Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The pyramid shaped Mount Kailash or Mount Kailasa is a holy mount situated in the far region of Tibet in China. Mount Kailash is also known as Meru Parvat (India) and Gang Rinpoche (Tibet) and Gangdisi Shan (Chinese). The 21,778 feet high mountain is considered to be one of the holiest mountains in the world for Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Bon religions.. Mount Kailash is the source for many rivers including four important rivers the Ganges, the Brahamputra, the Sutlej and the Indus river. Some important places to be visited near the holy mount are the holy Lake Mansarovar, Gauri Kund, Kuber Kund, Ashtapad, Nandi Parvat, Dirapukh Monastery, Zuthulpukh Monastery, Rakshas Tal (Lake of Devils), Charan Sparsh, Chui Gompa etc.

According to Hindu mythology Mount Kailash is the home to the mightiest God Shiva, who is considered to be the god of destructions. In Hindu religion, the holy Mount Kailash is regarded as the ultimate destination for soul. In Hindu Puranas, Mt. Kailash is considered to be the spiritual centre and a pillar for the world. It is believed that the four faces of holy Mt. Kailash are made of crystal, ruby, gold and lapis lazuli. Not only this, but it is also said that the four rivers flowing from Mt. Kailash divide the world into four quarters. Some tradition in Hindu mythology also consider Mount Kailash as Shiva’s linga and Lake Manasarovar as the yoni of his consort.

For Jain religion, Kailash is known as Meru Parvat and the mountain near Mt. Kailash is known as Ashtapad, a mount where the founder of Jain faith Rishabhdeva attained liberation from rebirth. Every year, thousands of Jain pilgrims travel to Mount Kailash and Ashtapad and attain circumambulation of Mt. Kailash to remove their sins and bring good fortune.

Tantric Buddhists, call mount Kailash Gang Rinpoche and believe that mount Kailash is the dwelling place Demchok (or Chakrasamwara). In Buddhism, it is considered that Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain and the abode of Chakra Samvara and Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Tibet and beyond.

In all these religions and many other religions around the world it is considered that paying a visit to this holy land and completing the kora (circumambulation) of mount Kailash is a lifetime achievement.

The holy Lake Mansarovar is situated at a distance of 2000 kms from Lhasa and about 20 kms from Mt. Kailash. The lake is situated at a height of about 4590m (15060 feet approx) which makes it one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. Relatively in round shape, the circle of the lake is around 90 kms and it takes about 4 days to complete parikrama of the lake by walk. The surface area of the lake Manasarovar is around 320 square km and the depth of the lake reaches to 300 ft. The holy lake Mansarovar is connected with nearby salt water lake Rakshas Tal (Lake of Demons). According to Hindu mythology Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe found this place perfect for mediation and thus created Lake Mansarovar in his mind which later was manifested on the earth. In Hindu religion it is considered that one who takes a dip in the holy water of the Lake Manasarovar washes out his/her sins and one who drinks the holy water of Lake Mansarovar goes will keep away from diseases and go to abode of Lord Shiva after death.

In Buddhism religion it is considered that Maya (mother of Lord Buddha) had conceived Buddha here only. It is believed and mentioned in Buddhist literature that Buddha stayed near this lake on several occasions and practiced meditation near the lake. In Jainism, the Lake Mansarovar is associated with first Tirathnkara Rishabhdev (Adinath) who spent time near the holy lake for mediation.

Near the Lake Mansarovar, there are many attractions among which Chui Monastery (or Chui Gompa) is one of the most famous and easily accessible sites. It is the largest Gompa among the five Gompas situated around the lake. One can spend time in peace sitting near the lake and meditating or can take a walk along the lake to find some excellent locations for photography.

Lake Mansarovar is the holiest lake in the world and a great place for pilgrimage for many faith and religions. Thousands of pilgrims from India, Nepal, China and many other countries around the globe visit this place for pilgrimage and also for tourism. There are many tour packages for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra organised by Max Holidays which start from Kathmandu, Lhasa, Lucknow, and Nepalgunj etc. The most common and preferred way to travel to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is the road trip either via Kathmandu or Lhasa. For the people who do not wish to spend long time in visiting these places due to several personal reasons, Max Holidays shall organise shorter trips to Kailash Mansarovar by helicopter from Lucknow and Nepalgunj side.