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Hidden in the desolate reaches of the high-altitude region of the Tibetan Plateau is a place of profound importance to several faiths. The Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake are spiritual experiences that bind you to something greater than yourself. The pilgrimage to the region is an intimate sojourn of the soul that combines faith, determination, and devotion. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and the traditions of the Bons assign sacred status to the region as the spiritual hub of the cosmos.
The reasons why individuals take the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Mount Kailash stands 6,638 metres high and is thought by Hindus to be the home of Lord Shiva. The Tibetan Buddhists refer to it as Kang Rinpoche, the “Precious Snow Jewel”, and the Jains believe that their first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained salvation here. The people who belong to the Bon faith consider it to be the centre of all spiritual power. This holy mountain has never been ascended. Devotees, instead, go around the mountain in a gesture of deepest respect.
The nearby Mansarovar Lake further contributes to the spiritual aura. A plunge into its crystal-clear water is supposed to cleanse the soul and wash away old karma. The lake reflects the scenery of the mountains and makes an everlasting, soothing impression on the mind of each pilgrim.
The Best Time to Visit and What to Expect
The period from May to September is the most suitable season for the pilgrimage, with comparatively more stable climatic conditions and safer paths. Some pilgrims prefer to make the pilgrimage during the Saga Dawa Festival, celebrating the enlightenment of the Buddha, as an added cultural aspect to the pilgrimage.
The climax of the Yatra is the three days, 52 kilometre Parikrama or circumambulation of Mount Kailash.
The experience is physically demanding and spiritually rewarding. The walk takes you over Dolma La Pass at 5,645 metres. Altitude and terrain push your endurance, but the peace of mind you achieve is immeasurable.
Also Read: A Traveller’s Guide To Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Preparing for the Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage necessitates preparation. Most pilgrims prepare physically and spiritually weeks in advance. The pilgrims can travel via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand or Nathu La in Sikkim. Both routes have their respective scenic beauty and difficulty levels.
A Holy Pilgrimage Well Worth Every Step
The Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake Yatra is more than a trek. It is an inner experience. The pilgrimage provides a unique opportunity to stop, look inside, and align yourself with the divine. On the pilgrimage, the effect is lifelong for those who take the journey.
