Mount Kailash, located in far west corner of Tibet is the most sacred peak of Asia. The beauty of the 6638 meters (21,778 ft) high peak, that looks like a symmetrical cone shaped rock capped by pure crystalline ice all the time, is echoed in various mythological and literary works. The surroundings include the beautiful ManasarovarLake as well as the gigantic Gurla Mandata which culminates at 7728 meters high. There is no record of attempt to climb Mount Kailash despite lots of speculations and fairytales.
With its four sheer walls, distinctive snow-capped peak, and valleys interspersed with brightly-clad Tibetan pilgrims, Mount Kailash or Kang Rimpoche (‘precious snow-peak’, as known by the Tibetans) is an awe-inspiring sight. Four great rivers ofAsia: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) originate from here. Dominating the north of the Himalayan Barrier with its spectacular view, theMount Kailash (or Kangrinboqe) is equally venerated as the holiest pilgrimage site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bön-Po.
Jains regard this mountain as a sacred site where their prophet, Rishaba attained spiritual enlightenment while founder of Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab, is believed to have descended from heaven. For Hindus, Mt. Kailash is the sacred abode of Lord Shiva, 'The God of Destruction'. Hindus consider this mountain as eternal heaven and the center of soul and spirituality. Lord Shiva sits atop Mt. Kailash meditating and practicing yoga. The mountain is assumed to be the center of the world and the four rivers flowing through Kailash dividing the world in four different regions. Buddhists consider this to be the resting place of Buddha Demchok and the place where the intimidating battle between Milarepa and Naro Bonchung took place. Milarepa was the master of Tantric Buddhism, and Naro Bonchung was the champion of Bon religion. After a long battle, no result was in sight and both came to a conclusion that the one who reaches the top of the mountain first wins. Soon Naro Bonchung got on his magic drum and proceeded towards the tip, but to everybody's amazement, Milarepa sat there meditating. As Naro Bonchung was about to reach the top, Milerapa sprang into action and overtook him by riding the rays of Sun. Since then Buddhism prevails in Tibet.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims travel to Mount Kailash following an ancestral tradition. Walking around the peak brings good fortune to the pilgrims. The path around the peak covers a distance of 52 kilometers and it is believed that accomplishing the trek within a day will make this holy ritual more effective. Hindus call the circumambulation as "Parikrama" and Tibetans as "Kora". It is believed that a single kora cleans the sins of a lifetime while 108 koras will give you Nirvana. Nevertheless, the harsh conditions and the altitude could cause physical troubles to the unprepared. If pilgrims follow the required full prostrations along the way, it takes approximately 4 days to perform the circumambulation.
A three-day trek (Parikrama or Kora) around Mount Kailash over a 5630 meter Drolma La (pass), clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus, and anti-clockwise followers of the ancient Bon religion, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. To complete the Kailash pilgrimage one should bath in the sacred Lake Manasarovar, stunningly set on the Tibetan plateau bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata.
The lake Manasarovar lies about 20km southewast of Mt. kailash and means “Invincible Jade Lake” in Tibetan. The name originates from a story that Buddhism wins a victory against Bon in a religious match beside the lake. It is located at 4.588 metters high and is considered as one of the most limpid and bright lake in the world. Many pilgrims take some water back to their home as a gift to their family and friends. Five monasteries stand on the shore of the lake and has been rebuilt after the Chinese invasion of 1959; the two most notable being the Jiwu and the Chugu.
India Tourism is one of leading Kailash Mansarovar tour operator when it comes to offering Mount Kailash tour package We give you a unique opportunity to circumnavigate Mt Kailash along with a spiritual rejuvenation in Lake Manasarovar. En route, you get plenty of opportunities to explore the history laden sites and to quench your thirst for adventure.
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