'Obtaining permit for Mansarovar Yatra huge challenge'

A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) tourist, who recently undertook the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, revealed that it is difficult for NRIs to obtain a valid permit for the religious trip.

Speaking to ANI, Madhuri Gupta, a resident from Florida, said, "The experience began for me with the issuing of permits for NRIs, which is difficult to get on time. I came here to take three weeks of vacation. It took me 1.5 weeks to get the permit. Before that, I visited Muktinath, which was not on agenda before."

She added that when she finally received the permit, she had to undertake the Yatra through Nepalganj and not through Lhasa in Tibet.

Calling it a lifetime achievement, Gupta continued, "I left the yatra because of the inclement weather conditions and some issues. I lost two days on this trip. I wished I could spend time in Darchin before doing the parikrama. But, I am thankful to God that I could do this trip. I came alone, as I wanted to experience travelling all along myself. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip."

The NRI tourist further said that there were altitudinal challenges in reaching and coming down from the mountains, coupled with the rapidly-changing weather conditions.

"It is a known fact. You have to appear for mental and physical endurance tests. If you are not fit, you should not go. Else, you should first make yourself fit and then go for this trip. It's a challenge even for the tour operators," she said.

Gupta further revealed that there were no medical facilities for those undertaking the religious trip.

The NRI tourist said she was hopeful of going on the Yatra again and wished to go through Lhasa, which was her planned route.