a great extent.
Check out Kosha’s snow pants for men here
Check out Kosha’s snow pants for women here
Warm accessories
Going to an adventure nation like Mount Kailash, you will need warm accessories like beanies, mufflers to cover your head and neck and keep you away from catching a cold.
All-weather Accessories
Protect the tips of your fingers from getting frozen by covering them with waterproof gloves. Capture each moment of your divine journey by using touch screen enabled gloves which helps you to access the smartphones and cameras.
Check out Kosha’s accessories for men here
Check out Kosha’s accessories for women here
Warm shoes or boots
For dry and warm terrains of Manasarovar, use low-ankle hiking shoes. During cold extremities where you feel adventurous, carry trek boots with crampon ready features.
Warm socks
The Mansarovar tour is full of treks. So don’t forget to choose the best socks with advanced features like cushions on the pressure points of your feet to keep your feet warm and blister-free.
Check out Kosha’s socks for men here
Check out Kosha’s socks for women here
Although the months of May to September are preferred by many to take this trip, cold weather is still quite prevalent. So it is better to buy clothes for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Mumbai itself.
You can even get your thermals for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Bandra and thermals are something you are going to need in particularly cold weather. Going for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and looking for winter wear for the pilgrimage, click here to see some fascinating winter collections.
How to stay warm during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
“Along with the high altitude, cold winds could cause a great discomfort among the travellers”, Dr Milind Chitley speaks about some of the harsh realities of this region he came across before. ” You should always make sure to turn up for this trip with ample protection for your body and this is something not to be taken lightly”.
Dr. Deepak, 3rd from left
There is a recommended amount of preparation needed in terms of clothes to be brought on this trip. Let us look at a few of the pieces of equipment recommended by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
A marvellous voyage
“An experience of a lifetime”, this is how Dr Deepak coveys his feelings about his trip to Kailash Mansarovar. “It was a breath-taking scene at the banks of Mansarovar Lake where we sat down for hours, with the full moon reflecting itself in the lake, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere.”
“But that’s not all”, says Dr Deepak, “At the wee hours at Dirapuk, we have greeted the most extraordinary scene one could ever witness”. “At the dawn”, Dr Deepak continues, “The unwavering full moon was in the sky casting a silvery-white sheath on the Kailash mountain. Things got even better when the sun began to push its way through.
A spectrum of colours began bursting through the sky showering the mountain with the golden light of utmost purity. It truly became a celestial site and we were left in a cosmic dimension with the resolute stature of a very intimidating Kailash right in front of us”.
Hence, this is a perfect time for you to begin planning for a comfortable and joyful trip to a truly extraordinary place.
Credits: We thank Dr Milind Chitale, Co-Founder of Hills and Trails who helped us with valuable inputs while writing this post.
Photograph courtesy: Dr Deepak Jhangiani.
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This post was updated by Kosha team member – Aamina Tasmia!
Preet
I am interested in visiting mount Kailash