Kailash Mountain: The Path to Heaven

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I. Introduction:

   The Peak That Can't Be Conquered

Past the Himalayas

        While everyone looks at the tall peaks of Everest and K2, a much more mysterious guard stands watch in the far-off parts of the Transhimalaya.

       Indeed, this is the majestic Kailash mountain. It isn't the tallest peak, and climbing in the traditional alpine way isn't technically the hardest, but its aura is stronger than that of its taller siblings.

       Ultimately, it stands alone. A single black rock and white ice monolith stand solitary on the barren Tibetan plateau. In essence, the presence of Kailash is more celestial than geological.

The Axis Mundi

       To people who don't know better, it is just a peak. 

       but to the faithful, Kailash is the center of the world. Specifically, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers all see this peak as the Axis Mundi, the cosmic fulcrum that holds the heavens and earth in place.

       As a result, billions of people in Asia point their spiritual compasses toward this one point, believing Kailash is the stairway that connects the physical world to the spiritual world.

A Wonder of Geography

        The district is located in the Ngari Prefecture of Western Tibet and rises to 6,638 meters (21,778 feet). Notably, the way the land is laid out is very symmetrical.

       Kailash is different from the jagged, chaotic ranges that surround it. Instead, it has a distinct tetrahedron shape that looks like a huge, natural pyramid.

       Furthermore, the striated faces of Kailash are made of conglomerate rock layered horizontally. On top of that is a dome of snow that never melts, making Kailash mountain glow in the moonlight like it has bioluminescent properties.

a 3D view on Google Earth

The Summit That Is Not Allowed

       Significantly, it is still not climbed. 

       In a time when every part of the world has been mapped, walked on, and conquered, the mountain remains untouched. This is not because mountaineers don't want to reach the top, but rather because they have a deep, scary respect for Kailash.

       To step on its crown would be the most terrible sin, a crime against the gods themselves. 

       Consequently, the summit of Kailash is still unbreakable, a silent reminder of how far humans can go in conquering.

UNESCO World Heritage tentative list

 

II. Geological Grandeur and Physical Geography

 

Born from a collision

     The mountain was born from violence. After all, the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collided millions of years ago, creating the Himalayas.

       On the other hand, it is geologically unique because it is made up of marine sediments from the ancient Tethys Sea.

       In short, it is a metamorphic conglomerate that has survived millions of years of erosion, which has worn away the softer rock around it and left this diamond-hard core exposed to the weather.

The Four Aspects of Compassion

       Additionally, the shape of Kailash is strange. The four sides of it line up almost perfectly with the four points of the compass.

       For example, the South face of the mountain, which is usually covered in snow, has a vertical gash that cuts through horizontal layers and makes a huge swastika, a symbol of eternal well-being in Eastern philosophy.

       In contrast, the North face is a straight, black rock wall that looks scary.

       Moreover, people say that each face of Kailash is made of a different precious material, like crystal, ruby, gold, or lapis lazuli.

     

       Finally, the structure of Kailash mountain stands out because its symmetrical, pyramid-like shape has each face pointing to the cardinal points:

1. The South Face: The most famous view of Kailash mountain, featuring a vertical gash.

2. The North Face: A steep wall of black rock and white ice that gives the best view of Kailash mountain from the Kora path.

3. The West Face: This side of Kailash mountain is often lit up by the setting sun.

4. The East Face: You can only see this side of Kailash mountain from a certain detour.

 

Source of Life

       Mount Kailash is more than just a stone monument; in fact, it is the highest point of Asia's rivers.

       Specifically, the Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali (a tributary of the Ganges) are four of the continent's biggest rivers that flow right next to Kailash. Ultimately, these waters feed the farming areas in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

       Thus, Mount Kailash is literally the giver of life, keeping civilizations alive for thousands of years with its melting glaciers.

 

Lake Rakshastal and Lake Manasarovar

      Meanwhile, two lakes at the base of Kailash show the duality of life.

       Lake Manasarovar is the highest freshwater lake in the world. Its round shape is like the sun and stands for light, purity, and a calm mind.

       Lake Rakshastal, on the other hand, is salty, has no fish, and is shaped like a crescent moon. It stands for the darkness and the ego.

