Navigating the Common Challenges of Adi Kailash Yatra

Navigating the Common Challenges of Adi Kailash Yatra

Adi Kailash Yatra is an unforgettable spiritual experience for the pilgrims. Adi Kailash or Chhota Kailash is the second-holiest peak among the Panch Kailash. A journey to this mountain will be a rewarding one. However, like other yatras, this pilgrimage is also full of challenges. There are many obstacles that the pilgrims experience during their trip to the mountain. Thus, you need to be prepared for this yatra. A few challenges that you might face during the Adi Kailash Yatra are as follows: 

Limited Cellular Connectivity

Staying connected with your near and dear ones is a challenge during your yatra to Adi Kailash. Due to the limited connectivity of the mobile network, pilgrims face many problems. The height of Adi Kailash Mountain is approximately 19,700 feet. Due to this, there is a regular fluctuation in the mobile networks. The mobile connectivity in this region is one of the common problems of the pilgrims during their Adi Kailash Yatra. You will find the mobile network only in Dharchula in Adi Kailash. Thus, you can only use a mobile in Dharchula and connect with your friends and family. However, if you have an emergency, you can use the satellite phone of the Government officials. 

High Altitude

Adi Kailash peak is located at a high altitude, due to which travelers face a myriad of problems. Many pilgrims experience altitude sickness at this height. The symptoms of altitude sickness or AMS include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath. Thus, you must be aware of these symptoms if you want to save yourself during this journey. 

The best way to acclimate to a high-altitude region is to spend some time in low-altitude areas. Take frequent breaks during the Adi Kailash journey and stay hydrated throughout your journey. If you do not follow these tips, you will land into many problems during your journey. It is important to see a doctor before embarking on this yatra. He will ensure whether you are fit for this journey or not. People with heart conditions should avoid embarking on this yatra. Moreover, those who are suffering from any lung-related condition should also avoid this yatra. However, if you still want to visit Adi Kailash, you must carry the necessary medicines with you. Moreover, it is best to follow a strict exercise regimen before travelling to this region. 

Rugged Terrains of the Yatra

One of the biggest challenges of the Adi Kailash Yatra is its steep ascents. Pilgrims have a hard time while climbing these paths. If you are undertaking the Adi Kailash Yatra for the first time, you will face many difficulties due to these terrains. Thus, you need to enhance your endurance level and stamina before undertaking this journey. The best way to increase your physical stamina is to get regular exercise. The rugged terrains of the Adi Kailash route make your yatra more difficult. However, if you are physically fit, you will not face any problems during the journey. Apart from the physical stamina, you must also be mentally prepared before taking this journey. You can also hire knowledgeable guides before undertaking this yatra. They have adequate information about the trekking difficulties of the region and the ways to overcome them. It is also best to contact a trekking firm. They will provide you with valuable information about the difficulties that you might face during your Adi Kailash journey. The best would be to hire a travel company and choose the best Adi Kailash tour packages for you. However, you must carry the necessary trekking gear during your yatra. This will help you trek to this high-altitude region without any difficulty. 

Climate 

The weather in the Adi Kailash region changes quickly. Thus, you should be prepared for the rapid changes in weather in this region. It is best to pack necessary things during the yatra, such as waterproof gear, sturdy boots, insulating layers, etc. This will help you protect yourself from the biting cold here. You can also pack a hat for sun protection, a rain cover, and trekking poles before undertaking this journey. Carrying these things will help you undertake the yatra with ease. 

If you are planning to undertake the Adi Kailash Yatra, you must opt for the summer season to go there. This is the best time to visit this region. The average temperature in the summer season during the day is around 27°C. However, the temperature falls below 21°C during the night. 

Consideration for the Culture

Most people face problems while adjusting to the culture of the surrounding region of Adi Kailash Mountain. But it is not difficult to do so. You must try to adapt yourself to the area and situation. Make sure to be respectful of the local traditions, rituals, and religious beliefs. Wear the right dresses during your Adi Kailash tour and do not litter in this area. If you want to take photographs, get permission from the concerned authorities. Moreover, you can have a conversation with the local people and try to understand their values and way of living. 

Limited Infrastructure

Another big challenge that you might face during the Adi Kailash Yatra is the limited infrastructure in this region. Due to the height of the Adi Kailash, there is a shortage of basic facilities such as medical care, food, and lodging.  People who face any emergency during the tour do not get the right healthcare facilities in this region. Thus, you should already be prepared for it. To cope with the limited infrastructure, you need to pack essential items for your tour, such as a first-aid kit, the right camping equipment, a sufficient supply of water, and food. Apart from packing these things, you also need to keep cash with you at all times during your tour. Remember, you might face problems in finding an ATM in this region. Thus, do not forget to keep money with you during the tour. Apart from that, you will also face issues in finding toilets here. You will rarely see a toilet at higher altitudes. Hence, you will have no option but to adjust yourself accordingly. 

