Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not a regular tour. A lot of people have long-term dreams about it. Otherwise, some go due to spiritual reasons, and others go due to experience. My expectations were too, prior to the experience.
However, when I got there, I knew that there were so many things that I had not fully comprehended before. Some of them were small, yet they created a big difference along the way.
It Is Not Just a Physical Journey
Fitness was the greatest challenge, which I had thought about before going. I trained myself to walk, develop stamina, and be active. That is important, but it is not everything.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is more of the mind than the body. You will experience long travelling days, sudden delays and there are those days you will find yourself feeling tired for no apparent reason. Even minor issues can become cumbersome if your mind is not prepared.
Calmness, patience, and flexibility will not only contribute to the aspect of being physically strong.
Anybody can be affected by altitude
Underestimation of altitude was one thing that I underestimated. What you might be okay with at, say, lower elevations, your physique begins to respond differently as you get up to even higher elevations.
The symptoms, such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, can be felt even by healthy and fit individuals.
It is important to listen to your body. Walk gradually, ensure that enough water is taken, and that proper rest is taken. Do not draw comparisons with others. Everyone adjusts differently.
Altitude is something that can cause you a lot to be safer and more comfortable in the journey that you are undertaking.
The Journey Is Longer Than You Expect
Most individuals see only about the visit to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, but the travelling itself occupies for several days. Long road drives, early rise, and constant motion are found.
The roads at times are not smooth and traveling is tiresome. When you think that everything will work out so well and fast, you can get frustrated.
That it is a slow process is something to take. When you are able to do so, you begin to like the process rather than hastening to the place.
Comfort Is Limited
It is not a luxury trip. In most locations, the facilities are primitive. There might also be plain rooms and little choice of food. Even such simple things as hot showers or constant electricity may not always be found at high altitudes.
You might find it hard, especially expecting comfort such as in cities. However, with certain adjustments of expectations, it will be less challenging.
Just being able to live because you spent a few days in the city is that more wonderful.
Pack Smart
Many people like to pack their bags in a hurry, but this is an important part of the journey. Avoid having many things in your bag; this small area can make your bag heavy and hard to carry along. Meanwhile, the inability to include something crucial may become an issue.
Essentials are warm clothes, good trekking shoe, basic medicine and snacks. The weather may change anytime; hence, it is more reasonable to wear more clothes.
Even such small things as sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a power bank also turn out to be highly useful throughout the trip.
The Weather is unpredictable
This area experiences fast-changing weather. It can be warm for one moment and next it is cold and windy. Even in some cases it may even rain or snow unpredictably.
You should be prepared for such changes. Layering can also be used to make sure you can easily adjust throughout the day. Being weather prepared keeps you comfortable and stress is not necessary.
It Is a Beyond Personal Experience
A lot of individuals visit Kailash due to religious purposes. Even if you do not, the place has a unique feeling. The silence, the mountains and the surroundings bring about another form of atmosphere.
You have times when you are emotionally not realistic in that you are feeling emotional but have no idea why. You could be caught in a state of deep thinking, or you could be in a position where you are just sitting and taking notes.
Neither is it merely about going to a place. It turns out to be a personal experience that will not go away from you.
Patience Is the Key
Patience has been one of the largest lessons during this journey. Things do not always turn out as it was planned. Weather problems, transport problems, or illness may occur at any given moment.
When you remain calm and patient, the process can be smoother. Attempting to keep everything under control is also a cause of stress.
When we embrace things as they appear to us, it will help us to relax.
Conclusion
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a unique pilgrimage. This is not easy, but that is what makes it meaningful. All the obstacles, as well as the simplicity, along with the environment, unite to form a singular experience.
When you have the right attitude and set reasonable expectations, the process will be far more pleasant. It is not only about getting to the destination but about all that you learn in the process.