Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Adi Kailash Pilgrims

First-time Adi Kailash Pilgrims often face many challenges while undertaking an Adi Kailash yatra. The trek to the Adi Kailash is steep and requires the pilgrims to be physically fit. They must possess proper trekking gear before climbing this sacred peak. The region where this sacred peak is located experiences potential snowfall, strong winds, and extremely low temperatures. This makes a pilgrim’s journey highly challenging and stressful. Thus, you need to follow a few travel tips to make your yatra more meaningful and enjoyable. Some of the important Adi Kailash travel tips to consider are as follows:

Understand the Significance of Adi Kailash

Adi Kailash pilgrims must be well aware of the spiritual significance of this sacred mountain. This will help them experience the spiritual richness of this place. Adi Kailash, or Chhota Kailash, is a sacred mountain that is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva. The spiritual energy of this place and Kailash Manasarovar is the same. It is also believed that this is the exact site where Ved Vyasa, the great sage, wrote the Mahabharata, one of the epic scriptures of Hindus. However, this site is not only a great place for Hindus but also for Buddhists.

Physical Fitness

The trekking trail to Adi Kailash starts from Gunji, which is located in Dharchula. Pilgrims who undertake the Om Parvat Yatra also use this path. However, Adi Kailash pilgrims require high levels of physical fitness before embarking on their journey. The first-timers must focus on building their cardiovascular fitness and endurance after getting acclimatized to high altitudes. If you are visiting this sacred mountain for the first time, you need to follow a regular strength training regimen. This will prepare you for a safe journey to this sacred mountain.

You also need to practice regular hiking, walking, and running to make your spiritual journey more enriching and meaningful. However, if you are above the age of 60 years, you will require a medical fitness certificate before undertaking this yatra. You also need to consult a doctor and get the required medicines to manage altitude sickness during the yatra. Also, don’t forget to get a full-body health check-up before initiating your journey. If you are struggling with any pre-existing condition, it is advisable to discuss your travel plans with your doctor.

Trekking Gear

You need the essential trekking gear to trek to the Adi Kailash. The reason behind it is that the trek to this sacred mountain is extremely difficult due to steep inclines, potential snowfall, rocky areas, and uneven surfaces. Thus, you must carry good tracking gear for your trip. Some of the essential items that you need to carry are

Clothing:

Trekking Shoes: You must carry sturdy and waterproof trekking shoes for the trek. Also, make sure that the shoes you choose for trekking are comfortable. It is advisable to look for the shoes that provide the right support for your ankles. You will find many shoes that are perfect for use in the rugged terrain.
Warm Layers: Make sure to keep warm layered clothes such as thermal wear, wool, and jackets to avoid the biting cold of the region. The weather is quite unpredictable in this region, so you must pack the right type of clothes to protect yourself. Apart from that, you also need to carry a hat, woolen gloves, and woolen socks to stay warm and comfortable. Carrying these things will help you survive in this cold region.

Sun Protection:

Adi Kailash pilgrims should also protect their skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Make sure to apply a sunscreen cream with high SPF to protect your skin. It is advisable to choose a 30 SPF cream for this purpose. You must also carry sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Apart from that, you should also wear long sleeves to protect your skin from the intense exposure to the sun. Also, keep a lip balm with you. This will protect your lips from chapping.

Lighting

You must carry extra batteries for your flashlight or headlamp.
Keep a torch or headlamp with you so that you can easily navigate in the low-light conditions of early morning and late evening. You can also use a lighting source to be safe during your trip.

Trekking Poles

Carrying trekking poles is also essential during your Adi Kailash trip. They provide support to your body during the challenging ascents and descents during your yatra. They relieve extra pressure on your joints and balance your body while traversing the challenging path.

Camping Equipment

Another important item that you must carry during the trek is the camping equipment. Some of these items include a sleeping mattress, a lightweight tent, and a camping stove for cooking meals.

Necessary Permits and Documentation

Adi Kailash pilgrims also need the necessary permit and other documents before embarking on the Adi Kailash journey. One of the most important permits to get for the yatra is the Inner Line Permit. Without this permit, you can’t access this region. Apart from it, you will also need other documents that are required to undertake this yatra. However, first, let’s know about the Inner Line Permit and the ways to get it.

