My second trip to Kailash, I was thrilled to be invited again! The Mountain had called me! &nbsp;

2010, I was discovering myself, 2019 I knew myself better or so I thought. &nbsp;

There were many lessons I had to learn. The main one - I was cut down to size and shown how minscule I really am!&nbsp;

Payments, travel dates, flight bookings, helicopter rides, hotels, passports, visas nothing went as per ‘plan’ and yet It all went as per plan just not my plan!

My ‘miniscule organised’ self was whacked about till I surrendered! I carried the wrong phone charger, I couldn’t find the Yuans I have kept so safely, and to top it all I left my hiking boots on the bus so no shoes to walk in on the parikrama. &nbsp;

At &nbsp;Manasarovar, had a good cry feeling sorry for myself, playing the victim! Emotionally drained I lay by the shores and went into a deep sleep. I woke up with a sense of calm and just knew all would be well.&nbsp;

My shoes ‘arrived’, my phone got charged, I was overjoyed! I was paranoid about having a pony and porter and felt relaxed and confident when I got both. Another divine whack was in store day 2 - the most arduous trek, the pony falls sick and I walk around 20 kms to our night stop. So much for my back up plan!&nbsp;

My journey within was remarkable, the lessons I learned are indelibly printed in every cell in my being. The majestic Kailash truly humbled me and has transformed me into a mellower version of myself!! &nbsp;

Modes of transport bus, propeller plane, helicopter, pony.&nbsp;

33 people. Accommodation - mud huts,&nbsp;3 to 6 in a room. Electricity none after Taklakot &nbsp;Solar generated lights limited to 3 hours &nbsp;

Temperatures night time Simikot -2C going down to -14C at Deraphuk and -16C on day 2 of parikrama.&nbsp;

Toilets basic to open spaces - pick your spot. Bathing facilities - none for 5 days. &nbsp;

Most valuable and important things - Wet wipes, Diamox, Lomotil, Water.

Our ascent was gradual and so most acclimatised, however, the descent was rapid as many needed to get down to better medical care. We descended 5,000 feet in 24 hours, 1-day rest, 13,000 feet in the next 24 hours by helicopter and plane. The result- intensified ‘sickness’ congestion, infection, high fever etc. My BP fell to 90/70 and I just slept most of the time no matter where I was. We were all on Diamox (The medication is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema. I was asked to stop the medication immediately. My BP stabilised at 120/80!

Medical checkups&nbsp;

4 yatris were doctors who monitored and recorded our BP, pulse rate, oxygen levels! &nbsp;They came equipped with all kinds of medications. Some yatris developed headaches, fever, congestions and some vomited. Others BP shot up while some got diarrhoea.18 had to stay back while 15 completed the Parikrama. &nbsp;

Daily meditation hour of yoga certainly not enough

Physical fitness a must. Strength and body balance not overstaining any part. Build core strength. &nbsp;

My preparation - alternating workouts for 2 months &nbsp;

Cardio - 1-hour walking maximum incline slow speed no stopping.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Short bursts of rowing 5 -&nbsp;1 km, immediately followed by step machine, level 11, 250 steps in 5 minutes.&nbsp;

Weight training - Legs and abs. Upper body - alternating push and pull. Increased weights every week &nbsp;

Mount Kailash is a pilgrimage and not a trek, the Parikrama is meaningless if you do not connect with the energies of Kailash. This journey is for your “self”, the Atma connection happens when you go there as a pilgrim and not as a trekker.  The Kailash pilgrimage connects you with the higher spiritual energies, awakens you to a more a blissful you.

This reflection deliberation takes place in the deep of your core, your soul not your minuscule mind. The answers, the awakening come from within. Be aware, your answers will manifest in different ways, your life will be truly awesome!&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

My second trip to Kailash, I was thrilled to be invited again! The Mountain had called me! 2010, I was discovering myself, 2019 I knew myself better or so I thought.

