Gauri Kund, Mount Kailash

Gauri Kund is a high-altitude lake, located near Mount Kailash in the Tibetan Plateau. It lies in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route in the far West of the India-Nepal border. With great spiritual importance, it is one of the vital stops of the sacred pilgrimage of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. Situated at an elevation of approximately. 500 metres above sea level, Gauri Kund is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Despite its modest size, this emerald pond holds great significance for Hindus and Buddhists, especially for pilgrims who undertake the circumambulation of Mount Kailash. Here is the complete information on Gauri Kund on its spiritual significance, rituals, and activities to do near the pond.

About Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund is a perfectly round-shaped glacial lake near Mount Kailash. It is associated with Mata Paravati, lord Shiva’s wife. Goddess Parvati is the goddess of fertility and divine power. According to Hindu mythology, it is the place where Mata Parvati used to bathe daily. This Kund (reservoir) is the place where the power of a mother’s love and compassion is exemplified. With great spiritual significance, Gauri Kund is close to the devotees’ hearts, who undertake Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake Yatra. It is also said that splashing just a few drops of Gauri Kund water on yourself will get you rid of all illnesses and purify your soul.

Location of Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund is situated at an altitude of 5600 metres above sea level in Pulan County of Ngari Prefecture, Tibet. Administratively, the lake is located in Tibet. You will have to cross through the rugged terrain of the Tibetan Plateau. This emerald water reservoir can be spotted only during the Parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash. One can spot Gauri Kund in Dalma Pass, which is the highest point of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. After trekking 6 km uphill from Dirapuk, you will reach Dalma Pass, and after moving 500-600 metres from Dalma Pass, you can have a view of Gauri Kund.

Spiritual and Mythological Significance of Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund is a sacred lake situated at the foothills of Mount Kailash, holding tremendous significance for Hindu devotees. The legend has it that it is the birthplace of Goddess Parvati’s son, Lord Ganesha, and later, where Ganesha was restored to life. According to the Hindu Mythology, Goddess Parvati once created a boy from cleansing sandalwood paste from her body to stand as a guard, as she desired privacy while bathing in the lake. He used to stop invaders, and he did the same with lord Shiva, which made him very angry, and he beheaded Ganesha. Mata Paravati then requested lord Shiva to bring his son back to life. Lord Shiva replaced a wandering elephant’s head with Ganesha’s head and brought him back to life. This made Goddess Parvati very happy.

Gauri Kund in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Route

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindu devotees. Even Jains, Buddhists, and Bons undertake this spiritual journey. This Yatra involves a journey to Mansarovar Lake and a 52 km trek around Mount Kailash (Kailash Parikrama). This includes visiting Gauri Kund on the second day of the trek.

The first night of the trek includes a halt at Kora at Dirapuk, where pilgrims face the north face of Mount Kailash. The next day, they reach Dalma Pass (the highest point of the entire Yatra). After this, they begin their descent to Gauri Kund. About 200 metres of the trek, pilgrims can see the sight of Gauri Kund on the right-hand side of the path. The beautiful blue lake appears as a jewel in the hilly terrain of the Tibetan Plateau that seems to bring life to the stark landscapes.

It is said that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not complete until you pay homage to this lake of purity and compassion. Reaching the Gauri Kund is quite challenging. Hence, pilgrims and trekkers have a view of this glacial lake from a distance. Taking a dip is not possible because the water in the reservoir is freezing most of the time. However, one can request the Sherpa to get the holy water of the Kund. Splashing even a few drops of water from the lake over the head purifies one’s soul. Hence, Yatris or devotees bring water from this Kund back home.