About Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is the spiritual centre for four of the world's most populous religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the Bon faith. Nestled on the roof of the world in Tibet, this magnificent mountain has four faces with four entry points — two from Nepal, one from India and one from Tibet. In Tibetan, it is known as Gang Rinpoche (Precious Jewel of Snow). The mountain is considered the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and is revered as the holy navel of the world.
Why Mount Kailash Is Sacred
For Hindus, Mount Kailash is the ultimate destination — a pilgrimage here reconciles the devotee with Lord Maheshwara in the sacred exclusivity of two massive lakes, Mansarovar and Rakshas Tal. The Vishnu Purana describes the four faces of the mountain as consisting of Crystal, Ruby, Gold and Lapis Lazuli. Tibetans revere the mount as the abode of Demchog and his consort Dorje Phagmo, while Milarepa, the celebrated Tibetan poet-sage, meditated in a cave here to attain enlightenment. The mountain has never been climbed — it remains the unconquered pristine glory from time immemorial, guarded by the sentiments of billions of devotees worldwide.
Mansarovar Lake — The Conscience of Shiva
Lake Mansarovar lies at the foothill of Mount Kailash at 4,560 metres above sea level, covering approximately 320 square kilometres with a circumference of 90 km. Hindus believe that the first sight of this holy lake removes all human ailments and torment, and a dip in its waters grants Moksha. The Parikrama of Mansarovar is 75 km long, covering Huore, Chugu and Zaidi. Nearby Rakshas Tal sits at 14,900 ft, connected to Mansarovar by the deep channel Gangu Chu.
The Kailash Parikrama
The 52-km Parikrama circuit starts and ends at Tarchen. Pilgrims enter the Lha Chhu valley — a canyon below Mount Kailash's western flanks — and climb the challenging Dolma Pass at 18,600 ft. Below the pass lies the large Gauri Kund, the highest mountainous lake in the world, famous for its emerald waters and healing properties. According to the Shiva Purana, it is called the Lake of Compassion. The terrain is among the most difficult trekking circuits across continents, with hostile and fluctuating weather conditions.
Unique Natural Features
Mount Kailash stands at 6,638 metres with 1,319 metres prominently visible. Located in the centre of six similar mountain ranges — symbolically "in the centre of the world mandala" — it is lotus-shaped, giving the lotus flower its divinity across four religions. The region is extremely remote and uninhabited, out of bounds for all vehicles including aeroplanes, making the eco-system untampered and inexplicably serene. The mount is the source of four of Asia's longest rivers: the Indus, Sutlej, Karnali and Brahmaputra.
How to Reach Mount Kailash
- By air to Simikot via Kathmandu (Nepal)
- By air to Lhasa, then by road to Kailash Mansarovar
- By road via Kodari Pass (Nepal) to the Kailash region
- Road route from Kathmandu via Pokhara on the low Himalayan Highway
- Historic Kalimpong–Lhasa Silk route through Gangtok (Sikkim)
- From Delhi: bus to Tawaghat via Kathgodam, Almora, Dharchula, then trekking
Nearby Attractions
- Mansarovar Lake (Parikrama — 75 km)
- Rakshas Tal Lake
- Gauri Kund (highest mountainous lake)
- Dolma Pass (18,600 ft)
- Tarchen Base Camp
Char Dham Helicopter Connection
While Mount Kailash lies in Tibet, many pilgrims combine their Kailash Mansarovar yatra with a Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. Saffron Chariot's helicopter packages make it possible to complete the Char Dham circuit comfortably before or after your Kailash journey.
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