In the early days ; Nepal Bhutan and Tibet (3 of the major tourist destination in South-Asia) we bemused by large, tall westerners who came to visit these places just to walk from one village to another, up and down mountains, crossing some very dangerous rivers- for no good reasons. It was only on later 70s when the trekking industry realized how beautiful these lands are. Then people realized trekking means business and rapidly became a major source of income for porters and guides and helped in the Hinterland Hardship, Misery and Isolation of the people living in these areas.  Trekking in these reasons has never been just about the scenery, it is also about the people and how one travels along the traditional caravan routes, rural trading trails, or the herders taking mountain goats to Goths in the monsoon. It is along these trails that people living in these areas and the tourists traveling to these areas have formed a bond that goes back to decades.

Intellect, intelligence, understanding, perception, sense and conscience are human brain’s widest sense. The word “Mansarovar” is composed of two Sanskrit words; “manas” and “Sarovar”. Manas mean human sense and Sarovar is fresh water lake or a huge pond. Lake Mansarovar or often called Mapam Yutso is the highest altitude lake formed by the Kailash Glacier in the autonomous region of Tibet. Often considered as one of the most sacred lake in the world; Manasarovar is revered by Hinduism, Jainism, Bon and Buddhism. Hindus consider ManSarovar as the abode of Lord Shiva; the creator and destroyer of the world. It is believed that taking a dive in the lake or drinking from the lake will cleanse all the sins.

 

“The Yatra”

 

Lake Mansarovar is relatively round in lake and lies at the altitude of 4,590m (which is typically high for the fresh water lakes) and is situated in the Tibetan Plateau. With a total area of approx 320km2 and depth of 90m it is connected to nearby Lake Rakshastal by the natural Ganga Chhu channel.  Kailash Manasoravar Yatra is the most famous pilgrimage tour in Tibet, which takes place every year and attracts thousands of pilgrims. This Yatra is famous for its cultural value, religious value, and natural beauty. This trek covers every type of vegetation from barren land, lush green valleys, snowcapped peaks and pristine blue lakes. Every year thousands of pilgrims visits Mount Kailash. They walk the kora around Mt Kailash, which is a part of the Yatra. Thousands of travelers and pilgrims do this during the months of the Yatra. This holy ritual is believed to bring good fortune for both now and for future generations and help those to better attain enlightenment. The different religions have different beliefs about the circumambulation around the mountain. Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims complete the kora walking clockwise, while those of the Jain and Bon religions walk around anti-clockwise. However, the length of Kailash kora is about 56km and the average altitude is 5000 meters. In some areas of Tibet, tourists should be prepared for the poor accommodation, food and other services. The food and accommodation are very basic, which is only dorm beds are available in guesthouses. Due to geographical condition there could be lack of electricity and water. Even the foods and vegetables are not fresh and quite high price. You can bring your own food such as dry food, instant noodles and fruits if you don’t want to eat there.