Post by Lumle on Oct 10, 2014 in

Known for its religious significance, cultural connotation and pristine beauty, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra attracts hundreds of pilgrims every year. It holds religious importance in three major religions- Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. It is an arduous journey that involves battling inhospitable conditions, and trekking at altitudes as high as 19, 500 feet. Despite its gruelling nature, Kailash Yatra has been attracting pilgrims since ages. If you are keen on undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2015, here are certain things you need to know.

Religious Importance of Kailash Mansarovar yatra 

Mount Kailash is considered the spiritual center of the universe and the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. In Jainism, it is the place where the first Tirthankara Rishavadeva attained nirvana. For the Tantric Buddhist, it is home to Buddha Demchok.

Located at an altitude of 14,950 feet (4,558 m), Mansarovar Lake is the symbol of purity for the Hindus. It is believed that the person who drinks water from the lake is cleansed of all his sins. In Jainism, it is associated with Rishavadeva. The Buddhists associate it with Lake Anavatapta where Queen Maya conceived the Buddha.

When does it take place?

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is held every year between mid April to September. For residence of India, the Yatra organized by the Government of India is for 27 days. However, similar yatras conducted by private operators complete in 14 days. For other nationalities, there are several travel companies who operate this yatra.

Eligibility

Any Indian Citizen aged between 18 and 70 years as on 01-01-2015 and having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or less, who is physically and medically fit and holds a valid passport is eligible for undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2015. For other nationalities than Indian, they can choose a specialist travel companies for their Kailash yatra 2015.

Who organizes it?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India organizes Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian nationalities every year. However, there are also private operators who conduct the yatra. For other nationalities than Indian, there are large number of Kailash tour operator who operate Kailash yatra.

How to apply?

For Indian nationalities, there are two modes for applying for the Kailash Yatra

Online Mode: Submit an online application http://www.passport.gov.in/kmy by the date notified by the ministry. Take a print out of the application and sign it and send it with requisite documents to the Ministry.

Offline Mode: Download the form from the MEA website, fill it up and send it to them with requisite documents.

Selection Process

The MEA selects and assigns yatris to different batches through a fair computer-generated random gender-balanced selection process.
Other nationalities, simply do some research to find a Kailash Mansarovar specialist tour operator, get in touch and book your yatra. The company will take care of rest.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Itinerary

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra conducted by the government of India usually takes 27 days. It starts from Delhi and the pilgrims are taken to Kathgodam in Uttaranchal on the first day. On the 9th day, the pilgrims enter Tibet. The Chinese authorities take over from this point. On the twelfth day, the pilgrims are divided into two groups to undertake the yatra. From 18 to 20th day, both groups complete their yatra and embark on the return journey to India on the 22nd day. On the 28th day, they reach New Delhi. However, for other nationalities and yatra run by private tour operator, the yatra is 14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Preparation

Only a person who is physically fit can undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2015. So, it is advisable to prepare for it months in advance. As high altitude trekking requires cardiovascular endurance, and strength, some form of physical training is crucial. Walking, jogging, body weight exercises and cardiovascular training would be useful.

By Lumle