The Sacred Walk (KM) - Part 1 - The preparation- Inner Engineering & Isha

Each of our journeys is deeply unique and personal. Will you get out of it what I did? No.

The journey began with Inner Engineering – First the book gifted on my 40th birthday; and then the course attended in July/August. Indeed it was highly transformational for my life. Still surprised I choose to take it. It was the life breath of the journey, along with Shambhavi Mahamudra, a crash course of which say:



· All rules are my rules,

· This moment is inevitable

· I am responsible for everything

· I am not the body, I am not the mind

· I am a mother to the world.



Having visited Isha Yoga Centre at Coimbatore – my heart was already at Kailash. Was waiting for my body to get there, and on 23rd of December, Sailakshmi called from US asking if we can plan for the pilgrimage in 2018. Given the health and monetary requirement, realised, it was now or never. And thus began the journey of miles and heights.



Standing tall at 22,000 feet, Mount Kailash—known to be the abode of Lord Shiva—is one of the world’s most revered holy places. A peak in the Kailash range, Mount Kailash is a part of the Transhimalaya in Tibet. Courtesy its high altitude and remote location in western Tibet, only a few thousand pilgrims are able to do the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra every year.



To pre-book, one can either go through the Ministry of External Affairs (there is a selection process for the same) or through a private tour operator in Nepal/Tibet.



Routes as Declared by the Ministry of External Affairs for 2018

As stated on the official website of Ministry of External Affairs, there are two routes for this Yatra. The route through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand), which involves some trekking is estimated to cost about Rs.1.6 lakh per person. It will be conducted in 18 batches of 60 pilgrims each. The duration of the Yatra is 24 days for each batch including 3 days in Delhi for preparatory work. This route passes through important sites like Narayan Ashram, Patal Bhuvaneshwar etc. Yatris can also see the scenic beauty of Chialekh Valley, or the ‘Om Parvat’ which has the natural occurrence of snow in the shape of ‘Om’ on this mountain.

The route through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim) is motorable and suitable for senior citizens unable to undertake arduous trekking. From Gangtok the route passes through scenic places like Hangu lake, and through the vast landscape of the Tibetan plateau. It is estimated to cost about Rs.2 lakhs person, and duration would be 21 days including 3 days in Delhi for preparatory work. This year 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each are scheduled for this route.

Selection of applicants will be through a fair computer-generated, random, gender-balanced selection process. Applicants will be notified of their selection after the computerized draw through automated email or SMS. After selection, applicants have to pay the confirmation fee as detailed on the website, to confirm their participation. Applicants can also get information, and track the status of their application through interactive helpline No: 011-24300655.

You may also check with private tour operators for individual trips and bookings.


Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (05 Days Trip By Helicopter)


This tour is perfect solution for the yatris / pilgrims, who cannot take out two weeks from their busy lives, but have ardent desire to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva at the feet of Mt. Kailash. The itinerary does not include the 3 day parikrama around Mt. Kailash. Therefore, this tour plan is also very well suited to elders and those with lower fitness levels. The major part of the journey is covered by specially chartered helicopter.

Duration : 05 Days
Location : Lucknow - Nepalgunj - Simikot - Hilsa - Manasarovar - Hilsa - Nepalgunj - Lucknow.



This is the exclusive Kailash & Manasarovar pilgrimage route that is meant for those who have ardent desire to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva but due to the paucity of time, are unable to take the standard route that takes more than two weeks. Taking acclimatization into account, this trip takes 9 days. However, it can be customized as per individual requirements. The major part of the journey is covered by specially chartered helicopter.

Duration : 08 Nights/ 09 Days
Location : Lucknow - Nepalgunj - Simikot - Hilsa - Manasarovar - Tarboche - Zuthulphuk - Dolma pass - Manasarovar - Hilsa - Nepalgunj - Lucknow.



Kailash Manasarovar Yatra : 16 days Overland Tour Program.



This is the most common and popular tour plan that is undertaken by maximum number of people every year. The trip is done by Land Cruisers with stopovers along the way. The most important aspect of this plan is that it is the most basic and cost effective.



