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If there ever was a Heaven on Earth it would be the scintillating Kailash Mansarovar.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a sacred journey that is undertaken by thousands of pilgrims every year. The journey involves high-altitude trekking, which makes it quite demanding. That said, the yatra (journey) represents an inner process of spiritual cleansing and ends with a magnificent view of Lake Mansarovar, with Mount Kailash's peak soaring in the background.
The ultimate goal of the yatris (travellers) on the trip is to complete a parikrama (the act of circumambulating a sacred object, place, or deity in a clockwise direction) of Mount Kailash, which is believed to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva. Some devotees also prefer to take a dip in the holy waters of Lake Mansarovar. It is believed to wash away all sins.
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As the journey is tough, you need to be in good health to be able to complete the yatra. It involves trekking at an altitude as high as 19,500 ft and walking through inhospitably rugged terrains in extreme weather conditions.
The yatra is organised in several batches between late May and early June, as well as at the end of September every year. Each batch usually takes around 20 to 30 days on average to complete the journey, including health check-ups in Delhi. Since a large part of the journey falls in the China-occupied Tibetan territory, you will need a passport for the trip.
The Government of India offers the most comprehensive Mansarovar Yatra, which is handled by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (Uttarakhand) and Sikkim Tourist Development Cooperation (Sikkim). Although private tour operators also offer the tour from Nepal and Tibet, the Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La (Sikkim) routes from India are exclusively available through the government-affiliated programme.
Credited as one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Mansarovar finds mention in early Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain texts. In Hinduism, the lake is associated with Mount Kailash, which is believed to be the abode of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that it was here that Lord Shiva tamed the erratic flow of the Holy Ganges in his tresses.
According to Hindu mythology, the mythical Lake Manasa was created from the mind of Lord Brahma – like the rest of the universe – as a chosen abode for his vahana (an animal or bird that serves as a mount), Hamsa, the great white swan. According to common belief, the name and subsequent significance of Lake Manasa are derived from the tales of one Lake Manasa. It is believed to be located in the foothills of the great Mount Meru in Buddism, which is considered the cosmic centre of the universe according to the pantheon.
Demchok Buddhists consider Lake Mansarovar as the mother principle and the mountain is revered as the father principle. A 51-km-long circuit around the peak, called kora, and a visit to the nearby Yamantaka shrine, are believed to be the rites of passage. Jains refer to the peak as Mount Ashtapada where the founder of the religion, the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, attained nirvana.
The circumambulation of Mount Kailash is a major highlight of the yatra for those who are physically able. It is believed that circling the mountain represents going through the cycle of life. Thus, you are reborn after completing one parikrama of Mount Kailash and your wrongdoings are forgiven and your good deeds are salvaged. Hindus walk around the mountain in a clockwise direction, while Buddhists go anti-clockwise.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offered by the Government of India is a highly sought-after journey, for which you will have to go through a selection process to qualify.
You will be eligible to embark on the journey, provided you fulfil certain conditions. First, you need to be a citizen of India. Second, you must possess an Indian passport that is valid for at least six months from September 1 of the current year. Third, you must be aged between 18 and 70 years as on January 1 of the current year. Fourth, your Body Mass Index (BMI) needs to be 25 or less. Finally, you need to be otherwise physically and medically fit for undertaking the journey.
You can apply on the official website, provide your details, and choose from the two routes open to Indian travellers. Yatris are selected through an unbiased computer-generated draw of lots and assigned the routes and batches randomly. However, you can request for two people to be allowed to travel together. Visitors are informed of their selection via a registered email ID and mobile number.
If selected, you will be required to carry these documents: your Indian passport; 6 copies of a colour passport-size photo; an Indemnity Bond executed on a non-judicial stamp paper of Rs.100, or as applicable locally, and authenticated by a First Class Magistrate, or Notary Public; an undertaking for evacuation by helicopter in case of emergency; and a consent form for the cremation of mortal remains on the Chinese side of the circuit in case of death.
Once selected, you will spend around 3 to 4 days in Delhi for medical tests and preparations. The Ministry of External Affairs has a fee structure that every yatri has to abide by. The Lipulekh Pass route takes around 24 days and costs Rs. 1.8 lakhs, while the Nathu La Pass takes around 21 days and costs Rs. 2.5 lakhs.
Now that you know how to book the trip, here are the two routes from India for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Route No. 1 via Lipulekh Pass
The first route from India to Mansarovar goes through the Kumaon Valley in Uttarakhand and is operated by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. The trip begins in Delhi and passes through Kathgodam, Dharchula, Tawaghat, Lipulekh Dharma, and Johar valleys. As the route goes through Lipulekh Pass, there is a considerable amount of trekking involved. Those who are unable to trek can hire ponies or yaks for the journey.
On this route, you will have the opportunity to walk past and visit some important religious sites, such as Narayan Ashram, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, and Chialekh Valley.
Route No. 2 via Nathu La Pass
The route via Nathu La Pass in Sikkim is motorable and, hence, more suitable for senior citizens or people who are not in the best physical health or shape. Unlike the Lipulekh Pass route, there is no arduous trekking on this route. Starting in Gangtok, the route winds through scenic landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau past exquisite locations, such as the beautiful Hangu Lake.
Here is some additional information to ensure you are well-prepared for your yatra.
The temperature in the region varies between 0 to 10 degrees Celsius between May and June, as well as in September. The mercury regularly drops to subzero levels at night. June is considered the hottest month, making it the most comfortable time of the year to make the journey.
There may also be some rainfall, especially in September. But it is not enough to make the trip messy with muddy roads and overflown lakes. For rainy days, it is advisable to come prepared with a rainproof jacket – rather than an umbrella – to not just cover yourself up, but also your backpack. Be sure to protect your trekking shoes as well to avoid slipping.
Safety and protection
It is needless to say that you will experience severe cold on the trip. Carry the most comfortable yet insulating layers of woollen clothes to keep you warm. The Tibetan elevation will expose you to strong UV. So, it is suggested you protect yourself with sunglasses, hats, gloves, and high-quality sunblock of SPF 30 or higher.
Carry doctor-prescribed medications for conditions, such as headaches, nausea, breathlessness, malaise, disorientation, and insomnia. As the altitude rises, travellers are likely to be susceptible to these conditions irrespective of age, gender, and physical fitness.
Festivals
The Kailash Mansarovar region celebrates several festivals between May and September, which you can witness if the dates align with your visit.
The Saga Dewa festival is the biggest celebration observed by Tibetan Buddhists. It is the celebration of the day when Lord Sakyamuni, the manifestation of Buddha who founded Buddhism, achieved enlightenment.
The Tibetans also celebrate the Angkor harvest festival around July and August and the Zhangzhung cultural festival in August.
Pilgrimages to Lake Mansarovar began in the Colonial era. However, the number of devotees increased considerably in the 20th century. Today, the lake is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Embarking on a trip to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash is a sacred journey of the soul, one that offers an unforgettable experience.
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