How I Started My Yatra: The Dream Takes Shape
The dream of visiting Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar had been with me and Eswar for years. Last June, we visited our dear friend Sundari in Washington DC after 30 years. Over the past decade, Sundari had become an avid traveler and trekker, conquering mountains all over the world. During our visit, she introduced us to Badri from Earthbound Travels. She spoke so highly of him—how he takes care of every detail, how he guides pilgrims with devotion and care.
It felt almost as if Lord Shiva himself initiated this journey through Sundari and Badri. After that meeting, we immediately called Badri and blocked our Kailash Yatra. From that moment, the dream began to take shape in reality.
How I Started My Preparation for the Yatra
When we first decided to go on the Kailash–Manasarovar Yatra, I knew it would not be easy — physically, mentally, or spiritually. So the first thing I did was make a chart with pictures of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, and next to them I wrote down my goals for the next eight months. That chart became my motivation and reminder every single day.
🌸 Physical Fitness
Fitness had to be my foundation. I joined the gym three times a week (thanks to my daughter, who lovingly pushed me into it!). After having gone through seven major surgeries, including a lumbar fusion 10 years ago, my body is fragile — but I refused to let that stop me. Gym sessions, regular 5–7 km walks, and yoga practice became my routine for the past eight months. Slowly, I could feel myself becoming stronger, step by step.
🧘♀️ Mental & Spiritual Fitness
But I also realized that physical strength alone is not enough. On a pilgrimage like this, when the body tires, it is the mind and spirit that keep you going. That’s when I turned deeper into meditation and chanting. Every day, I practiced “Om Namah Shivaya” — for me, the most powerful mantra. Regular prayers gave me strength and kept me focused.
I also made it a habit to practice pranayama — 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. This not only calmed my mind but also helped build my lung capacity, which is so important for high-altitude travel.
🥗 Diet & Discipline
I paid attention to my food too — replacing rice with quinoa, cutting out sweets, and keeping my meals simple but nourishing. These little changes gave me more energy and helped me feel lighter.
💪 Determination Above All
Even though my body may not be the strongest, I know one thing for sure: I am a stubborn and determined lady. Once I set my mind on something, I give it my all. This yatra has been my dream for so long, and I wanted to give myself the best chance to experience it fully.
I can only hope that all this preparation — physical, mental, and spiritual — will carry me through the tough journey that lies ahead. And when the time comes, I trust that His grace will do the rest.
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Hand in Hand to the Himalayas: Our Kailash Yatra Journey 