The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not just the most popular trek but also the most challenging one. There are several stories linked to a popular destination. While some of them are definitely correct, others are nothing more than a myth! No doubt, preparing for it is full of puzzlement and confusion.
If you are a traveler planning your trip to the much-glorified pilgrimage, you have come to the right place!
Here are the top twenty questions about the famous Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, answered for you.
Q-1: What is the best time to visit the Kailash Manasarovar?
Ans: The best months to visit the famous Kailash Manasarovar are from May to September. This is when the skies are clear, temperatures comfortable, and views spectacular!
Q-2: What is the cost of Kailash Manasarovar?
Ans: The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra packages cost between 1.4 lakh to 1.8 lakh. However, an additional Rs.25000 is added to the cost for anyone traveling from your hometown.
Q-3: Is there any age limit for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra?
Ans: An Indian citizen who is a minimum of 8 years, but less than 70 years of age is eligible to take up the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. For more than 70 years few more documents need to provide.
Q-4: Can we take a bath in Lake Manasarovar?
Ans: Yes, taking a bath in Manasarovar as well as drinking its water is believed to cleanse all the sins. It’s a famous ritual for Hindus. But from 2018 there is a ban to take bath inside the lake, you can bring the water and take bath on the bank of the Lake.
Q-5: Can we climb Mount Kailash?
Ans: Mount Kailash is considered unattainable since several attempts have been made in the past and all of them have failed. Now it’s prohibited to climb.
Q-6: How many days are required for this yatra?
Ans: The yatra can be completed in a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 16 days depending on the route and the mode of transportation one chooses.
Q-7: Is the yatra challenging?
Ans: Yes, the yatra is quite challenging and requires trekking in extreme temperatures and inhospitable conditions.
Q-8: Is a passport necessary for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra?
Ans: Since the yatra requires traveling to Tibet and China, the pilgrims or travelers must have a passport.
Q-9: What kind of medical certificates are required for the yatra?
It is important that every individual planning a trip to Kailash Mansarovar must undergo a medical examination. They are thus required to present the test reports with a medical certificate or a written declaration from the doctor that is duly stamped and mentions that the individual is fit to travel to a height of 19500 feet.
Q-10: Are there any kinds of medical facilities that are made available to travelers?
Ans: A first-aid kit is always available with the tour guide or the tour manager. A limited supply of oxygen is also carried along. Generally, a list of medicines is also suggested to the travelers that they must carry with themselves apart from their regular medicines. Also, proper modern medicals are available in that region.
Q-11: What level of physical fitness is expected from the travelers?
Ans: A high level of physical fitness is expected from the travelers who take up the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Pilgrims suffering from back problems, respiratory issues, heart troubles, or any kind of allergies are suggested to stay away from the yatra. Also, it is suggested that the travelers should train themselves at least a month in advance. The training should involve activities such as brisk walking, yoga asana, or any other form of training.
Q-12: What happens if someone feels unwell during the trip?
Ans: If the ailment is minor, it is taken care of by the medical staff that is present on the Indian side. However, if the ailment is major, the traveler is evacuated but at their personal costs.
Q-13: What kind of food is available to travelers while on the trip?
Ans: The food served on the trip is varied. For breakfast, there are several options such as milk with Bournvita, Horlicks, Complan or Tea/Coffee. Other available options include upma, pakoras, pancakes, and bread served with jam or butter. Lunch includes puris/chapattis with vegetables and pickles accompanied with a drink in tetra pack/glucose water with lime, tinned fruits and sweets. Dinner includes soup with Chinese, European, or Indian cuisine plus a dessert.
Q-14: What is exactly done in a Parikrama?
Ans: Parikrama is also known as ‘Kora’ and there are two different kinds-the inner Kora or the outer Kora. The outer Kora involves Parikrama (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash and the inner Kora involves Parikrama of Nandi Parvat that is regarded as much more complicated and challenging.
Q-15: How long is the complete Kailash Manasarovar Yatra?
The complete Yatra is 52 kilometers and it takes 3 complete days of walking to cover the entire distance. While the first and the third day require basic walking, the second-day trek that involves ascends and descends around the Dolma La Pass is the toughest part of the entire trek.
Q-16: Is it ok to carry a camera?
Ans: Yes, carrying a camera is perfectly Ok but it is also suggested to carry a few additional batteries. Charging facility is available everywhere except at the Parikrama.
Q-17: What should we carry for communicating with our families?
Ans: You can carry your Indian mobile phones but with an international roaming facility.
Q-18: What all currency do I require and how much money should I carry?
Ans: The amount of money you should carry is a subjective question. Most of the packages include food, transportation as well as accommodation. As for the currency, USD or INR is good for Nepal and the Chinese Yuan is required in China.
Q-19: What kind of drinking water is available on the trip?
Ans: Mineral water or water purifying tablets are made available to travelers. However, in case of unforeseen conditions, boiled water is made available to the Yatris.
Q-20: Is it possible to get food of one’s choice on the trek?
Ans: If the required items are available, the chef traveling with the group can be asked to prepare a specific meal.
Q-21: How can I undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by helicopter?
Ans: Helicopter packages, booked through specialized agencies, cover flights from Kathmandu to Simikot and Hilsa, followed by a trek and road travel to Tibet. These packages include transportation, accommodation, and permits but are pricier. Ensure good health for high altitudes.