       Together, they sit next to the mountain, like yin and yang in geography.

   

III. The Spiritual Epicenter:

Its Importance in Hinduism

The Home of Lord Shiva

       Hindus believe that Mount Kailash is the physical form of heaven.

       It is the eternal home of Lord Shiva, the Destroyer and Regenerator, who sits at the top of Kailash mountain in a state of constant meditation. Goddess Parvati, his wife, sits next to him. Importantly, people think that Shiva's stillness on Kailash mountain keeps the universe together. In fact, if he opened his eyes and danced the Tandava, the world would fall apart.

The Pillar of the Universe

        In Vedic cosmology, Mount Meru is a golden mountain that stands in the middle of the universe.

       Consequently, many people think of Kailash mountain as the earthly version of this mythical peak. It is the support for the sky.

       Furthermore, people who believe in Kailash mountain say that it is not just a rock but, like Mount Meru, a column of energy that goes through all the dimensions and connects the physical and spiritual worlds.

 

Puranic Legends

      Additionally, the Puranas and the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics are full of references to this heavenly glory.

       For instance, they say that Kailash mountain has jeweled paths and trees that grant wishes. It is a place where time works differently, a playground for heavenly beings who serve the great Lord Shiva on the slopes of Kailash mountain.

 

The Final Pilgrimage

       As a result, a devout Hindu's greatest wish is to visit Kailash mountain.

       It is not a vacation; instead, it is a yatra, a hard pilgrimage meant to wash away all the sins of a lifetime.

       To see the peak of Kailash mountain is a blessing, and to walk around it is to cleanse the soul.

       Ultimately, many people think that if you die near Kailash mountain, you will be free from the cycle of birth and death right away.

 

       According to Hindu belief, Mount Kailash is not just a high peak; rather, it is the spiritual center of the world for billions of people from four major religions:

1. Hinduism: The home of Lord Shiva, who meditates eternally on it.
2. Buddhism: The place where Demchok lives, representing supreme bliss atop it.
3. Jainism: The place where Rishabhadeva found freedom (Moksha) near it.

4. Bon: The ancient religion sees Kailash mountain as a nine-story swastika mountain.

    

IV. The Jewel of Snow:

Its Importance in Buddhism

Kang Rinpoche

        The Tibetans call Kailash mountain "Kang Rinpoche," which means "Precious Jewel of Snow." The name makes you feel soft and very valuable.

       Kailash mountain is not a god to be afraid of; it is a jewel to be loved. Essentially, it is a white chorten (stupa) made by nature and is a monument to the awakening of the mind.

Demchok's House

      In the Vajrayana tradition, Kailash mountain is the home of Chakrasamvara (Demchok), the Buddha of Supreme Bliss. He is the embodiment of wisdom and compassion. 

       Accordingly, people think of Kailash mountain as a huge mandala, a geometric picture of the universe. This tantric god's energy flows through every rock and stream surrounding Kailash.

 

Milarepa versus Naro Bon-chung

       For example, Tibetan stories tell of a huge battle of magic between the Buddhist sage Milarepa and the Bon shaman Naro Bon-chung. They fought to take over the holy mountain. Ultimately, the last part of the contest was a race to the top. Naro Bon-chung rode a magic drum, but Milarepa rode the first ray of sunlight to the top of it. Thus, Milarepa won, claiming Kailash mountain for Buddhism.

 

The Way to Understanding

        For a Buddhist, walking around Kailash is a way to get rid of obscurations.

       Specifically, people say that walking around Kailash once cleanses all of your sins. Furthermore, in this life, 108 laps around Kailash mountain will get you to Nirvana.

       In this way, it is a way to get physically fit that leads to mental clarity.

 

V. Old Roots:

Importance in Jainism and Bon

Mount Astapada (Jainism)

       Similarly, the Jains call Kailash mountain "Mount Astapada." It is very important because it is where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, reached Moksha (freedom).

       For Jains, Kailash is a place of strictness and giving up. In essence, it is the point at which the soul breaks free from the karmic ties of the physical world near the mountain.

