A large number of Indian nationals are showing interest in visiting Holy Kailash Manasarovar through tours organized by private Indian tour operators. Most of the tourists are unaware of the actual conditions in Kailash-Manasarovar area and need to prepare for the difficulties that they may have to face. The Holy Kailash Manasarovar is situated in a remote area in Tibet Autonomous Region of People’s Republic of China, where availability of medical facilities, accommodation, food items, means of communication and transport are minimal. It is situated at an average altitude of 13000 feet above the sea level. Tourists may get affected by High Altitude Sickness and other medical problems, which can be fatal in the absence of adequate medical facilities. There have also been instances of pilgrims being stranded due to bad weather.
Government of India wishes to inform all its citizens intending to visit Kailash Manasarovar through private tour operators that they should bear in mind the following while preparing for the Yatra :
- The holy sites of Kailash and Manasarovar are situated at very high altitude. Tourists have to traverse passes which are up to 19000 feet above sea level. The very high altitude coupled with the rarified atmosphere and inhospitable climate and terrain, makes the trip to Kailash – Manasarovar one of the most difficult in the Himalayas. People who are aged, who have previous medical histories of blood pressure, diabetes, chest pain, heart condition or breathing difficulties or who are not physically fit for any reason are strongly advised not to go on this trip.
- Acclimatization is vital physiological need of the human body and must be ensured while visiting high altitude areas like Kailash Manasarovar. Acclimatization is a three step procedure – Tourists should spend 3 nights at 9000 feet, 2 nights each at 12000 and 15000 feet. Tourists may ensure that the tours schedule drawn up by their private tour operators have sufficient time for acclimatization.
- Tourists must make themselves fully aware of the symptoms of High Altitude diseases that may affect them during the trip to Kailash Manasarovar and the ways to overcome them. Acute Mountain Sickness is characterized by headache plus one or more of the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Fatigue, weakness
- Dizziness, light-headedness
- Difficulty in sleeping
- If headache plus one of the above symptoms develop then continued ascent is a major risk factor for developing more serious conditions and may be life-threatening. Therefore, tourists should not ascend further up. If symptoms are not settling or worsening, descent to an altitude below the one where symptoms started is always effective. A descent of 500 to 1000 meters is usually sufficient.
- Due to poor infrastructure in that remote region, Yatris may note that accommodation may be primitive. Tourists may also be compelled to stay at remote places due to inclement weather conditions or disruptions in road and air traffic. Tourists wishing to go on this trip must check with their private tour operators whether adequate alternative arrangements for accommodation, food, water and medicine to deal with such emergencies are in place.
- Tourists are advised to undergo a very thorough medical test at reputed hospitals. Following medical tests are advised : Haemoglobin (Hb), Total Leucocyte Count (TLC), Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Blood Group with Rh-type, Blood Sugar, Blood Urea, Serum Creatinine, Serum Billirubin (S. Bill), Serum Glutamate Oxalo Transaminase (SGOT), Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Lipid Profile, Urine Routine Examination, Chest X-Ray, Tread Mill Test (TMT), Electro Cardio Gram (ECG), Pulmonary Function Test (PFT), StressEcho Test.
- It is suggested that tourists should consult their physician or doctor on what they should carry with them on this trip. Tourists are strongly advised to ensure that medicines carried by them are duly approved by a qualified physician or doctor. Use of any medicines without proper medical advice can be harmful or even fatal in high altitude conditions.
- Tourists should avoid alcohol, sedatives and narcotic analgesics during the trip to Kailash Manasarovar as these drugs depress breathing.
- In a medical emergency, tourists may need to be airlifted to India or to a place in Nepal where hospital facility is available. Tourists should check with their private tour operator whether such an arrangement is in place.
- Tourists are advised to get themselves insured properly for medical and life insurance since there is considerable element of risk to life.
Note: The aforesaid Advisory is issued in the interest of the tourists who undertake the trip to Kailash Manasarovar. However, the compliance/noncompliance of the Advisory will not in any way entitle the tourists or their legal heirs to bring an action against the Ministry of External Affairs for the loss of life or injury to person/pro