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Mount Kailash is more than a mountain. It is the center of spirituality, the mythical heart of the world, and the eternal home of Lord Shiva. Respected by many religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon, it stands 6,638 meters tall. It is located in the remote Ngari Prefecture of western Tibet, close to the holy Mansarovar and Rakshastal lakes. Every year, thousands of pilgrims attempt the arduous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, seeking blessings, transformation, and salvation.
Where is Mount Kailash Located?
Mount Kailash is situated in Tibet Autonomous Region, near the sources of four major rivers of the Indian subcontinent:
Sutlej
Indus
Brahmaputra
Karnali (Ghaghara)
Sutlej
Indus
Brahmaputra
Karnali (Ghaghara)
Its isolated location and untouched summit have preserved its spiritual sanctity for millennia. No one has ever climbed it—and no one ever will—due to the deep religious reverence that surrounds this mountain.
Panch Kailash: The Five Sacred Abodes of Lord Shiva
The term Panch Kailash refers to five sacred peaks associated with Lord Shiva:
Adi Kailash (Uttarakhand, India)
Kinnaur Kailash (Himachal Pradesh, India)
Shrikhand Mahadev (Kailash, Himachal Pradesh, India)
Manimahesh Kailash (Himachal Pradesh, India)
Mount Kailash (Tibet Autonomous Region)
Pilgrims who complete the Panch Kailash Yatra are believed to receive unparalleled divine blessings. Each peak holds unique spiritual, mythological, and natural significance.
Who Climbed Kailash Parvat?
No human has ever climbed Kailash Parvat. Several mountaineering expeditions have been mysteriously halted. According to Tibetan legend, even the revered yogi Milarepa, after proving his spiritual power, chose not to ascend, out of deep reverence.
This reinforces the ancient belief that Kailash is meant only for darshan, not conquest. Its untouched summit stands as a testimony to its divine guardianship.
Mount Kailash Overview: The Spiritual Center of the Universe
In Hindu cosmology, Kailash is referred to as Meru Parvat, the cosmic axis of the universe. It features four distinct faces, each representing a sacred jewel and divine value:
North Face – Crystal – Symbol of Purity
West Face – Ruby – Symbol of Compassion
South Face – Lapis Lazuli – Symbol of Truth
East Face – Gold – Symbol of Enlightenment
North Face – Crystal – Symbol of Purity
West Face – Ruby – Symbol of Compassion
South Face – Lapis Lazuli – Symbol of Truth
East Face – Gold – Symbol of Enlightenment
These cardinal faces are not merely geological wonders but also hold deep symbolic and energetic significance.
Kailash Inner Kora: The Path of Advanced Pilgrimage
The Inner Kora is an intensely spiritual and physically demanding path, taken by highly devoted and well-prepared pilgrims. Unlike the outer Parikrama, which is more commonly undertaken, this circuit is rarely permitted and less traversed.
Key Spiritual Points:
Charan Sparsh – Touching the divine feet of Lord Shiva
Saptrishi Cave – Said to be used by the seven great sages
Nandi Parvat Darshan – The bull vehicle of Shiva, watching Kailash
Ashtapad – Site of ancient Jain temple and meditative caves
Charan Sparsh – Touching the divine feet of Lord Shiva
Saptrishi Cave – Said to be used by the seven great sages
Nandi Parvat Darshan – The bull vehicle of Shiva, watching Kailash
Ashtapad – Site of ancient Jain temple and meditative caves
Performing the Inner Kora is believed to cleanse karmas of countless lifetimes and offer glimpses of divine truth.
Mystical Features of Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash remains a mystery to science and spirituality alike:
Perfect pyramidal structure resembling a man-made monument
Unusual electromagnetic patterns detected by satellite data
Contrasting twin lakes nearby:
Lake Mansarovar—A freshwater lake symbolizing purity, wisdom, and life
Lake Rakshastal—A saltwater lake symbolizing darkness and ego
Perfect pyramidal structure resembling a man-made monument
Unusual electromagnetic patterns detected by satellite data
Contrasting twin lakes nearby:
Lake Mansarovar—A freshwater lake symbolizing purity, wisdom, and life
Lake Rakshastal—A saltwater lake symbolizing darkness and ego
This duality reflects the yin-yang balance of the cosmos, making Kailash a powerful energy vortex.
Spiritual Importance Across Faiths
Hinduism:
Mount Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Performing the Kailash Parikrama is believed to liberate one from the cycle of rebirth.
Buddhism:
Kailash is known as the seat of Buddha Demchok (Chakrasamvara), representing bliss and enlightenment.
Jainism:
Revered as the place where Lord Rishabhdev attained Moksha (liberation).
Bon Religion:
Home of Sipaimen, the sky goddess. It is considered the spiritual heart of Bon practices.
India-China Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Routes
There are three major routes through which pilgrims reach Mount Kailash:
1. Via India:
Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand):
Organized by MEA (Govt. of India)
Trekking route, approx. 250 yatris/year
Nathu La Pass (Sikkim):
Bus journey, suitable for elders
500 yatris/year quota
Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand):
Organized by MEA (Govt. of India)
Trekking route, approx. 250 yatris/year
Nathu La Pass (Sikkim):
Bus journey, suitable for elders
500 yatris/year quota
Both routes require medical tests, lottery selection, and passport clearance.
2. Via Nepal:
Kathmandu–Kyirong Road Route:
Duration: 14–15 days
Cost: Approx. ?2.3 lakh
Helicopter Route via Lucknow–Nepalgunj–Simikot–Hilsa:
Duration: 9–10 days
Cost: ?2.6–?3 lakh
Most flexible and preferred route by Indian pilgrims
Kathmandu–Kyirong Road Route:
Duration: 14–15 days
Cost: Approx. ?2.3 lakh
Helicopter Route via Lucknow–Nepalgunj–Simikot–Hilsa:
Duration: 9–10 days
Cost: ?2.6–?3 lakh
Most flexible and preferred route by Indian pilgrims
This route offers quick access and a quota of approx. 2,000 yatris per season.
3. Via China (TAR):
Lhasa–Ali–Darchen Route:
Requires a Chinese group visa and special permits
Generally used by NRIs and foreigners
Lhasa–Ali–Darchen Route:
Requires a Chinese group visa and special permits
Generally used by NRIs and foreigners
Each route varies in altitude acclimatization, cost, duration, and flexibility.
