Mount Kailash

Mt. Kailash is situated amidst picturesque landscape as a part of the Himalayas in western Tibet. Kailash is a source of four major rivers in Asia namely, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Indus and Karnali. This sublime snow-clad peak is located at an altitude of 6,714 m above the sea level. Below this mount sprawls the most sacred lake in Asia called Manasarovar. Only a part of the region is inhabited by nomadic tribes while the rest is a vast empty landscape without any vegetation. The Kailash mount is surrounded by naked hills of rose, violet and flaming orange hues.

History:In Hindu mythology, Mt. Kailash is considered as Mt. Meru, which is the divine center of the universe around which the whole creation revolves. Hindus believe that a single circuit of this mount will erase all the sins of a human life. As per Hindu mythology, Manasarovar lake is symbolized as the female aspect of creation, Yoni and Mt. Kailash as the active male aspect, called Lingam. Jainism considers Mt. Kailash as the summit atop which the first prophet, Rishabhdev got his spiritual liberation. They call this mount as Mt. Ashtapada. Buddhists consider this place as an epicenter of tantrik forces. They believe it was the place where Queen Maya (Buddha’s mother) was brought by Gods and washed before she gave birth to Buddha. According to Buddhist cosmography, Mt. Kailash is identified with mighty mount Sumeru, the Central Peak of the World. Bonpas, Tibet’s pre-Buddhists call this place a Swastika mountain and consider it as a “Mystic Soul” of the entire region. Due to the Indo-China border dispute, Indians were not allowed to visit Manasarovar lake for nearly 2 decades. However, thanks to the initiatives of the Indian and Chinese governments, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam arranges for a Kailash-Manasarovar Yatra or trip once in a year, that too for limited numbers.

Mount Kailash:
Mt. Kailash is a symbol of relief for pilgrims from India. Mt. Kailash is an important pilgrim centre for four religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bonpas) Pilgrims of these religions believe that circumambulating this mount will bring holy salvation to their life. This pilgrim circuit starts and ends at Tarchen. From Tarchen, the circuit enters into a picturesque canyon in western flanks called Lha Chhu (God’s river). Then from here the trail climbs to the Dolma Pass at an altitude of 18,600 ft. After reaching the pass it climbs down to Lham Chhu Khyer valley and at last it ends at Tarchen. The circuit is 52 km long.

Manasarovar Lake:
The lake is also a major attraction in this place. Hindu mythology says that, this lake was created by Lord Brahma in his mind first and hence its name, i.e., Manas (mind) and Sarovar (lake). Also it is believed that the in the Brahma Muhurta (3 am to 5 am), the Devas or Gods will descend and take bath in this lake. It is also closely related to Buddhism and Jainism. Pilgrims believe that people, who take bath in it and drink its water, will have all their sins absolved.

Lake Gouri Kund:
After crossing the Dolma Pass, travelers will come across the Gouri Kund Lake. A dip in the holy water of this large lake is believed to wash away all sins.

Rakshash Tal:
It is 10 km away from Manasarovar lake. It is one of the highest freshwater bodies in the world. It lies at a height of 14,900 ft and the depth is 150 ft.

The pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is the most difficult in Asia. Distances, harsh weather, bandits and difficult treks are worrying factors of this pilgrimage. The present travel from Delhi, the capital of India consists of both bus journey and high-altitude mountain trekking.