Make your list ready! Embassy of India in Nepal rolls down advisory for yatris of Kailash Mansarovar

New Delhi, April 11: Opening gates of the most awaited yatra of the year, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra registration has just begun. As pilgrims get busy registering their names, the Embassy of India in Nepal has issued an advisory to Indian citizens planning to perform the yatra via Nepal.

The Embassy has advised pilgrims to get appropriate Chinese visa and Travel Permit for Tibet before commencing the journey. The Chinese Visa is to be obtained from the Embassy of China in New Delhi and not from Embassy of China in Kathmandu. They should ensure that travel agent has obtained Restricted Area Permit for Simikot/Hilsa or Rasuwagidhi in Nepal as per their itinerary/route.

Pilgrims should also ensure that they have adequate/necessary insurance coverage to meet all exigencies including high altitude sickness, emergency medical relief, evacuation, extended stay, etc. Pilgrims are advised to halt at all designated acclimatization points along the journey to reduce health risks arising from change in altitude or oxygen levels.

All pilgrims should conduct a thorough medical examination before embarking on the Yatra. There are minimal/no medical facilities in Simikot/Hilsa. Pilgrims should carry adequate medicines for duration of tour and reserve supply for at least another 10 days.

Simikot and Hilsa do not have ATM facilities so yatris should carry adequate cash to meet any emergency. Pilgrims should carry SIM Card with international roaming facility. It is advisable to install messenger applications like whatsapp, viber and wechat etc to remain in constant communication even from places with poor or no mobile connectivity but having Wi-Fi.

These areas have basic or minimal tourist infrastructure for a modest number of travellers/pilgrims so be prepared to stay in hotels/lodges with basic food/lodging including dormitories. Simikot/Hilsa route is connected only through air requiring fair weather/visibility to remain open. Hence pilgrims should be prepared to face delays, may be for days, at all points due to inclement weather.

Pilgrims should avoid travel during or near full moon days. The yatra experiences a high density of travellers and overbooking during full moon days leading to constraints on resources and incidents of pilgrims being stranded in Simikot and Hilsa.

Yatris may take note of the weather forecast and avoid travelling during heavy rain or inclement weather. Pilgrims should avoid undertaking Mt Kailash parikrama if health does not permit. Mt Kailash parikrama involves extensive trekking through high altitudes and passes.

Pilgrims with medical conditions and those not completely fit should avoid the same in their own interest and in the interest of the group they are travelling with. In case of any emergency yatris may contact Embassy of India in Kathmandu on +9779851107021, +9779851107022, +9779851155007 and +9779851155006.