Dos and Don’ts During Kailash Mansarovar Travel

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not just a trip, but it’s a once in a lifetime experience. It is situated at the most remote and breathtaking landscape in the world. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit this holy place in the Himalayas. The path is beautiful but also tough. 

Your body must be ready, to enjoy the trip safely. Preparing yourself while visiting Kailash Mansarovar is a huge task. The weather changes suddenly. So before you pack your bag, here is a simple guide to help you stay healthy. Follow these Dos and Don'ts to keep yourself safe, healthy and happy.

Do's During Your Kailash Mansarovar Journey

1. Do start preparing your body early: 

At least 3 months before your trip, try walking 5–6 kilometers daily. This will make your body ready for the journey.

2. Do visit your doctor:

Get a full health check-up. Your heart, lungs, and blood pressure should be good. This trip is very hard on your body. 

3. Do pack warm clothes: 

Bring many layers of clothes like a thick jacket, waterproof pants, gloves, woolen socks, and a good hat that covers your ears.

4. Do carry important medicines:

Consult your Doctor and take altitude sickness medicines, pain relief medicines, band-aids, antiseptic cream, and your regular medicines.

5. Do drink lots of water: 

Drink plenty of water on a daily basis. This helps you to fight altitude sickness and keeps your body hydrated in the dry mountain air.

6. Do walk slowly: 

Don't hurry on this trip. If you rush, you might get sick from the high altitude. Take small steps and rest often.

7. Do respect local traditions: 

When you visit monasteries, always walk clockwise around holy places and don't point at religious things or people.

8. Do carry some dry fruits and chocolates: 

Carry dry fruits and protein bars while travelling. These give quick energy when you feel tired during the difficult parts of the trek.

9. Do get all permits before you go: 

You need permits from Nepal/India and Chinese officials for Tibet. These take time, so plan early.

10. Do keep some cash with you: 

Even if your travel agency package pays for the most things. You will need money for small purchases and offerings. 

Don'ts During Your Kailash Mansarovar Journey

1. Don't go to high places too quickly: 

Give your body time to adjust by staying 2–3 days at middle heights (like Nepalganj or Taklakot) before going higher.

2. Don't drink alcohol or smoke: 

Altitude sickness can be worse and dangerous when you drink alcohol or smoke. So avoiding these items will make your trip easy. 

3. Don't carry too many things: 

Every extra weight will feel very heavy when walking at high altitude. There will be a long walk till up there, so take things that you really require.

4. Don't forget sun protection: 

The sun is very strong in the mountains. Carry sunscreen (SPF 50+), good sunglasses, and a hat with a wide brim.

5. Don't ignore headaches or breathing problems: 

Headache or breathing sickness can be the symbol of altitude sickness. So inform your guide right away if you feel unwell. 

6. Don't use too much energy: 

Walk slowly and save your energy, especially during the first few days at high altitude. 

7. Don't take risks for photos: 

Taking pictures can put you in danger on the mountain paths. So, be careful while taking pictures. 

8. Don't bring non-veg food: 

Most areas around Mount Kailash are holy, and meat is not allowed. So, avoid taking non veg items. 

9. Don't throw trash: 

Carry all your garbage back with you. The mountains are sacred and deserve our respect.

10. Don't forget to tell your family about poor phone network: 

There's almost no cell service; warn your loved ones you might not be reachable for days.

The Kailash Mansarovar journey tests your body strength and will power. Visitors say the physical challenges of the trip helped them find inner strength they didn't know they had. So, when the path gets hard, slow down, take deep breaths, and take small steps. 

Reaching up there is tough, but also gives you a quiet moment to think and find peace that’s hard to find in our busy life. Safe travel to your journey to Kailash Mansarovar. Jay Sambhu!