Altitude Sickness During Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Know Everything

Do you have plans to visit Tibet for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and are worried about altitude sickness? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! On this spiritual tour to the sacred Mount Kailash, which rises to a height of more than 6,600 meters (21,650 feet), many travelers are worried. Although this spiritual area attracts thousands of visitors a year due to its spiritual significance and magnificent beauty, the challenges of high altitude sometimes present difficulties. In order to ensure the safety of your Kailash Mansarovar Tour or Yatra, we have prepared this article with information on high altitude sickness symptoms, remedies, prevention, and professional advice. 

Introduction to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

In Hinduism, Mount Kailash is known to be the dwelling place of Lord Shiva – one of the Godheads specifically known as the God of destruction. To millions of Hindus, the circumambulation of its base, called parikrama, is a virtue that cleanses and purifies one’s sinful soul and becomes eligible for salvation. Another significance of the mountain is its religious significance among Buddhists who ritualistically believe it is a holy area associated with the doctrines of Buddha. In the context of Tibetan Buddhism, Mount Kailash can be said to symbolize Mount Meru, the spiritual axis of space.

Jains also believe that Kailash is the place where their first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev reached Nirodha. Likewise, the Bon religion considers the mountain a significant place to worship. These beliefs make Mount Kailash a cultural and spiritual melting pot where people come for union to something more than us or just to trek for fun.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra/ Tour is one of the most beautiful and attractive treks in the world in which trekkers get the chance to enjoy views and have spiritual tours. The regular trekking path that contains the renowned 52 km Kora, or pilgrim Rings, also pulls through frisky wasteland, landscapes of high altitude, and breathtaking views. The Trek starts from the town of Darchen, located at an elevation of approximately 4,600 meters (15,092 feet) above sea level.

The other main challenge includes the altitude; in fact, the highest point during the Trek is the Dolma La Pass, which stands at an elevation of approximately 5,630 meters (18,470 feet). There are always such difficulties as altitude sickness, which is why acclimatization and physical preparation of trekkers are very important. Nevertheless, for those who started the Kailash trekking, the final result is a striking beauty of nature, the outcome of the calmness that surrounds a person during the trekking, and the possibility to see the religious faith of other people.

Actually, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not simply a trek; it is more of a tour packed with natural, cultural, and religious experiences. That is why, when setting foot on this spot near the sacred mountain, most recall their own life and go through it again. Thus, the memories linger long after the journey is complete.

Major Locations and Stops with Elevations During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The main stops and locations on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour are listed below, along with the respective elevations. These places demonstrate the varied and difficult elevations of the Kailash Mansarovar Tour, demanding proper preparation and acclimatization.

• Kathmandu: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
• Kerung: 2,700 meters (8,858 feet)
• Saga: 4,640 meters (15,223 feet)
• Mansarovar Lake: 4,590 meters (15,060 feet)
• Darchen: 4,575 meters (15,010 feet)
• Dirapukh: 4,890 meters (16,040 feet)
• Dolma La Pass: 5,660 meters (18,570 feet)
• Gaurikund: 5,608 meters (18,399 feet)
• Zuthulpukh: 4,835 meters (15,863 feet)
• Kerung (return): 2,700 meters (8,858 feet)

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What is Altitude Sickness?

Commonly referred to as elevation sickness or mountain sickness, altitude sickness is a condition that arises when the body finds it difficult to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels prevalent at higher elevations. Headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, dyspnea, and sleeplessness are among the mild to severe symptoms. In severe circumstances, it may result in more dangerous illnesses, including High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), both of which have the potential to be fatal. Anyone can get altitude sickness at any time while they are at a high altitude. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the symptoms, how to avoid getting it, and what to do if it happens on the Kailash Mansarovar tour.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

• Headache: A dull or throbbing headache in the head is a common condition that visitors may have while on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• Discomfort and vomiting: You can have discomfort as your body gets used to the high altitude, which could include nausea or vomiting.
• Fatigue: Even with little physical effort, an overpowering feeling of weakness and exhaustion may strike.
• Breathlessness: Even when you’re at rest, you could have trouble breathing if altitude sickness sets in.
• Lightheadedness and Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is also frequent, especially when you get up fast after sleeping.