 

The Nine-Story Swastika Mountain (Bon)

        Before Buddhism came to Tibet, the shamanistic Bon religion was the most popular. Accordingly, the Bonpos call Kailash mountain the "Nine-Story Swastika Mountain," which is where all spiritual power comes from.

       For them, Mount Kailash is the heart of the area, where the sky god came down to earth.

 

Devotion that goes counter-clockwise

       Notably, the Bon pilgrims look different from the Buddhists and Hindus.

       While the Bonpos walk around Kailash in a counter-clockwise direction, the latter walk around Kailash mountain in a clockwise direction.

       This ancient custom sets their family apart and honors their unique view of the universe on the sacred path of Kailash.

VI. The Kora:

The Holy Circumambulation

 

The 52-Kilometer Test

         Practically speaking, the Kora is a hard 52-kilometer trek around the base of the mountain. Most trekkers take three days to finish it.

       Indeed, the ground around Kailash mountain is harsh, with scree, ice, and biting winds. But the air is full of love.

       Consequently, people of all ages walk the path around Kailash mountain because of a faith that goes beyond physical tiredness.

 

Darchen

       Darchen is the gateway to the divine Kailash mountain.

       Here, it is where the journey begins and ends.

       Essentially, it is a place with guesthouses where pilgrims can rest before facing Kailash mountain. This is where the modern world meets the ancient world of prayer wheels.

The Drolma La Pass

       The Drolma La Pass, which is 5,630 meters high, is the most important part of the Kora around Kailash.

       Visually, it is covered in thousands of prayer flags.

       Symbolically, crossing this pass near the mountain means moving from one life to the next.

 

Prostrations of Faith

       Most people walk, but some do full-body prostrations around the mountain.

       They lie flat, mark the spot, get up, and step to that spot to do it again.

       This makes the 52 kilometers around Kailash look like a human inchworm. Inevitably, this way of honoring Kailash mountain can take weeks.

 

The Inner Kora

       Furthermore, the secret "Inner Kora" is open to people who have finished 13 outer Koras.

       This path goes up high into the sanctuary of Kailash mountain, closer to the faces. Ultimately, it is a way to get to know the deeper secrets of Kailash.

 

VII. Unsolved Mysteries and Strange Events

The Anomaly of Aging

       Intriguingly, people talk about a strange time anomaly.

       Many say that their hair and nails grow faster when they are near Kailash mountain. Apparently, what would normally take weeks happens in just a few days near Kailash. Is time itself changing in this high-energy vortex of Kailash mountain?

 

Weird Sounds and Lights

        Additionally, the nights near Kailash mountain are almost never quiet.

       For instance, people who have seen strange, glowing orbs hovering near the slopes of Kailash mountain say they move with a purpose. Some say they can hear a drum or chanting near Kailash when no one is around.

 

The Theory of the Man-Made Pyramid

        Similarly, russian scientist Ernst Muldashev's idea that Kailash mountain is not a natural formation but a huge, man-made pyramid caused a lot of debate. He says that Kailash mountain is empty and is part of a network of pyramids.

       While geologists say this is pseudoscience, the strange symmetry of the Kailash mountain keeps the theory alive.

 

The Effect of Time Dilation

       There are many stories of travelers who got lost near Kailash and lost time. Specifically, they talk about how they aged quickly in a short amount of time near Kailash mountain.

       Together, these stories make it seem like Mount Kailash might be on a fault line in reality.

 

VIII. The Ban on Climbing:

Honoring the Sacred

 

Reinhold Messner's Refusal

         Significantly, reinhold Messner was once given permission to climb the mountain. However, he said no. His reasoning was simple: "If we conquer Kailash, then we conquer something in people's souls."

       In other words, he knew that Kailash should stay unreachable.

 

The Spanish Expedition Controversy of 2001

        For example, in 2001, rumors that a Spanish team had permission to climb Kailash mountain made religious groups angry. The backlash showed that everyone agrees that Mount Kailash belongs to the divine. Consequently, the trip to climb the mountain was called off.

The Colonel Wilson Incident

         Historically, Colonel Wilson tried to climb the mountain in the early 1900s. Suddenly, the weather at Kailash mountain suddenly turned violent. Thus, he had to turn back, feeling a strong presence pushing him away from it.

