Mount Kailash is one of the most sacred peaks on earth, revered as the axis of the universe. Located on the trijunction between India, China, and Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva, where he resides with his consort, Goddess Parvati, and his sons, Kartikeyan and Ganesha. This is the sacred place of faith, spirituality, and devotion for many religions, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Bons. The most interesting fact of this sacred peak is that it has remained unclimbed for centuries. Only a famous spiritual Buddhist poet has climbed it. This is not only a famous pilgrimage circuit but also a challenging route for adventure and trekking enthusiasts. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and trekkers undertake this spiritual and arduous trek to the sacred Mount Kailash Kora.
Mount Kailash is situated at an altitude of 6,638 meters (21,778 feet) above sea level in the remote Tibetan Himalayas. This site is known as the “Centre of the Universe” or the “Centre of the World” by Hindus, Jains, and Bon followers. Kailash is a place full of mysteries. Even climbing this sacred peak is officially prohibited. While many mountaineers have attempted to climb it, they miserably failed to do so because of the unique shape and faced immense challenges due to the extreme weather.
According to Hindus, it is the abode of Lord Shiva, where he lives with his wife, Goddess Parvati. Hence, it is one of the sacred sites for them, and they undertake this pilgrimage and perform a circumambulation to wash away their lifetime sins and attain salvation.
For Buddhists, it is identified as Mount Meru, the cosmic axis. And according to legends, the famous spiritual poet and the Tibetan Buddhist Yogi Milarepa from the 11th century was the only person to ever climb this sacred peak.
For Jains, it is a sacred place because the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, has achieved liberation. And, for Bons, it is the ladder for gods to descend to the earth and ascend from the earth.
Mount Kailash is a sacred peak situated at an elevation of 21,778 feet in the Tibetan Plateau. Every year, thousands of pilgrims undertake the sacred pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The Kailash Mansarovar Parikrama, also known as Kailash Mansarovar Kora, is the most coveted activity during the yatra. Due to the arduous trek on the challenging terrain, solo trekking is not allowed. The trekkers and pilgrims must do it under a registered tour operator. However, only the inner Kailash Parikrama is challenging, and it requires great physical effort and physical fitness.
The circumambulation, or kora, is divided into two parts—Inner and Outer Kora (Parikrama). The inner parikrama is much more challenging than the outer parikrama. With only 40 km distance, the outer parikrama can be completed within 3 days. Yatris, or pilgrims, spend two nights at Dirapuk and Zuthulpuk. To do the inner parikrama of the sacred mountain, pilgrims will have to first do the Kailash outer parikrama, where they do the Charansparsh of the holy mountain. Starting from the Yamdwar, pilgrims reach Dirapuk after an 8-hour long journey. From there, they can have a view of the north face of Mount Kailash. Then begin the trek from Dirapuk to the Charanasparsh of 6 km. From there, pilgrims trek to Zuthulpuk for 22 km, then trek to Yamdwara. The inner circumambulation begins from Darchen, which gives you a closer view, or darshan, of Mount Kailash.
The outer Kailash Parikrama typically takes 3 days to complete. It covers a total of 52 km around the base of Mount Kailash. The trek becomes more challenging on the second day as it goes through the high Dolma La Pass. Here are the top attractions you will see during the inner and outer parikrama:
The best time to visit Mount Kailash is when the Yatra opens, most probably from May to October. This time, the weather remains pleasant with clear skies, making trekking easier. Avoid visiting in July and August because of the monsoon season. The region receives heavy rainfall, which makes the trail slippery and risky. Post monsoon, from September to October, is also the best time to embark on the spiritual journey of Mount Kailash.
Mount Kailash Yatra remains closed during the winter season from November to April due to snowfall and extreme cold.
Since Mount Kailash is located in a remote location of Tibet, you will need other permits as well, besides the standard Tibet Travel Permit. So, you must obtain a Chinese visa to visit Mount Kailash. It is important to join an organized tour. When you book your tour through a registered travel agency, they arrange all the permits and necessary documents for you. Along with this, you will need a valid passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of the Yatra, a medical certificate, and other important documents.
Due to the remote location of Mount Kailash, it involves several travel modes. Here are the most common routes to reach Mount Kailash, also known as Kangrinboqe Peak in Chinese.
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