Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense religious and spiritual prominence for Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains. The holy pilgrimage is undertaken by those looking for spiritual awakening and divine connection with Shiva. It is believed that Kailash is Lord Shiva’s abode and that Mansarovar was created in Lord Brahma’s mind. It is believed that Kailash Parvat is the ideal spot for any follower of Lord Shiva as he meditates on the mountain peak. However, planning your journey meticulously is very important for a memorable and fulfilling Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. From physical training to packing essentials and challenges undertaken during this yatra, you need to be prepared for this spiritual journey.
The Importance of Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is considered to be the spiritual axis of the earth. It is situated in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, near Nepal and India’s border. It is known for its unique, four-faced, and symmetrical shape. Involving a 3-day Kailash circuit called Kailash Parikrama is the highlight of this yatra.
Mansarovar Yatra Highlights
Lake Mansarovar
Lake Mansarovar is situated on the foot of Mount Kailash. It is the world’s highest freshwater lake. It embodies the spiritual concepts of regeneration within Hinduism, purity, and enlightenment. It is considered that this lake changes colours. While near the shores it appears to be clear blue, it changes towards the centre to an emerald green colour. The lake becomes surreal and absolutely beautiful in the moonlight. It is believed that Lake Manasarovar’s circumambulation is an act of wish fulfillment and it helps in getting rid of the sins you committed in your past and present life.
Mythological Significance
Mount Kailash is considered to be a sacred destination not only for the Hindus but also for Buddhists and Jains. According to Hindus, Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, reside at Mount Kailash’s peak in a state of meditation. Jains believe that Mount Kailash is the site where Nirvana was attained by the first Jain Tirthankara. In Buddhism, it is believed that Kailash Parvat is the place where Gautam Buddha resides representing supreme bliss. The Bon believe that Mount Kailash is the seat of all spiritual power in this world.
Sacred Walk of Mount Kailash
It is believed by Hindus that circumambulating Mount Kailash, which is also known as Kailash Kora or Kailash Parikrama purifies the soul, brings spiritual merit and blessings, and washes away sins. You need to hike clockwise in a pilgrimage trail with deep devotion around Mount Kailash to Darche from Darchen via Zutulpuk Monastery and Dirapuk Monastery, over Dolma La 5630 m.
Exploring the Mystic Temples
Five monasteries surround Mount Kailash, namely Drirapuk Monastery, Nyari Monastery, Dzultripuk Monastery, Gyangzha Monastery, and Selung Monastery. Each monastery recites different legendary stories and stands out due to its statues, thangkas, murals, distinctive sculptures, and other Tibetan cultural objects. Thus, during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, you get to visit some of the most sacred sites along with Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
What Does Kailash Charan Sparsh Signify?
Kailash Charan Sparsh means touching the feet of Kailash Charan. It is believed in Indian culture that touching the feet of revered individuals, elders or gurus is a sign of humility, respect, and seeking blessings. Touching the feet of Mount Kailash is considered to lead to Moksh Prapti which signifies liberation. The Yatra is a day trip to the north side of Mount Kailash from Dirapuk monastery. The glacier walk is conducted along the Gange river bank starting from the north face of Kailash. You can directly touch Mt. Kailash’s feet from the bottom of the mysterious pyramid, seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, and get a shan from Kailash Parvat’s Sahashra Dhara falling Jal. As per the belief, from the locks of Lord Shiva the Ganges are formed, and the water flowing from the Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash’s melted snow makes it absolutely sacred.
The Inner Kora
The Inner Kora of Kailash is considered to be a special trek around the base of Mount Kailash. The pilgrims have to cover a distance of 34 km while performing Mount Kailash’s inner kora. Nandi Parikrama or inner kora starts from Darchen to Saptarishi Cave via Ralang Monastery to touch the base of Kailash. During the inner kora, you have to make a circle of Nandi Mountain over 5800 meters and then you have to get back via Gyandrak Monastery to Darchen. To perform Inner Kora you need to use some mountaineering equipment and skills because it is considered to be one of the most challenging Inner Kora journeys to Kailash.
Rakshas Tal
Rakshas Tal is situated on the west side of Lake Mansarovar. It is also called the ‘Lake of Devil’ or ‘Lake of Demon.’ The north-western tip of this lake is believed to be River Sutlej’s commencement point. The lake is believed to have been created by the Demon king Ravana. Ravana meditated for a thousand years to get supernatural power. He made various sacrifices to make Lord Shiva happy and seek his blessings. The shape of the lake is like a sleeping human body and you won’t find any living being inside this lake. It is also believed that after taking a bath in Rakshas Tal, Ravana’s mind got changed and he started having evil thoughts. He forcefully brought Goddess Sita to Lanka after getting affected by the negative energy of this lake. Until now nobody can touch the water of this lake.
Is Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Difficult?
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not very difficult if you stay prepared beforehand and follow all the instructions of your guide. However, you need to remember that the yatra involves high altitude, changing weather conditions, and rugged terrain. The trek includes difficult descents and ascents, especially throughout the 52-kilometer circumambulation of Mount Kailash. With perfect planning and the right timing, you can have a hassle-free yatra.
Challenges of Mount Kailash Yatra?
- Physical endurance: You need resilience and strength to trek through varying weather demands and tough terrain, especially during the parikrama of Mount Kailash.
- Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness can be caused by rapid climbs to high altitudes with symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
- Remote Locations: Basic facilities and limited amenities in remote areas require preparation and flexibility.
- Extreme Climate: Sudden temperature changes, unpredictable weather, and occasional snowfall can take a toll on pilgrims’ safety and comfort.