Inner Line Permit

It is an official travel document that lets Indian citizens travel to the protected areas for a short period. The Indians who are outside of these places need to obtain a permit to enter the protected area. Through the Inner Line Permit, the government regulates the movement to several areas that are situated near the international border of India. ILP was created by the British to protect their commercial interests. The permit is now used to protect the culture of different tribes in the northeastern parts of India. There are several kinds of ILPs —one for the tourists and for other people who want to stay at a protected area for longer periods. You can get this permit from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Dharchula. You can apply for this permit in the following ways:

You need to get an application form first. You can also get this application form online or at the relevant office or the resident commissioner’s office.
After getting the form, you are required to fill it out properly. Make sure to provide a few important details in this form, such as your personal information, the purpose of your travel, and any supporting documents. Some of the important documents that you need to attach to this form include an ID proof, a passport, or any other relevant documents.
You may also require a local sponsor or the signature of a head of department or a local guardian.
Now, you can submit the completed application with all your documents to a resident commissioner’s office or deputy commissioner’s office.
Pay the fees online or in person.
After the processing of your application, you will get your ILP.

Government- Issued IDs

A few government-issued IDs that you must carry for Adi Kailash Yatra include voter ID, passport, Aadhar Card, etc. However, if you don’t possess them, you need to apply for them before undertaking your trip.

Medical Fitness Certificate

Adi Kailash pilgrims also need to have a medical fitness certificate from a registered doctor. This certificate is important to have before trekking to Adi Kailash.

Pick the Best Route to Adi Kailash

The pilgrims also need to choose the best route to reach Adi Kailash. The whole journey to this sacred mountain is full of challenging terrain. Thus, you need proper planning and physical endurance to undertake this journey. You can choose the following route to get to Adi Kailash:

Starting Point: The Adi Kailash journey begins from Pithoragarh, which is located in Uttarakhand. This town is approximately. 450 km away from Delhi.
Pithoragarh to Dharchula: Once you arrive at Pithoragarh, the next you need to go to Dharchula. It is located at a high altitude of approximately 3050 feet.
Dharchula to Gunji: After reaching Dharchula, the pilgrims will head to Gunji, which is situated at a height of 10,000 feet. This is the base camp for Chhota Kailash Yatra and Om Parvat Yatra. Gunji is immensely popular for its spellbinding beauty. This is the best place where the pilgrims get acclimatized to the altitude.
Gunji to Adi Kailash: This is the final stretch, which takes the pilgrims to Adi Kailash and the Parvati Sarovar, which is known to be the base of this mountain. This stretch is highly challenging, so the pilgrims must cover it carefully. It requires a large amount of energy to trek to Adi Kailash from here.

Hydration System

Make sure to get hydrated during your Adi Kailash trip. It is important to bring a water bottle and a hydration bladder for your trip. However, if you want to drink from the natural water resources, make sure to use water purification tablets before drinking the water.

Hiring Porters and Guides

Adi Kailash pilgrims must hire guides or porters while trekking to Adi Kailash. There are many benefits to hiring guides and porters. The guides provide you with important information about the route that leads you to the mountain. They also offer valuable insights into the culture, history, and local customs of the region. However, the porters can lift heavy articles as well as gear, which helps you trek the path without any difficulty.

Spiritual and Cultural Etiquette

During your pilgrimage to Adi Kailash, you must maintain a spiritual as well as a cultural etiquette. This shows reverence to the deities as well as the serene environment of this place. Apart from the spiritual etiquette, you must also demonstrate cultural etiquette during the Adi Kailash tour. The cultural etiquette involves the respect for local customs and traditions of the region you are visiting. Also, make sure not to do the things that are considered offensive or disrespectful by the people. A few spiritual and cultural etiquette that you need to demonstrate here are

Respect the Local People: The surrounding region of Adi Kailash is inhabited by Tibetans and Kumaonis. Thus, you always show respect to them once you are here. Greet them respectfully by using local greetings such as “Namaste” or “Juley” (a greeting expression of the surrounding areas). If you want to take photos of the local people, ask them first. Most people will be happy to get their photos taken. Also, speak slowly while talking to local people. Make a lot of gestures while talking to them.
Dress Appropriately: You must also dress appropriately during your journey to Adi Kailash. This yatra will take you to the remote areas of Uttarakhand, where you will get to meet the local people. However, you must respect their traditional values by wearing the right attire. Wearing the right clothes does not just show respect to the culture of the local people but also shows your decent attitude while visiting religious places.
Avoid Littering: You should avoid littering during your pilgrimage. It is important to maintain the spiritual sanctity of this region. Thus, you should avoid throwing waste here. Adi Kailash pilgrims must come here with the right mindset and honor the region they visit.
Spiritual Practices: The pilgrims must also perform the right spiritual practices during the Adi Kailash tour. Remember, this yatra is not just an ordinary journey but also a profound one that lets the pilgrims connect with the deity Shiva. The spiritual experience that the pilgrims feel here cleanses their minds and purifies their hearts.