Duration : 16 Days
Location : Kathmandu - Dhulikhel -Kodari -Nayalam - Saga - Prayang -Manasarovar - Torboche - Uthulphuk - Dolma pass - Manasarovar - Prayang - Saga - Nayalam - Kathmandu



Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Via Lhasa (20 Days)

This programme is a very wholesome plan that covers most of the important Tibet landmarks. This tour is designed so that it enables the visitor to savour everything - the traditional ancient Tbetan architecture in the form of palaces and monasteries, the ethinic art & craft, culture & religion as well as the indescribable landscape is unique in itself with 360 degrees panoramic view of the plateau. It is the traditional Tibetan pilgrimage route that starts from Jokhang temple and ends at Mt. Kailash. moreover, one gets the opportunity to visit "Forbidden City" Lhasa that is one of the must visit destinations on the geographical map of earth. To sum up, it fulfills one's sense of adventure as well as spiritual sensibilities.

Duration : 20 Days/19 Nights
Location : Kathmandu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhatse - Saga - Paryang - Mansarover - Dirapuk - Zutul-puk - Paryang - Saga - Nayalam - Kathmandu.



Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Trekking Return By Helicopter



Duration : 15 Days
Location :Nepalgunj - Semikot - Tulin - Kermi - Yangar - Tumkot - Torea - Sipsip - Hilsa - Taklakot - Manasarovar - Diraphuk - Zuthulphuk - Taklakot - Nepaljunj - Lucknow.



Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Trekking Return By Overland

This trip is actually meant for those religious aspirants who are also endowed with a sense of adventure and a keen desire to unravel the mysteries of the unknown. This is a very exclusive tour plan that has been specially designed to take care of the most important hurdle that one has to overcome for successfully completing this pilgrimage - namely altitude sickness. The visitors trek their way till Manasarovar wit 5 - 6 hrs. of trek everyday. It enables them not only to enjoy the beautiful and unique landscapes of isolated Humla Valley, but also prepares them to do the Kailash Parikrama successfully with minimum discomfort. The return journey is done by chartered helicopter to save the time as well as come back in relaxed way after the adventure of onward trek.

Duration : 18 Days
Location :Nepalgunj - Semikot - Tulin - Kermi - Yangar - Tumkot - Torea - Sipsip - Hilsa - Taklakot - Manasarovar - Diraphuk - Zuthulphuk - Taklakot - Saga - Nyalam - Kathmandu.



With Isha my destined/choosen path – having enquired in December 2017

Typically I was eligible to go under A category and Sai (since a NRI) in S category. The dates are different in each of this category.


As we wanted to travel together then, they accommodated us in S5 batch - that's the only batch which can accommodate Indians in the NRI batch.



Full payment of Rs. 285000

At the time of registration

( OR )

1st Installment of Rs. 30000

At the time of registration

2nd Installment of Rs. 130000

Before March 15th 2018

3rd Installment of Rs. 125000

Before May 15th 2018



Our medicals were done in January, and had medical clearance from the Isha doctors to join us as a participant for Kailash Manasarovar Sacred Walks 2018.

With the doctor recommendation as below:
· Daily brisk walking or jogging for 5 km / 3 miles.

· Those who have already taken an Isha program are advised to maintain daily practice of Shambhavi Mahamudra / Shakthi Chalana Kriya / Isha Kriya / Hatha Yoga.

· 1. To reduce weight 5 kgs before yatra.


Tickets to Kathmandu via Delhi was booked in early May and thus began the preparation with discussions with Bala Anna of Isha Coimbatore, Sai and her Brother Aravind – whom I had never met before, but without him, this journey would never have been possible. He was as instrumental as was my family – who partially sponsored the trip, and gave me full support to go ahead with it, and even motivated and pushed me to do it when I was in doubt.


Since March a couple of trekking and trips were done, to accustom and accommodate the trip – Munnar in March, Chicmangloor in May and Kanakamala in July – each an unique and amazing experience of their own.


