Saga may look like another overnight stop on your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, but it plays a much bigger role. By the time you arrive from Kyirong, the altitude, long drive, and changing landscape can start taking a toll on your body. You might feel fatigue or lack of breath. You may simply need to relax.
This is exactly what Saga will give you. Time to relax before continuing your journey to Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash. The location of Saga, surrounded by the Tibetan Plateau with mountains and the Brahmaputra River, is perfect for this.
Be Ready For A Long Drive From Kyirong to Saga
The journey from Kyirong to Saga takes a number of hours and because of rising altitude and changes in road conditions, it can be rather physically challenging.
However, there are many amazing landscapes that will help you to get into the right mood for your upcoming pilgrimage.
Accommodation in Saga would be rather basic rather than luxurious. Hotels or guesthouses would offer you basic facilities and warm bedding if available. It is also worth noting that rooms will be shared by two or three pilgrims.
Allow Your Body Time to Adapt to the Height of Saga
Your acclimatisation day will have to be calm. With low oxygen levels at this altitude, your body will need time to adapt before starting to move further in the Kailash region.
It is recommended to do a short walk near Saga market or somewhere in the vicinity. However, you need to be careful not to walk fast, go up and down and carry any big bags. It is better to use the rest of the day to conserve energy.
Do Not Ignore Any Altitude Symptoms
Headaches, fatigue, decreased appetite, slight nausea, dizziness or breathlessness may be experienced at high altitudes. While some discomfort may be experienced, the alarming symptoms must never be neglected.
Please let your tour leader or medical personnel know about that. Your group may have an oxygen cylinder, masks, oximeter, sphygmomanometer and first aid kit. Nevertheless, please listen to professional advice instead of doing any self-treatment.
Be Careful About Your Meals and Clothes
Diet in Saga will be vegetarian and can include Indian cuisine such as rice, roti, dal, vegetables, soup, tea and hot water. While you may have reduced appetite, you will find it easier to eat lighter food. Drinking plenty of warm water is also very important. It is recommended not to drink alcohol and smoke.
At the same time, the weather in Saga changes frequently. Morning and evening temperatures will be freezing, but during the day the sun will be strong. To protect yourself from cold, it is recommended to wear thermals, woollen clothes, gloves and windproof jackets. Sunglasses and a cap are also useful when the sun is shining.
Feel the Calming Atmosphere of Saga
All the stops in Kailash Mansarovar Yatra are not equal. Saga with its wide sky, cold wind and emptiness, allows you to slow down a bit.
You can spend this time chanting, meditating, praying or observing the landscape. This helps you to return your attention to the purpose of your journey and conserve energy.
Get Everything Ready for Further Pilgrimage
Before moving away from Saga, you will need to make sure that you have prepared a day bag with water, medicine, snacks, sunglasses, gloves, protective clothes and documents. All other luggage will be transported separately by the travelling team.
The way will take you to Lake Manasarovar, Chiu Gompa and Darchen, where the pilgrimage becomes more physically and spiritually challenging.
Get Ready to Relax Before Starting Your Sacred Journey
Saga is not just another stop. It gives you time to adjust your body and prepare yourself before going to Mount Kailash.
Contact Travel Dukaan to organise your Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and prepare to travel to Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash.
