🏔️ Where Adventure Meets Divinity in Mount Kailash at 17,000 ft …and the Mischief of Bag No. 26
🏔️ Where Adventure Meets Divinity in Mount Kailash at 17,000 ft
…and the Mischief of Bag No. 26
Why Kailash?
Mount Kailash is not just a mountain; it is an energy center of the world. Irrespective of religion, it is regarded as a powerful cosmic axis — a point where the physical, spiritual, and universal energies intersect. Pilgrims from Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon faiths all bow here, yet Kailash itself belongs to none and to all.
In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas walked north toward this region on their final journey. One by one, they fell. Only Yudhishthira and a dog survived, and it is said they were taken in a celestial vehicle (a UFO) to the heavens — a story that hints at Kailash being more than a geographical location.
Mystics and scientists alike see Kailash as a mystery beyond time, space, and dimension. Some theories suggest Kailash resonates across 3D and even 11D realities, functioning like a cosmic antenna. For me personally, standing before Kailash felt like being on another planet — like Mars — far away from earthly behaviors, distractions, and the comfort-driven living of our daily world.
It is not a place you “visit.” It is a place you experience — a portal where energy shifts, dimensions overlap, and the soul is stripped of ego.
✨ If Earth is our home, Kailash is the universe’s doorway.
The Route – Lucknow to Kailash
Our journey began in Chennai, then to Lucknow for a cultural pause before the Himalayas. From there, the adventure unraveled step by step, climbing in altitude and energy:
Lucknow (India, 123 m / 404 ft) – street food, bazaars, and shopping before the big climb.
Nepalgunj (Nepal, 150 m / 492 ft) – buzzing border town with bazaars and local thalis.
Simikot (2,910 m / 9,550 ft) – remote mountain airport where oxygen feels thinner and patience is tested by weather delays.
Hilsa (3,640 m / 11,942 ft) – rugged mountain border with river crossings and rocky jeep roads( One of the dangerous off road ( No road but only big stones) in the world)
Taklakot / Purang, Tibet (4,755 m / 15,600 ft) – first real taste of high altitude, prayer flags and acclimatization.
Lake Manasarovar (4,590 m / 15,060 ft) – breathtaking sacred waters, said to purify lifetimes of karma.
Darchen (4,670 m / 15,320 ft) – base camp for the Kailash parikrama.
North Face Darshan (~5,000 m / 16,400 ft) – thin oxygen, heavy steps, but a lifetime’s fulfillment.
Every step up wasn’t just geography — it was an ascent in mind, body, and spirit.
Simikot to Hilsa by Road (Off Road - deadliest Travel)
My Preparation for Altitude
Kailash is tough—oxygen is thin, weather is moody, and facilities are basic. But what saved me was preparation:
Mudras: I practiced Prana Mudra, Apana Mudra, and Baba (Brahma) Mudra every day. These simple hand gestures balance energy and boost oxygen efficiency.
Cross-bandage at the navel: A small trick to reduce nausea and stabilize digestion with Water proof bandages sticked like a cross symbol ( It worked like a charm!, I didn't know that before and this is the first time that I tried and small trick helped me a long way...!)
Becoming introvert: I conserved energy by turning inward—less talk, more silence.
Energy Workshopping: While traditional worship has its path, I used modern energy practices—breathing, meditation, listening to nature —to prepare. This is important for youngsters: you don’t need to strictly follow old methods. Energy is universal, and it works if you work with it.
Daily Highlights – My Diary
Day 1 – Chennai to Lucknow
We began the journey with a sleepy but excited flight from Chennai. At Lucknow airport, the smell of fresh dosas and idlis kept us grounded in the familiar before we stepped into the unknown. Hazratganj, the cultural heart of the city, was buzzing. I couldn’t resist buying a Chikan kurta, while my group savored Royal Café’s legendary basket chaat and creamy malai kulfi. The day ended with laughter, food, and auto rides through narrow lanes — a light start before the Himalayan adventure.
Day 2 – Lucknow to Nepalgunj
Crossing into Nepal was my first taste of chaos and color. The India-Nepal border had its own rhythm: blaring horns, carts piled with goods, immigration lines that moved at their own pace. The bus ride through the plains finally took us to Nepalgunj. Staying at Diamond Lord Palace, with its simple rooms and Nepali meals, felt like entering a new world. This was also where I first got my Duffle Bag No. 26 — though I had no idea how much drama she would create.
Day 3 & 4 – Nepalgunj (Waiting for Flights)
Here’s where patience became the real guru. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable, and flights to Simikot kept getting canceled. Some yatris grew restless; others began group chanting, singing bhajans, and sharing life stories. I realized this was training — not for trekking, but for surrender. In Kailash Yatra, time is never yours.
Day 5 – Nepalgunj to Simikot (Bag 26’s Mischief Begins)
Finally, we boarded a tiny aircraft that felt more like a toy than a plane. The 25-minute flight skimmed over deep valleys and snow peaks — breathtaking and terrifying. Simikot greeted us with thin oxygen and rugged terrain. But amidst the thrill, I was already chasing Bag No. 26, which seemed determined to test me by going missing and then reappearing at its own will.
Day 6 – Simikot to Hilsa to Tibet (Bag Takes a Shortcut)
This was raw adventure: bumpy jeeps over non-existent mountain roads, river crossings, and the transition into Tibet at Taklakot. I endured an 11-hour bone-shaking journey along one of India’s deadliest off-roads between Simikot and Hilsa. But Bag No. 26? She refused to travel this way. Instead, she chose comfort — a helicopter ride directly to Hilsa, reaching before me and waiting calmly as if nothing unusual had happened.