Severe Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is easily treatable at lower elevations, yet if the symptoms intensify because of carelessness or go untreated, they may result in: 

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema(HAPE): The symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a severe form of altitude sickness, include extremely difficult breathing and sometimes fluid buildup in the lungs.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): HACE is another serious illness brought on by altitude sickness. This condition is extremely risky since fluid buildup in the brain can be fatal.

Note: It is easy to cure altitude sickness only in its early stages. We should seek medical attention right away if altitude sickness symptoms worsen and develop into severe HAPE or HACE symptoms. To ensure the safety of pilgrims traveling on the Kailash Kora tour to Kailash Mansarovar, we advise that you notify your tour guide if you experience any symptoms, such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or unconsciousness. Since altitude sickness can be fatal if left untreated, never attempt to ignore any of its symptoms.

Risk Factors for Developing Altitude Sickness during Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• Rate of Ascent

Out of all these threats, one of the most serious is the rate of rise that a person takes. Rapid ascent will lead to altitude sickness. The general rule says that climbers should not ascend more than 300 meters per day after gaining 2,500 meters and climbing to a height of 2,500 meters. The risk is, therefore, easily managed, provided time is allowed for acclimatization.

• Altitude Experience

Past exposure to high altitude also plays a role in determining the level of vulnerability of a particular person. Recurrent symptoms of altitude sickness are also common in those individuals who have had them before. On the other hand, people who regularly live and travel in the mountains, for example, might have a relatively low risk of the disease because their bodies have adapted over time to living at such altitudes.

• Physical Fitness Level

Although most people who are physically fit are at an advantage, they still may be affected by altitude sickness. It is not strange to find that highly trained athletes may be affected by altitude sickness since they use steep gradients or fail to adequately acclimatize. On the other hand, less fit people may climb slower, so they would have a better shot at acclimatization.

• Hydration Status

Failure to drink enough water is another significant factor that might cause altitude sickness. Some individuals may develop the habit of consuming less water. In everyday life, it won’t have much of an impact, but when they travel to high-altitude regions, the dry air and low oxygen content can cause them to lose more fluid through breathing and sweating. 

• Age and Gender

Different studies have indicated that age and or gender could be factors that determine the likelihood of getting altitude sickness. People aged between 18 and 30 years are vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder. Research shows that, perhaps, women are more susceptible to altitude sickness than men, but the reasons for this difference remain unknown.

• Pre-existing Medical Conditions

People with pre-existing medical disorders, such as heart disease, COP, or respiratory or cardiovascular issues, may find it difficult to adjust to the higher altitude since the oxygen content of the air is lower than it is for healthy people.

• Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol use at high elevations can dehydrate your body and impair your thinking, making it more difficult to make wise choices about how quickly to ascend and how to adjust to the altitude. Alcohol should be avoided or used carefully throughout your vacation because it can trigger altitude sickness.

• Sleeping at High Altitude

Research shows that people who sleep at high altitudes are more prone to altitude sickness. This is because the body gets less amount of oxygen during its hours of sleep as compared to when it is awake. Prolonged stay at high altitude without prior acclimatization will result in increasing the chances of encountering AMS.

• Group Dynamics

It is important to note that the risk of altitude sickness depends on the traveling in a group. Thus, the speed of ascent may be dictated by the one who is least well-adapted to the high altitude, and this results in faster rates of ascent than the climbers would choose themselves.

Preventive Measures Against Altitude Sickness

• Do not drive or fly straight to high elevations. Rather, climb higher every day, take a break, and start over the next day.
• Avoid climbing more than 500 meters (1,640 feet) in a day above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet).
• It’s not often that we’re instructed to consume more carbohydrates. However, you require more calories at higher elevations. So, bring a bunch of whole grains and other nutritious snacks.
• When traveling to a higher altitude, stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and sleeping medications.
• Another crucial step in avoiding altitude sickness is drinking enough water. Water should be consumed often during climbing.
• Avoid trying to move too quickly or performing strenuous exercise at high altitudes.
• If possible, come to sleep at a lower altitude after gaining excessive altitude in the daytime.
• Altitude sickness medicine is not 100 percent effective, and once you get altitude sickness, no medicine will work.

The Critical Rule: Descent is the Only Cure

While acclimatization, hydration, and medication are essential for prevention, you must understand the definitive treatment for severe or worsening Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).

