Program Guide

• Please carry a valid government photo ID card (Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, Pan Card etc.) as it may be required while travelling in the train or at the hotel.
• Smoking and/or drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited for the entire duration of the progarm.

How to Prepare Yourself

The journey involves trekking at an altitude between 12,000 to 13,000 feet, over distances of up to 14 kilometers at a stretch. To make the most of Himalayan sacred walks, we strongly recommend that you start an exercise regime at least a month prior to the trip which includes:

• Daily brisk walking or jogging for 5 km
• Isha meditators are advised daily practice of Shakthi Chalana Kriya / Shambhavi Mahamudra/ Isha Kriya / Hata Yoga

Physical and mental fitness is required, since at times participants may face difficulties due to limited facilities and extreme weather conditions. Horses are available for hire during the trek to Kedarnath and can serve as a welcome assistant either for carrying baggage or an extremely weary participant. Pawan Hans Helicopter limited has introduced its helicopter service to Kedarnath; the interested participants can make use of this service.  

What to Pack

As we will be traveling by bus, it is advisable to pack as light as possible. A trekking bag is needed for the treks and also to carry the daily requirements and frequently used items inside the bus. The rest of the items can be packed in a suitcase or a handbag. Due to the confines of space, it is necessary to keep luggage on the bus roof; therefore it is advisable to bring bags that are rain resistant and durable.

We recommend the following items:

• Rain-proof jacket with hood and pant – 1 each
• Overcoat /Jacket – 1
• Warm T-shirts / sweatshirts and pants – 2 each
• Regular clothing (please avoid saris /dhotis)  – 6 sets
• Sweater and shawl – 1 each
• Thermal inner wear – 2 pairs
• Wide rim hat – 1
• Woolen cap and scarf  – 1 each
• Water-proof /resistant trekking shoes with a good tread /grip– 1 pair (e.g. Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc.)
• Woolen gloves  – 1 pair
• Woolen socks – 2 pairs
• Cotton socks – 2 pairs
• Camera (optional). Please note that video cameras are not permitted

Other essential items:

First Aid Medical Kit

• It is important to carry a personal medical kit with electrolyte packs, pain killers, muscle relaxant cream, band aids, knee-cap, Vaseline, medicines for fever, common cold, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and any other medication necessary
• If you are being treated for diabetes, please check with your physician if any change in medication is needed due to the altitude and trekking involved

Communication

Pay phones are available almost everywhere. BSNL and Airtel cell phones work fairly well in the Himalayan region.

Temperature and Weather Conditions

Weather conditions from May to September can be expected to be dry and sunny, with precipitation in July and August. Day time temperatures can be as high as 20 to 25 degrees centigrade. Night-time temperatures can drop as low as 0 to -5° Celsius.

Isha offers this program not as a tour, but as a possibility for deep spiritual transformation. Imbibing the overwhelming power, energy and grace of the Himalayas opens one up to higher dimensions of life, more so when the guidance of a realized master illuminates every step.