High-altitude yātrā checklist

Kedarnath, Badrinath, Amarnath, Kailash–Manasarovar, Hemkund Sahib

Above about 2,500 m the air holds less oxygen, and the body needs time to adjust. Kedarnath is at about 3,580 m, Amarnath close to 3,900 m, Hemkund Sahib over 4,000 m, and the Kailash parikramā crosses a pass above 5,500 m.

• Acclimatise: gain height gradually, spend a night at a middle altitude, and do not rush the climb on the first day. • Watch for warning signs — headache, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness at rest, confusion. If they worsen, go down at once and seek medical help. • Drink water steadily; avoid alcohol and smoking.

• Medical check: see your doctor before booking, especially with heart, lung, blood-pressure or diabetes conditions, or if you are pregnant. Ask your doctor about any altitude medicine — do not self-medicate. • Amarnath and the Kailash–Manasarovar yātrā require a compulsory medical certificate or medical tests; check the official rules each year.

• Warm layers: thermal inner wear, a fleece, a windproof jacket, woollen cap, gloves and warm socks — nights are cold even in June. • Rain gear: a poncho or rain jacket, a waterproof cover for your bag, and a spare dry set of clothes in a plastic bag. • Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.

• Documents: Char Dham registration (Uttarakhand), Amarnath registration with the shrine board, or the Kailash yātrā permits — plus photo ID and copies. Keep them in a waterproof pouch. • Emergency: share your plan with family, note the official helpline and medical posts on the route, carry a small first-aid kit and your regular medicines, and keep some cash, since network and ATMs are patchy.

Above ~2,500 m: acclimatise · Doctor's check first · Registration / permits mandatory · Descend if symptoms worsen

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