Isha Sacred Walks: My Mount Kailash Sojourn (Personal Review)
All views shared here are entirely my own.
Introduction
Mount Kailash has always held a special place in the hearts of spiritual seekers and it was on my to-do list for the last 10 years. When the opportunity came to join Isha Sacred Walks’ sojourn, I decided to take the journey. What followed was a mix of challenges, deep learnings, and unforgettable experiences that I will cherish for a lifetime.
This post is not a guide, but rather a personal review, sharing both the highlights and the lessons from my journey as a Non-Indian passport holder with Isha Sacred Walks.
The Best Parts of the Journey
- Like-minded group: Being with participants who had completed medical checks, practiced Inner Engineering, and valued healthy living made the company wonderful.
- Daily practices: Having dedicated time for Shambhavi Mahamudra and Guru Pooja kept the group grounded and centered.
- Supportive volunteers: The coordination and gentle presence of volunteers helped us feel taken care of.
- Food & logistics: Meals were served on time everywhere—soups, rice, dal, vegetable curry, pickles, suku coffee, and desserts. Buses were comfortable, and check-ins smooth.
- Essential gear: Jackets, side bags, and rain gear were thoughtfully provided and helped us along the way.
- The Nepali team: The contracted crew were kind, well-trained, and carried out their roles with quiet dedication. Their warmth was unforgettable.
Views and landscape during the sojourn
Pain Points & Lessons
Like any long and intense pilgrimage, there were challenges. For me, these came primarily around medical protocols and logistics:
- Mandatory medication: We were strongly urged to take allopathic medicines (like Diamox) from day one for altitude adaptation. Side effects: Many participants faced difficulty due to side effects of medicines, excessive urination, electrolyte imbalance, and fatigue. Participants were even offered steroids to make them feel better, which was especially disheartening coming from Isha.
- I chose to rely on walking, breathing practices, and kriya instead and it was the best decision ever.
- Facilities: Nature calls on open landscapes and hotels without restrooms were a struggle.
- Obligatory volunteering: First-time participants were encouraged to step in as volunteers which at times felt obligatory. While volunteering is beautiful when chosen consciously, doing so amidst jet lag and altitude challenges made it uncomfortable.
- Visa delays: A full week was spent waiting in Nepal due to visa processing requirements. With earlier communication, this could have been better managed.
- Restrictive access to landmarks: Unable to access some significant landmarks due to China government constraints.
- Nepal riots: While such events are rare, we happened to be caught in one during our journey. Grateful to the online community, the Indian government, and our family and friends for helping us make it home safely.
These moments tested patience and adaptability. Yet, in hindsight, they reminded me that pilgrimage is not only about outer landscapes, but also about inner endurance.
The Beauty of Mansarovar, Saga & Kailash
No words can fully capture the majesty of these places, but here is what touched me most:
Lake Mansarovar
A pristine, still expanse of blue, shimmering under the Himalayan skies. Standing by its shores felt like standing before eternity. The silence was vast, and the waters reflected not just the mountains, but a deep calm within.
Lake Mansarovar: stillness beyond words
Saga & the Journey
The road journey, though long, opened up vistas of wide valleys, snow-covered peaks, and endless skies. Each bend revealed another breathtaking view, reminding me how small yet connected we are.
Vast landscapes on the way through Saga
Photo by Erika
Mount Kailash
Always covered in snow, even under direct sun—its presence is unique, beyond explanation. The 20 km trek to see the North Face was both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding. The mountain doesn’t just stand; it radiates.
The majestic Mount Kailash North Face
Fellow Travelers Snaps
Closing Reflections
The Isha Sacred Walks Kailash Sojourn is not a vacation, it is a test of body, mind, and spirit. There were challenges, yes, but also immense beauty, companionship, and inner stillness.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely, if you come prepared, with good health, openness, patience, and the willingness to embrace both the highs and the lows.
Kailash is not just a mountain. It is an experience that transforms, one step at a time.
Disclaimer: These reflections are my personal views, based on my individual experience.
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