New Delhi, July 23 (Inditop.com) India Thursday advised intending Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims to take caution and “prepare for the difficulties that they may have to face” on the high altitude journey “where availability of medical facilities, accommodation, food items, means of communication and transport are minimal”.
This year while large number of Indians are showing interest in visiting Kailash Mansarovar, situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet in Tibet, at least 10 tourists, who had gone with private tour operators, died, and many more had to cut short their trip due to medical emergencies.
Worried over the rising incidents of deaths, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) issued a travel advisory for the pilgrims going with private operators.
“Most of the tourists are unaware of the actual conditions in Kailash-Mansarovar area and need to prepare for the difficulties that they may have to face,” said the MEA’s travel advisory.
“Tourists may get affected by high altitude sickness and other medical problems, which can be fatal in the absence of adequate medical facilities,” the advisory said.
The ministry asked the pilgrims to get properly acclimatised and spend at least three nights at 9,000 feet, and two nights each at 12,000 and 15,000 feet.
“Tourists may ensure that the tour schedule drawn up by their private tour operators have sufficient time for acclimatisation,” said the advisory.
Besides, they were also advised to take 19 medical steps to determine if they were healthy enough to take the arduous journey.
The ministry itself operates a subsidised tour for pilgrims, but seats are restricted and allotted by a draw.
Consequently, a large number of people go on expensive and poorly-equipped trips organised by private operators, often without any preparation for the rigorous journey.
