1. Is the Manasarovar Yatra trek difficult? 

Yes, the Yatra trek is difficult but for two different reasons 

• Lack of oxygen at altitude 4000 mtrs and above. 
• Severe cold temperature complemented by snow and rain adds to the difficulty quotient. 

Solution: 

• One has to practice and train him/herself (explained in later part) as mere morning walks won’t suffice. 
• The choice of clothing, footwear and other trekking gear assures one of successful/unsuccessful Parikrama. 

2. Why is clothing important

• Rain Coat. Most people tend to wear track suit/sweater for warmth and local rain coats for cover against snow and rain. These local rain coats gives (tear off/split due multi layer clothing inside) away in a few kilometre of trek.  
• Winter Wear. The inner layer then gets wet and snow/rain only freezes the wetness adding to the severity of cold. 
• Trekking Shoes Vs Snickers. The normal snickers/sport shoes do not protect your feet or socks from getting wet whilst walking in rain/snow. These then further can result in frost bite or blisters due to walking with wet socks. In addition, the terrain is rocky/slushy/snow covered.  These can result in ankle twist and sprains due to slippery track. A good trekking shoes (upto ankle and one size bigger) guard you not only from wetness but also guard your ankle from twists/sprains.  
• Quick Drying Trousers. These, as the name suggests repel water snow to some extent and dry relatively quicker if wet. 
• Trekking Jackets. These are generally waterproof and with sufficient pockets and pouches for one to carry essential items (explained later) in them.  
• Balaclava. These are a must piece for every trekkers. It protects your neck, ears and nose from cold and dust. The added advantage is visiting the smelly toilets becomes a bit easy with the balaclava guarding one from foul smell to a great extent. 
• Snow/Trekking Goggles. A must gear, either in your jacket pocket or around the neck. 
• Gloves. A pair of waterproof gloves for trekking needs and a normal woollen one for local/ use during sleep. 
• Inner Wear. Brief may be preferred over frenchie to avoid cut/rashes because of friction during long treks. Vest/Sports wear is recommended for upper torso. 
• Socks. As recommended mode is layered clothing, the inner socks is always woollen whilst the outer one could be cotton one. This is the reason for buying the trekking shoes one size bigger that what one wears. 
• Torch. A head mounted torch is a must in the area of no electricity. It should be either on the forehead when being used or around one’s neck (readily available) when not in use. Handheld are difficult to use. 
• Swiss Knife. A must have pocket content for an adventurist. 
• Lighter. A gas lighter (preferred over matchbox for obvious reasons) is a life saving tool at times of need. 
• Vicks/Petroleum Jelly/Sunscreen Cream. Small tube/containers in the jacket pocket is essential for effective guard against UV rays, cracked lips and blocked nose because of constantly changing weather. 
• Wet Wipes/Small Sanitiser. A must in jacket/trekking trousers pocket for ready use. 
• Sweet & Salty Lozens. These are energy giving, safeguarding against acidity and protection against muscle cramps. 
• Chikki/Energy Bars. Quick munch to charge one up to move on. 
• ORS. A small amount mixed in water works as magic potion. One should never drink water during trek but take a sip roll it in mouth and swallow it as late as possible. Opt for this tactics so as to let the content last full trek.   

3. What should one wear at 4000 mtrs and above?

As regards Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, apart from multi layered thin clothing (inner most cotton followed by woollen and synthetic T-shirt), gloves and balaclava are a must.  

4. What is the best way to prepare for the trek? 

Everyone has an individual style but small change can add to enhancing stamina and avoid high altitude sickness. 

• Walk. If one walks at speed X in normal course, he/she should trek at X/2 (half) that speed.  
• Breath Control. Breath through your nose as it has two advantages. One, your breath is warmer as compared to when inhaled through mouth. Two, when you breath through your nose and synchronise walking speed, you are in your comfort zone. The moment you have to open your mouth to breathe, its an indication that you are exerting and gasping for more air. Stop and relax to come back to normal breathing through your nose. 
• The above two techniques are definitely going to overcome the hardship of less oxygen and breathing in of cold air. Aim to achieve your goal of completing the trek like a mountain goat – slow with small steps and steady climb. 

5. What is the best time for planning the Yatra?

• The Yatra is open from June till Oct. The factors that could be borne in mind for choice of window apart from personal reasons could be as follows: – 
• July is monsoon season when roads in Nepal/Sikkim are in bad state. Also there is high chance of snow and rain during the trek.  
• By October, the temperature could reach uncomfortable lower level with onset of winter for most of the travellers. 
• June, Aug and September may be considered relatively better for the Yatra. 

6. Communication

• Most of the places one gets Wifi, maybe for limited duration due availability of electric supply. However, as Whatsapp is banned in China, one cannot upload/download photos/videos. The best solution is to download a Virtual Protocol Network in order to, so called, hack the system and use Whatsapp/such sites. 

7. Dealing with Chinese Guides and Porters.

• Once in China, the tour Guide and Porters are on their free will and cheat the tourist royally. The tour operator back in India, wash off their hands off and refuse to take note. Case in example, Porters charge INR 10,000 equivalent per day in advance but not necessarily found around when one requires help. Pony charges are INR 40,000 equivalent but only till no-snow zone. As soon as one enters snow-zone, he/she has to dismount the pony and trek thereon without guide/pony. 

8. Diamox for AMS?

Certainly, if you have not done altitude training or have no exposure to high altitudes before then please start Diamox the day you leave Kathmandu towards Tibet. Please ensure you are hydrated and kept warm while on Diamox.