Mount Kailash, located in far west corner of Tibet is one of the most significant peaks linked to Asia’s medieval religions of yore. The sheer beauty of the 6700-meter high Mount Kailash, that resembles a symmetrical cone shaped rock capped by pure crystalline ice all the time, is mentioned in various mythological and literary works. This peak towers above the north of the Himalayan Barrier with its awesome views; the Mount Kailash (or Mt. Kailas) is equally revered as the holiest pilgrimage site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and the ancient Bön-Po sect of Tibet. Tibetans regard this mountain as the expression of Mount Meru, or ‘Navel of the Earth” where the founder of Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab, is believed to have descended from heaven, Hindus call it ‘abode of Lord Shiva’, Buddhists refer to it as the ‘abode of Samvara’ and Jains as a ‘Sacred site where their prophet Rishaba attained spiritual enlightenment’. With its four vertical walls, unique snow-capped peak, and valleys interspersed with colorfully-clad Tibetan pilgrims, Mount Kailash or Kang Rimpoche (‘precious snow-peak’, as known by the Tibetans) is a breathless sight to behold. The four great rivers of Asia: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) originate from this point. 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 for followers of the ancient Bon religion, is said to wipe out the sins of a lifetime.
Mt. Meru is depicted as a Mandala for most Tibetans and its image occurs throughout both Buddhist and Hindu parts of Asia. There is also an ‘inner Kora’ that passes two lakes to the south of kailash. Tradition dictates that only those who have made 13 circumambulations of Kailash may follow this core inner route. This tradition is so important to Tibetans that we are sometimes required to assure our hosts that we would not violate the sanctity of this route before our journey on to Darchen. Join Boss Adventure Nepal Treks for a meeting with the gods on this sacred mountain & return home with the blessed happiness of a lifetime…