The ‘Descent is the Cure’ Protocol

If you or a member of your group experiences persistent, worsening, or severe symptoms of altitude sickness—especially those indicating HACE or HAPE—immediate descent to a lower altitude is non-negotiable and life-saving.

Never ignore severe symptoms in yourself or your travel companions. Our experienced local guides are trained to recognize these critical signs and will initiate an emergency descent immediately upon recognizing symptoms of HACE or HAPE. Trust their judgment.

How To Manage Altitude Sickness During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Read the itinerary carefully when making your reservation for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Tour to see if there are enough days for acclimatization. The reason behind this is that prevention is preferable to cure. Additionally, avoid taking shortcuts that could cause you to skip the acclimation day, which could ruin all of your plans. 

Always go on a hike with a reputable company that has knowledgeable guides and is equipped to handle emergencies. Reputable companies also have plans in place for emergencies and health-related illnesses like altitude sickness.

To lessen the physical effort and potentially lessen altitude sickness, you can also rent a horse or a personal porter for Kailash Kora. Although altitude sickness is easily treatable and controllable, it can possibly be fatal if ignored. Hence, when visiting Kailash Mansarovar, never attempt to overlook altitude sickness.

Preparing for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Essential Tips

• Before Undertaking the Trip:

Medical Check-Up: Get a thorough physical exam, particularly focusing on heart, lung capacity, and blood pressure. Discuss the Yatra with your doctor and obtain prescriptions for prophylactic altitude sickness medication (like Diamox/Acetazolamide). Additionally, a full body examination is the recommended course of action for people without significant health issues.

Get in shape: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is graded as moderate in difficulty level, so this tour demands a good level of physical fitness. It can be more challenging for people who are not physically fit at high elevations. Visitors can engage in cardiovascular exercise daily for at least 1-2 hours, such as swimming, running, and walking. Participating in yoga and the gym also helps to improve mental and physical health, which will be beneficial on the journey.

Breathing & Flexibility: Practice Pranayama (breathing exercises) like Anulom Vilom to increase lung capacity. Incorporate yoga or stretching to prevent stiffness and aid recovery. Improves oxygen efficiency at altitude and prevents common injuries.

Hike or Trek to a similar altitude: Hiking or trekking at a similar elevation is an excellent option before ascending to Kailash Mansarovar’s higher elevations. This can be helpful in learning how to climb at high elevations. Additionally, your body will adapt to the high altitude. Try to go on a quick hike or trip close to your hometown if you can.

Bring the necessities: Bring altitude pills such as acetazolamide (Diamox), pain relievers, and anti-nausea drugs, and you should also keep yourself healthy by eating a balanced diet.

• During the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:

Ascend slowly: Take your time and walk at your own pace to allow your body to acclimate to the shifting altitude, particularly during Kailash Kora. Walking too quickly can increase the risk of altitude sickness. 

Rest frequently: Be careful to include enough days for rest and acclimatization in your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra itinerary. Avoid strenuous activity, especially in the first few days at high altitudes.

Stay hydrated: For drinking water, you can purchase a water bottle, but we suggest you carry a reusable drinking bottle. Make sure to drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks. Avoid consuming caffeine and smoking, especially during the hike.

Eat lightly: Although most of the pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar generally prevent themselves from eating meat, we advise you to. Additionally, avoiding large meals is preferable, especially in the evening.

Listen to your body: Report any symptom (headache, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fatigue, and dyspnea) to your guide immediately, no matter how minor it seems.

Do NOT ignore symptoms: Hoping they will pass. Ignoring AMS can lead to HACE/HAPE. Do NOT trek alone, especially at night.

Descent: If you have any AMS symptoms when hiking at a high altitude for the Kailash Circumbulation/Kailash Kora, you should quickly descend to a lower elevation. Simply traveling to a lower altitude can help alleviate the early symptoms of altitude sickness. Additionally, it is among the best treatments for AMS.

Take altitude sickness medicine: Acetazolamide(Diamox) is one of the popular medicines to cure altitude sickness/AMS while hiking at a high altitude. You can find this medicine easily in the medical shops of Nepal, or you can even purchase it from an online store. The price of the Diamox will cost you around 100-15o, depending upon the brand and the manufacturing company. Twice daily, take one 125 mg tablet. Start taking this medication 24 hours prior to reaching high altitude, and keep taking it for 48 hours while there. If your symptoms suggest that you need more Diamox, you can keep taking it for up to 48 hours.