Problems in Getting Around

Adi Kailash pilgrims also face problems in getting around due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. Apart from that, weather conditions also make it difficult for people to travel here. If you are not physically fit to undertake this yatra, you can opt for Adi Kailash helicopter services. Many people opt for helicopter tours during their journey. Adi Kailash Yatra by helicopter offers an efficient way to experience the scenic beauty of Adi Kailash peak. These tours are easily available in the winter season and operate from Pithoragarh. You will get an aerial darshan of Adi Kailash Mountain and its surrounding areas if you opt for a helicopter tour.

Road Conditions

Another challenge for the pilgrims is the road conditions in the Adi Kailash region. The roads up to Dharchula are in good condition. However, if you drive further, you will face many problems due to the bad condition of the roads. The roads are rough after Dharchula. Thus, you need to drive carefully after Dharchula during your yatra. 

Limited Accommodation 

The pilgrims also face problems in finding good accommodation during their Adi Kailash journey. You will only find limited accommodation in this area. The journey will take you through isolated villages such as Kuti, Gunji, and Napalchu. These places do not provide the right accommodation to the travelers. Also, you will not find any hotels after Dharchula. Whatever accommodation options you find here are basic. While Dharchula has a good number of hotels with basic facilities, you will not find good accommodation beyond this point. In Kuti and Gunji villages, people stay in homestays and camps. The basic facilities they get here are shared rooms, minimal bedding, floor sleeping, etc. At Jolingkong, pilgrims will only find temporary rest shelters and tents offered by the tour operators or local authorities. 

Permit and Border Restrictions

The Adi Kailash trek is in a high-security zone. For this reason, you will face many obstacles during your yatra. All pilgrims who want to undertake the yatra must get an inner line permit from the District Administration of Pithoragarh. You must obtain it before going beyond Dharchula. However, you also need to submit the following documents to get this permit:

  • Valid Government ID such as Voter ID, or Aadhaar card
  • Certificate showing medical fitness
  • Personal details
  • Passport-size photos
  • Emergency 

Inner line permits are issued by the Government for a limited time. Getting them is not easy, as you need to submit the required documents for it. However, you need to apply it as early as possible. Make sure to keep all of your original documents with you and respect the security guidelines of the Government. You will find multiple checkpoints during the yatra where you need to present a number of documents, such as the hard copy of the LLP, details of the group, original photo ID, etc. If you fail to show the right documents, the authority will not allow you to continue your journey. Thus, you need to keep all important documents with you. 

Apart from that, you must accept the cancellation of your trip at any time due to the activities at the border. Thus, it is important to hire a reputable travel company for your journey. A leading tour operator is well aware of the permit and has contacts with security forces and local authorities. They will make your yatra smoother and convenient. 

Landslides

Another big challenge the pilgrims face while going to Adi Kailash is the landslides. The Adi Kailash route passes through Gunji and Dharchula. Heavy rainfall in these areas causes landslides in the monsoon. They block the important roads and make your yatra more difficult. During the landslides in this region, pilgrims have limited access to shelter, food, and medical assistance. The BRO or Border Roads Organization removes the debris on the road and restores it. The landslides in the region can damage river crossings, bridges, and surfaces, which makes your yatra more dangerous and inconvenient. Sometimes, the Adi Kailash Yatra is stopped or rerouted due to landslide activity. 

Landslides can spoil your Yatra and cause great inconvenience to you. The vehicles of pilgrims get stuck or overturned due to that. Thus, you should already be prepared for any delay, rerouting, or cancellation of your yatra. If you want to avoid the risk of landslides, it is advisable to schedule your yatra in the monsoon season, i.e., between July and August. 

Overcrowded Camps

Adi Kailash pilgrims also face a lot of problems due to the overcrowded camps in the Adi Kailash region. During the peak season, i.e., in the months between May and June and September to October, the homestays and camps in this region are overcrowded. This region has a few permanent accommodation options, so pilgrims face a lot of difficulties staying here. The camps that are available here can only host a smaller number of travelers. However, due to the heavy influx of pilgrims, the travelers are bound to share sleeping spaces. They also manage to sleep in their vehicles when all the tents are full. 

Apart from the overcrowded camps, food supplies, toilets, and sanitation are a few problems people face in this area. Thus, you need to book the reliable Adi Kailsh tour operators and relax. These travel companies book the right accommodation for you and try their best to offer you a hassle-free Adi Kailash Yatra

Adi Kailash Yatra Challenges: Conclusion

The Adi Kailash Yatra is the most sacred yatra, which comes with a lot of challenges. Most of the pilgrims are not aware of them and face a lot of trouble due to that. From dangerous mountain roads, unpredictable weather, limited accommodation, landslides, and border restrictions, the Adi Kailash journey tests your patience at each stage. Thus, it is important to plan it properly. If you are planning to undertake this yatra for the first time, you must take sufficient time to consider the above-mentioned challenges while planning your yatra.

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