Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2024

The Kailash Range, regarded as one of the holiest by Hindus, is believed to have existed for 30 million years, created during the initial phases of the creation of the Himalayan mountains. Its highest summit, the 6,675-meter-tall Kailash, is believed to be the divine abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Bon religions regard the highest summit as one of the holiest mountains in the world. Since ancient times, pilgrims from many faiths have been drawn to the mountain due to its extreme significance. Four significant rivers originate from Mount Kailash: the Ganges, the Brahmaputra, the Sutlej, and the Indus. The revered Lake Mansarovar, as well as Gauri Kund, Ashtapad, Kuber Kund, Nandi Parvat, Zuthulpukh Monastery, Dirapukh Monastery, Rakshas Tal (Lake of Devils), Charan Sparsh, Chui Gompa, and others. are some essential sights to visit near the sacred peak.

As per Hindu legend, Mount Kailash is the abode of the most powerful deity, Shiva, who is revered as the god of destruction. In the Hindu religion, the sacred Mount Kailash holds the utmost significance. He is said to be the final resting place of the soul. In Hindu Puranas, Mt. Kailash is perceived as the divine hub and a foundation of the universe. It is believed that lapis lazuli, crystal, rubies, and gold make up the four sides of the holy mountain Kailash. The four rivers that emerge from Mount Kailash are said to divide the globe into four equal parts. Mount Kailash is also regarded as Shiva's linga in some Hindu mythological traditions, while Lake Manasarovar is viewed as the yoni of his wife, Devi Parvati.

In the Jain faith, Kailash is recognized as Meru Parvat and the peak close to Mt. Kailash is recognized as Ashtapad. On this mountain, the originator of the Jain religion, Rishabhdeva, achieved moksha from the cycle of birth and death. Annually, numerous Jain devotees participate in Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Ashtapad to perform parikrama (circumambulation) around Mt. Kailash to absolve themselves of sins and invite good blessings and fortune.

Tantric Buddhists refer to Mount Kailash as Gang Rinpoche and believe it is the abode of Demchok (or Chakrasamwara). Within Buddhism, Mount Kailash is regarded as a holy peak and the dwelling place of Chakra Samvara and Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Tibet and other regions. Thousands of Hindu devotees travel to India yearly to participate in the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The yatra consists of two events: a parikrama of Mount Kailash and a dip in the revered Mansarovar Lake to atone for sins.

Kailash Mansarovar is considered to be a site of immense spiritual power. Various spiritual seekers believe that departing on a pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar can assist them in releasing their previous actions and achieving spiritual awakening. The expedition to Kailash Mansarovar is also a life-changing experience, as voyagers encounter a profound feeling of tranquility and unity with the cosmos. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is regarded as a lifetime accomplishment in all of these religions, as well as many other religions worldwide, to visit this holy area and complete the parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash.

The sacred Lake Mansarovar is located approximately 2,000 km away from Lhasa and around 20 km from Mt. Kailash. The lake is positioned at about 4590m (about 15060 feet), making it one of the highest freshwater lakes globally. The lake is somewhat spherical; its circumference is approximately 90 km, and traversing its entire circle takes about four days. Lake Manasarovar has a surface area of about 320 square kilometers, and its depth can reach 300 feet.

The sacred lake Mansarovar is linked with the adjacent Saltwater lake Rakshas Tal (Lake of Evil Spirits). As per Hindu mythology, Lord Brahma, the universe architect, discovered this place ideal for contemplation and consequently created Lake Mansarovar in his thoughts, which later appeared on the planet. In the Hindu faith, it is believed that anyone who takes a dip in the divine water of Lake Manasarovar cleanses oneself from their sins, and anyone who consumes the sacred water of Lake Mansarovar will be shielded from illnesses and ascend to the dwelling of Lord Shiva after passing away. Swans also live in Mansarovar Lake. Lord Brahma travels on a swan. It represents knowledge and purity as well. The Sanskrit word for swan is "Hansa." Even if you go to Mansarovar Lake today, you will see swan flocks descending onto the lake's surface.

In Buddhism, it is believed that Maya (mother of Lord Buddha) had become pregnant with Buddha in this very place. It is mentioned and considered in the Buddhist writings that Buddha resided close to this lake on multiple occasions and engaged in meditation in its vicinity. In Jainism, Lake Mansarovar is connected to the first Tirathnkara Rishabhdev (Adinath), who spent time near the sacred lake for contemplation. Different faiths, such as Hindus and Buddhists, consider Full Moon evenings highly revered and fortunate. Travelers also choose to explore Mansarovar Lake during Full Moon evenings. Immersing oneself in the waters of Mansarovar Lake on Full Moon evenings is considered one of the most sacred activities to undertake during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Close to Lake Mansarovar, there are many famous tourist places, including Chui Monastery (also known as Chui Gompa), which is prominent and easy to reach. It is the biggest Gompa out of the five Gompas near the lake. One can enjoy tranquility by sitting close to the lake and engaging in meditation or going for a stroll alongside the lake to discover some superb spots for photography.

Lake Mansarovar is the most sacred lake on the planet and an excellent destination for religious trips for various beliefs and religions. Numerous devotees from India, Nepal, China, and other nations worldwide come to this location for their pilgrimage tour and sightseeing, and Kailash Mansarovar yatra is one of them. Max Holidays arranges various travel packages for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, commencing from Kathmandu, Lhasa, Lucknow, Nepalgunj, and other locations. The most preferred and convenient way to get to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is by road through Kathmandu or Lhasa. Max Holidays will arrange shorter helicopter journeys to Kailash Mansarovar from the Lucknow and Nepalgunj side for tourists who want to spend less time visiting these destinations due to various personal reasons.