In the western region of Tibet lies a sacred mountain called Mt. Kailash. Despite its difficulties, the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar attracts numerous devotees from across the globe. Regarded as China’s most remarkable mountain, Kailash stands proudly like a massive Egyptian Pyramid amidst desolate surroundings. There are rumors that this holy mountain was constructed by an advanced civilization in ancient times. Nevertheless, it is now revered as a sacred destination for pilgrims seeking to purify themselves from past and present wrongdoings.
Pilgrimages have always been a keen aspect of every culture’s spiritual essence. Considered as the centre of spiritual existence in Hinduism, the Kailash Yatra holds importance for other religions as well like Buddhism, Jainism, Tibetan Bonpo. Drinking and bathing in Lake Mansarovar, and a parikrama of Mount Kailash tends to bring good fortune to the worshippers.
In the past, it was simple for Indians to visit the respected location. However, today individuals must go through a process of applying for the sacred visit, which involves submitting different documents and fulfilling certain requirements. Nevertheless, only a fortunate few are able to successfully complete the entire journey to Kailash due to its extreme temperature, high altitude, and long distances that must be walked. Despite the challenging and demanding nature of the trek, it will undoubtedly be a worthwhile experience if you are able to withstand its difficulties and overcome its challenges.
Religions Associated with Mt. Kailash
Kailash Yatra is a remarkable pilgrimage that holds significance for four distinct religions: Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers.
- Hindus have faith in Lord Shiva, one of their primary divine beings, who is believed to engage in meditation and reside atop Mount Kailash. This mountain is considered the sacred center of the Earth!
- Jains hold the belief that Rishabhanatha, the initial Tirthankara (a divine teacher), achieved nirvana, signifying liberation from the cycle of rebirths.
- Tantric Buddhists believe the mountain is the home of the Buddha Cakrasamvara (literally, “supreme bliss”).
- The Tibetan Bon believe the mountain is the spiritual seat of power.
Amazing Facts and Folk tales
- There are many stories associated with this location. Were you aware that Kailash was referred to as Mount Meru in Buddhist writings prior to being called Kailash? Additionally, there is a theory proposing that the impeccably shaped Kailash cannot be a result of natural processes. It is believed that superhumans placed and meticulously carved the mountain into its symmetrical triangular form.
- According to an ancient text, it is forbidden for any humans to step foot on the summit of the revered Mount Kailash. This mountain is considered sacred and serves as the dwelling place for the Gods. Anyone who attempts to climb it will face certain death. Despite numerous attempts by mountaineers, none have been successful in reaching the peak. The challenging and unusual weather conditions have compelled climbers to retreat.
- The formation of the lakes has been a topic of debate since ancient times. Lake Mansarovar, the highest freshwater lake in the world and considered sacred, has a completely circular shape reminiscent of the sun. In contrast, Rakshas Tal Lake takes on the form of a crescent moon. These two lakes symbolize opposing energies, with Lake Mansarovar representing positivity and Rakshas Tal representing negativity. Additionally, Lake Mansarovar remains calm and serene even during strong winds due to its freshwater nature, while Rakshas Tal has salty water and is consistently turbulent and rough.
- Most of the time, the top of Kailash is surrounded by numerous clouds. It is believed that seeing the summit is a fortunate and sacred occurrence. Mount Kailash has four sides that align with the four cardinal directions. Additionally, according to ancient texts, the mountain is considered a connection between heaven and earth. Followers of Kailash hold the belief that the peak serves as a gateway to heaven. In the legends of Mahabharatha, the Pandavas and Draupadi achieved moksha while trekking up the peak, although one of them unfortunately fell from the mountain.
What difficulties do the pilgrims encounter?
That being stated, Kailash is an exceptional place of pilgrimage where not all pilgrims are granted entry permits or are able to complete the entire trek. Only a fortunate minority of individuals are given the chance and possess the endurance to successfully conclude the magnificent journey of Kailash.
There are a plethora of huddles a Yatri has to go through. Approval of Visa from China Embassy, medical check-up, entry permits, documents verification and more. After getting a green signal from all of these, one has to endure the weather conditions of the Kailash region. Some people were returned due to countless reasons such as mountain sickness, injury, etc. The journey of Kailash is supremely remarkable if one can endure the tough climb and adjust with the bare minimum amenities given on the trek by the China authorities.
The most difficult aspect is when you have to walk 53 km in three days to complete the Parikrama (the holiest part of the pilgrimage) or the act of walking around the sacred Mt. Kailash. It may seem easy, but it is not. The high altitude and limited oxygen levels tend to demotivate the pilgrims. It is advisable to engage in a 30 to 60-minute workout session daily to prepare for walking long distances. If you are able to accomplish this, congratulations in advance, as you are among the fortunate few selected to receive blessings from the Supreme God.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal period to travel to Kailash Mansarovar is between May and October, which typically falls within the summer and Monsoon seasons. Throughout most of the year, the holy mountain is often covered by clouds. However, during these months, you can enjoy unobstructed and captivating vistas of Kailash. If you intend to visit Kailash Mansarovar during winter, it is advisable to bring warm clothing as you will likely experience extremely cold temperatures.
Let this be filled with the blessing from the sacred mountain. Choose from a minimum of 9 days via helicopter and a maximum of 16 days overland tour for your visit to Mt Kailash. With our four Kailash Mansarovar Yatra packages you can make your spiritual journey to Mt. Kailash come true.
- Kailash Mansarovar Tour- 14 Days
- Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Helicopter Ex Lucknow – 9 Days
- Kailash Mansarovar Tour via Helicopter Ex Kathmandu – 11 Days
- Kailash Mansarovar Tour Overland Tour Ex Lhasa – 16 Days
Lastly, Mount Kailash is a pilgrimage and not a trek. Those of you who are thinking about it as a trek, mind you, it’s meaningless if you are not able to feel the spiritual energies while you take a parikrama of the sacred Kailash. When you go there as a pilgrim and not as a trekker, you will be awestruck with the vibes you will feel there and it will awaken you to be a more wonderful you.
In a society consumed by materialistic desires, we often neglect our spiritual essence. There are occasions when we reflect on our future possibilities, past choices, or yearn for inner peace and absolution. Unfortunately, our hectic lives prevent us from fully experiencing these emotions. However, imagine being able to delve deeper into your emotions and establish a profound connection with your spiritual self. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra offers precisely that – a transformative expedition of forgiveness, healing, self-discovery, and beyond. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, this pilgrimage allows you to connect with the very core of your being.
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