My second trip to Kailash, I was thrilled to be invited again! The Mountain had called me! 2010, I was discovering myself, 2019 I knew myself better or so I thought. There were many lessons I had to learn. The main one - I was cut down to size and shown how minscule I really am! Payments, travel dates, flight bookings, helicopter rides, hotels, passports, visas nothing went as per ‘plan’ and yet It all went as per plan just not my plan! My ‘miniscule organised’ self was whacked about till I surrendered! I carried the wrong phone charger, I couldn’t find the Yuans I have kept so safely, and to top it all I left my hiking boots on the bus so no shoes to walk in on the parikrama. At Manasarovar, had a good cry feeling sorry for myself, playing the victim! Emotionally drained I lay by the shores and went into a deep sleep. I woke up with a sense of calm and just knew all would be well. My shoes ‘arrived’, my phone got charged, I was overjoyed! I was paranoid about having a pony and porter and felt relaxed and confident when I got both. Another divine whack was in store day 2 - the most arduous trek, the pony falls sick and I walk around 20 kms to our night stop. So much for my back up plan! My journey within was remarkable, the lessons I learned are indelibly printed in every cell in my being. The majestic Kailash truly humbled me and has transformed me into a mellower version of myself!! Modes of transport bus, propeller plane, helicopter, pony. 33 people. Accommodation - mud huts, 3 to 6 in a room. Electricity none after Taklakot Solar generated lights limited to 3 hours Temperatures night time Simikot -2C going down to -14C at Deraphuk and -16C on day 2 of parikrama. Toilets basic to open spaces - pick your spot. Bathing facilities - none for 5 days. Most valuable and important things - Wet wipes, Diamox, Lomotil, Water. Our ascent was gradual and so most acclimatised, however, the descent was rapid as many needed to get down to better medical care. We descended 5,000 feet in 24 hours, 1-day rest, 13,000 feet in the next 24 hours by helicopter and plane. The result- intensified ‘sickness’ congestion, infection, high fever etc. My BP fell to 90/70 and I just slept most of the time no matter where I was. We were all on Diamox (The medication is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness, high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema. I was asked to stop the medication immediately. My BP stabilised at 120/80! Medical checkups 4 yatris were doctors who monitored and recorded our BP, pulse rate, oxygen levels! They came equipped with all kinds of medications. Some yatris developed headaches, fever, congestions and some vomited. Others BP shot up while some got diarrhoea.18 had to stay back while 15 completed the Parikrama. Daily meditation hour of yoga certainly not enough Physical fitness a must. Strength and body balance not overstaining any part. Build core strength. My preparation - alternating workouts for 2 months Cardio - 1-hour walking maximum incline slow speed no stopping. Short bursts of rowing 5 - 1 km, immediately followed by step machine, level 11, 250 steps in 5 minutes. Weight training - Legs and abs. Upper body - alternating push and pull. Increased weights every week Mount Kailash is a pilgrimage and not a trek, the Parikrama is meaningless if you do not connect with the energies of Kailash. This journey is for your “self”, the Atma connection happens when you go there as a pilgrim and not as a trekker.  The Kailash pilgrimage connects you with the higher spiritual energies, awakens you to a more a blissful you. This reflection deliberation takes place in the deep of your core, your soul not your minuscule mind. The answers, the awakening come from within. Be aware, your answers will manifest in different ways, your life will be truly awesome! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Blog: My Kailash Yatra from the mundane to the sublime, the journey within

With Mansarovar yatra all set to begin, India has said that the visit is important not only for spiritual purposes but also helps build India-China relationship.

Speaking at the Computerized Draw of lots for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2019 Foreign Secretary said, "Our ministry's consistent effort has been to get as many applications as we can because we think this yatra is important not only for those going for spiritual or religious purposes but also to build relations between India and China."

In all ministry of external affair has received 2996 application, out&nbsp;of which 2256 are male applicants, 740 are female applicants.&nbsp;

There are two routes to go the annual yatra--via Lipulekh pass in Uttrakhand &amp; Nathu La pass in Sikkim.

Number of batches for Lipulekh route is 18 with yatris per batch at 58 while for Nathu La, number of batches stands at 10 with 48 yatris per batch. Two liaison officer will assist each batch of yatris.&nbsp;

Nathu La route has been been opened a few years ago and is fully motorable and requires minimum of walking.&nbsp;

Around 624 Senior citizens applied for the yatra and will be preferred via Nathu La route. Lipulekh route is mountainous and the terrain is challenging.

The Foreign Secretary said, "Our hope and endeavour that we provide the first chance to those who didn't have the chance to go to the yatra--the first time applicants and we give priority to them."&nbsp;

Time taken in Nathula is 21 day and the cost is $2200 while Lipulekh is 20 day and costs $900.&nbsp;

With Mansarovar yatra all set to begin, India has said that the visit is important not only for spiritual purposes but also helps build India-China relationship.

