How to Physically Prepare for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Yearly, thousands of people trek over the high mountains for days to reach holy Mount Kailash and a tranquil Mansarovar. According to devotees, the journey is blessing filled, but also filled with hardships.

To enjoy this trip safely, your body must be ready. Preparing to visit it is a huge task because it is very high up, and the weather also changes suddenly. Let’s see how to prepare your body step by step for this holy trip. 

Understanding the Terrain & Challenges

Mount Kailash is very high up, almost 6,638 meters above sea level! That means the air is thin and has less oxygen. The weather can suddenly change from sunshine to heavy snow. And you should be prepared to walk for many hours each day, sometimes on rocky or snowy paths.

Imagine climbing a hill with your trekking bag, now imagine doing that for days! That’s why preparation is super important.

When and How to Prepare Physically 

The best time to prepare yourself is 3 to 4 months before your trip. Your body needs time to build strength and stamina before starting the trek. You can start with a 30-minute walk every day, then slowly increase the hour to 1-2.

Key Areas of Physical Preparation

1) Walking & Stamina

You will be walking a lot during the holy trip. So, prepare yourself by going on daily walks, climbing stairs or doing light jogging. Running can really help too. 

2) Strength Training

Exercising daily will help you to increase your stamina. So try doing squats and planks, as it will increase your endurance.

3) Stretching & Flexibility

Stretch your arms, legs, and back every morning. This keeps your body flexible and avoid pain. Yoga is perfect for this, plus, it calms your mind.

4) Breathing Exercises & Lung Capacity Building

In the mountain, the air has less oxygen. That’s the reason deep breathing exercises such as: Pranayam, Alternate nostril breathing, Ujjayi pranayam are very important. It should be practiced for 10–15 minutes on a daily basis. It keeps your lungs healthy. 

5) Mental & Spiritual Readiness

Walking in silence can be tough, far from the city. That’s why mental strength is critical. Start practicing meditation even for 5 minutes a day. You can listen to spiritual music to calm yourself. It will help you stay peaceful and strong inside. 

6) Diet & Hydration During Training

Eat fruits and vegetables and take nuts, seeds and protein that boost one's energy. All these types of food will help the body remain strong as well as active during a journey. Drink water even if you feel you don't need it especially at high altitudes. Avoid junk foods, alcohol, and smoking, as much as possible. All of these will weaken the body, make you spend more energy, and generally make one feel a little more tired or sick. This will help you enjoy every step to be taken in this journey with a strong and well-fueled body!

7) Health Checkups & Medical Precautions

Before starting the trip, visit your doctor. Check your lungs, heart, blood pressure, and ask if you’re fit for high altitude hiking. Get vaccines if you need, carry medicines and keep basic things like pain relief spray, band-aids handy.

8) Gear & Footwear Practice

Don't wear a new pair of shoes on the yatra. Buy good trekking shoes early and wear them during the training so they become comfortable. Use trekking sticks to balance, wear clothes that are light but protect you from cold and carry a comfortable backpack. 

9) Final Week Preparation

This is not a race, it’s a spiritual journey. You should prepare it well, and trust your body and enjoy it. Before a week of your journey try to take more rest and walk less, eat light but healthy food, Double-check your packing and keep your mind calm and joyful. 

Conclusion

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a once-in- a-lifetime experience and spiritual journey. With the right preparation, you can enjoy it fully while staying healthy and full of energy. Start with small steps, be consistent and carry faith and peace in your heart. Remember, strong legs help, but a strong mindset and pure heart take you even further.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and holy journey to Kailash Mansarovar. Om Namah Shivaya!