Alka Bhargava Singh

1.  Can you share a bit about yourself and what inspired you to embark on the journey to Mansarovar at this stage in your life?

The love for travel has always been a part of me, perhaps passed down from my father. However, like many, life’s responsibilities—work, marriage, raising children, and even relocating—pushed those passions aside for a while. Then, sometime around 2012, something shifted. It was like rediscovering an old black-and-white photograph, triggering memories and reminding me of a side of myself I hadn’t engaged with for years. That’s when I decided to embrace solo travel, and from that moment on, there was no turning back.

My journeys have consistently been a blend of nature, adventure, spirituality, and local experiences. Traveling solo adds another layer of personal growth and challenge, which I’ve come to deeply appreciate. I first read about the Kailash Mansarovar trip around 2015-16. Its reputation for being one of the most physically and mentally demanding journeys—with extreme altitudes, harsh weather, and minimal facilities—instantly intrigued me. Yet, the allure of its stunning landscapes and the spiritual significance of the destination was undeniable.

It became a goal of mine to undertake this pilgrimage before I turned 50. After careful planning and preparation, 2018 became the year I finally set out on this life-changing journey. Reaching Mansarovar in mid-2018, just before the year I celebrated my 50th birthday, felt like the perfect culmination of my adventures and self-discovery.

The road less travelled has generally been my way of life, and as a seasoned traveler, I knew this experience would be unlike any other.

2.       How did you prepare physically and mentally for the trip? What research did you do?

In 2014, I had a near-death experience due to a hysterectomy gone wrong, which left me with a damaged bladder and a fistula. I had to undergo three surgeries within a year. Spending days in the ICU without food and water made me realize the importance of hunger and thirst. Back at home, I saw a few colony dogs scavenging for food, and my mission started then. My children and husband joined me in my mission.

“On many days, I feel happy knowing that I have saved a life, brought comfort, and lessened the pain of innocent, voiceless beings.”

Could you share some of the initiatives that you have undertaken for the welfare of stray dogs?

We rescued puppies that had been run over, including our first baby with a broken leg. I subsequently adopted another Indian street pup, my second baby. I continued feeding the dogs in the colonies where I stayed. Over time, I realized that saving puppies was not easy, so I started focusing on sterilization and vaccination as well. Soon my feeding efforts extended to the offices where I was posted, and sterilization and vaccination drives began there as well, continuing to this day.

Even after moving out of offices and colonies, my feeding drive and attending to the medical needs of the dogs continues and so do the sterilization and vaccination drives. In addition, I make sure that the dogs are looked after in summers and winters by providing them with water bowls and coats, bedding, and dog houses in winter.

COVID-19 was particularly tough. I had to buy food and feed over 200 dogs, covering over 10 kms. During this time, I adopted my third baby, a handicapped Indian street pup left on the road. In my effort to do my bit for these voiceless creatures, I have rescued several puppies, injured cats, cows, owls, crows, and pigeons.