Mount Kailash, located in far west corner of Tibet is the most sacred peak in Asia. High at an altitude of 6700-meter, on the remote western Tibetan plateau in the northern most region of the Himalayas, sits Mount Kailash, the holy mountain. The beauty of Mount Kailash, that looks like a symmetrical cone shaped rock capped by pure crystalline ice all the time, is echoed in various mythological and literary works. Dominating the north of the Himalayan Barrier with its spectacular view, the Mount Kailash is equally venerated as the holiest pilgrimage site by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and the Bön-Po. Tibetans regard this mountain as the manifestation of Mount Meru, "the navel of the earth" where founder of Bon religion, Tonpa Shenrab, is believed to have descended from heaven; Hindus believe it to be the abode of Lord Shiva; Buddhists as the abode of Samvara and the Jains venerate it as a sacred site where their prophet, Rishaba, attained spiritual enlightenment.
With its four sheer walls, and distinctive snow-capped peak, and valleys interspersed with brightly-clad Tibetan pilgrims, Mount Kailash or Kang Rimpoche ('precious snow-peak', as known by the Tibetans) is an awe-inspiring sight of phenomenal proportions. The four great rivers of Asia: the Karnali, the Indus, the Sutlej and the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) originate from here. A three-day trek (Parikrama or Kora) around Mount Kailash over a 5630 meter Drolma La (pass), clockwise for Buddhists and Hindus, and anti-clockwise followers of the ancient Bon religion, is said to erase the sins of a lifetime. A spiritual atmosphere is maintained throughout this trip.
To complete the Kailash pilgrimage one should bathe in the sacred Lake Manasarovar, amazingly set on the Tibetan plateau bordered by the majestic Gurla Mandata. On the journey to Mt. Kailash across the windswept Tibetan plateau, you will see cliff-top monasteries, wild-looking but hardy and hospitable Tibetans, yak caravans journeying over snowy passes, and the great peaks of the Himalaya within a background of grazing herds, yak skin tents and a glittering turquoise lake.
The circular, turquoise Lake Manasarovar or Tso Rinpoche (precious lake) is situated in the south-west corner of Tibet and in the north-west of Nepal. The lake is at a distance of 20 kms from Mt. Kailash and is one of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in Asia. The Kailash Pilgrimage tour is incomplete without a dip in the holy Manasarovar Lake. The lake is believed to contain miraculous powers and taking a bathe in the holy lake is said to be of enormous spiritual benefit.
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