Mount Kailas (22,028 ft, 6,714 m), the famed holy peak, is situated to the north of the Himalayan barrier in Western Tibet. This legendary snow-shrouded rock dome is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bonpos (Pre-Buddhists) and draws pilgrims from India, Nepal, Mongolia, Tibet, Japan, China, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. At the slopes of Kailas, a stream is said to pour into Manasarovar and from this lake, flow four of Asia's great rivers ­ the Indus, the Brahmaputra, the Karnali and the Sutlej.
 

For well over a thousand years, pilgrims have journeyed here to pay homage to the mountain's mystery, circumambulating it in a ritual that continues to this day. Their faith proclaims that not just the mountain's ice - capped summit but the entire region is the abode of the Gods.
 

Hindus cross the frozen mountain passes of India and Nepal to circle the peak that is Lord Shiva's throne and bathe in the lake created from the manas (mind) of Brahma. Buddhists journey from Nepal, Bhutan, Ladakh, Mongolia and every corner of Tibet to this holiest of mountains they call Kang Rinpoche. Jainism knows Kailas as Mount Astapada. Atop the summit, the religion's founder, Rishabhanta, gained spiritual liberation. And to the Bonpo, followers of Tibet's old pre-Buddhist beliefs it is the 'Nine - Storey Swastika Mountain', the mystic 'soul' of the entire region. Each holds different beliefs, each sees different Gods, but the underlying reality is the same.
 

Manasarovar, the lake born from the mind of Brahma, is among the most ancient and holy of Hindu pilgrimage sites. Hindu legend tells of twelve Rishis, wise 'Seers' of pre-Vedic times who retreated to this remote region for meditation and prayer. They stayed many years performing penances and austerities, and were awarded a vision of Shiva and Parvati, the divine Lord and Lady of Kailas. But still they lacked, in this dry land, a suitable place to perform the daily ablutions required of devout Hindus. The Rishis prayed to Brahma so that they might fulfill their duties. From the infinite depths of his all-encompassing mind Brahma created Manasarovar. Manasarovar's clear waters are said to possess miraculous healing properties.

HEALTH GENERAL"

The high altitude Tibetan is dry, cold and windily,. Diurnal variations are large. Nights are cold and windly. Heavy snow falls , torrential rains and strong icy winds are common features - any time. Flooding reveres and land slides are frequent. The altitude averages above 3500 Meters. The route less covers many high altitude passes. Oxygen is less at higher altitude . The inclement weather and high altitude induces Certain illness generally not encountered over the plains. Headache, Nausea Lassitude, Breathlessness, General uneasiness malaise , irritability, light loss of balance , disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all , irrespective of the age, sex and physical fitness. Reset Relax Do not exert yourself. Do not be excited. Reduce talking, walk slowly - adopt one third of our normal speed & space , keep our load light, walk 15kms. and rest for 5 minutes light weight warm clothing and boots would help reducing strain and burden. Never let yours if into boredom, Boredom inducts fatigue, mental abrasion and exhaustion.

Do not exercise, breath slowly never fast , Whenever you feel uncomfortable, just stop, rest and relax. Ignore the sudden outbursts of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments . Observe silence with smile. Remember never go too high too fast. Avoid smoking and alchohal drugs or intoxicants. Consume plenty of liquids , never proceed with any empty stomach.

Consult your DOCTOR to assess the state of your health to function safely with in your limitations. Learn the Do's and DON'TS from his advice. In addition to the personal prescriptions by your physician, A first aid kit is essential for the travel. Request tour doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the following : Fever, Body joints congestion, Stiffness, Acidity, Stomach cramps, Loose motion, sore eyes, Sneezing Diarrhea, Swelling, Indigestion, ,cold and Cough, Sore throat, Headache etc.


In addition to medicines, your first aid kit must contain the following : Vaseline, Toilet paper, cotton, Bandage roll, Nose inhalers, Dust cover Surgeon's mask, Cologne, Facial Tissues, Rubber bands , Chopstick, Cough drop Body Lotion Vicks, Eye masks, Band aid , Mouth fresheners, Dettol Listerine antiseptic, Candle and Lighter, Dark sunglasses, small plastic bags, Ear muffs.

DOCUMENTS

Keep your documents updated for the travel. Passport, Identity Card, Dairy with address, Telephone numbers, contact maps chart Books of the area. Passport should be minimum 6 months validity.

EQUIPMENT

Camera - Film rolls as per requirement, torch , spare cells, Binoculars, Conventional spectacles - contact lens not advisable, Caps, (sun/ snow / rain protection,) plastic mugs, swiss knife, Leak proof plastic, bottles

CLOTHING'S

Pure wool and thick cotton stocks Long johns wool or mixed combination . Down jacket : Litht, quilted wool pullovers Polo neck, Flannel shirts, Thick wool trousers, Warm light gloves, Balaclava Scraf, Cotton undergarments, towels, Hot water bottele, Keds boots, very light skid proof, water resistant, ankle protection and soft interior, - 2Pairs, Break, in earlier for comfortable use, Light shoulder, bag, Rain Coat with hood, personal clothing as required .