Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is, perhaps, the most successful pilgrimage in the world with people searching for divine faith pouring from all over the world. Located in the inaccessible part of Tibet and with a height of more than 15,000 feet, Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are not only sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Believers in Bon but amazingly beautiful as well. The journey, though, is as much a physical test as it is a spiritual one. The most common problem that pilgrims will encounter is altitude sickness—a potentially fatal disorder that occurs when the body gets too little oxygen at high altitudes. In this blog, we will discuss all you want to know about altitude sickness on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: what it is, why and whom it affects, symptoms to look out for, and most importantly, how to get rid of and avoid it.
Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a disease where your body cannot cope with the lower oxygen and lower air pressure at higher altitudes. It generally begins to make itself felt at elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters), so Kailash Mansarovar land—altitudes of 14,000 feet and above 19,000 feet—is a risk zone.
There are several reasons why the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is particularly vulnerable to altitude sickness:
Sudden rise in altitude: The ascent usually entails rising suddenly from Kathmandu (4,600 ft) or Hilsa to over 15,000 ft in two days.
Thin air: Oxygen levels at Mount Kailash are about 60% of sea level.
Isolated location: Unavailability to receive medical assistance makes prevention that much more important.
Cold climate: The harsh weather can weaken your immune system, making it harder for the body to acclimatize.
Anyone is susceptible to altitude sickness on Kailash Mansarovar, but some are more at risk:
Those who climb too rapidly
Those with a prior heart or lung condition
Older people (though most older people finish the yatra unscathed with proper planning)
Those who are dehydrated or fatigued
Pilgrims who disregard acclimatization guidelines
Note: Fit people may also be impacted.
Research various Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package and compare them thoroughly. Look for deals that offer the best value without compromising experience.
Early identification is important. Know these symptoms:
Headache (most frequent)
Dizziness
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
Insomnia
Nausea or vomiting
Cannot walk in a straight line
Confusion or hallucinations
Squeezing chest or persistent cough
Cyanosis (blue lips or nails)
Always report to your guide or medical personnel if you or anyone in your party experience these symptoms. Check out our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour package for a well-organized and smooth journey.
Preparation begins months ahead. Do the following:
Develop endurance and lung capacity.
Walking or running daily
Stair climbing
Breathing exercises
Yoga and Pranayama
If feasible, spend a few days in high altitude regions such as Leh or Lhasa before going to Kailash. Luxury Kailash Mansarovar Yatra package will you a best luxurious experience in this fascinating journey.
Maintain low stress levels and practice meditation regularly. A relaxed mind can make the body acclimatize with less effort.
Once you're on the yatra, implement these strategies:
Most tour guides have rest days—use them to rest, hydrate, and acclimatize to the altitude.
Drink 3-4 liters of water daily. Do not consume alcohol, caffeine, or smoke as they dehydrate. We have Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Package from Lucknow for those who want to travel Kailash Mansarovar from Lucknow.
Carb-rich foods give instant energy. Do not eat heavy, fried, or oily food.
Dress in layers. Keep your body warm and windproof. Cold can worsen AMS symptoms.
Don't hurry, especially for the Kora (parikrama) around Mount Kailash. Go slowly and halt. Check out our Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Package from Kathmandu for a well-organized and smooth journey.
Get a doctor's advice before traveling. Standard medications are:
Prevents and alleviates symptoms
Start 1-2 days prior to ascending
Continue during high-altitude residence
Used in emergency cases of edema or serious symptoms
Bring portable oxygen cylinders or concentrators
Oxygen tents can be made available by some camps
Ginger tea for vomiting
Garlic soup, Tibetan medicine for improved circulation
Note: Self-medication is unsafe. Always remain with your physician's instructions.
There should be a strict emergency procedure in every group:
Notify the guide immediately while feeling unwell.
Come down immediately if condition aggravates.
Utilize supplement oxygen or arrange evacuation if necessary.
Rescue helicopters are being provided by a few operators—check beforehand. A Kailash Mansarovar Yatra tour package by helicopter can significantly reduce travel time while still offering breathtaking aerial views of the region.
Most older pilgrims carry out the Yatra successfully annually. Here are some additional precautions:
Undergo a proper medical checkup
Carry all prescribed medicines
Rent a personal porter or pony for the trek
Avoid overexertion
Ensure that your travel insurance covers altitude sickness and evacuation
While altitude sickness is a genuine concern, it's not an excuse to abandon your dream to see Mount Kailash. Proper planning, knowledge, and self-discipline can reduce the risks.
The trip to Kailash Mansarovar is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual endeavor—each step, though arduous, cleanses the body and elevates the soul. Thousands of pilgrims successfully undertake the Yatra every year. You can too—with a positive outlook and preparation.
Q1. At what height does Kailash Mansarovar Yatra occur?
Mount Kailash is at 21,778 ft (6,638 m) and Lake Mansarovar at approximately 15,000 ft (4,572 m).
Q2. How is acclimatization time?
2–3 days is taken by most of us to acclimatize at altitudes over 10,000 ft.
Q3. Can I undertake the yatra if I have asthma or high BP?
Yes, subject to clearance by your doctor. Numerous asthmatic and hypertensive pilgrims successfully undertake the yatra using medication and gentle trekking.
Q4. What do I do if I experience dizziness or a headache during the trek?
Rest and stop. Tell your guide. Drink water. If symptoms persist or worsen, go down to a lower elevation at once.
Q5. Is a helicopter yatra safer in terms of altitude sickness?
Helicopter trips are shorter, so acclimatization is more difficult. But you can still manage by planning carefully and taking acclimatization breaks along the way.
We have numerous Kailash Mansarovar yatra packages with best deals so book your package with Epic Yatra and experience this religious journey.