|
PLANNING & PREPARATION
Since this pilgrimage is nothing short of an expedition, it places many uncommon
demands and situations. Awareness to these problems is essential to complete the
voyage successfully with confidence.
Once the voyage commences the panoramic Himalaya and Tibet cocoon the pilgrimage
in their effulgence and they drift beyond the reach of a conventional world. Deep
silence and eerie expansiveness rule the atmosphere. A resourceful pilgrimage however
would enjoy his every step - planning is the key. The broad guidelines appended here
may help you. However each one must organize according to individual requirements
and preferences.
HEALTH GENERAL
The high altitude Tibetan terrain is dry, cold and windy. Diurnal variations
are large. Nights are cold and windy. Heavy snow falls; torrential rains and strong
icy winds are common features - any time. Flooding rivers and landslides are frequent.
The altitude averages above 3500 meters. The route covers much high altitude passes.
Oxygen is less at higher altitudes. The inclement weather and high altitude
induces certain illness generally not encountered over the plains (Mountain Sickness).
Headache, nausea, lassitude, lethargy, breathlessness, general uneasiness (malaise),
high 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.
Gradual acclimatization is the best answer. Tranquilizers, sleeping doses and strong
anti-biotic must be avoided. Descending to lower altitude is the best but this may
not be possible always. REST is the best alternative. Some of the symptoms indicate
that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments.
Therefore the golden rule is to deliberately slow down all activities
- Rest.
- Relax - Do not exert; Do not be excited.
- Reduce talking.
- Walk slowly - adopt one third of your normal speed & space.
- Keep your load light.
- Walk 15 minutes and rest for five minutes.
- Light weight warm clothing's and boots / ked would help reducing strain
and burden.
- Never let yourself into boredom - boredom inducts fatigue, mental abrasions
and exhaustion.
(Chant a prayer or visualize everything around to suit your pleasant thoughts.
Or put on the earphones and listen to your favorite music, bhajans, chanting etc. Scan the scenario with binoculars.Resort to photography.)
- Do not exercise.
- Breathe 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 a smile.
- Remember - never go too high too fast.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol - drugs or intoxicants.
- Consume plenty of liquids; never proceed with an empty stomach.
Expedition experts advise that beyond 3500 meters ascent or climbing must be
restricted to 300 to 400 meters at a stretch. Most people, however they say would
experience minimum symptoms, if given longer time to ascend. This must be borne in
mind during Parikrama around Kailash.
Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over-clothed than under
protected. Enroute, avoid taking a bath or drinking water from lakes, streams or
rivers as your system is not conditioned for this. Since the dry cold wind tends
to make the nose dry (bleeding sometime) keep your nose smooth by applying Vaseline.
Keep your feet dry - never let it get wet. Keep your boots / ked inside tents to
keep them dry. Wearing cotton and wool socks in combination would be the best. Face,
feet and hands must be well protected.
Consult your DOCTOR to assess the state of your health to function safely within
your limitations. Learn the DO'S and the Don't from his advice. In addition to the
personal prescriptions by your physician, a First Aid Kit is essential for the travel.
Request your Doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the following:
Fever
Stomach Cramps
Diarrhea
Body Joint Paints
Loose Motion
Swelling
Muscle Pulls
Sore Eyes
Indigestion
Constipation
Sneezing
Cold & Cough
Chest Congestions
Dysentery
Sore Throat
Stiffness
Nose blocks
Headache
Acidity
Vomiting
You may never use any of these medicines but some one in the group
may require it. Protect yourself against dust and direct sunshine and Dust
during the long stretches of driving. In addition to the medicines, your First
Aid Kit must contain the following:
Vaseline
Facial Tissues
Band Aid
Toilet Papers
Rubber Bands
Mouth Fresheners
Cotton
Chopstick
Dettol /Listerine (antiseptic)
Bandage Roll
Cough Drops
Candle & Lighter
Nose Inhalers
Body Lotion / Mustard Oil
Dark Sunglasses
Dust Cover (Surgeon's Mask)
Vicks
Small Plastic Bags
Cologne
Eye Masks
Ear Muffs
One should carry glucose-based items (Mints, toffees, mini chocolates bars
for periodical consumption at high altitude for energy). Multi-vitamin and Vitamin C tablets
are required for daily consumption as a routine.
It is preferable to avoid shaving as any cut or bruise may not heal quickly and
may irritate with nagging discomfort.
Never rush into things. Walk slowly and firmly. Guard yourself from slipping or falling to
prevent fractures, sprains and muscle pulls. The uneven ground, steep slopes and slushy
banks are full of potholes. Do not combine walking and sight seeing together. Inspect your
track in front and trek slowly. Listen to your guide or the one with experience.
Never leave the Group. Be in the Group. Do not leave anyone behind unless escorted.
Make a separate pouch for the First Aid kit with a list of medicines and their appropriate usages.
PRELIMINARIES
A valid passport is a must. The passport must be sent to your Travel Agent at least
a month in advance to obtain Chinese Visa. Normally Group Visas are granted on such trips.
It is advisable to carry extra money (in addition to the tour cost)
for personal needs or exigencies. Traveler's cheques, credit cards
and Indian currency (except Rs. 500 currency notes) are transact able in Nepal.
Indian citizens do not require passport visa to visit Nepal. For immigration
formalities, the Indian traveler requires an ID card; Photostat copy of passport
or any other document to establish identity.
Procure if possible relevant maps, literature of the area for review. Try and
establish contact with Pilgrims who had been on this pilgrimage earlier to
collect first hand information.
DOCUMENTS Required
Keep your documents updated for the travel.
Passport - Photostat copies, original passport shall be given at Nepal-on-arrival.
- Identity Card
- Visiting Card
- Dairy: Addresses, telephone numbers, contacts.
- Waist Pouch.
- Ball Pens (spare refills)
- Maps / Charts / Books of the area.
- Traveler's cheques, credit cards & currency.
- Airline / Railway tickets / vouchers.
- Any other documents for personal use.
EQUIPMENTS
- Personal jewellery must be kept to minimum.
- Camera - Film rolls as required.
- Torch (waterproof & powerful) spare cells.
- Video camera - if required.
- Pocket cassette recorder: with earphones to listen to music, prayers
etc. during travel and also to record daily events.
- Binoculars.
- Conventional spectacles - Contact lens not advisable.
- Cap (Sun / snow / rain protection).
- Plastic mug.
- Swiss knife (multipurpose).
- Leak proof plastics water bottles (for water from Mansarovar and Gauri Kund).
- Whistle.
CLOTHING
Light weight suit case / travel bag (take care to keep your baggage simpler and lighter
as an emergency may arise where you might have to carry your own baggage
against all odds.)
- Pure wool and thick cotton socks.
- Long Johns (Inners - full fitting) wool or mixed combinations.
- Down Jacket Light, quilted, (warm and well insulated)
- Wool pullovers - Polo neck.
- Flannel shirts.
- Thick wool trousers.
- Warm light gloves.
- Snowcap (with ear covering).
- Balaclava (wool monkey cap).
- Scarf.
- Cotton undergarments.
- Towels.
- Hot water bottle.
- Keds / Boots very light, skid proof, water resistant, ankle protection &
soft interior - 2 pairs. Break in earlier for comfortable use.
- Light trek bag (Cameras etc.)
- Raincoat with hood.
- Personal Clothing as required.
Ladies should select suitable and comfortable clothing accordingly.
KAILASH PILGRIMAGE TOUR
KAILASH PARVAT & MANSAROVAR
|