• Other Useful Tips:

Use sunscreen and lip balm: The strong wind and exposure to the direct sun at high altitudes can harm your skin during the tour. So make sure to use sunscreen and lip balm every day. 

Wear warm layers: At high altitudes, the weather conditions can change drastically, so even while visiting during the best time, make sure to carry warm clothes. You can also carry a sleeping bag to maintain hygiene and a small pillow if you like.

Listen to your body: Everybody has different levels of athletic ability and fitness. Therefore, never attempt to walk at a high altitude with someone physically stronger and more resilient than you. Always go at your own pace, and let your tour guide and operator know right away if you feel uneasy or notice the AMS sigh.

• Professional Support: Hiring Guides and Porters

Visitors who are heading for the Kailash Mansarovar tour need to go through a reputed trekking agency like Namaste Nepal. While undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar tour, we suggest you hire an experienced Guide and porter.

Let’s understand the benefits of hiring a Guide and Porter for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

• Acclimatization Strategies:

A knowledgeable guide has completed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra thousands of times. They have extensive knowledge of altitude and are skilled in managing altitude sickness in both new visitors and those who are unfamiliar with the condition. They know where to stay, when to acclimate, and when to rest. 

• Monitoring Health Conditions:

An experienced person will be there to monitor your health conditions even if you are traveling in a group. They will take appropriate action after determining whether it is an actual symptom of altitude sickness or not. If required, they can suggest lowering the speed, staying at a lower altitude, or descending completely after evaluating each person’s symptoms.

• Providing Support and Emergency Response

Your experienced guides are well-trained in altitude sickness and trained to respond to medical emergencies.  When your altitude sickness worsens, and if not treated in time, it can be life-threatening. To avoid this situation, we suggest you hire a local Tibetan guide for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

• Education and Prevention

The geographical place of the Tibet region is different. Tibet itself is located at a high altitude, and the Kailash Mansarovar tour takes you to incredible heights. Therefore, only a local Tibetan expert guide can take you safely to Mt. Kailash. They will not only take you safely but also they will provide you with proper advice on hydration, nutrition, and recognizing early symptoms.

Real-life Experiences: Testimonials from Past Trekkers

Rajesh, a software engineer from Mumbai, put Kailash Mansarovar on his traveling bucket list. Then he went for the journey on 12 Dec 2019. His journey from Kathmandu to Tibet was going well; however, during his ascent to Dolma La Pass, he started to feel uncomfortable. He began to experience severe headaches and breathlessness. He told us that he did not prepare to maintain his physical fitness as he thought his fitness was enough for this tour. 

Let’s hear from on word of Rajesh about his experience of altitude sickness:

“I was terrified,” Rajesh recalls. “I had read about altitude sickness, but I never imagined it would hit me so hard. I thought my journey was over before it even began.”

But with the help of his group leader and local guides, Rajesh learned the importance of hydration and slow acclimatization. He took rest days and adhered to their advice on medication, which helped alleviate his symptoms.

“By the time I reached the top, I felt a rush of excitement and thankfulness,” he stated. “It taught me determination in addition to my physical limitations.” Not only did I overcome altitude sickness, but I also conquered my fears by reaching the summit.

Final Thoughts and Important Medical Disclaimer and Expert Review

We understand the seriousness of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, especially concerning high-altitude health. The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is based on general high-altitude medicine principles and extensive trekking experience.

Expert Review Note
This content has been reviewed by Rajan, a founder and Managing Director of Namaste Nepal Trekking & Research Hub, Senior Trekking Guide / High-Altitude Safety Expert, with 17+ years of experience leading groups on the Kailash Kora and the Himilayas of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Before starting your yatra, always consult with your personal physician about your fitness, any pre-existing conditions, and the appropriate use and dosage of prophylactic medication (like Acetazolamide/Diamox).

Kailash Mansarovar is one of the best spiritual tours in the world, and you must visit this holy sacred place to get blessings as well as to witness the beauty of Mt. Kailash and the Tibet region. This spiritual journey to Kailash can be life-changing.

There aren’t many obstacles to overcome on the way to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, but we shouldn’t ignore altitude sickness. You will have a wonderful experience that will last a lifetime once we start preparing for the tour. To know more about the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra or booking, you can contact us via email or WhatsApp. Thanks for reading!!!!

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