Best Time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
May to October is considered to be the best time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as the weather is pleasant and paths are clear. After mid-October the weather becomes freezing cold and the region encounters heavy snowfall so you should avoid traveling to Kailash Mansarovar during this time.
Most Auspicious Time
Saga Dawa Festival which takes place typically in May and June is the most auspicious time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Locals believe that completing one full circle of Mt. Kailash during this time can help you get 13 times more blessings than usual and the chances that your wish will be more likely to come true increases. Saga Dawa Festival is also Lord Buddha Sakyamuni’s birthday. During this auspicious festival, Tibetans prefer visiting. At Tarbouche, the giant flagpole is ritually taken down during this time and the prayer flags of the same length are placed.
Weather Conditions in Kailash
September to mid-October and May to June mark the best time for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. During this time the visibility is quite good and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding. The temperature during these months ranges from around 0 to 33 C. At night the temperature and wind pressure drop down rapidly so you should carry woolen clothes to protect yourself from the extremely cold weather.
What to Pack for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Let’s take a look at the things you need to pack for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
- Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes.
- Windproof clothes such as Beanie, windproof fleece, etc.
- Walking stick to help you get up and down.
- Wet bags in case of emergency.
- Sunglass, wind mask, soft cream, and lip guard.
- High-calorie food snacks like candies, nuts, or energy bars.
- Backpack or rucksack to carry your personal items.
- First aid kit and important medicines.
- Personal hygiene wipes, and toilet paper.
Visa and Travel Permit for Kailash Mansarovar Tour
Those who hold a non-Chinese passport need to apply for a Tibet Visa before travelling around Tibet and entering Lhasa. Your Tibet Travel Permit will also be needed when you’re going to board trains or flights to Tibet. Besides that, you will need entry tickets and other regional travel permits to enter Mt. Kailash for the Kora walk. You also need to get a travel permit and group visa which is valid until your Kailash Mansarovar journey.
How to Hire a Horse from Local Tibetans for Kailash Kora?
You can hire a horse from Darchen during the three days of Kailash Kora. Your local guide in Tibet will arrange a horse for you upon arrival. Horses can be used to carry luggage or supplies. Horses are also available for riding the Kailash Kora, but you won’t be allowed to ride the horse down the Drolma La pass steep backside as it is too risky. You will have to pay 1050 CNY per horse for three days.
Places to Visit during Kailash Yatra
- Mount Kailash: Mount Kailash is considered to be the abode of Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Lake Mansarovar: This high-altitude lake was created by Lord Bramha in his mind.
- Yam Dwar: Yam Dwar is the Mount Kailash circumambulation starting point.
- Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Kathmandu’s oldest temple.
- Gauri Kund: Gauri Kund is situated in the vicinity of Mansarovar Lake and Kailash Mountain. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
- Tirthapuri: Tirthapuri is considered to be the place where Guru Rinpoche meditated with his consort Yeshe Tsogyel in Vajravarahi Cave.
- Om Parvat: Om Parvat is a sacred site situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
- Rakshas Tal: Rakshas Tal is a saltwater lake situated south of Mount Kailash and west of Mansarovar Lake.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival
- Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing, Visa Application
- Day 3: Bhaktapur Sightseeing
- Day 4: Helicopter flight towards Timure
- Day 5: Drive to Kyirong
- Day 6: Drive to Saga
- Day 7: Drive to Lake Mansarovar from Saga
- Day 8: Drive to Darchen
- Day 9: Drive towards Yama Dwar and undertake the trek to Derapuk
- Day 10: Trek to Zuthulphuk, Drive towards Darchen
- Day 11: Drive to Kyriong
- Day 12: Helicopter flight back to Kathmandu.
- Day 13: Farewell, Departure
Travel Tips
- Avoid taking shortcuts and stick to paths that are safe for walking.
- Be ready for sudden weather changes and carry woolen clothes even if you’re traveling in summer.
- Choose experienced guides who have complete knowledge about the area and can help you have a safe journey.
- Respect the local culture and protect the environment.
Night Stay Facility in Kailash Kora
During Kailash Kora, you can spend the night in lodges that offer minimum facilities such as warm blankets and basic beds. The Tent huts and lodges are called mud huts. They have few rooms with many beds. The blankets, mattresses, and pillows are very clean. But, the toilet is outside in the wilderness so you need to walk with a flashlight.
FAQs
Q-1: Do you need a passport for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?
Ans: Yes, you need to have a valid passport for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Q-2: Can you take a dip in Mansarovar Lake?
Ans: No, you can’t take a dip directly in the Mansarovar Lake. However, you can take the water from the lake with the help of a bucket and take a bath along the lakeside.
Q-3: Can you touch Mount Kailash?
Ans: You can touch Mount Kailash and pay your homage from the North Side. From Dirapuk Monastery you will have to take an extra day to reach the feet of Mount Kailash.
Q-4: What kind of fitness is needed to undertake the Kailash Yatra?
Ans: For Kailash Yatra, mental and physical fitness is very important. Before undertaking the yatra you should get yourself examined with your doctor. If you’re suffering from high blood pressure, heart issues, back problems, or have asthma you should not undertake this yatra. You can prepare in advance for the Kailash Yatra with brisk walking, pranayama, and some regimen of exercise.
Q-5: How much is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost?
Ans: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra cost will differ depending on the operator you have selected and the route of the journey. Typically, it varies from INR 2,10,000 to INR 3,60,000 or more, depending on the size of the group and different routes.
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