New Delhi, July 23 - India Thursday advised intending Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims to take caution and 'prepare for the difficulties that they may have to face' on the high altitude journey 'where availability of medical facilities, accommodation, food items, means of communication and transport are minimal'.

This year while large number of Indians are showing interest in visiting Kailash Mansarovar, situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet in Tibet, at least 10 tourists, who had gone with private tour operators, died, and many more had to cut short their trip due to medical emergencies.

Worried over the rising incidents of deaths, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) issued a travel advisory for the pilgrims going with private operators.

'Most of the tourists are unaware of the actual conditions in Kailash-Mansarovar area and need to prepare for the difficulties that they may have to face,' said the MEA's travel advisory.

'Tourists may get affected by high altitude sickness and other medical problems, which can be fatal in the absence of adequate medical facilities,' the advisory said.