Journey To Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash located in far west corner of Tibet is the most sacred peak of Asia. The beauty of the 6638 meters 21778 ft high peak that looks like a symmetrical cone shaped rock capped by pure crystalline ice all the time is echoed in various mythological and literary works. The surroundings include the beautiful Manasarovar Lake as well as the gigantic Gurla Mandata which culminates at 7728 meters high. There is no record of attempt to climb Mount Kailash despite lots of speculations and fairytales.
With its four sheer walls distinctive snowcapped peak and valleys interspersed with brightlyclad Tibetan pilgrims Mount Kailash or Kang Rimpoche precious snowpeak as known by the Tibetans is an aweinspiring sight. Four great rivers of Asia: the Karnali the Indus the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra Tsangpo originate from here. Dominating the north of the Himalayan Barrier with its spectacular view the Mount Kailash or Kangrinboqe is equally venerated as the holiest pilgrimage site by Hindus Buddhists Jains and BnPo.
Jains regard this mountain as a sacred site where their prophet Rishaba attained spiritual enlightenment while founder of Bon religion Tonpa Shenrab is believed to have descended from heaven. For Hindus Mt. Kailash is the sacred abode of Lord Shiva ‘The God of Destruction’. Hindus consider this mountain as eternal heaven and the center of soul and spirituality. Lord Shiva sits atop Mt. Kailash meditating and practicing yoga. The mountain is assumed to be the center of the world and the four rivers flowing through Kailash dividing the world in four different regions. Buddhists consider this to be the resting place of Buddha Demchok and the place where the intimidating battle between Milarepa and Naro Bonchung took place. Milarepa was the master of Tantric Buddhism and Naro Bonchung was the champion of Bon religion. After a long battle no result was in sight and both came to a conclusion that the one who reaches the top of the mountain first wins. Soon Naro Bonchung got on his magic drum and proceeded towards the tip but to everybody’s amazement Milarepa sat there meditating. As Naro Bonchung was about to reach the top Milerapa sprang into action and overtook him by riding the rays of Sun. Since then Buddhism prevails in Tibet.
Every year thousands of pilgrims travel to Mount Kailash following an ancestral tradition. Walking around the peak brings good fortune to the pilgrims. The path around the peak covers a distance of 52 kilometers and it is believed that accomplishing the trek within a day will make this holy ritual more effective. Hindus call the circumambulation as “Parikrama” and Tibetans as “Kora”. It is believed that a single kora cleans the sins of a lifetime while 108 koras will give you Nirvana. Nevertheless the harsh conditions and the altitude could cause physical troubles to the unprepared. If pilgrims follow the required full prostrations along the way it takes approximately 4 days to perform the circumambulation.
A threeday trek Parikrama or Kora around Mount Kailash over a 5630 meter Drolma La pass clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus and anticlockwise followers of the ancient Bon religion is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. To complete the Kailash pilgrimage one should bath in the sacred Lake Manasarovar stunningly set on the Tibetan plateau bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata.
The lake Manasarovar lies about 20km southewast of Mt. kailash and means Invincible Jade Lake in Tibetan. The name originates from a story that Buddhism wins a victory against Bon in a religious match beside the lake. It is located at 4.588 metters high and is considered as one of the most limpid and bright lake in the world. Many pilgrims take some water back to their home as a gift to their family and friends. Five monasteries stand on the shore of the lake and has been rebuilt after the Chinese invasion of 1959; the two most notable being the Jiwu and the Chugu.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Tibet Adventure is one of leading tour operator when it comes to offering Mount Kailash tour package. We give you a unique opportunity to circumnavigate Mt Kailash along with a spiritual rejuvenation in Lake Manasarovar. En route you get plenty of opportunities to explore the history laden sites and to quench your thirst for adventure. Catering to the needs of our clients we have designed following 19day itinerary:
Day 01 Arrive Lhasa 3660 meters
Day 02 Sightseeing tour in Lhasa
Day 03 Sightseeing tour in Lhasa
Day 04 Free day in Lhasa
Day 05 Drive to Gyantse 3950m
Day 06 Sightseeing tour drive to Shigatse 3900m
Day 07 Sightseeing tour drive to Lhatse 4050m
Day 08 Drive to Saga 4600m
Day 09 Drive to Paryang 4750m
Day 10 Drive to Manasarovar 4560m
Day 11 At Manasarovar 4560m
Day 12 Drive to Tarboche 4750m
Day 13 Trek to Dirapuk 4900m
Day 14 Trek across Droma La 5630m to ZutulPuk 4790m
Day 15 Trek to Darchen 4560m drive to Manasarovar
Day 16 Drive to Paryang 4750m
Day 17 Drive to Saga 4600m
Day 18 Drive to Nyalam
Day 19 Drive to Kathmandu 1400m
Services included:
* Jingbo Grand Hotel or Doodgu in Lhasa best available en route hotels on twin sharing with breakfast
* Guided tour in Tibet as per the itinerary with all entry travel permits.
* Transportation by 4WD Land Cruiser Toyota 4500 the best available in Tibet with support truck.
* Fully catered camping trek supported by Nepalese Sherpa crew Tibetan guide with a support truck.
* Required yak yak drivers during trek.
* Staff equipment transportation.
* Tibet Chinese visa.
* Airport transfers
* PAC bag Portable Altitude Chamber firs aid medical kit.
The price excludes:
* Airport tax your insurance.
* Nepal visa.
* Any cost incurred in emergency evacuation due any reason.
* Kathmandu hotels tours.
* Tips any expenses of personal nature meals during hotel stay.
When to go
Weather conditions can change rapidly especially during winter. Travelers should expect some rain during monsoon season that is from JulyAugust. The best season to travel to Mount Kailash is from May to October.
Transportation/Accommodation
You can take a 4WD overland tours using four routes; by driving either from Lhasa or Kathmandu to Xigaste Saga Manasarovar from Indian border near Uttarkashi from Kashgar via Ali and finally from Simikot in Nepal via Purang. Enroute you will find several loges and tea shops.
Helicopter tour
Number of passengers: 04 pax
This extraordinary flight will take you to the focal point from where you will begin your kora around Mount Kailash a focal point of Pilgrimage for Hindus Buddhists and Jains. Along with religious gratification you will get to bask in the opportunity to embrace the splendors of nature and picturesque landscape.
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