Located in the stunning Trans Himalaya Range stretching from India to Tibet in the remote corners of Tibet Autonomous region of China, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the biggest spiritual pilgrimages across the world.
Thousands of pilgrims visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar every year and you can see a beautiful interfaith exchange here between the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon people who worship the peak for different reasons but with equal devotion.
However, with so much spiritual bliss, the trek also presents serious challenges due to its high-altitude realms, rugged terrains, unpredictable weather, and remote location.
Given these challenges, sometimes pilgrims are exposed to a high level of health and safety risk which can turn this pilgrimage into a potential hazard. So how do we stay safe from these challenges?
Well, in this blog, we will explore the essential Health and Safety Tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, this guide will provide the knowledge you need to prepare adequately.
Understanding the Physical Demands of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Before recognizing the health and safety tips for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is important that you understand the physical demands and the challenges that are presented during the trek. Some of them are listed below:
High Altitude Trekking
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, along with being a spiritual journey, is also an adventurous one. One of the most challenging factors of the trek is the high altitude trekking that is involved.
Including steep and rapid ascents and knee jerking descents, this trek traverses through an altitude beyond 4,500 meters at most of the regions, and it goes as high as 5,630 meters (18,471 feet) which makes the trek a challenging one.
Trekking Distance and Terrain
Depending on your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route as well as mode, this trek can be more or less challenging for you. For those opting for the overland options, the journey is much less challenging.
However, for those opting for entirely trekking routes, you might need to walk even 10 to 15 kilometers every day for 14 to 16 days, that too in the rugged and rocky terrains of the remote region of Mt. Kailash.
The challenging landscapes and elevation profile on top of it can make the trek much more challenging, for beginners and experienced trekkers alike.
Fitness Level Requirements
Given the challenging nature of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is important that you have a good level of physical fitness while embarking on this journey to tackle the hurdles.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to engage in cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, and swimming at least three months before the journey. Strengthening your core, legs, and back through strength training will also help in coping with the strenuous trek.
Preparing for Altitude Sickness
During high altitude journeys like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, altitude sickness becomes a major health concern. Generally, when you cross altitude beyond 3,500 meters, the air starts to thin out and oxygen level starts decreasing.
In such a case, your body has a very limited amount of oxygen to work with, which puts pressure on your respiratory and circulatory system as they struggle to adapt to these conditions.
This results in altitude sickness during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The symptoms can range from basic ones including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and even turn into dangerous conditions like HAPE and HACE.
While altitude sickness can attack anyone regardless of their physique and trekking experience, there are certain steps that you can do to prevent altitude sickness.
The most important thing to do is to acclimatize well. As you reach Darchen at 4,700 meters, you have to ensure that your body is well rested and well acclimatized to continue the further ascent and Kailash Parikrama.
The best way to do it is to spend one extra day in a high-altitude region to allow your body to adapt to these changes. Adapt the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle for best results.
If symptoms worsen, such as persistent headache, confusion, or difficulty breathing, it is crucial to descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Hydration and Nutrition
Dehydration can worsen your problems related to altitude and cause additional health issues. Therefore, it is essential to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day during the trek.
Opt for other drinks such as electrolytes which can give you nutrients during the trek. Juices can also be a good option. Be careful not to drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks which can further dehydrate you. It is best to carry a hydration bladder for easier access to water.
When having food, it is best to stick to local cuisine and vegetarian meal options throughout the trek to avoid food poisoning and other gastrointestinal problems like gastric and indigestion.
Having a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients is essential to fuel your body for the entire trek duration. Foods like rice, potatoes, and pasta are great for maintaining energy levels.
Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits are convenient snacks that provide a quick energy boost during the trek. Consider carrying multivitamin supplements to keep your immune system strong.
Sun Protection
When trekking in high altitude regions beyond 4,000 meters, you will be exposed directly to the harsh rays of sun which can cause risk of many issues like sunburns.
Therefore, it is important that you apply sunscreen with high SPF and wear protective clothing including a hat and sunglasses. Try not trekking during peak hours to reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays.
Hygiene and Sanitation
Maintaining personal hygiene and sanitation can mean the difference between a safe trek and one filled with health-related issues. So, it is important that you prioritize proper sanitation during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Always carry biodegradable soap and wash your hands as frequently as possible. Carry hand sanitizers and wet wipes to use before and after meals and also after using the washroom.
Also, don’t drink any kind of water available on the trek except the filtered ones. It is best to carry a portable water filter or water purification tablets rather than drinking bottled water.
