My Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Experience (via Nepal)
Embarking on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was a dream come true. I had always wanted to visit this sacred place, and when I finally made the decision, I chose to take the Nepal route, which was more convenient and offered the unique experience of flying over the majestic Himalayas.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
My journey began in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, where I arrived with a heart full of anticipation. Kathmandu itself felt like the perfect starting point—a city with a spiritual atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage. After a quick rest, I attended the pre-yatra briefing organized by the tour operator. We were briefed on the itinerary, safety measures, and the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. This made me feel both excited and humbled by the sacredness of the journey ahead.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
The next morning, we flew to Nepalgunj, a small town on the Nepal-India border. This flight was relatively short, but the excitement of getting closer to Kailash Mansarovar was palpable. Nepalgunj was our first stop where we spent the night. The entire group was buzzing with excitement, sharing stories, and preparing for the more strenuous part of the journey ahead.
Day 3: Nepalgunj to Simikot
From Nepalgunj, we took a helicopter ride to Simikot, a small, picturesque mountain town perched high in the Himalayas. The helicopter ride was absolutely breathtaking—flying over snow-covered peaks and deep gorges. Simikot was our gateway into Tibet, and here, we had to spend a day to acclimatize to the increasing altitude. The weather was crisp, and the surrounding landscapes were rugged and stunning.
Day 4: Simikot to Hilsa
The next leg of our journey was another helicopter ride from Simikot to Hilsa, a small village near the Tibet border. Hilsa felt like the final frontier, remote and almost isolated. After landing, we crossed the Tibet border on foot, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe as I stepped into a land that held such deep spiritual significance.
Day 5: Entering Tibet and Drive to Taklakot
After crossing the border, we were greeted by our Tibetan guide, who escorted us to Taklakot, our base for the next couple of days. The landscape here was barren and otherworldly, a stark contrast to the lush greenery of Nepal. Taklakot was where we truly began the process of acclimatization. We were at an altitude of around 4,000 meters now, and I felt the thinness of the air. Breathing slowly and staying hydrated became critical.
Day 6: Drive to Lake Mansarovar
This day was special—the day we finally saw Lake Mansarovar. The drive took us through some of the most breathtakingly remote landscapes I had ever seen. As we approached the lake, I could see the sapphire blue waters shimmering in the distance. I had heard stories of Lake Mansarovar’s beauty, but standing on its shores, I was overwhelmed by its serene and sacred aura. The vastness of the lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, was surreal.
At Lake Mansarovar, many of us performed ritualistic prayers and took a holy dip in its freezing waters. The experience of being there, in the lap of divinity, was humbling. The spiritual energy at the lake was palpable, and I found myself reflecting deeply on life and spirituality.
Day 7-9: Mount Kailash Parikrama
After spending time at Lake Mansarovar, we began the Mount Kailash Parikrama. The parikrama (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash is considered the pinnacle of this pilgrimage. It was a three-day trek, covering a total distance of 52 km. The first day was relatively easy, as we walked through the vast plains with Mount Kailash looming majestically in the background. It felt surreal to walk in the shadow of this sacred peak, knowing that so many pilgrims before me had taken the same path.
The second day was the most challenging—Dolma La Pass. This was the highest point of the parikrama, at an altitude of 5,645 meters. The climb was steep, and the air was thin. I had to pause frequently to catch my breath. However, the view from the top was worth every step. At the pass, there is a point where pilgrims leave offerings and tie prayer flags. I added my own small prayer and spent a moment in silence, offering gratitude for the opportunity to be there.
The descent from Dolma La was also tough, but the thought of completing the parikrama kept me going. On the third day, we completed the final stretch of the parikrama. By then, exhaustion had set in, but the sense of spiritual fulfillment was overwhelming.
Humanity and Spirituality Along the Way
One of the most profound aspects of the yatra was the spirit of humanity I witnessed throughout the journey. I looked around and saw people serving and taking care of each other selflessly—pilgrims helping fellow travelers with their luggage, offering water to those who were tired, and even sharing words of encouragement along the tough terrain. It was a reminder of how spiritual journeys often bring out the best in people.
It was not just about reaching Mount Kailash or completing the parikrama; it was about the connections we made with each other along the way. Every person, from fellow yatris to the local guides, was part of a larger fabric of service, care, and devotion. This sense of collective responsibility and compassion was one of the most heartwarming aspects of the yatra.
The Magical Aura of Kailash
On the whole, there was something indescribable about the magical aura surrounding Mount Kailash. It is often said that this mountain has the power to transform lives, and I could feel that energy as I walked around it. There’s a legend that many saints visit Kailash and go into deep meditation, contributing to the positive and divine vibes of the place. Even though I couldn’t see these meditating saints, I could feel their presence in the air—the tranquility and serenity were unlike anything I had experienced before.
Day 10: Return to Taklakot
After completing the parikrama, we returned to Taklakot for a much-needed rest. The journey had been physically exhausting, but spiritually, I felt light and at peace. Taklakot was our last stop in Tibet before crossing back into Nepal.
Day 11: Return to Hilsa and Fly to Kathmandu
On the final leg of our journey, we crossed back into Nepal at Hilsa and took a helicopter ride back to Simikot, and then onward to Kathmandu. The return journey felt like a time for reflection. As the helicopter soared over the Himalayas, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for having completed this sacred pilgrimage.
Day 12: Reflection in Kathmandu
Back in Kathmandu, I had a day to rest and reflect on the incredible journey I had just completed. Visiting Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar had not only been a physical journey but a spiritual awakening. The connection to the divine felt stronger than ever, and the experience left me with a renewed sense of purpose and inner peace.
Final Thoughts
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was more than just a trek; it was a transformative experience. Every step felt like a prayer, and every challenge along the way was a reminder of the deeper spiritual purpose of this journey. From the sacred waters of Lake Mansarovar to the daunting heights of Mount Kailash, the yatra tested my physical endurance but nourished my soul.
The selflessness I witnessed among fellow pilgrims, the spiritual aura that enveloped Mount Kailash, and the serene energy of the place will forever remain etched in my heart. This journey truly has the power to transform lives, and I returned home with cherished memories, deep spiritual insights, and a profound sense of connection to the divine.
