PLANNING & PREPARATION : Since this pilgrimage is nothing short of an expedition, it places many uncommon demands and situations. Awareness to these problem is essential to complete the voyage successfully with confidence.

HEALTH : GENERAL : The high altitude Tibetian terrain is dry, cold and windy. Heavy snow falls torrential, rains and strong icy winds are common features anytime. Flooding rivers and land slides are frequent The altitude averages above 3500 meters. The route covers many high altitude passes. Oxygen is less at higher altitude and induces certain illness generally not encountered over the plains (Mountains sickness) Headche, nausea, lassitude, lethargy ,breathelessness, general uneasiness (Malaise), high irritability, light loss of balance, disorientation, incoherence and insomnia are a few. It is common to all irrespective of the age, sex , and physical fitness. Gradual acclimatization is the best to answer. Tranquilizers ,sleeping does and strong antibiotic must be avoided. Descending to lower altitude is the best, but this may not be possible always. REST is the best alternative. Some of the symptoms indicate that the body mechanism is readjusting to new environments. Therefore the golden rule is to deliberately slow down all activities.

*Rest* Relax-do not Exert : Do not be excited * Reduce Talking *
Walk Slowly-adopt one third of your normal speed & space * Keep your load light * Walk fifteen minutes and rest for five minutes * Light weight warm clothing and Book/kets would help reducing strain and burden * Never let yourself into boredom-inducts fatigue, mental abrasions and exhaustion

(Chant a prayer or visualize everything around to suit your p easant thoughts .Or Put on the earphones and listen to your favourite music , bhajans , chanting etc. Scan the scenario with binoculars. Resort photography).

Do not exercise * Breath slowly (never fast) * Whenever you feel uncomfortable , just stop rest and relax * Ignor the sudden Outbursts of fellow pilgrims and avoid arguments * Observe with a smile * Remember-Never go too high too fast * Avoid smoking , alcohol, drugs or intoxicants. * Consume plenty of liquids ;never proceed with and empty stomach.

Expedition experts advise that beyond 3500 meters ascend or climbing must be restricted to 300 to 400 meters at a stretch. Most people , however they say would experience minimum symptoms, I given longer time to ascend. This must be borne in mind during Paril rama around Kailash.

Be careful not to catch a cold. It is better to be over clothed than under protected. Enroute, avoid taking a bath or drinking water from lakes, streams or rivers as your system is not conditioned for this. Since the dry cold wind tend to make the nose dry (bleeding sometime) keep your nose smooth by applying vaseline . Keep your feet dry-never let it get wet. Keep your boots /kets inside tents to keep them dry. Wearing cotton and woolen socks in combination would be the best. Face ,feet and hands must be well protected . Consult your DOCTOR to assess the state of your health to function safely within your limitation . Learn the Do’s and Don’ts from his advice. In addition to the personal prescriptions by your Doctor, a first Aid Kit is essential for the travel. Request your Doctor to prescribe effective medicines to cover the following.