 

Spiritual Agreement

        As a result, there is a strict rule today: Kailash is off-limits. In fact, it might be the only major peak where the ban is enforced by the spiritual will of all people. Ultimately, to climb the mountain would mean stepping on the heads of the gods.

       Your gear needs to be strong to survive the harsh conditions of Kailash.

       Think about these things:

1. A base layer and hard shell for the weather.
2. Hiking boots for the rocky terrain.
3. Sun Protection to fight the thin air.

IX. The Journey There: 

How to Get There and What to Expect

The Way to Tibet

       Getting to Kailash is a journey in and of itself.

       The area is in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

       Travelers have to deal with red tape to visit. You need to be patient to reach it.

 

Getting used to the altitude

        The region around Kailash mountain is not a good place for people who aren't used to high altitude.

       The average height near Kailash mountain is more than 4,500 meters.

       People traveling to Kailash mountain need to go up slowly.

 

The Festival of Saga Dawa

       The best time to visit Kailash mountain is during the Saga Dawa festival (May to June)

       As a result, thousands of people come to see the event.

The best times to travel

       There isn't much time to visit Kailash mountain.

       May, June, September, and early October are the best months to see Kailash mountain. The monsoon rains can hide the holy Kailash mountain behind clouds.

      To get around the bureaucratic maze to reach Kailash mountain, you need up-to-date information. Visit RealChinaTrip to make sure logistical problems don't get in the way of your pilgrimage to Kailash mountain.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kailash Mountain

Q: How fit do I need to be to complete the Kora around Kailash mountain?

A: You need a good level of cardiovascular fitness. The trek around Kailash mountain covers 52 kilometers (32 miles) at an average altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). While it is not a technical climb, the thin air around Kailash mountain makes it physically demanding. It is recommended to engage in aerobic training for at least 3 months prior to visiting Kailash mountain.

Q: Do I need a special permit to visit Kailash mountain?

A: Yes. International tourists cannot travel to Kailash mountain independently. You must book your trip through a registered travel agency in Tibet. You will need a Tibet Travel Permit and an Aliens' Travel Permit (for the Ngari Prefecture where Kailash mountain is located), in addition to a standard Chinese visa.

Q: Can I do the Kora if I suffer from altitude sickness near Kailash mountain?

A: Altitude sickness is the biggest risk on the trip to Kailash mountain. If you experience severe symptoms, you must immediately descend away from Kailash mountain.

Q: How long does the Kora trek around Kailash mountain take?

A: For most tourists, the trek around Kailash mountain takes 3 days.

• Day 1: Darchen to Drirapuk Monastery.
• Day 2: Drirapuk to Dzultripuk Monastery via the Dolma La Pass (the hardest day near Kailash mountain). 
• Day 3: Dzultripuk back to Darchen. Note: Local Tibetan pilgrims often complete the entire loop around Kailash mountain in a single day.

 

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X. Conclusion:

The Everlasting Enigma

More than just rock and ice

       It is hard to put Kailash into a simple category. It is an oddity in geology, a center for water flow, and a spiritual guide. Mount Kailash is in a place between the real and the imaginary. It is a place where faith and divinity turn into rock and ice. If you break it down into its minerals, you miss its true meaning.

 

The Quiet Protector

      In a world that is changing quickly, where science often breaks down mysteries, Kailash Mountain remains a quiet protector of the old ways. Kailash mountain stays the same, no matter how much human history changes. It reminds us that there are still things in this universe, like Kailash mountain, that make us feel small and humble.

 

A Call to the Heart

        In the end, Kailash mountain is a mirror. People who stand in front of it don't just see a mountain; they see their own inner desire. Kailash mountain calls to the soul, drawing people from all over the world to walk its rocky path, breathe its thin air, and touch the hem of the divine. Mount Kailash is still, and will always be, the Stairway to Heaven.

       One step is all it takes to start the journey to the center of the universe at Kailash. Don't let this spiritual journey stay a dream. To get the latest news about our trips to Kailash mountain, go to RealChinaTrip and sign up. Let us help you get to the point where you can finally stand in front of the holy face of Kailash mountain.