Although you will come across designated waste disposal spots, if you don’t find one, carry biodegradable tissues and biodegradable bags where you can store the waste and dispose of it later.
While staying in guest houses and dormitories, you must ensure that the bedding and shared spaces are clean. Consider using a sleeping bag liner for extra hygiene.
Safe Travel Practices
When embarking on a journey as remote as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, it is important to adhere to certain safe travel practices which make sure that your journey gets completed safely.
Travel Insurance
The most important travel practice to follow as a rule of thumb is to get travel insurance for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Make sure to get insurance that covers all the aspects of such a high altitude and remote trek.
This can come in handy if you face any emergency or if you get stuck in any remote areas and need rescue. Such insurances cover helicopter rescue from even the most challenging areas, which can be quite costly without the insurance.
Read the fine print and check all the specifics of the insurance before you choose the appropriate travel insurance provider for your journey.
Hiring a Licensed Guide
Although the idea of taking on thrilling adventures on your own might be fascinating, it is important that you hire a licensed guide for your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
They can help you navigate the challenges of the trek much better and can also provide you with support in conquering the mighty Dolma La Pass. Along with that, they can also help you to secure proper documentation and permits for the journey.
The main benefit of hiring a licensed guide for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is that they can share their cultural and spiritual insights related to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake which can increase the spiritual depth of your journey ten folds.
Therefore, it is advisable to partner with a reliable tour operator like Ace the Himalaya who can provide you with licensed and well-trained guides, who are even trained in first aid and emergency rescue.
Avoiding Over Exertion
While completing the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra or the Kora might be of utmost importance for you during the trek, remember not to overexert yourself and take regular breaks.
Remember that it’s okay to cover less distance in a day and do it every day rather than covering a large distance in a single day and not being able to trek for the coming few days.
Listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Taking breaks and walking at a steady pace will help conserve energy and reduce the risk of injuries.
Emergency Preparedness
Be Aware of the Potential Risks
Researching well about the risks that are a part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra can help you be mentally prepared to deal with any challenges that might come your way.
By doing so, you can make sure that you deal with the situation sensibly rather than just panicking.
Carry Essential Safety Equipment
Always carry important safety equipment like trekking poles, headlamp, a well-stocked first aid kit, a map, a navigation device, and any mode of communication like a satellite phone or any other reliable mode of communication so that you can connect with people in case of any emergency.
Learn Important Emergency Responses
When trekking with a licensed guide, you can be assured that you are in safe hands as they are well trained for emergency situations. However, even you should have some kind of emergency preparation.
Learn basic first aid techniques and know how to respond in emergency situations and deal with problems like blisters, sprains, altitude sickness, and dehydration.
Nearest Medical Facilities
When you reach the trail of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, interact with the locals and familiarize yourself with the medical facilities that are available nearby and along the route.
While getting a proper medical facility in such a remote area might be difficult, you will most likely get basic medical facilities. You should know where to go in the face of an emergency. Also make sure your travel insurance covers emergency evacuations.
Emergency Contact Information
Along with keeping the contact details of your family and friends handy, it is also important to keep some local contact information which you can use to gain immediate help during any emergency.
Always keep the local emergency contact information handy to be able to contact them easily during any emergency. These emergency contacts include local authorities, trekking agencies, and your embassy.
Additional Safety Tips
- Monitor Weather Conditions: The weather in Kailash Mansarovar is often unpredictable. So, you should keep track of sudden weather changes and adjust your plans accordingly. Sudden storms or extreme temperatures can pose risks during the trek.
- Use Proper Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support to prevent injuries on uneven terrain.
- Stick to Your Group: Always travel in a group and avoid wandering off on your own, especially in remote or challenging terrains. Your group provides support in case of emergencies and ensures you don’t get lost.
- Carry Sufficient Cash: There are limited ATMs in remote areas, and digital payments may not be widely accepted. Carry enough cash in local currency to cover any extra expenses during the journey.
- Use Reliable Communication Tools: Cell service is often unreliable in remote areas. Carry a satellite phone or radio for emergency communication. If trekking with a guide, ensure they have these tools for emergencies.
- Respect Local Culture and Traditions: Kailash Mansarovar is a sacred site. Be respectful of local customs, religious practices, and the environment. Follow any guidelines provided by your guide or local authorities.
- Backup Your Documents: You might not always have access to your phone while on the trek. So, it is best to keep a set of photocopies of important documents (passport, travel permits, insurance) and store them in a separate location from the originals.