Packing for a big pilgrimage brings so many questions, and food is usually the one that worries people most. You are heading toward Mount Kailash, dealing with cold winds, tough climbs, and days that test the body in ways daily life never does. Naturally, you want to know if you will get enough to eat, and how to handle the long gaps between meals. Take a breath.
This blog walks you through exactly what lands on your plate during the yatra, so you can focus on the journey itself, not on hunger pangs.
Why Is Food Kept Minimal at High Altitude?
It is impossible to organise lavish meals on the yatra. This is due to the fact that the body requires light food at high altitudes. As a result, you will be offered vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner that will be prepared quickly and served hot. It is important that the digestion process slows down under the influence of thin air. Thus, fatty and greasy food may cause you discomfort, which is why camps prefer simple dishes.
Starting the Day: What Breakfast Usually Brings
Your days will begin early and a good breakfast will give you energy for it. Your breakfast will include poha, upma, paratha, bread or boiled eggs and tea and coffee. Such a hearty breakfast is required because you may spend quite a few hours until the next meal.
Lunch Time: When and How You Will Eat
Lunch may take place either at guesthouses, roadside camps or at campsites depending on your schedule. The menu will consist of rice, dal, roti and seasonal sabzi. However, khichdi or noodles may replace such a list on some days. In case it is not possible to arrange lunch in form of a sit-down meal, packed lunches will be organised for you. Bring some snacks by yourself, in case the permit or weather conditions change the schedule.
Dinner to Have Strength for Tomorrow
As the temperature will drop by night, the appetite appears again. The dinner will include dal, rice, chapati, vegetables, and sometimes soup or noodles. It will be light in order not to make the body feel overloaded. It is useful to eat slowly and drink plenty of water in order to help your body recover after a day of climbing.
Chai, Soup and Drinking Water in Mountains
Warm drinks play no less important a role in the yatra. Chai, herbal drinks and soup appear at every meal point. Cold air takes moisture from the body very quickly. Thus, it is vital to drink plenty of warm fluids. Always bring a reusable bottle, drink frequently and use water only from reliable sources confirmed by your organiser.
Snacks to Take With You
You will need snacks to cope with hunger between meals. Dry fruits, energy bars, biscuits, glucose sweets and roasted namkeen are ideal for trekking days. Make sure that the portions are small and luggage space is still enough. In case you have diabetes, allergies or other health problems related to food, it is important to pack additional supplies of it.
Dealing with Dietary Requirements and Eating Healthy
The meals will be vegetarian. However, the menu varies depending on camps, so do not think that all the requests will be fulfilled in remote areas. Consult with your tour coordinator about strict requirements concerning food in advance and follow some eating rules. Try to avoid spiced, greasy and alcoholic food that makes your body work worse at high altitude.
Get Ready for the Pilgrimage!
The food on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will be light, warm and vegetarian. Pack your snacks, drink plenty of water and inform your tour coordinator about dietary requirements beforehand.
Book Kailash Mansarovar Yatra at Travel Dukaan now and enjoy the journey without additional concerns!
