sorry to disappoint you – but frankly, my preparations were nothing very special or exclusive for this trip.
just adhering to the routines i already had – with some variations was my way of preparing.
1. regular walking
continued my morning walks – with variations as follows:
> synchronizing the breathing rhythm with the pace of walking.
> walking slowly [which sometimes frustrated others walking along, as it needs more patience]
2. breathing rhythm
> steady, slow breathing through the day,while involved in other activities
> essentially, doing it more consciously
3. an intro trek!
thanks to Mr Sridhar [of SPAN – see resources page for a link], a day trek was organized to a place – let us call this BK – about 90 km from Bangalore.
the reason for using a nickname for the location is based on a specific request to not make this a ‘popular’ spot that would then soon get spoilt by casual visitors.
i could not find much information on this location, when i searched – before the visit.
this was both good and bad from my perspective.
good, because i could get over some of my fear of heights – by getting down pretty much by myself – at my own pace. 
not so good, because many others [different age groups] were 
rather than worrying about such maters, decided that the views from the top were worth the efforts!
the good news was that whatever i felt strenuous, was ok – and that i should make it to kailash with continued practice..
that was reassuring.
4. medical check-up
> of late, i was feeling some discomfort [and mild pain] in my knees while climbing stairs etc. so, got an expert opinion from the family ortho – who said that though there are some indications of degeneration in the knee ligaments, i should be able to undertake this trip
> a similar consultation with the family physician also – for other aspects such as pressure, sugar - turned out positive for the trip
p.s. if you are interested in this place and want more details, do contact me.
Very well captures your experience, Shiv. Enjoyed reading the whole thing and felt like I was going along with you in this trip. I guess it is not possible to explain certain personal (not-so-physical) experiences and sense of exhilaration - some others who have been there also say that. In spite of that, this whole blog captures what to expect and to a great extent your experience as a traveller. Thanks for the effort!!! Wonderful that you all did this trip!!!
ReplyDeleteSiva Guru! Finally you lived up to your name - Nama Sardhaka! Fantastic narration, this inspires me to expedite our dream.. SHIV who has shown us the parikrama and Kailash - GURU who wrote the expert blog ...
ReplyDeleteShiv, read through everything you had on here. Even though I may never make this trip, you made it really interesting to read and almost seem like we were right there going through the experience with you. Thanks so much for sharing this with us (even though I got the link from Jyotsna's FB post LOL!). It definitely helps put all those pictures you had posted on FB in perspective.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your well narrated experience, it gives a lot of useful information. It does not answer many questions I have in mind before leaving, but still now I am much more informed than before after going through your blog. I am starting Yatra on 15th August, still anxious to know more.
ReplyDeleteAll the best for your trip.
Deletewhile you may prepare and collect as much information as you can before the trip, please go with an open mind and least expectations.
i am sure that you will feel the presence of something beyond our minds and come back energized.
i would be keen on hearing from you after your trip.
all the best once again to you and the rest of your group.
Dear Mr.Sivaguru,
ReplyDeleteThough I'm very late to comment, your narration is excellent dotted with hilarious description. We too are planning a yatra in August 2014. I started reading to get some tips for the oncoming tour but I was too absorbed in your narration and forgot the main purpose of my visiting this blog. Photos also are excellent. Congratulations for your successful trip, narration and photos.
P.Venkata Narasaiah