8 Common Challenges Pilgrims Face During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

 The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages that every Lord Shiva devotee wants to embark on. It is the spiritual journey of a lifetime. The mysterious Kailash Mountain is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Monks, sages, and pilgrims have an inner desire to undertake this spiritual voyage. Pilgrims in large numbers have experienced this spiritual journey in the past. They had their own experiences, which they love to explain to the new pilgrims.

Nowadays, many travel operators offer the best Kailash Yatra travel packages to the pilgrims as per their requirements.  Finding the best pilgrim packages is easy, as these companies customize them after identifying your requirements.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offers you a spiritual growth that you have never experienced before. However, there are many challenges that you might face during this journey. Some of the common challenges faced by the pilgrims are as follows:

Altitude Sickness

One of the biggest challenges that may hamper your Mount Kailash Yatra is altitude sickness. This sacred mountain is located at approximately 6638 meters. Thus, it is common for the pilgrims to experience altitude sickness.

Due to the high elevation of the mountain, the level of oxygen in this area is low. This leads to nausea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. However, in some cases, it can be fatal. Thus, you need to be physically and mentally prepared for it. If you are undertaking this spiritual journey for the first time, you should take short breaks and keep yourself hydrated during the yatra.

If you want to avoid altitude sickness, you must train yourself before embarking on this journey. One of the best ways to acclimatize to the higher elevation areas is by trekking in low altitude areas.

Health Related Challenges

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not for everyone. The pilgrims need to be in good health to undertake this challenging journey. People between the ages of 18 and 70 can undertake it. The travellers should be physically fit and active before this yatra.

People who have heart-related conditions, breathing problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes should avoid this journey. If they still want to go on the Mount Kailash trip, they should see a doctor first. If their doctors permit them, they can undertake this yatra.

Pilgrims who are suffering from any medical condition must carry their medicines during their trip. This will prevent any emergency during the yatra. Apart from the medicines, they should also undergo important health checkups, such as a lung check and a heart check, before the journey.

Challenging Terrain

Not only pilgrims, but adventure souls too like to embark on a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. This area is full of challenging terrain which tests the physical and mental endurance of the travellers. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route involves steep, rocky, and rugged paths.

Navigating this path is an arduous task for the pilgrims. Thus, you need to be physically strong to overcome these challenges.

Unpredictable Weather

Kailash Mansarovar weather is highly predictable. The temperature here remains at a freezing level. Due to this, the pilgrims face a lot of challenges in embarking on this journey. The area also experiences sudden rain, strong winds, and unexpected snow, which make it more difficult for the pilgrims to undertake this yatra.

Accommodation Related Challenges

Another challenge during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is to find the right accommodation. Pilgrims have a hard time finding suitable accommodation in this area. They only rely on the tour operators for it. Simple guesthouses and dormitories are available in this region.

They only offer basic amenities to the travellers, such as beds and blankets. So, the pilgrims need to carry thermal gear, hand sanitizer, and sleeping bags during the journey. The travelers also face the problem related to toilets. The only toilets available in this area are portable. Hence, it is a bit tough to stay here.

Mental and Emotional Challenges

A trip to Kailash Mansarovar is full of mental and emotional challenges. As this is a solitary land away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the pilgrims feel alone during the yatra. They feel mentally drained due to the long yatra and miss their loved ones. However, the purpose of the Kailash trip keeps them motivated. Plus, the serene beauty and the support of fellow travellers turn these challenges into a transformative experience.

To avoid any stress during this pilgrimage, you must prepare for the yatra before embarking on it. Thus, you should start meditation and deep breathing before the pilgrimage, as it will keep you motivated during the journey. Apart from that, you must not forget the purpose of this yatra and focus on getting spiritual enlightenment through it. If you start this journey with a positive mindset, you will easily understand that the challenges you face during the yatra are the part of this journey.

Limited Food Choices

Another challenge during your trip to Mount Kailash is that you only get limited food options in this area. The dishes that you get here are Tibetan dishes such as soup, noodles, and bread. This causes difficulties to the pilgrims who have specific diet requirements. Thus, pilgrims should bring snacks with them for the pilgrimage.

You will get vegetarian food during the yatra. No meat, oily, or heavy items are available here. You should eat the food that is high in energy, such as roti, barley, noodles, etc. Apart from that, you should keep yourself hydrated during the yatra. It is advisable to take lemon tea, warm water, butter tea, etc., on regular intervals to keep yourself hydrated.

Permits for the Yatra

People who are on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra must get the required permits to embark on this voyage. It is not easy as it takes a long time to get them. Thus, you need to apply for these permits as soon as possible. If you book a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package, your travel operator will help you get the right permits for the yatra.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Challenges: Conclusion

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the revered pilgrimages. Apart from its sacredness, this yatra is highly challenging for all. If you are on a Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you must try to overcome these challenges. This will make your spiritual journey a stress-free affair. If you embark on this yatra with a positive mind, you will get a rewarding experience.