With Mansarovar yatra all set to begin, India has said that the visit is important not only for spiritual purposes but also helps build India-China relationship. Speaking at the Computerized Draw of lots for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2019 Foreign Secretary said, "Our ministry's consistent effort has been to get as many applications as we can because we think this yatra is important not only for those going for spiritual or religious purposes but also to build relations between India and China." In all ministry of external affair has received 2996 application, out of which 2256 are male applicants, 740 are female applicants. There are two routes to go the annual yatra--via Lipulekh pass in Uttrakhand & Nathu La pass in Sikkim. Number of batches for Lipulekh route is 18 with yatris per batch at 58 while for Nathu La, number of batches stands at 10 with 48 yatris per batch. Two liaison officer will assist each batch of yatris. Nathu La route has been been opened a few years ago and is fully motorable and requires minimum of walking. Around 624 Senior citizens applied for the yatra and will be preferred via Nathu La route. Lipulekh route is mountainous and the terrain is challenging. The Foreign Secretary said, "Our hope and endeavour that we provide the first chance to those who didn't have the chance to go to the yatra--the first time applicants and we give priority to them." Time taken in Nathula is 21 day and the cost is $2200 while Lipulekh is 20 day and costs $900.

Mansarovar yatra to help build ties with China: India

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-china-has-to-say-on-being-given-face-saver-on-doklam-stand-off-19674">After the standoff with China over Doklam</a>, the Indian government is now speeding up the project of road construction in Sikkim. The construction has begun near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 
 
Experts claim that a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-objects-to-indias-road-construction-in-ladakh-19484">construction is trickier than it seems because the Himalayan range</a> on the Indian side is more prone to landslides. Few also believe that this construction&nbsp;is India&#39;s attempt to construct a defensive wall on the India-China border.

Concerned about the delays in construction of the strategic road&nbsp;along the India-China border, India&#39;s defense ministry recently delegated more administrative and financial powers to the Border Road Organisation for a speedy completion of the projects along the border with China.&nbsp;

Shakti Chaudhary, mayor of Gangtok told WION that roads are necessary so that the military can immediately access the border in times of crisis.

&quot;China&#39;s infrastructure is very strong but our government is also putting in efforts. The area is prone to landslides but we need to make new routes nevertheless. The connectivity has to be such that one can access the border post as quickly as possible,&quot; Shakti Chaudhary said.

&quot;If anything goes wrong, the soldiers should be able to reach the border instantly,&quot; the mayor added.

The Mansarovar yatra, a pilgrimage, that happens via Nathu La pass in Sikkim was cancelled this year because of the standoff.

Experts claim that a construction is trickier than it seems because the Himalayan range on the Indian side is more prone to landslides

After the standoff with China over Doklam, the Indian government is now speeding up the project of road construction in Sikkim. The construction has begun near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Experts claim that a construction is trickier than it seems because the Himalayan range on the Indian side is more prone to landslides. Few also believe that this construction is India's attempt to construct a defensive wall on the India-China border. Concerned about the delays in construction of the strategic road along the India-China border, India's defense ministry recently delegated more administrative and financial powers to the Border Road Organisation for a speedy completion of the projects along the border with China. Shakti Chaudhary, mayor of Gangtok told WION that roads are necessary so that the military can immediately access the border in times of crisis. "China's infrastructure is very strong but our government is also putting in efforts. The area is prone to landslides but we need to make new routes nevertheless. The connectivity has to be such that one can access the border post as quickly as possible," Shakti Chaudhary said. "If anything goes wrong, the soldiers should be able to reach the border instantly," the mayor added. The Mansarovar yatra, a pilgrimage, that happens via Nathu La pass in Sikkim was cancelled this year because of the standoff.

WATCH Exclusive: After Doklam standoff, India begins road construction near LAC

mansarovar-yatra

Mansarovar Yatra, News on Mansarovar Yatra, stories on Mansarovar Yatra, articles on Mansarovar Yatra, Mansarovar Yatra stories at Wion, Mansarovar Yatra news, Mansarovar Yatra latest news

mansarovar yatra

Blog: My Kailash Yatra from the mundane to the sublime, the journey within

Mansarovar yatra to help build ties with China: India

WATCH Exclusive: After Doklam standoff, India begins road construction near LAC