Tickets to Delhi was booked from Kochi airport – but Alas August! Turned out to be a dreadful month in the history of Kerala, which witnessed flood like never before. My team members were stuck, and so some of the friends, with so much of tension and disruption of routine life around. Kochi airports were closed, and as suggested by Bala Anna, there was no way to reach Coimbatore and they were not ready to refund my tickets. My pressure started mounting up. On discussing with Sai and Arvind – Arvind said Sorry Meera, I didn’t want to take chances so I have booked tickets for you from Trivandrum. Don’t bother! Just pray that things return to normalcy soon!

Thankfully amma was at Kakkanad home before Onam, and therefore was not stuck in Chalakudy rains and Neil being with her was a great comfort. Friends in need were friends indeed – It was the long calling from Priya and Sajeena to be with them before the travel that had come true too and if not for Priya, I would have struggled in Trivandrum. Neil asked why was I travelling South to Trivandrum to go to North Himalaya – May be God wanted me to meet end to end. With only special trains running between Trivandrum and Kochi – left out to Trivandrum on Saturday morning to avoid further risks though flight was for Sunday night. The train was overcrowded and there was no place to stand comfortably, leave alone place to sit. Covered the distance between Kochi and Trivandrum standing in the train – only relaxation being getting down at some stations; and talking to some co-passengers; one being Bhumi from UP – Etah; whose flat at Aluva was effected by flood, and Kochi airport being closed could not join work until they reopened. The flood had caused nightmare both around and within me. I would get scary imaginations.

Priya, Sudhi and their lovely daughter Neharika came to the railway station to pick me, and next day Sajeena, Firoz, Zeba and …can to Priya’s house. We had Hostel get together there before I embarked on the epic travel that night from Trivandrum to Delhi. Never did I realise untill I reached Delhi hotel that AMMANI chechi; who was my mother's compacompanion, help and support at night and tto bridge relations, who wanted to fly to Trivandrum; get into airplane with me breathed her last when I was waiting to board flight from Trivandrum. May be when I was aadmiring Shabri & Sumathi's beautiful house. Her desire, dream and the way she constructed her house flash as I type.

Had an extra day at Delhi – and as suggested by Bhumi visited Ugrasen Khi Baoli, had yummy Bengali Thali meals met her at Rajiv Chowk, went to Chandini Chowk, had Delhi Chat, went to Gurudwara and took Metro back to hotel. Met Meera mami and Raman mama at the hotel all excited for the big trip. Went with them to the airport on Tuesday morning. Arvind, Doctor Ashok and Babita were at the airport – but we could not find the person with Visa and passport. Then we get a call asking if we have our Voters Id. It appeared that we had not received our Permits yet and we could travel to Nepal and wait there is we had our Voter’s ID. Who carry Voters ID these days? Sai had already reached Nepal the previous day, as she had US passport and her permit was form Nepal. We were asked to rebook our tickets for the next day! Arvind helped to get new tickets and took us to his office guest house – where we had Vinay who had prepared delicious meals for us. The location and stay at Gurgaon was amazing, but all of us were worried. There were 5 others we met and 11 of us with Indian passport with our figures crossed. Thankfully we got our passports around 11.20 and could fly to Nepal on Wednesday; a day behind the earlier planned scheduled. With just 10 minutes left to board in, we had done web check in’s except for Dr. Ashok. So he went with Arvind to do Priority/Privelage check in and asked me to support Babita. Babita was asked to stand aside, when we were running out of time. On enquiry it was understood that she was chosen for customs check on behalf of the whole team. After a very long walk from the terminal to the gate – of more than 2 kms it was a great sign of relief to board the flight to Kathmandu finally on 22nd of August.

At Nepal, The Trekkers Society Pvt. Ltd. awaited to welcome us, at Isha Stalls with shawl, water and ID cards. All correspondence was with Sacred Walks Tamil Nadu. Email tn@sacredwalks.org. My contact person was Bala Anna.

The famous 11 of S5 who just managed to board the Delhi - Kathmandu flight 🤪😁 but what a trip it was.......Cannot Thank Arvind Ganesh enough...