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Mt. Kailash (6714m)
is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is
believed to be the physical embodiment of the
mythical Mt Meru, said to be the center of the
universe or ‘navel of the world’ . Mt. Meru is
depicted as a mandala, and its image occurs
throughout both Buddhista and Hindu parts of
Asia. Images of Mt Meru occur as far away as
Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobadur in
Indonesia. Mt Kailas is holy to followers of
four religions. To Hindus, Kailas is the abode
of Shiva and nearby Manasarobar Lake is the
means or soul of Brahma. Tibetans call Kailas
Kang Rimpoche. Jains worship it as Mt Ashtapada,
the peak from which the religion’s founder,
Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation.
Followers of Bon-Po, the ancient pre- Buddhist
shamanistic religion of Tibet, revere Kailas as
the soul of Tibet.
Another
geographical factor that contributes to the
mystical aspect of Kailas is that nearby are the
headwaters of four major rivers of the Indian
subcontinent, the Sutlej, Karnili (a major
tributary of the Ganges), Brahmaputra and Indus.
The mouths of these rivers ate more than 2,000
km apart, yet they all have their source within
100 km on Mt Kailas.
The circumbulation
of Mt Kailash is an important pilgrimage for
Hindus, Brddhistats and Jains. Hindus perforn a
parikarama, Buddhistas call it a Kira. Iou are
welcome to do either of these, or simply make a
trek around the peak. Tibetan Buddhists believe
that a single kora washes away the sins of one
life and that 108 circuits secure nirvana in
this life. Devout Tibetans often make the 52 km
circuit in a singles day. Indian Pilgrms make
the circuit in three days, but this also is
rushed, particularly since the circuit, though
mostly level, involves the crossing of a 5630m
pass. A four-day trek is for more enjoyable and
rewarding.
Hindu and Buddhist
pilgrims make a clockwise circuit of the peak.
Bon-Po tradition is to circumambulate in the
opposite direction. As you circle Kailash by the
traditional rout, you will meet followers of
Bon-Po making a Kora in the opposite direction.
When I was at Kailash there was a large
contimgent of Bon-Po pilgrims from faraway Kham
and Nakchu. We were astounded at the huge number
of adherents to what has been described as an
‘ancient pre-Buddhist’ religion making the
counterclockwise circuit.
There is also an ‘inner Kora’ that passes two
lakes to the south of kailash. Tradition
dictates that only those who have made 13
circumambulations of Kailash may follow this
inner route. This tradition is so important to
Tibetans that we were required to assure our
hosts that we would not violate the sanctity of
this route before they allowed us to proceed to
Darchan. |
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Itinerary: |
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Day 01: Kathmandu (1300 m.) arrival:
Pick up from the airport/ Drive to hotel/
briefing. Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day 02: Kathmandu:
Breakfast, trip to temples and back to Hotel for
lunch. After lunch, final preparation for yatra
i.e, checking and demonstration of equipments
which will be used during yatra. If any body
needs to buy or get things on hire, our staff
will give you company. Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day
03: Drive to Nylam (150km), 3750m:
Morning after breakfast leave Kathmandu to
commence yatra to Nyalam [3750M]. We reach
Friendship Bridge [Nepal – China Boarder] by
mini-coach. Walk along for 10 minutes to cross
the bridge and there get acquainted with Chinese
guide and land cruiser drivers. They will give a
brief information regarding the further trip
then proceed the journey to Zangmu, where all
the immigration and custom formalities are ought
to be accomplished. After the accomplishment of
all formalities, we proceed to Nyalam. Arrival
at Nyalam and overnight stay at guesthouse. |
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Day 04: Rest Day
at Nylam, 3750m: It is more a day for
acclimatization. |
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Day 05 Saga/4450m:
(Labug-La 5150m, Peku-tso and Saga, 232km) On
the first long driving day over the sandy and
rocky land of Tibet, other things like lake,
nomads chasing thousands of yaks and sheep keep
you busy. By the late afternoon you will cross
Bhramha Purtra River way to typical Chinese and
Tibetan town, Saga for night. |
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Day 06: Paryang
(4600m) 230 km 7-8 hrs:
Jeeps and trucks roll on the wide valley
following rivers and grazing land of yaks and
sheep. Far south you can see snow covered peaks
near by you, lots of rocky peaks and sand duns
give you an ideal world. Depends on season,
nomads and other mobile shopkeepers are attired
by beautiful traditional costume, waiting your
arrival with hot tea and other supplies along
with big smile. |
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Day 07: Drive Paryang to Manasarover (4558m)
277km 8 hours:
The longest driving day starts with full of
excitement, by the late afternoon you can have
the first sight of Holy Kailash Parbat and
Manasarovara. Hore, a small village near by Lake
Manasarover.
Holy-Manasarovara: At 14950-ft/ 4558m. The
highest lake of fresh water with turquoise
complexion in the world is full of fishes and
swans. Holy Kailash Parbat, Mt. Gurula-Mandala,
Lake Rashekshi are lying on its surrounding. The
region is considered rich for gold and other
mines, hot springs and hundreds of wild living
creatures. Night will be spending at Chu Gumba. |
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Day 08 Puja and
drive to Tarchen (14975ft) 40km:
Manasarovara is the lake of compassion,
tranquility and bliss. After completing the
memorable morning Bath and Puja we will be
heading towards Tarchen. It is considered as a
base camp for the Holy Kailash Parikrama.
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Day 09 Trek to
Dehara Puk/5000m:
It is one of the exciting days walking along the
beautiful rocky cliffs; water falls with some
clouds in the clear blue sky make you feeling
that Great God Shiva is every where with tons of
blessing to you.
Time to time the
face of Kailash Parbat will be keep on
appearing. For 15 km trail it takes almost 7
hrs. |
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Day 10 Hardest but Holiest day of your
pilgrimage Yatra with Dolma-La (pass) of 18600ft
between two valleys:
Yamasthal should be crossed to reach the Shiva-sthal
while your steps go closer to the pass. Once you
reach the top, just do the holiest offering and
sit down for meditation to forget yourself. Once
your steps go down, Parvati-stal and Gauri Kunda
are on the way. By the late afternoon you will
arrive Zuthal Puk (the cave of Miracles. The
great ascetic Milerappa is supposed to have
performed miracles here). |
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Day 11 End of
Kailash Parikrama and drive to Manasarovara:
After walking 3 hours, all the driving crew will
be waiting your arrival. By the late afternoon
you will be at your lodge/camp. |
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Day 12 Drive to
Paryang (277km) 7-8 hr. |
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Day 13 Drive
Paryang to Saga (230km) 7-8 hrs
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Day 14 Drive to
Nylam or Zangmu: (245km) 6-7 hr.
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Day 15 Drive back
to Kathmandu (150 km) 9-10 hr.
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Day 16 Transfer to
airport for your onward flight.
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