The Chinmaya Inspiration Yatra XVII to Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash was held from June 18th, 2024 – July 5th 2024, under the guidance of Sri Vivek Gupta and Sri Suman Rajupet, leading 54 yatris on a transformative journey to Abhayankara, filled with self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Before the yatra commenced on June 16th, Vivekji, Sumanji, along with 13 other yatris traveled to Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai to seek the blessings of Pujya Guruji, Swami Tejomayananda. The proceedings began with Vivekji sharing with Guruji all the progress the Community had made in the past year, followed by a discourse by Guruji on the essence of a yatra, emphasizing the importance of the mental and spiritual aspect of this journey over the physical. Additionally, Guruji gave each yatri time to reflect on their intention to join this Yatra. After spending a day at the Ashram, the group traveled to the capital city, Kathmandu, Nepal, to join the other yatris in the official commencement of the yatra.
The yatra began on 18th of June in Kathmandu at 4,600ft above sea level, where the yatris stayed for four days. During their stay and for the remainder of the yatra the group maintained a daily morning schedule that included guided contemplation, chanting of Sri Rudram, asana and pranayama, and Shiva Manasa Pooja. This schedule, modeled after the Ashtanga Yoga framework, supported the yatris in preparing physically, mentally, and spiritually for the parikrama.
The yatra commenced with a Shiva pooja, followed by an afternoon visit to Shri Pashupatinath Mandir. At Pashupatinath, the yatris had a chance to visit all the parts of the mandir, receive blessing from the head priest and receive darshan of Bhagvan Shiva, praying for a safe and meaningful journey to Kailash.
Over the next few day, yatris visited several temples across Kathmandu, including Doleshwar Mahadev Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, and Changu Naryan temple, as well as Bhaktapur, renowned for its wood carvings and rich history. While the days were filled with external adventures, yatris were encouraged to reflect and engage in silence (maunam) throughout the journey to deepen their experience.
On June 22nd, the group left Kathmandu and began their journey to the Nepal-China border. Despite the bumpy bus ride, the yatris were full of excitement, undeterred by any discomfort, reaching the border of Syabrubesi, Nepal. Yatris stayed the night here at a guest house and walked to the Chinese border the next day. After completing immigration and security checks, the group successfully entered the region of Tibet, China, on the 23rd of June and began their ascent to the city of Kerung which sits at 8,900 ft. Upon arrival, the yatris went on a walk to Kyipu Canyon to help acclimatize with the rising elevation. From Kerung, the group made their way to the Tibetan city of Saga, where many members took time to pick up last-minute supplies.
On June 24th, the group began a long bus ride ascending over 8,000ft to arrive at Lake Manasarovar sitting 15,060ft above sea level. At Manasarovar, the yatris completed the parikrama around the lake by bus and entered the sacred water offering their respects to Bhagvan Brahma and Bhagvan Shiva. During this parikrama, the yatris caught their first glimpse of Mount Kailash in the distance. Along the parikrama the group also made a stop at the famous Rakshas Taal, a lake beside Lake Manasarovar, said to be tied to stories of Ravana.
After spending the night on the shores of Lake Manasarovar and performing a pooja, the yatris transitioned to the city Darchen, on June 26th. At 15,246ft, the city stood at foothills of Mount Kailash. The group rested before the parikrama around Mount Kailash. Last-minute health confirmed that all 54 yatris were approved to participate in the sacred journey .
The next four days from June 27 to June 30 were dedicated to the trek around Mount Kailash. On the first day the commencement of the parikrama was marked by a visit to Yama Dwara, doing 7 pradakshinas around the mandhir. Then it was a 11km hike to 16,666ft to reach the first guesthouse in Dirapuk, all 56 attendees arrived at the first checkpoint and had a stunning view of Mount Kailash from the guesthouse. The second day consisted of a total 14km trip hike up to 17,000ft, traversing very rocky and icy terrain to perform Charan Sparsh. Several yatris arrived at the base of the Kailash Paravath, and were able to touch the mountain, having the most special experience with Bhagavan Shiva. Vivekji was also able to offer all 150 community prayers to Bhagavan Abayankara while touching the mountain.
The third and most challenging day focused on a hike to Zutulpuk via Dolma La Pass, when yatris had to travel a total of 21km, including a 4km ascent to 18,540 feet, and 6km descent. Along the way yatris were able to see the Gauri Kund Lake, the holy abode of Bhagavati Parvathi. The fourth and final day involved a 6km trek back to the city of Darchen, thus marking the official completion of the parikrama that totaled over 51km around Mount Kailasha. Each yatri completed the parikrama in their own sacred and unique way.
After the parikrama, the yatris transitioned from Darchen to Saga, then from Saga to Kerung on July 1st. In Kerung, the Loving Earth team hosted an informative workshop to inspire and brainstorm ideas on how to ensure the end of the yatra did not mean the end of their commitment to bettering Mother Earth. Following this workshop, the group had a dynamic conversation and discourse with Sumanji on the importance of a Guru, encouraging the yatris to reflect on the Guru(s) in their lives who inspired them to follow the path of dharma and be the greatest versions of themselves.
From Kerung to Kathmandu, the yatris experienced their last “bumpy” ride on the yatra, but it was filled with laughter and many snacks. The 8-hour trip included immigration back into Nepal, lunch in Syabrubesi, a tea and ice cream break at a roadside stall, and a final goodbye to the amazing Nepali Nidhi Tours group and Tibetan guides. On July 2nd, all yatris arrived back in Kathmandu safely with many new memories to cherish.
In Kathmandu, the yatris began to wrap up their experience with a visit to the Guhyeshwari Shaktipeeth Temple. On July 3rd, the yatris, along with Chinmaya Mission Nepal and many local Nepali community members, had a satsang led by Vivekji where he spoke about the importance of Learning, Applying, and Planning (LAP) to become successful. Finally, they ended the evening with an opportunity of being Yajumans for the Ganga Arti in Pashupatinath Temple, where they all thanked Bhagavan Pashupatinath for a successful parikrama.
On July 4th, the yatris attended their last contemplation session with Vivekji, a completion pooja, and a celebration that included dances and speeches. Sumanji also led a discussion on the topic of fear, focusing on what increases fear (attachments, comforts, and expectations) and how to let go of fear (acknowledge, accept, and appreciate).
With the yatra finally coming to a close, each individual slowly made their journey back home. The yatra was full of time for reflection and contemplation. The yatris learned valuable lessons about faith, community, and the power of the mind. The experience made them appreciate what they have and who they are even more, and they realized that this appreciation and privilege should be shared. By focusing on slowing down and remaining steady, the yatris formed a closer relationship with the Divine, the Guru, and themselves. It was a journey that will be remembered and cherished by all who were a part of it.