Day 7 – Taklakot to Lake Manasarovar
The first glimpse of Manasarovar hit me harder than I expected. The vast blue lake mirrored the sky, while Kailash itself peeked from behind clouds. All discomfort — no toilets, dusty rooms, freezing cold — disappeared the moment I sprinkled Manasarovar water on my head. It felt like liquid light.
Day 8 – Manasarovar to Darchen
This was our first real darshan of Kailash. The South Face stood tall, majestic, unmovable. It felt like being watched by something timeless. That night, under the stars of Darchen, I couldn’t sleep — not from discomfort, but from awe.
Day 9 – Parikrama Begins (North Face Fulfillment)
The parikrama tested everything — body, breath, and willpower.
The South Face felt like the throne of Shiva — stillness and authority.
The West Face felt gentler, almost like a smile, blessing every yatri who dared to walk its path.
And then, the North Face Darshan. Oxygen was razor-thin, every step heavy. But when I finally stood there, Kailash looked like a cosmic king in a silver crown. For me, this was the summit. I didn’t go further to Dolma La this time — the North Face darshan itself was my fulfillment.
South face - Mount Kailash
Manasarovar Lake - Special Pooja
East view - Ashtapath
The Story of Bag No. 26 🎒
Every pilgrimage has its quirks, and mine had Bag No. 26.
I first received this Duffle bag at Nepalgunj. From the very beginning, she had a mischievous personality. She went missing, reappeared, got loaded late, and made me chase her across airports, jeeps, and borders.
The real drama came during the roughest stretch. I made my 11-hour journey on one of India’s deadliest off-roads between Simikot and Hilsa — bouncing in jeeps, gripping tightly at cliff edges, swallowing dust. But Bag 26? She refused to come with me. Instead, she chose comfort — a helicopter ride directly to Hilsa, reaching before me and waiting calmly as if nothing unusual had happened.
Once in Tibet, however, something changed. Bag 26 behaved perfectly — no mischief, no drama. I soon realized why: in Tibet, the number 8 is considered very lucky. Everywhere we went, hotels had room numbers starting with 8, and Wi-Fi passwords were 88888888. Surrounded by her lucky number, Bag 26 seemed at home, quiet, and finally at peace.
After the Yatra ended and we returned to Nepalgunj, I felt it was time to let her go. I returned Bag 26 to the tour operator and told him, “Please take her back to China — she belongs there.”
But the final twist came in Kathmandu airport. As I prepared to fly back, I saw a porter carrying Bag 26 on his shoulder. She seemed to look back one last time and say a cheeky goodbye. That sight made me laugh and smile wide — she had completed her own pilgrimage.
👉 Moral: Even a bag finds its destiny at Kailash. If you walk sincerely, so will you.
Reflections – Adventure + Energy
For many, Kailash is pilgrimage. For me, it was pilgrimage and adventure combined.
The bumpy jeep rides, thin oxygen, cold nights, dusty lodges—all tested my endurance. But the darshan of Kailash reminded me: this journey is not about outer comfort, but about inner awakening.
And here’s my biggest realization for today’s generation:
Even if you cannot follow ancient rituals, you can still prepare through modern energy practices—mudras, breathing, meditation. Kailash doesn’t ask for rituals; it asks for sincerity.
Majestic snow mountains - Everest range (Nepal)
Sunset - Everest region (Nepal)
Tips for Future Yatris
🔹 Physical Prep
Build stamina with daily walks, trekking practice, or cycling.
Strengthen lungs with pranayama and simple breathing exercises.
🔹 Energy Prep
Practice Prana Mudra, Apana Mudra, Baba Mudra.
Learn to conserve energy—avoid unnecessary talking, keep your focus inward.
🔹 Health & Safety
Stay hydrated—carry a thermos for warm water.
Carry ORS / electrolytes to avoid dehydration.
Tie a cross-bandage on the navel if prone to nausea.
Keep a small oxygen cylinder for emergencies( you will get it in Darchen/ Thakkalkot easy to carry in back bag)
🔹 Packing Essentials
Layered clothing for sudden weather changes.
Good trekking shoes + walking stick.
Energy bars, dry fruits.
Wet wipes, headlamp, and power bank (for en-route)
🔹 Mindset
Be ready for delays (weather rules here).
Don’t compare yourself with others—walk at your pace.
Remember: Kailash is not about conquering, it is about surrendering.
🌄 Final Word
Standing before the North Face of Kailash, I realized something simple:
Adventure tests your body. Kailash tests your soul. The art of connecting your soul over several birth to the supreme cosmic energy. It is beyond Day, Time, space and Location - A different planet alltogether and beyond earthy conditions from the oxygen levels to the state of blank (most of the time and many acknowledge that). It is a great experience and for folks like to me who always questions about mystery powers, space theory, universe and different planet.
You don’t go to Kailash to achieve something—you go to lose your ego, your restlessness, your need for control. And in return, Kailash gives you silence, strength, and energy that will stay with you forever - The realisation in you on different dimension!!
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@latrouvaille-travel
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Great write up on Kailash trip and it's significance. Especially the way you narrated is very lively and fun. The preparation related pointscare great. Kudos to you Manju for completing such great trio and also for sharing it with others.
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