Keep chanting the important mantras when you are on your way to this sacred mountain. Pilgrims sing devotional songs in their camps during their visit to Adi Kailash, which makes the whole atmosphere spiritual. You can also meditate in the tranquil environment when you are here. Just sit silently and feel the energy of the mountains and the sound of the wind. Some pilgrims perform pranayama to relax their minds to feel the divinity of this area.

You can perform important rituals at Gauri Kund and Parvati Sarovar, which are situated at the base of Adi Kailash. A few rituals that you can do include offering incense, flowers, water, and prayers to the deity. Also, make sure to bathe in the sacred lakes, as that will purify your soul.

Spiritual Preparation

Apart from preparing you physically, you also need to prepare yourself spiritually. You need to cleanse your mind to connect to the divine aura of this place. The spiritual preparation for Adi Kailash involves practicing prayer, sacred rituals, and meditation. The spiritual journey to the sacred mountain lets you discover yourself and feel the spiritual environment of this place. This journey will be highly challenging for many devotees. Thus, it is important to keep a positive mindset throughout your trip. Regular meditation and prayer help you provide calmness to your mind.

Safety Precautions

A journey to Adi Kailash is a spiritually rewarding journey that takes the pilgrims to a sacred mountain in the remote regions of the Himalayas. Due to its high altitude, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain, the Adi Kailash trip poses potential risks to you. Thus, you must follow several safety precautions while undertaking this yatra. Some of the safety precautions that you need to follow during your trip are

Medical and Health Safety

Before embarking on the Adi Kailash tour, you need to consult a physician and get a full medical checkup. It is extremely important if you are suffering from a pre-existing condition such as respiratory issues, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.

Vaccinations

You can also take the necessary vaccinations from your doctor before heading to Adi Kailash. Some of the vaccinations that you can get are typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A, etc.

(Acute Mountain Sickness—AMS)

Trekking to Adi Kailash is extremely difficult due to its high altitude. Many people suffer from altitude sickness, i.e., acute mountain sickness, while undertaking this yatra. The air gets thinner at high altitudes. Also, there is less oxygen in these areas. Altitude sickness can occur in anyone regardless of their fitness level. Some of the symptoms of this condition are fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, etc. However, if these symptoms worsen, consult a physician immediately.

What to do if AMS symptoms appear?

You can do the following if you experience any symptoms of AMS:

Start descending to a lower altitude instantly.
Drink water and take a rest.

Preventive Measures

You must ascend slowly while trekking to Adi Kailash. Don’t rush, as it will be dangerous for you. However, the best way to ensure safe trekking is to spend a few days at lower altitudes. This will help you get acclimatized to the high altitude of this area.
Make sure to drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily. This will keep you hydrated throughout your trip.
Take proper rest at regular intervals. This will keep your energy levels high and help you trek to the mountain without any exertion.
Take any medication if you need it during the Adi Kailash tour.

Injury Prevention

To prevent an injury during the trek, you need to do the following:

Make sure to wear high-quality waterproof shoes. Remember, the terrain is uneven and rocky. So, it is important to wear good footwear to prevent blisters and ankle sprains. You can search for trekking shoes online and buy them at the best prices.
Use trekking poles to maintain your balance while trekking. Using them will help you trek without any difficulty.
Do stretching exercises before trekking, as this will prepare you for the trek.
Do not rush immediately. It will lead to fatigue or injury.
Make sure to carry a first-aid kit. This kit must include a variety of things, such as bandages, antiseptic ointment, blister pads, and other essential medicines.

Emergency Shelter and Sleeping Bags

You must carry an emergency shelter if you are trekking in solitary areas. This will help you protect yourself from any emergency.
Carry a four-season sleeping bag, which is perfect for staying warm at extremely low temperatures.

Navigating the Terrain

Be extra cautious during the trek. The Adi Kailash trail is slippery due to mud and ice. Thus, you need to trek it carefully.
Find a local guide for safe trekking. He is well aware of the terrain and helps you navigate the trek without any difficulty. This will help you trek to the mountain with complete safety.

Conclusion

Embarking on a yatra to Adi Kailash is a transformative journey. It connects you with the divinity of this region. By following the above travel tips, the Adi Kailash pilgrims ensure that their yatra is safe and meaningful. If you are visiting Adi Kailash for the first time, these tips will be extremely helpful for you.