Mount Kailash – the snow-covered, insurmountable abode of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati, is one of the pillars of the world; or so it says in Hindu myths. In the real world, Kailash is not just an actual peak, but a nearly inaccessible one at that which lends even more mystique to its legendary status. Nestled in the Transhimalaya mountains in Tibet, Mount Kailash and its environs, which include the equally legendary Lake Mansarovar, have enjoyed an abiding sense of wonder, awe and intimidation. The clear and serene waters of Mansarovar are believed to be visited by the gods themselves everyday in the morning, from 3 am to 5 am.
For Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, this region will forever remain holy in their religious annals.
Buddhists believe Kailash is home to Buddha Chakrasamvara who represents supreme bliss. Jains, who know the peak as Meru Parvat or Sumeru, believe its neighbouring mountain, Ashtapad, is where the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation. It is thus no surprise that year after year thousands make the pilgrimage to Kailash and Mansarovar, keeping alive a tradition that is as ageless as the sites themselves.
If your idea of a holiday is not lazing around in a hotel or a beach, but being up on your feet and accomplishing something, Kailash-Mansarovar will not disappoint. For the adrenaline junkie, the intense outdoor lover, the achiever of the impossible, travelling to Kailash-Mansarovar and back is one heck of a holiday.
Know Where You’re Going
The Geographic Nitty-Gritty
Find them on the map: 30°N 81°E
Altitude: 6,638 m (Kailash), 4,590 m (Mansarovar) above sea level
Country of location: Tibet
Wow factors: No one has ever tried scaling Kailash before. And it’s not recommended either as it would hurt religious sentiments. As for Mansarovar, its waters appear to change colour every few seconds.
Climate Overview
Summer: May to October; day temperate as high as 22°C and night temperature as low as -10°C. Tibetan summers are dry and sunny, but expect rains in July and August.
Winter: November to April; average temperature below 0°C.
Are You Up For It?
Considering how far-flung and remote Kailash and Mansarovar are, it is time to stop viewing them as mere pilgrimage sites for the aged and religious. Visiting them is not for the faint-hearted. Even young, able-bodied people struggle to complete the journey. Here’s a checklist of how physically fit you must be to undertake the trip:
As a precaution, do a complete health check-up and get a fitness certificate from your doctor before you travel.
Getting Started
Find a Tour Operator
Not even Indian Jones can make this trip by himself. The difficult terrain and sparse facilities en route demand travelling in groups under the guidance of experienced tour operators. Operators do all the grunt work, from getting you the necessary visa to organising transport throughout the trip. Some recommended operators:
Anything else you want to carry is up to you, but remember to keep it light. Your tour operator will also guide you on packing.
On the Road
The Typical Route
Your trip will begin in Nepal from where you will follow this route more or less:
Some Words of Caution
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